The holes in the ears can partially or completely close for several reasons; maybe you removed the earrings too soon, didn't wear them for a long time, or an infection developed after the first piercing. It is also possible to open the holes independently, but it would be better to consult a professional; a poorly performed procedure can cause an infection and other complications. If you have decided to pierce your ears again, you should prepare them, pierce them with a needle and then follow the necessary care in the following months.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Hire a Professional Piercer
Step 1. Look for a reputable piercing studio
There are many facilities that offer the service of reopening the ear holes, but it is best to do some research before choosing one. The goldsmith shops that you find in shopping malls are generally the cheapest solution, but not necessarily the best, since the operators have not always received the necessary training and also use guns for drilling. Instead, contact the studio of a professional piercer or a tattoo artist who also deals with piercing.
- Puncture guns are not the most suitable tools because they create a very strong impact on the ears and cannot be well sterilized.
- Ask friends and family for advice; you can also search online.
Step 2. Go to your chosen studio to speak to the piercer
Ask about his training and experience; the professional should be licensed by the local ASL and should have completed a long internship with another reputable piercer. Observe the type of equipment it uses and pay attention to the level of hygiene of the environment.
- You can also ask to see the photo album of his works;
- If you can watch other clients get pierced, see how the professional works.
Step 3. Make an appointment if necessary
Some studios do the work immediately, but an appointment is typically required when there is no availability; in this case, choose the most comfortable date and time for you and write a note on the calendar so you don't forget.
Step 4. Choose the earrings for the reopening of the hole
Typically, you can purchase them in the studio that performs the work; opt for a pair of bars made of hypoallergenic metal - 14 karat gold is ideal. Make sure the jewelry is stored in a well-sealed package and has not been exposed to the air until just before the piercing.
- Alternatively, you can choose surgical stainless steel or 24-karat gold-plated metal;
- If you are allergic to nickel, opt for surgical titanium.
Step 5. Ask the piercer to explain how to care for the wound
There are some basic practices that you must follow after drilling, but generally each professional recommends their own protocol. If you have specific concerns about ear sensitivity or have had infections in the past, ask the piercer for more details, who can provide you with personalized instructions and tips.
Part 2 of 3: Proceed on Your Own
Step 1. Try to reopen the hole without piercing the ear again
Observe the area to see if it is possible to open the holes without the use of a needle; if they seem partially open, try putting on the earrings. First, sprinkle the area with petroleum jelly, then stand in front of a mirror and try to insert the earrings by twisting them gently. If this method doesn't work, you need to pierce the skin again.
- It may help to rub the ears before trying to insert the jewelry to open the holes a little; however, do not proceed with force to avoid causing damage.
- Wash your hands and disinfect the jewelry before proceeding.
Step 2. Wash your hands
Dirty fingers can transfer bacteria into the hole and cause infections; then wash them with antibacterial soap and warm water, then dry them with a clean towel. Finish the cleaning process with a sanitizing gel to be as sterile as possible.
Step 3. Disinfect the needle and earrings
You can use any type of needle or thin pin for this operation; however, you must take the trouble to disinfect it, regardless of whether it is new or used. Moisten a cotton ball with denatured alcohol and use it to rub the entire needle; then take a new swab, wet it again with alcohol and repeat the procedure on the entire surface of the jewels.
- A new needle, never used, is the ideal solution for your purpose;
- An uninfected needle is likely to cause an infection.
Step 4. Apply anesthetic gel to your ears
It is generally believed that ice can numb the area and reduce pain when puncturing, but that's not true. Low temperatures generate more abrasions and make the skin harder, complicating operations; instead use a topical anesthetic gel by spreading it 30-60 minutes before piercing the ears.
- You can buy it online or at the pharmacy;
- If you don't have a skin gel, you can use that to soothe your toothache.
Step 5. Find the starting hole point
Chances are you have already seen this while checking the condition of the original piercing; if not, look in the mirror and identify the exact area where the closed hole is. At times, the opening may have healed to the point of being invisible; in this circumstance, choose the new position for the jewel and use a marker to mark it.
- You can use the marker to highlight the point even if the starting hole is visible;
- Use the mirror to make sure the piercings are symmetrical.
Step 6. Place a potato behind your ear
You need a washed vegetable that protects the neck and reduces the force of the needle when piercing; when you are ready, hold the tuber with your free hand just behind the first ear you want to pierce.
If you don't have a potato, you can use another similar food or object like a stress ball
Step 7. Slowly insert the needle into the skin
Place it exactly on the spot you want to pierce and start pushing it through your ear. Keep it slightly tilted and move it to facilitate movement; keep doing this until it pops up on the other side.
Step 8. Hold an ice cube over the wound
Remove the potato and replace it with a large cube; hold it on the back of the ear for five minutes to control pain. The needle should stay in the ear all the time.
Step 9. Thread the earring into the hole
After removing the ice cube, take a piece of jewelry and slowly start pulling out the needle; at the same time, insert the earring into the hole by pushing it until the end of the bar comes out of the other side. Secure the back of the jewelry so it doesn't slip out.
When you reopen the holes it is better to use bar earrings because they are lighter, they are less likely to fall and they do not bother in the first few months during which you have to wear them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Step 10. Repeat the procedure with the other ear
Inspect the former to make sure you have done a good job; you will probably feel some discomfort, but you shouldn't notice any bleeding or severe pain. If you feel like the first piercing is perfect, move on to the second.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of the Ears
Step 1. Clean them twice a day
After having pierced them you have to sanitize them daily, on two occasions. Ideally, you should use piercing-specific saline; if you don't have it, you can use denatured alcohol. Apply the solution to a cotton swab or cotton swab and scrub the front and back of the hole.
- If you don't take care of your wounds carefully, your job is likely to be unsuccessful;
- Usually, the piercer provides you with saline solution after the procedure; you can ask him if he sells it to you even if you have not contacted him to open the holes.
- Alcohol may cause a stinging sensation when you apply it to the wound.
Step 2. Leave the earrings in place for 6-8 weeks
Typically, the holes close because people take off their jewelry too early; then wait 6-8 weeks and, after this time, you can choose to wear another pair.
You can wait even longer than 6-8 weeks
Step 3. Don't spend too long without the jewelry
Put in a couple more immediately after removing the first one. The new holes close quickly in the absence of the earrings; therefore try to keep them constantly for at least a year.
Step 4. Cover your ears when showering or swimming
Protect wounds from water, shampoo and conditioner to avoid infections; use a shower cap when you wash during the first few months. When you need to use shampoo and conditioner, do your best so that these cleansers do not come into contact with the holes and rinse them thoroughly from the hair; if you go to the pool, use a swimming cap.
In the first 6-8 weeks after opening the holes, you should also avoid styling products, such as gels and hairspray
Advice
- If possible, avoid using cheap and low-quality earrings, especially after piercing your ears again; the material they are made of can cause an infection. During the first year it is recommended to use 14 karat yellow gold earrings.
- If you have long hair, you should style it in a ponytail or bun for at least a month after opening the holes; by doing so, you prevent the bacteria present on the hair from contaminating the wounds and at the same time prevent the strands from getting entangled in the earrings.
- Avoid touching the piercings during the day; unnecessary hand contact only causes bacteria to be transferred to the ears.
