Downsizing
What is downsizing?
Downsizing essentially means the shortening of the stem after the inflammatory stage of healing. As wound healing goes, your body reacts differently through its stages. Right after the wound is created there is an increased blood flow to the pierced area causing swelling. We provide you with the adequate size jewellery to accommodate inflammation during this first period. Please keep in mind that some piercings require more than one downsizing, so it might be necessary for you to visit us more than once during your healing time.
WHEN
Once the initial stages have passed, the initial swelling will have gone away. This will reveal the initial extra room and results in the initial jewellery now being too long. Jewellery that is too long can snag easily and move around excessively, leading to irritation and renewed swelling. At this stage, it is important to book a follow-up in the piercing salon to have shorter stem installed to reduce these issues. The piercing is not healed enough to safely change your jewellery by yourself at this point in healing.
Why
If this window for downsizing is missed for piercings such as the helix, the excessive length may lead to migration or a change of angle of piercing, especially if the piercing gets slept on. This damage is irreversible and can get bad enough to result in the piercing failing.
Follow-up
Whenever the swelling has gone down and a bit of the stem is showing in the back of your piercing you know, you’re ready to book your follow-up appointment. Please write โdownsizingโ in the booking notes, then we will prepare the right set up for you.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please contact our professional piercers at piercingsalon@lineandjo.com or visit ourย Piercing Salon FAQ.
