Piercing Complications & Correction
Recognise, understand and act correctly — so your piercing heals optimally
Even with professionally performed piercings, complications can occasionally occur. In the vast majority of cases, these are harmless and easily treatable — provided you react promptly and correctly. On this page, we inform you about the most common complications, how to recognise them and what you should do.
Important: Many perceived problems are part of the normal healing process. Slight redness, swelling and crusting in the first weeks are not a complication but completely normal.
Common Complications
Infection
Symptoms
Severe redness, swelling, warmth, throbbing pain, yellowish-green pus with an unpleasant odour. In severe cases, fever and general malaise.
What to do?
Disinfect the area with Octenisept and contact us immediately. Do NOT remove the piercing — the channel can close and trap the infection inside. If you develop a fever, see a doctor.
Granulation Tissue (Wild Flesh)
Symptoms
Small, reddish to flesh-coloured growth (bump) directly next to the piercing channel. Common with nose piercings and cartilage piercings. Usually painless but can be bothersome when the jewellery moves.
What to do?
Apply tea tree oil (diluted) or saline solution. Avoid moving the jewellery unnecessarily. The tissue often recedes on its own. If it persists, we can treat it at the studio. Do not cut it off or scratch it yourself.
Migration / Growing Out
Symptoms
The piercing slowly moves outward — the jewellery appears closer to the skin surface than before. You may be able to see the jewellery through the skin. Particularly common with surface piercings and microdermals.
What to do?
Come to the studio as soon as possible. In some cases, a jewellery change can help. If the piercing has migrated too far, it must be removed and re-pierced after healing to avoid unsightly scarring.
Tear / Rip
Symptoms
Partial or complete tearing of the piercing channel, often caused by catching on clothing, towels or during sports. Bleeding, pain and visible change in the piercing position.
What to do?
Clean and disinfect the wound. Carefully remove the jewellery if it is only hanging by a thin strip of skin. Come to the studio — we will assess whether the piercing can be saved or should be re-pierced after healing.
Allergic Reaction
Symptoms
Itching, redness, rash or swelling around the piercing. Can also appear weeks or months later when low-quality jewellery is used. Particularly relevant for nickel allergies (one of the most common contact allergies).
What to do?
Switch to high-quality titanium jewellery (Implant-Grade ASTM F136). At XS Piercing, we exclusively use titanium, which is hypoallergenic and biocompatible — therefore allergic reactions with our piercings are virtually impossible. If you are wearing jewellery from other studios and experiencing problems, we can offer you suitable replacements.
Piercing Correction at XS Piercing
Not every piercing is perfect the first time — especially when done at a less experienced studio. Poorly placed piercings not only look unattractive but can also lead to complications.
At XS Piercing, we offer professional piercing corrections. This includes:
- Assessment of piercings from other studios
- Jewellery change to high-quality titanium material
- Repositioning (after the old channel has healed)
- Treatment of complications such as granulation tissue
- Honest advice on whether a piercing can be saved or should be removed and re-pierced
Important Warning
NEVER remove an infected piercing yourself! When the jewellery is removed, the piercing channel can close and trap the infection in the tissue. This can lead to an abscess that requires medical treatment. Come to our studio instead or see a doctor.
Problems with Your Piercing?
Do not hesitate to contact us. Whether it is an acute complication or a desire for correction — we are happy to help and find the best solution.