by B. Leslie Baird

Created on: August 07, 2009

While most people realize that changes in weight can affect a tattoo those same changes in weight can affect body piercings. These changes can come from the stretching or shrinking of the skin surface or changes in body fat or muscle content underlying the piercing.

Most facial type piercing are not affected by changes in weight. The ears, nose and brow areas do not tend to change in size. Age, however, can cause ear lobe or septum piercing to drop or lower. The area of concern with facial piercings would mostly be with a labret or Monroe type piercing. More or less body fat in the cheek areas could require a longer or shorter piercing shaft. Many Labret jewelry types are available with a bio flex or PTFE shaft the can be shortened or used full length to accommodate size requirements.

The most common piercing affected by change in weight is a belly piercing. A large amount of weight gain after a belly piercing can require a longer length shaft needed for the piercing. Extreme weight loss might require a shorter length shaft and depending on the type of jewelry being worn, an o-ring might need to be added for support of the jewelry. Pregnancy can further the complications more than just the weight gain alone. Fortunately there are many styles of belly piercings made just for use in pregnancy. Jewelry is also available in a bio-flex or PTFE type. The flexibility of the piercing shaft allows the jewelry to move with the body or movement of the baby without as much irritation.

Many of the extreme forms of body piercing are the types that would be affected by weight or muscle mass changes. Dermal piercing should be done on an area not likely to change in fat content as the length of the shaft to anchor would need adjusting. Flesh staples, another of the extreme forms, are affected by anything more than a moderate change in weight or muscle mass. Since this is a bar type piercing and is anchored in location it is not designed to stretch and shrinkage of the underlying surface area would cause the staple to loosen.

If you already have a piercing, other than an anchor or staple type, that has been affected by a change in weight you may be able to solve the problem yourself by purchasing a jewelry piece with a longer or shorter shaft. For piercings permanently anchored under the skin you should see a piercing specialist. If you are considering having a piercing done remember to ask your specialist if changes in weight will affect your piercing.

Learn more about this author, B. Leslie Baird.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.