downsizing piercings - why it is so important

What does downsizing mean?

When piercing, a slightly longer or larger piece of jewellery is initially inserted to give swelling space and support healing.
Downsizing means replacing this initial jewellery after the initial swelling phase (usually between 3-6 weeks) with a shorter, better-fitting piece of jewellery.
This step is not a “design change” (although a new jewellery end is also possible), but an important part of the healing process - similar to removing a splint after a fracture.
For most piercings, this is done after 6 weeks and we ask you to send us pictures by e-mail.
However, if you notice from the third week that the bar is sticking out, you can already send us pictures.
Exceptions are the helix and the scapha piercing. With these piercings, you can always send us pictures from week three.
If the jewellery can be changed, we will give you a go for the appointment booking for the jewellery change.

Please note that the complete healing time of your piercing is far longer than the time when shorter jewellery is necessary. It cannot be ruled out that a longer bar may be required again for various reasons.
Every body is unique and so is every healing process. Please do not worry if you are not within the time frame.

Why is downsizing important?
Without downsizing, problems can occur during healing:

Irritation due to movement of the jewellery
Change in the angle of the piercing
Formation of excess scar tissue
Faster sticking
More frequent swelling phases
Higher risk of infection
with oral piercings: greater risk of tooth and gum damage

Here, the downsizing was delayed too long so that the angle of the piercing became skewed

...that the piercing end rests on the front of the puncture site so that we can see how far the bar protrudes on the other side.

...that the piercing bar can be seen from the side.

...to pull on the spot where the piercing is located.

...to push out the piercing.

....that the piercing
bar sticks out on both sides.

The focus here is not on the piercing!

Here we can't see how far the piercing bar sticks out.

No matter which piercing it is, please send us 2-3 well-lit pictures(if you feel comfortable with them). Please pay attention:

Please avoid on the pictures:

Please also pay attention to the angle and positioning in the pictures:

For nipple piercings, we also ask you to ensure that the nipple in the picture is soft and relaxed: The reason for this is that with an erect nipple, the tissue contracts strongly, even if it is still swollen. Although the piercing bar is more visible, it is particularly important that the jewellery provides enough space for the relaxed tissue.

When is downsizing not necessary?
Downsizing can be dispensed:

Ear: daith piercing
Nose: septum piercing
Lip frenulum piercing
Surface piercing and dermal anchor
intimate: inner & outer labia, clit hood (horizontal + vertical), Prince Albert, Hafada, Guiche

Please note, however, that downsizing may also be necessary for these piercings. In this case, please adhere to the agreements with your piercer.