I've had my piercing almost three weeks now. Today is Tuesday and Thursday will make my 3 week anniversary I never thought i would see this day I was in so much pain during the first week but now i love it. During the second week I wanted to change my top ball to a pink one and the entire barbell came out. I managed to get it back in although very slippery. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on removing it and how am i to be completely sure the swelling has dissipated. I don't know if my aftercare matters in answering my question so I'll include it anyway I rinsed my mouth out every two hours with the original listerine for 10 days and threw away the sea salt spray that was given to me thanks to this forum. Thats all I did. And i was pierced with a 14 guage barbell and i dont know the length. I wouldn't mind adding a picture i just dont how. Sorry for the exreme length. Thanks Guys!!!!
We recommend that you have a pair of latex or vinyl gloves to change your jewellery. This prevents it from being too slippery. Putting your jewellery in Plax or listerine to remove any bacteria before it goes into your mouth will be good as well.
The swelling, thats a problem because we have our clients return so that we can measure the tongue and get them a fitted shaft. We know by touching it whether all the swelling is gone. Generally, eating right, not playing with it too much and proper aftercare the swelling should be gone in about 4 weeks.
We also pierce with 12g as the 14g is too thin and can cut the tongue. If you can find a 12g, we would suggest inserting that one. From what we have seen, many places use either a 3 4" or 5 8' shaft. Our clients generally are reduced to a 1 2" barbell.
Hope we have helped.
