There are lots of different types of piercings, and people get them for a variety of reasons. One thing they all have in common, though, is that eventually, they will leave scars. And because everyone scars differently, there is no way to predict whether your piercing scar will be tiny and barely visible or large and bothersome.
One possible complication is a keloid scar. Darker-skinned individuals are generally more susceptible, although anyone can develop a keloid. A keloid scar may look like a large red or red and purple lump or mound at the piercing site. There may be two keloids at the site of one piercing: one on each side of the “tunnel” created by the piercing. Keloids can be painful and take a long time to heal, and usually mean that you will need to remove the jewelry from the piercing, if you haven’t already.
Read: Who is at Risk of Developing a Keloid Scar?
Another potential complication is a “torn” piercing, which can happen when the jewelry is pulled or snagged with enough force to tear the skin. Even an older, properly healed piercing is vulnerable to being torn, and this can result in a worse scar than the piercing would have had on its own.
Piercing Scar Revision
Especially when complications like infection, tearing, or keloid scarring are present, scarring may be severe enough to require scar revision. What generally happens during scar revision is that the entire scar is removed and then the area is re-sutured, resulting in a thinner, smaller, less obvious scar. There are other scar revision techniques that can be used on certain scars that cannot be easily removed, and which technique is best for your unique scar depends on a number of factors, including the location of the scar as well as its size and shape. Scar revision usually produces a new scar – one that is an improvement over the old one. This scar should be cared for just like any other scar to speed its healing and minimize its visibility.
Piercings can be fun and help people express their individual style, from classic and traditional to wild and crazy. But people who are considering piercings should be prepared to deal with treating the inevitable scarring. Fortunately, with a little knowledge and the right scar treatment, many piercing scars can eventually be minimized to the point of being virtually invisible.
Whether you have a simple piercing scar you want to minimize, are trying to deal with keloid scarring, or are caring for the scar left by a scar revision procedure, the best steps to take are the same. Keep the area impeccably clean to avoid infection, which will worsen the scar. Keep the area out of the sun. If the piercing is in an area you can’t easily wear clothes over – such as a facial or ear piercing – be sure to use an SPF 30 or higher sunblock every time you go outside.
In addition, choose a scar treatment product to hasten scar healing and minimize the final appearance of the scar. Look for a product that contains dimethicone silicone, a stable form of vitamin C, among other safe and natural ingredients.
Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.
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