Eyebrow piercings are a popular form of self-expression. They can add a touch of edge to your look, but what if you decide you want to change them? Changing an eyebrow piercing is not as difficult as you might think, but it is essential to follow the proper steps to avoid infection or other complications. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of changing an eyebrow piercing safely and effectively. First, you will need to gather your materials.
Once you have your materials, you are ready to begin the process of changing your eyebrow piercing. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria. Next, clean the area around your piercing with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could cause infection. Finally, gently twist the ball on the back of the piercing to loosen it. Be careful not to twist too hard, as you could damage the piercing or your skin.
Once the ball is loose, you can carefully remove the old piercing. Be sure to hold onto the ball so that you do not lose it. Next, insert the new piercing into the hole. Be sure to insert it from the front of the piercing so that the ball is on the back. Once the new piercing is in place, gently tighten the ball to secure it. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could cause pain or damage the piercing. Finally, clean the area around the piercing with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will help to prevent infection.
Gather Your Materials
Before you start, you’ll need to gather the following materials:
- New eyebrow piercing jewelry: Choose jewelry that is the correct size and gauge for your piercing. It’s important to use high-quality jewelry made from implant-grade materials such as titanium or surgical steel to minimize the risk of infection or allergic reactions.
- Piercing needle: A sterile piercing needle is used to create a new hole for the jewelry. The needle should be the same gauge as the jewelry you’re using.
- Surgical gloves: Wear sterile surgical gloves to protect your hands and the piercing area from infection.
- Antiseptic solution: Use an antiseptic solution to clean the piercing site before and after changing the jewelry.
- Alcohol wipes: Use alcohol wipes to sterilize the piercing needle and jewelry.
- Gauze or cotton balls: Use gauze or cotton balls to absorb any blood or fluids that may be released during the piercing procedure.
- Mirror: A mirror will help you see the piercing site and make it easier to guide the needle.
Additional Considerations for Piercing Needle Selection
When choosing a piercing needle, consider the following factors:
Factor | Description |
---|---|
Gauge | The gauge refers to the thickness of the needle and jewelry. For eyebrow piercings, a 16g or 18g needle is typically used. |
Length | The length of the needle should be appropriate for the thickness of your eyebrow tissue. A 1 1/4″ needle is commonly used for eyebrow piercings. |
Bevel | The bevel is the angle of the needle’s tip. A sharp bevel will create a clean and precise piercing. |
Sanitize Your Hands and Jewelry
Before handling your eyebrow piercing or the new jewelry, it is crucial to ensure proper hygiene to prevent infection.
Sanitizing Your Hands
Materials you’ll need:
- Antibacterial soap
- Warm water
Instructions:
- Wet your hands thoroughly with warm water.
- Apply a small amount of antibacterial soap to your palms and work it into a lather.
- Scrub all surfaces of your hands, including between your fingers and under your nails, for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly with warm water.
- Pat your hands dry with a clean towel.
- Piercing cleaning solution (or a homemade mixture of 1/4 cup warm water and 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide)
- Q-tip or cotton ball
Instructions:
- Dip a Q-tip or cotton ball into the piercing cleaning solution.
- Gently wipe down the surface of the jewelry, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
- Allow the jewelry to air dry completely before inserting it into your piercing.
Secure the New Piercing
Once the new piercing is in place, it is important to secure it properly to prevent it from moving around or falling out. This can be done by using a variety of methods, including:
- Using a Piercing Retainer: A piercing retainer is a small, clear plastic or metal device that is inserted into the piercing to hold it in place. Retainers are usually used for short-term wear, such as when you are sleeping or exercising.
- Using a Bandage: A bandage can be used to wrap around the piercing and hold it in place. This method is not as secure as using a piercing retainer, but it can be used if you do not have a retainer available.
- Using a Piercing Clamp: A piercing clamp is a small, metal device that is used to clamp down on the piercing and hold it in place. Clamps are usually used for long-term wear, such as when you are healing from a new piercing.
