Reverse Prince Albert

The Reverse Prince Albert (Reverse PA) is the reversed variant of the classic Prince Albert piercing. As with the standard PA, the jewellery is inserted through the urethra, but with the Reverse PA it exits at the top (dorsal surface) of the glans — instead of at the underside.

The exit point is typically located centrally on the upper glans surface, near the glans corona (corona glandis). This placement creates a visually striking appearance and differs significantly from the classic PA. The Reverse PA is less common than its standard counterpart and is considered a more demanding piercing, both in terms of execution and healing.

Since the needle passes through thicker tissue on the top of the glans with the Reverse PA, the procedure is technically more complex than with the standard PA. The local anaesthesia, which is used as standard at XS Piercing, makes the difference in pain perception negligible.

The Reverse PA has a close anatomical relationship to the Apadravya. An Apadravya is a vertical piercing that passes through the entire glans from top to bottom — and thus essentially represents a combination of standard PA (lower exit point) and Reverse PA (upper exit point).

Those who already have a standard PA can later extend it through a second piercing channel on the top into a complete Apadravya. The upper exit point of this extended piercing corresponds exactly to the position of the Reverse PA. Likewise, an existing Reverse PA can form the basis for a later Apadravya when the lower channel is added.

This extension possibility makes the Reverse PA an interesting option for men who aspire to an Apadravya long-term but want to proceed step by step.

For the Reverse PA, a curved barbell made of implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) is typically used as initial jewellery. The curvature of the barbell follows the natural contour of the glans and ensures a comfortable fit.

Unlike the standard PA, rings are less common with the Reverse PA, as a ring on the top of the glans would be exposed to greater mechanical stress and could increase the risk of irritation. The length of the barbell is individually adjusted — typically with some extra room for the initial swelling that may occur in the first days after the procedure.

After complete healing, the jewellery can be swapped for a shorter barbell that sits more snugly against the tissue. High-quality materials such as gold or niobium are also possible as jewellery options after healing.

The healing time for the Reverse PA is 4 to 6 months and is thus significantly longer than for the standard PA. This is because the tissue on the top of the glans is thicker and less well supplied with blood than on the underside, where the standard PA exits.

During the healing phase, you should observe the following guidelines:

• Cleaning: Clean daily with sterile saline solution (0.9% NaCl). Gently dab the area around the jewellery and ensure that no crusts block the piercing channel.
• Sexual abstinence: Abstain from sexual activity for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Since the healing time is longer, listen to your body and wait even longer if you experience discomfort.
• Do not manipulate: Do not unnecessarily turn or move the jewellery. This can disrupt the healing process and lead to granulation tissue.
• Clothing: Prefer loose underwear that does not rub against the jewellery. Tight clothing can put pressure on the barbell and delay healing.

As with any piercing, there are certain risks with the Reverse PA that can be minimised through professional execution and proper care:

• Swelling: In the first few days, mild to moderate swelling of the glans is normal. Cooling can provide relief.
• Bleeding: Slight bleeding in the first days is normal. For heavy or persistent bleeding, please contact us.
• Granulation tissue: Small, benign tissue growths at the exit point can occur. These are usually harmless and recede with proper care.
• Infection: With careful hygiene and care, the infection risk is low. Signs such as increasing redness, purulent discharge or fever require a visit to the doctor.