Sooooo you think your eyebrow piercing may be rejecting. If you've noticed that your jewelry is shifting, your piercing is irritated, or looking a little different than it used to, you may be thinking it's the end times for your piercing. Before you go ahead and take out your piercing, let's go over the telltale signs of rejection and what you can do to protect your piercing.
At a Glance:
-What Is an Eyebrow Piercing
-Why Eyebrow Piercings Migrate and/or Reject
-Signs of Piercing Migration and Rejection
-What to Do If Your Piercing Is Migrating or Rejecting
What Is an Eyebrow Piercing?
An eyebrow piercing is a surface piercing that passes vertically or diagonally through the eyebrow ridge. Unlike piercings with a clear front and back (like a nostril or lobe), eyebrow piercings sit closer to the skin's surface. Because of this, they have a shallower "anchor" in the skin, which makes them more vulnerable to migration (slowly moving from its original position) or rejection (when the body pushes the jewelry out entirely).
Why Eyebrow Piercings Migrate and/or Reject
Every piercing carries a small risk of migration and rejection. Eyebrow piercings carry an increased risk due to the shallow tissue of the area. Factors that can increase risk include:
Poor quality jewelry or non-biocompatible materials: Low quality jewelry (even in healed piercings) can cause the body to reject it.
Excessive movement or trauma to the piercing: Sleeping on your side, snags, or tears can irritate the piercing and trigger rejection.
Improperly fitted jewelry: Jewelry that is too small, tight, or thin can push it's way to the surface of the skin.
Signs Your Eyebrow Piercing Is Rejecting or Migrating
Rejection won't happen overnight. It's a gradual process that can take weeks, months, or years. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
The jewelry is moving closer to the service: If you notice more of the barbell or ring becoming visible over time, or the piercing holes appear to be stretching apart, it could be a sign of migration.
The skin between the entry and exit holes is thinning: Healthy piercings have a consistent amount of tissue around the jewelry. If that tissue seems to be getting thinner, it's often a red flag.
The piercing looks uneven or crooked: Migration can cause the jewelry to shift from its original angle or position, making the piercing appear slanted or off-center.
Persistent redness or irritation: Some redness is normal during healing. But if it persists beyond the usual healing time, it may indicate migration or rejection.
What to Do If Your Piercing is Rejecting
If you think your piercing is rejecting, don't panic! But don't ignore it either. Here are the steps to take:
1. Visit a professional piercer.
They can assess whether the piercing is rejecting or just irritated. They can also determine if it's possible to save the piercing, or if removal is the best option.
2. Keep the area clean.
Continue with gentle saline soaks daily and avoid harsh cleansers, makeup, or ointment that could irritate the area.
3. Wait to re-pierce.
It's upsetting to retire a piercing (especially if it's due to rejection). Allow the area to fully heal before piercing again. Your piercer may recommend a slightly different placement to reduce future risk.
Although it sucks, rejection is a natural response and it doesn't mean you did anything wrong. They key is being aware of the risks prior to a piercing, recognizing early signs of rejection, and consulting a piercer before the piercing fully rejects.
Happy piercing!
