What Happens If You Change Your Earrings Too Early? (Avoid These Mistakes)

Thinking about changing your earrings too soon?

You’re not alone - this is one of the most common mistakes people make after getting a new piercing. And unfortunately, it can lead to irritation, delayed healing, or even infection.

Before you switch your jewelry, here’s what you need to know.

Why You Shouldn’t Change Earrings Too Early

When you get a new piercing, your body is still healing a fresh wound.

Even if it looks fine on the outside, the inside is still delicate.

Changing jewelry too early can:

Disrupt the healing channel
Introduce bacteria
Cause unnecessary trauma

👉 Healing takes time and rushing it can set you back weeks (or months).

What Happens If You Change Them Too Soon

1. Irritation & Swelling

The most common reaction is irritation.

You may notice:

Redness
Tenderness
Swelling
A small bump forming

This happens because the piercing gets disturbed before it’s ready.

2. Delayed Healing

Every time you remove or change jewelry too early, you reset the healing process.

That means:

Longer healing time
More discomfort
Higher risk of complications

3. Increased Risk of Infection

Changing earrings too early can introduce bacteria into the piercing.

Signs of infection include:

Yellow or green discharge
Persistent swelling
Warmth around the area
Pain that gets worse over time

👉 Not sure what’s normal?
Read: https://doviana.us/blogs/news/how-to-clean-a-new-piercing-properly-for-safe-healing

4. Piercing Bumps (Very Common)

Small bumps near the piercing are often caused by:

Friction
Movement
Jewelry changes too early

These can be frustrating and take time to go away.

What Is a Piercing Bump?

A piercing bump is usually irritation, not something serious.

It can look like:

A small raised bump
Red or slightly swollen skin
Sometimes with a bit of fluid or crust

👉 Think of it as your body saying:
“Something is bothering me.”

5. Piercing May Close or Shrink

If your piercing is still healing, removing jewelry- even briefly - can cause it to:

Shrink
Partially close
Become difficult (or painful) to reinsert jewelry

When CAN You Change Your Earrings?

Every piercing is different.

👉 Read the full guide here:
https://doviana.us/blogs/news/when-can-i-change-my-piercing-jewelry

As a general rule:

Lobe: 2–4 month
Cartilage (helix, tragus, etc.): 6-12 months

When Can I Change My Piercing Jewelry - Healing time for Ear Piercings

👉 If you’re unsure, it’s always better to wait.

What You Should Do Instead

1. Stick With Your Starter Jewelry

Your initial jewelry is chosen for healing - don’t rush to replace it.

2. Choose Better Materials (If Needed)

If irritation happens, switching to high-quality materials can help:

Titanium (best for healing):
👉 https://doviana.us/collections/titanium-flat-back-earrings
14K solid gold (long-term wear):
👉 https://doviana.us/collections/14k-solid-gold-flat-back-earrings

3. Come in for Downsizing (Recommended)

Instead of changing your jewelry yourself, have it professionally adjusted.

At DOVIANA:

We check your healing
We downsize safely
We help you upgrade when ready

👉 If you pierced with us, downsizing is free.

Pro Tip From NYC Piercers

If you’re asking yourself “Can I change it yet?”

👉 The answer is usually: not yet

Waiting a little longer will always give you a better result.

Ready for a Safe Jewelry Upgrade?

At DOVIANA, we specialize in safe, high-quality piercings and jewelry upgrades.

Professional needle piercings (never guns)
👉 https://doviana.us/blogs/news/why-you-should-opt-for-needle-piercing-over-guns
Hypoallergenic materials
Beginner-friendly guidance

Pricing:

$35 for one piercing
$50 for two

(While many NYC studios charge $50+ for one)

Book your visit:
👉 https://doviana.as.me

Or walk in anytime - we’ll help you do it the right way ✨

Upgrade Your Jewelry at DOVIANA

If you’re ready to upgrade your jewelry, visit DOVIANA in SoHo or the West Village - where fine jewelry meets professional piercing in NYC.

At DOVIANA, we intentionally curate three material tiers to fit your lifestyle, sensitivity, and style:

Whether you’re getting a new helix piercing or upgrading your current jewelry, choosing the right material is key to both comfort and long-term wear.

Visit DOVIANA Fine Jewelry in NYC

📍 SoHo Store (Check Google Map Profile)
Address: 174 Spring St, New York, NY, 10012
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM

📍 West Village Store (Check Google Map Profile)
Address: 334 Bleecker St, New York, NY, 10014
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM