How Long Do Earring Holes Stay Open After Removing Earrings?
Whether you have had your ears pierced for 9 years or a shorter period, the question of whether the holes will remain open after removing your earrings can be confusing. This article will delve into the factors that impact the closure of ear piercings and provide useful insights.
Understanding Ear Piercing Healing
Earring piercings, whether in the earlobe or cartilage, go through a healing process that can vary depending on the piercing's age and how it is cared for. The general rule of thumb is that new piercings (less than a year old) will close more quickly than older piercings (more than a year old).
For new piercings, if earrings are removed, the holes may close within a few hours to a few days. In contrast, older piercings will take significantly longer to close, and it is not uncommon for them to remain open for years if they are well-healed. If you have had your ears pierced for 9 years and have only removed your earrings a few times, your piercings are likely well-established and will not close quickly.
Factors Affecting Closure Time
Maintaining skin health and wearing earrings regularly can help prevent the closure of ear piercings. Since your ears have been pierced for 9 years and you have only briefly removed your earrings a few times, it is unlikely that the holes will close completely. However, if you leave them out for an extended period (weeks to months), the holes may start to shrink, and in some cases, they may close partially or completely.
To keep the holes open, it is best to wear earrings consistently, even if it is just for short periods. If you are concerned about the closure of your piercings, you can invest in aftercare lotions to aid in the healing process. For instance, using a disinfectant to clean your piercing twice a day can help maintain the health of the tissue and prevent infection.
Personal Experiences and Advice
My ear piercings were initially pierced at 13 years old. The instructions from the piercer were to use a disinfectant twice a day and to keep the original earrings in for two years. I followed these instructions diligently and now, as a 50-something woman, I can still wear earrings when I want to. However, I do not wear them constantly and sometimes go years without them.
Another factor that can impact the healing process is the size and type of earrings. For instance, earrings with a slightly wider than average post can help prevent the hole from closing by providing more support to the piercing.
Other people may experience different healing times. Some may heal completely within a few months, while others may never heal fully. After 16 years, your piercings are likely to be well-healed and only need to be closed intentionally if you choose to do so. In some cases, there may be a dimple where the hole used to be, indicating that the closure was not complete.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the closure of ear piercings depends on various factors, including the age of the piercing, how consistently earrings are worn, and individual skin health. If you have had your ears pierced for a significant period and have only briefly removed your earrings a few times, the holes are likely to remain open. However, if you leave them out for an extended period, the holes may start to shrink, and in some cases, may close partially or completely.