- Using a Safety Pin: A safety pin can be used to hold a piercing in place in an emergency. However, safety pins should not be used for long-term wear, as they can irritate the piercing and cause infection.
- Using a Bobby Pin: A bobby pin can be used to hold a piercing in place in an emergency. However, bobby pins should not be used for long-term wear, as they can irritate the piercing and cause infection.
After the piercing is secured, it is important to keep it clean and dry. This will help to prevent infection and promote healing.
Aftercare Instructions
After changing your eyebrow piercing, it’s important to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some essential aftercare tips:
1. Clean the piercing twice a day:
Clean the piercing site twice a day with a sterile saline solution or a mild antibacterial soap. Use a cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe away any crust or discharge.
2. Avoid touching the piercing:
Avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands, as this can introduce bacteria. If you need to touch the piercing, wash your hands thoroughly first.
3. Rinse the piercing in the shower:
Rinse the piercing gently with warm water in the shower. Avoid using harsh soaps or shampoos, as these can irritate the piercing.
4. Don’t remove the jewelry:
Do not remove the jewelry until the piercing is fully healed, which typically takes 6-8 weeks. Removing the jewelry prematurely can cause the piercing to close.
5. Avoid harsh chemicals:
Avoid exposing the piercing to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine or alcohol. These chemicals can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
6. Monitor for signs of infection:
Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
7. Specific Aftercare for Eyebrow Piercings:
Eyebrow piercings require special care due to their location on the face. Consider the following additional tips for optimal healing:
Tip Description Avoid sleeping on the pierced side Sleeping on the pierced side can put pressure on the piercing and impede healing. Use a neck pillow or other support to keep your face off the piercing. Clean under the jewelry Gently clean the area under the jewelry using a cotton swab soaked in sterile saline solution. This will remove any accumulation of dead skin cells or bacteria. Avoid excessive sweating Excessive sweating can create a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth. Use sweatbands or a headband to keep sweat away from the piercing. Signs of Infection
It’s essential to be aware of the potential signs of infection to address promptly. Here are the typical indicators to watch for:
1. Redness and Swelling
Mild redness and swelling are normal initially, but excessive or increasing redness and swelling could indicate infection.
2. Pain and Tenderness
Piercing pain should subside over time. Persistent or increasing pain and tenderness may signal infection.
3. Discharge
Clear to slightly yellow discharge is normal. However, foul-smelling, greenish-yellow, or bloody discharge is a concern.
4. Crusting
Crusting around the piercing is common. Excessive or thick crusting that doesn’t come off easily could be a sign of infection.
5. Bleeding
Bleeding may occur during the initial piercing. However, ongoing or excessive bleeding after a few days could indicate infection.
6. Itching
Itching is sometimes common, but severe or persistent itching can be a sign of an allergic reaction or infection.
7. Fever
A fever is a sign that the body is fighting an infection. If you develop a fever along with other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
8. Additional Signs
Other potential signs of infection not limited to but may include:
Signs Infection Assessment Warmth around the piercing Indicates inflammation and potential infection Numbness or tingling May indicate damage to nerves due to infection Difficulty sleeping due to pain Severe infection can disrupt sleep patterns Facial swelling or lymph node enlargement Infection can spread to nearby tissues Skin discoloration around the piercing Darkening or bruising can indicate an underlying infection When to Contact a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Table: Signs of Infection
Symptom Description Redness Intense redness around the piercing Swelling Significant swelling that makes it difficult to remove the piercing Pain Constant, throbbing pain that worsens with pressure Pus Yellowish or greenish discharge Tenderness Extreme sensitivity to touch Fever Body temperature of 101°F or higher Chills Feeling cold despite being covered Other causes for contacting a doctor include:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Changes in vision
- Severe allergic reaction
Materials You’ll Need
To change your eyebrow piercing, you’ll need the following materials:
- A new eyebrow ring
- A pair of sterile gloves
- A piercing needle (if you’re changing the size of your piercing)
- A mirror
- A bowl of warm water
- A clean towel
How to Change Your Eyebrow Piercing
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Put on the sterile gloves.
