How Fast Do Nipple Piercings Close?

ByScott S.

December 8, 2023
An image with a gray background that has black text asking the question, "How fast do nipple piercings close?"
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How Fast Do Nipple Piercings Close?

Nipple piercings are a popular form of body modification, but many people have concerns about their maintenance. One of the biggest questions they have is, “How fast do nipple piercings close?”. This is an important consideration, as the closure of a piercing can vary based on several factors, including the age of the piercing, the individual’s healing process, and the type of jewelry used.

The Facts About How Fast Nipple Piercings Close

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that the healing process for nipple piercings can be quite lengthy. On average, it takes anywhere from 6 months to a year for a nipple piercing to fully heal. But, this timeframe can vary significantly from person to person. During this healing period, it’s generally advised not to remove the jewelry for extended periods, as the risk of closure is high.

If the piercing is relatively new and not fully healed, the closure can happen very quickly, sometimes within a few hours. This is because the body recognizes the piercing as a wound and attempts to heal it, which results in the piercing tract closing up. Even after the initial healing period, nipple piercings can still close relatively quickly compared to other types of body piercings. This is partly due to the nature of the tissue in the nipple area, which is softer and more prone to healing over tougher skin areas like the earlobes.

For those who have had their nipple piercings for several years, the piercing may stay open for a longer period without jewelry. Unfortunately, that is not a guarantee. Every individual’s body reacts differently, some may find that their piercings begin to close up after a day without jewelry. On the other hand, others can leave them out for longer periods with no issues. Personally, my nipple piercings never closed after 8 years of them being out. But, I had them 10 years before that.

It’s also worth noting that the gauge (thickness) of the piercing jewelry can impact how fast a piercing closes. Thicker jewelry tends to leave a more significant tract, which may take longer to close up entirely. Conversely, thinner jewelry might result in a faster rate at which a nipple piercing closes.

A close up of a nipple piercing with a captive bead ring in it.

In Short…

In a nutshell, “How fast do nipple piercings close?” when the jewelry is removed varies greatly depending on individual healing processes and the age of the piercing. Generally, the newer the piercing, the faster it will close. To maintain the piercing, it’s advisable to keep the jewelry in place as much as possible. This is especially true during the first year. If you need to remove the jewelry for any reason, it’s wise to consult with a professional piercer. They will provide advice tailored to your specific situation. They can also assist with temporary solutions that might prevent the piercing from closing.

Would you like additional information about nipple piercings? See our in-depth article with all the details here: Nipple Piercings.


Need to find a piercer? Check out the Association of Professional Piercers.