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Still, piercing migration is not exactly uncommon, and can prove frustrating.

Meet the Experts

Keep scrolling for our complete guide to piercing migration.

purple flower with gold earrings attached

Stocksy

Rejection vs. Migration: Whats the Difference?

Simply put: Rejection shows up when you place a foreign object in your body (e.g.

While rejection can happen anywhere, some areas of the body are more prone to rejection than others.

The most common surface piercings arebelly buttonandbrow piercings.

What Is a Madison Piercing?

A body piercing that goes through the skin at the front of the neck.

“The piercing will start to wander towards the edge of wherever the piercing is,” says Brooks.

This can happen with atragus piercing, she notes, adding that for other piercings (e.g.

“Over time you may start to see more and more of the jewelry underneath your skin become visible.

She’s trying to leave you.”

If this is your experience, you should go see a doctor ASAP to keep it from getting worse.

What youcando, however, is prevent it from getting worse.

If you’ve only just noticed migration, “remove the piercing to avoid further damage to your skin.

If you leave the piercing, you may develop unwanted build-up ofscartissue,” Cheung says.

Alternatively, you may decide to not do anything at all.

“If you were my client I’d tell you: If it makes you happy keep it.

Migration doesn’t hurt,” says Brooks.

“Some worry that if something is migrating then it will lead to rejection and force itself out.

Is Re-Piercing After Rejection Safe?

Yes, it’s possible for you to re-pierce after rejection.

Brooks says, “Absolutely.

Our bodies are incredible, they regenerate for lack of a better word.”

It won’t hurt you any more than anything else.”

Yes, a body piercing can migrate from its original spot, and it’s not totally uncommon.

The body’s natural immune system might react to, and even reject being pierced with a foreign body.

They’ll likely use a larger gauge, more sensitive metal and/or go deeper.

Association of Professional Piercers.FAQ.

Association of Professional Piercers.Body piercing troubleshooting for you and your healthcare professional.

Association of Professional Piercers.Jewelry for initial piercings.