Depending on how long you previously wore jewelry in the piercing and how long it has since been empty, there’s usually a pretty high possibility of a jewelry insertion versus having to do an entirely new piercing altogether. In most cases if you’re able to put jewelry partially through an existing piercing but have difficulty inserting it completely, it’s more than likely just shrunk and can be reopened by a professional piercer with an insertion taper. The insertion taper appears similar to a piercing needle but has a rounded end that is smaller than the jewelry worn in your previous piercing and gradually increases in size, reopening the piercing and allowing for jewelry to follow. Although not the same as a brand new piercing, reopening a piercing that has been without jewelry for more than 1 month can still result in initial swelling or redness for a few days-weeks following but generally goes away relatively quickly in comparison to an entirely new piercing. In the case that we’re able to perform a jewelry insertion as opposed to a new piercing, you’re welcome to bring in the jewelry you’ve previously worn in the piercing to have it reinserted for a minimal fee.  If we’re able to determine that the piercing is actually closed entirely, re-piercing the area is treated just as any other new piercing with no difference in terms of healing/aftercare. If your interest in re-piercing altogether has to do with a placement issue, one of our piercers can consult with you regarding the possibility or correction based on the space allowed in the area of the piercing. If the placement requested for a correction is too close to an existing piercing, often times this results in the two piercings merging together and creating a larger hole. In this case, our piercers may recommend consulting with a dermatologist about having your existing piercing closed up in order to safely allow for a new piercing in the future.