- Soak the new eyebrow ring in the warm water for a few minutes to sterilize it.
- If you’re changing the size of your piercing, insert the piercing needle into the piercing hole and gently push it through until the new ring can be inserted.
- Insert the new eyebrow ring into the piercing hole.
- Screw on the ball or bead to secure the ring.
- Remove the sterile gloves.
- Wash the piercing area with warm water and soap.
- Pat the piercing area dry with a clean towel.
- Keep the piercing area clean and dry for the next few days to help it heal properly.
- New piercing jewelry, sterilized
- Cotton swabs
- Alcohol or saline solution
- Mirror
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Prepare your new jewelry by soaking it in a solution of alcohol or saline for at least 10 minutes.
- Clean the area around your piercing with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
- Position the mirror so that you can clearly see your piercing.
- Unscrew the ball on one end of the existing piercing. Avoid touching the piercing with your fingers
- Gently remove the existing piercing
- Align the new piercing in the same hole as the existing piercing.
- Insert the new piercing through the hole and screw on the ball.
- Clean the area around your piercing with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Tips for a Healthy Eyebrow Piercing
Clean Your Piercing Regularly
The best way to keep your eyebrow piercing healthy is to clean it regularly. You should clean your piercing twice a day with a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to rinse the piercing thoroughly with water after cleaning it.
Avoid Touching Your Piercing
You should avoid touching your piercing as much as possible. Touching your piercing can introduce bacteria, which can lead to infection.
Change Your Jewelry Regularly
You should change your eyebrow jewelry regularly to prevent the piercing from becoming irritated. It is recommended to change your jewelry every 6 to 8 weeks.
Use High-Quality Jewelry
It is important to use high-quality jewelry in your eyebrow piercing. Low-quality jewelry can contain harmful metals, which can irritate your piercing.
Avoid Sleeping on Your Piercing
Sleeping on your piercing can put pressure on the piercing and cause it to become irritated. It is recommended that you sleep on your back or on the opposite side of your piercing.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can help to promote healing and prevent infection. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep can help to reduce stress and inflammation, which can help to promote healing.
Manage Stress
Stress can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infection. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
See Your Doctor if You Have Any Concerns
If you have any concerns about your eyebrow piercing, be sure to see your doctor. Your doctor can check for infection and make sure that your piercing is healing properly.
How to Change an Eyebrow Piercing
Changing an eyebrow piercing is generally a simple procedure that can be performed at home, provided that you have the proper tools and follow the steps carefully. Before attempting to change your piercing, it is important to note that the healing process may be affected by the type of piercing you have (in this case, an eyebrow piercing) and the placement of the piercing. In some instances, you may wish to consult with your piercer to ensure that you change your piercing correctly.
Materials:
Steps:
Your piercing should now be changed. It is important to keep the area clean by cleaning it with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or saline solution twice a day. You should also avoid touching the piercing with your fingers and avoid sleeping on that side of your face.
People Also Ask About How To Change an Eyebrow Piercing
How often should I change my eyebrow piercing?
It is generally recommended that you change your eyebrow piercing every 6-8 weeks. However, you may need to change it more frequently if you experience any irritation or discomfort.
What type of jewelry can I use for my eyebrow piercing?
The most common type of jewelry used for eyebrow piercings is a barbell. However, you can also use curved barbells or labrets. It is important to choose jewelry that is made of a high-quality material such as titanium or surgical steel.
What are the signs of an infected eyebrow piercing?
The signs of an infected eyebrow piercing include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. If you think your piercing is infected, you should consult with a doctor or piercer immediately.
Sanitizing Your Jewelry
Materials you’ll need: