I had my hood pierced about 2 1 2 years ago, and I'm now experiencing what is called "hypergranulation" of the piercing. This is basically a raw piece of tissue that is protruding from one side of the ring (it's a horizontal).
After having read an article on what might have caused this abnormality and after calming myself down from my freak-out! I have learned that my piercing must be removed in order for the hypergranulation to also be removed.
Can you please tell me if this is true? Is there nothing else I can do? Can I put the piercing back later or should I remove it permanently?
Thanks for your help!
Hypergranulation is the process of scar tissue production. This is also known as a hypertrophic scar (the result of the process) which has been mentioned in a number of the threads in this forum.
It is a response to continued or repeated injury of the tissue. With a horizontal hood of this age, the most common cause is unsuitability of the individual for the piercing: If the outer labia are pronounced the ring will be continually twisted to align on the center line by pressure from the outer labia. In these cases, a vertical hood piercing is much more suitable.
If the growth is to be removed using cryocautery (liquid nitrogen) the ring must be removed for the procedure to limit the treatment to the growth. If the ring is in place, the lining of the piercing will be frozen and injured by the procedure.
It has been our experience that jewelry can be replaced after these procedures with no ill effect, so long as the conditions leading to the hypergranulation are themselves eliminated.
Good luck and keep us posted.
