When Can I Change My Nipple Piercing?

If you’re considering a nipple piercing, you may be wondering when you can change it. The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of piercing, the healing process, and your personal preferences. 

 You can change your nipple piercing if it is completely healed. However, if you change the piercing before time, it can slow down its healing process. Depending on the person, the nipple piercing can recover from 3 to 12 months. 

Please read more to get detail idea on “When Can I Change My Nipple Piercing? “

What is a nipple piercing?  

A nipple piercing can be found at the base of your nipple. It can be pierced in different directions. It can be done vertically or horizontally. 

Some people use nipple piercing as their fashion statement. Many models and celebrities also embraced this type of piercing. Read more. 

When Can I Change My Nipple Piercing? – Best Time To Do It.

As we mentioned above, you can change the nipple piercing when it is healed completely. The healing process may take 3 to 12 months.

Your piercing is totally healed if there’s no discharge. You can feel comfortable and don’t feel anything while touching the nipple ring. In addition, the nipple ring can spin or move without any discomfort.

Related: When Can I change Septum Piercing?

How to care for your nipple piercing? 

Proper care of your nipple piercing is essential. Caring for the piercing is easy. You can massage the jewelry in the shower with warm water and gentle soap once a day. Then, allow it to air dry.

Don’t touch or turn the barbell and never allow someone to touch it. You can wear a soft cotton bra. You can use a bottle of sterile saline and a shot glass. 

Fill the shot glass with sterile saline, put the cup over your nipple, and immerse it as much as you want. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide, ointment, alcohol, and other types of wound treatment. 

How to know if your nipple piercing is infected? 

Before you change your nipple piercing, you should check for any infection. It is crucial since any infection can result in the postponement of the change. The good thing is that it is easy to identify if your nipple piercing has any infection. 

Do you feel pain in your nipple? Pain associated with discomfort may mean that your nipple piercing is not entirely healed. 

Sores and swelling around your nipple can signify that the piercing is not in good condition. Give it more time to heal, so you can change it. Discharge of fluids can also indicate that the nipple piercing is in bad condition. 

You can seek treatment for your infected nipple piercing instead of changing it. Seek the help of a professional for the solutions for the infection of your nipple piercing. 

After changing your nipple piercing, you should practice aftercare habits. You should also apply healthy living, body care, and a healthy diet. 

What are some symptoms that your nipple piercing got infected? 

The following symptoms could mean that your nipple piercing is infected. 

• Painful, hot, or sensitive nipple

• Swelling

• Rash

• Fever

• Body aches

• Nipple oozes green, yellow, or brown discharge or foul smell

• Redness that spreads out from the piercing

• Fatigue

If you observe these symptoms, you should consult your doctor. 

How many months can you change the nipple piercing? 

Most individuals change their nipple piercings after a month or a few months after the current piercings. Do you wonder how many months should you change the nipple piercing? Well, there’s no exact answer to this question. 

To guide you, the following is a breakdown of different months on what you can do to your nipple piercing. 

Can you change the nipple piercing after a month? 

Yes, you can change the nipple piercing in 30 days. Meanwhile, it is not the greatest thing to do with your piercing. Thus, your nipple piercing is still fresh and not yet healed within a month. 

If you change your piercing in a month, you should be ready to lengthen the healing time by several weeks. 

Do two months enough to change the nipple piercing? 

If it is risky to change your piercing after a month, don’t attempt to change it after two months. If you want to change your jewelry immediately, you should wait for six weeks.

It can also lengthen the healing time because the wound of your piercing is still fresh. The healing can be completed over six months. 

Can you change the nipple piercing after three months? 

It is still not recommended to change your nipple piercing within three months. For some individuals, indications of recovery can begin in this period. 

However, only a few people can experience this, so it is better not to change the piercing after three months. 

Is it enough to change the nipple piercing after four months? 

If your nipple piercing is healed completely, you may change your jewelry in four months. During this time, it may be safe to perform the switch by yourself. 

If you’re not sure how to do the process, seek help from an expert on how to change your nipple piercing. With this, you can ensure safety and quality. 

Make sure to use only sterilized tools to change the nipple piercing. 

Can you change the nipple piercing after five and six months? 

It is recommended to replace your nipple piercing after five or six months. It is because the piercing can be healed entirely during this period. 

You should also ensure that you don’t suffer from infections. Otherwise, you can extend the period before you can change your piercing. 

Should you let your nipple piercing breathe? 

Yes, it is advisable to allow your nipple piercing to breathe. It is a crucial part of the aftercare habits. In the first weeks, you can wear loose cotton t-shirts or tops that don’t press on your nipples. 

You can wear a bra if you wear another fabric. With this, your jewelry will not get caught in your sweater, which may lead to painful tearing in the wound. 

It is also advised for women to wear a sports bra when sleeping. So, it will not press too hard against your breast, which results in fast healing of your nipple piercing. You can wear what you think is comfortable and practical for you. 

How can you change your nipple piercing? 

You can change your nipple piercing by following the steps below:

• Wash your hands

Wash your hands carefully. Lather your hands using soap and rub them together for a few seconds. Dry your hands using a clean paper towel or air dry it. 

• Gently unscrew the metal ball of your nipple piercing 

In this step, hold the other end of the piercing firmly. You may use water-based lube for a smoother removal. 

• Gently remove the metal bar

After unscrewing the metal ball, slide out the metal bar. Then, bring back the metal ball to the bar. Sanitize it and safely store it. 

• Change your jewelry

Unscrew the ball first if you use a bar. Push in the bar gently through the other side. Then, hold the ball already screwed as you screw the other ball. 

You may add water-based lube on the end of the piercing for an easy transition. 

• Other tips for changing your nipple piercing 

You can also use jewelry taper and emu oil to have an easy change. The emu oil can be useful for keeping the nipple moisturized and lessening the friction without clogging. 

On the other hand, you can also use the jewelry taper for inserting threaded jewelry. It is also a good idea to use a similar gauge like your starter nipple piercing as you change your jewelry for the first time. 

What will happen if you change your nipple piercing too soon? 

If you change your nipple piercing, even if it’s not entirely healed, you can extend the healing time. In addition, you’re also opening up your nipple, piercing to infection. 

Ensure not to touch the jewelry and surrounding skin during the healing process. It can be exposed to bacteria and lead to an infection. With this, you should not change your nipple piercing too soon. 

What is the meaning of a nipple piercing? 

Nipple piercing is also considered among the unique piercings you can have. The piercing symbolizes exhibition and sensuality because individuals with this type of piercing want to be seen. 

What are some health concerns with nipple piercing? 

Keep in mind that nipple piercing is associated with some health risks. The piercing can be risky for you if you take medication or have a health condition because you may bleed or get an infection. 

Nipple piercing is not best if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant. The jewelry may damage your nipple’s nerves making it difficult for milk to come out. 

Nipple piercing can cause an abscess. It is a pus-filled, painful lump in your breast or under the nipple. You should see your doctor treat the abscess. 

Conclusion 

To sum it up, a nipple piercing can be more complicated. You can’t easily change the piercing like the way you change your other jewelry. 

It is also best not to touch your nipple or move it because it may extend the healing time. Make sure to find a professional and well-experienced nipple piercer to avoid potential risks associated with the changes.