Piercings are popular. Many people enjoy wearing jewelry in their ears, nose, or other body parts. But what happens when you remove that jewelry? How long does it take for a piercing to heal and close? This article will help you understand. We will look at different types of piercings and their healing times.
Use This Aftercare For Healing And Close Piercing Fast

Understanding Piercings
Piercings create a hole in the skin. This allows you to wear jewelry. Some piercings heal quickly. Others take more time. The time it takes for a piercing to close depends on many factors.
Factors That Affect Healing Time
Let’s look at some important factors that affect how long it takes for piercings to close:
- Location of the Piercing: Different spots heal at different rates.
- Age: Younger people may heal faster.
- Health: Good health can speed up healing.
- Aftercare: Proper care helps prevent infections.
- Type of Jewelry: Some materials irritate the skin more than others.

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Common Piercings and Their Healing Times
Let’s explore the healing times for some common piercings:
| Piercing Type | Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Earlobe | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Cartilage (Upper Ear) | 3 to 12 months |
| Nose | 2 to 4 months |
| Eyebrow | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Lip | 2 to 3 months |
| Tongue | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Navel | 6 months to 1 year |
| Genital | 4 to 6 weeks |
What Happens When You Remove Jewelry?
When you take out the jewelry, the body starts to heal. The body tries to close the hole. Here is what usually happens:
- First, the skin begins to heal quickly.
- Then, the hole may start to shrink.
- After some time, the hole can close completely.
But how fast it closes depends on the type of piercing. For example, earlobe piercings can close in a few weeks. However, a cartilage piercing may take much longer. Sometimes, it may never fully close.

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Time for Different Piercings to Close
Here’s a closer look at some common piercings and how long they take to close:
Earlobe Piercing
Earlobe piercings are the fastest to close. If you remove the earring, it can start to close in just a few weeks. Most people can see a significant change in about 6 to 8 weeks.
Cartilage Piercing
Cartilage piercings take much longer. They can take 3 to 12 months to heal. If you take out the jewelry, it may take longer to close. Some people find that their cartilage piercings never fully close.
Nose Piercing
Nose piercings usually take 2 to 4 months to heal. If you remove the jewelry, the hole can start to close in about a month. But you may still have a small hole after that.
Lip Piercing
Lip piercings heal in 2 to 3 months. If you take out the jewelry, the hole can close quickly. Some people notice a change in just a few weeks.
Tongue Piercing
Tongue piercings heal fast. They usually take 4 to 6 weeks. If you remove the barbell, the hole can start to close right away.
Navel Piercing
Navel piercings take longer to heal. They can take 6 months to 1 year. If you remove the jewelry, the hole may take longer to close. Sometimes, it may stay open.
Genital Piercing
Genital piercings take about 4 to 6 weeks to heal. Removing the jewelry can cause the hole to start closing. However, some people may still have a small hole later.
What If You Want to Keep the Hole Open?
Some people choose to keep their piercings open. If you want to do this, consider these tips:
- Wear jewelry regularly.
- Use high-quality materials.
- Keep the area clean.
- Avoid taking out the jewelry for long periods.
Signs of Infection
Sometimes, piercings can get infected. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Redness around the piercing.
- Swelling or pain.
- Pus or other discharge.
- Fever or chills.
If you see these signs, you should see a doctor. An infection can cause the hole to close poorly. Early treatment is very important.
How to Care for Your Piercing
Taking care of your piercing is very important. Here are some care tips:
- Clean the area daily with mild soap.
- Use saline solution to rinse the piercing.
- Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.
- Do not change jewelry too soon.
- Stay away from swimming pools until healed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take For Piercings To Close?
The time for piercings to close varies. It can take a few hours to several years, depending on the type of piercing and how long it has been there.
Do All Piercings Close Up?
Not all piercings close completely. Some may leave a small hole even after years.
What Affects How Fast Piercings Close?
Factors include the piercing type, healing time, and individual skin type.
Can You Speed Up Piercing Closure?
You can’t really speed it up. Patience is key as the body heals naturally.
Conclusion
Piercings are a fun way to express yourself. Understanding how long it takes for them to close is important. Remember, healing times vary by location and care. If you remove your jewelry, the hole may close quickly or take longer. Always take care of your piercings. This way, you can enjoy your jewelry for a long time. If you notice any signs of infection, see a doctor right away.
By following these tips, you can keep your piercings healthy. Whether you want to keep them open or let them close, the choice is yours. Enjoy your piercing journey!


