How Long Does It Take For A Tongue Piercing To Close?
When it comes to tongue piercings, a common question many people have is, "How long does it take for a tongue piercing to close?". This question is crucial for anyone considering a tongue piercing or planning to take out their jewelry temporarily. The healing process and the duration for which a piercing remains open without jewelry can vary greatly from person to person, and several factors influence this.
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The Tongue Is One Of The Fastest Healing Body Parts
Firstly, it's important to understand that the tongue is one of the fastest-healing parts of the body. This rapid healing can be both a blessing and a challenge. On the one hand, it means that the initial healing process after getting pierced is relatively quick, typically taking between 4 to 6 weeks. On the other hand, this fast-healing nature also means that a tongue piercing can begin to close very quickly once the jewelry is removed.
For new piercings, the closure can happen in a matter of hours. If a piercing is less than a year old, it's more likely to close quickly. This is because the fistula (the hole created by the piercing) has not fully matured and strengthened. In such cases, even removing the jewelry for a few hours can result in partial or complete closure. If this happens, reinsertion of the jewelry may be difficult or impossible without professional help.
In contrast, a well-healed piercing that's been in place for several years might stay open longer without jewelry. However, there's no guarantee, and leaving the piercing without jewelry for an extended period is always a risk. With the question, "How long does it takes for a tongue piercing to close?", some individuals might find that their piercing remains open for days or even weeks, while others might experience closure within a day.
Size Matters
The size (gauge) of the jewelry also plays a role. Larger gauges create a bigger fistula, which might take longer to close. However, this is not a foolproof way to ensure your piercing will remain open. The body's natural healing processes can still act quickly to close the opening.
It's also worth noting that everyone's body reacts differently. Factors like the individual's overall health, age, and the body's natural healing rate can influence how quickly a tongue piercing closes.
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Tongue Piercing Closure Recap
In a nutshell, how long it takes for a tongue piercing to close varies greatly, depending largely on how long you've had the piercing and your body's natural healing processes. For newer piercings, it's recommended to not remove the jewelry for more than a few hours. For older, well-healed piercings, they may stay open longer, but there's still a significant risk of closure. If you need to remove your tongue piercing for any reason, it's best to consult with a professional piercer for advice or consider using a retainer to keep the piercing open. Remember, each body is unique, and what holds true for one person may not apply to another.
Need to find a piercer? Check out the Association of Professional Piercers.
AUTHOR: SCOTT S.
