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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
👉 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:
• 14K solid gold - fine jewelry Shop 14K Solid Gold Regular Earrings | Flat-Back Studs | Clickers | Rings | Necklaces
• Sterling silver and gold plated sterling silver - semi-fine jewelry Shop Sterling Silver Earrings | Necklaces | Bracelets | Rings | Anklets
• Medical-grade titanium - professional piercing material Shop Titanium Flat-Back Studs | Clickers | Rings
Whether you’re getting a new 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
👉 Learn more: https://doviana.us/blogs/news/fine-jewelry-store-soho-a-refined-jewelry-experience-in-new-york-city
Make It a Full NYC Experience
Planning a full jewelry refresh?
Many clients pair their new piercing with our Permanent Bracelet NYC experience, a meaningful, custom-fit piece designed to stay with you.
It’s the perfect way to turn a simple piercing visit into something lasting✨
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you change earrings too early?
Changing earrings too early may cause irritation, swelling, bleeding, piercing bumps, delayed healing, or even closure of the piercing channel.
How long should I wait before changing my earrings?
Healing times vary depending on the piercing type. Lobe piercings often heal faster, while cartilage piercings may take several months or longer before jewelry changes are recommended.
Read: When Can I Change My Piercing Jewelry?
Can changing earrings too early cause infection?
Changing jewelry too early may irritate the piercing and increase the risk of bacteria entering the area, especially if proper hygiene is not followed.
Why does my piercing hurt after changing earrings?
Pain after changing earrings may happen if the piercing is not fully healed, the jewelry size is incorrect, or the jewelry causes irritation.
Can changing earrings too early cause piercing bumps?
Yes. Excess movement and irritation from changing jewelry too soon may contribute to piercing bumps, especially in cartilage piercings.
What are signs my piercing is not ready for new jewelry?
Your piercing may not be ready if you still have:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Crusting
- Discharge
- Pain during movement
What jewelry is best for healing piercings?
Implant-grade titanium and 14K solid gold flat back earrings are among the most recommended options for healing piercings because they are comfortable and hypoallergenic.
Explore:
Should I downsize instead of fully changing my jewelry?
In many cases, yes. Professional downsizing replaces the jewelry with a shorter post while still using healing-safe jewelry designed for the piercing stage.
Related: When Should You Downsize Your Piercing? Complete Ear Piercing Guide
Can a piercing close if I remove earrings too early?
Yes. Fresh or partially healed piercings may shrink or close very quickly when jewelry is removed.
Can I sleep without earrings after getting pierced?
No. Jewelry should remain in healing piercings continuously until the piercing is fully healed.
How do I know when my piercing is healed?
A piercing may feel comfortable and look healed externally, but internal healing can still continue for months. A professional piercer can help evaluate healing progress.
Where can I get professional piercing help in NYC?
DOVIANA offers professional piercing services, jewelry downsizing, and piercing check-ups at our Soho and West Village NYC locations.
