Navigating eyebrow piercing complications: Can it lead to eye infections?

So, you're ready to take the plunge and get a cool, new eyebrow piercing, but you're worried about eyebrow piercing complications. Thankfully, we have some tips for you to help avoid complications that can help keep your piercing from causing an eye infection.

Understanding eyebrow piercing complications 

If you're thinking about getting an eyebrow piercing, it's a good idea to know what you're getting into. Along with looking cool, you should be aware that there can be a few unexpected complications that can pop up.

Overview of eyebrow piercing 

Body piercing goes way back to the Egyptians, so that's why they're cool. An eyebrow piercing, in particular, is a fashion statement and a form of personal expression. It's you doing you.

Healing process and duration 

Once you've gotten your eyebrow piercing, the area can take around two to three months to fully heal. However, that's if you keep it clean, don't fiddle with it too much, or have any complications.

Potential complications and risks 

Now we'll get into those eyebrow piercing complications we've brought up a few times. While eyebrow piercings are mostly safe and usually heal without incident, things can go awry because the skin in the area is delicate.

Black eye from eyebrow piercing 

Sometimes, you'll just see bruising or swelling, and other times, you can even get a black eye from an eyebrow piercing. If you don't like the idea of looking like you got into a fight with your neighbor over a barking dog, you might want to put off getting your piercing right before a special occasion — especially if there will be pictures (thanks, Dad).

Infection risk in eyebrow piercings 

Without proper hygiene, the area can get infected, and the eyebrow piercing infection can spread to your eye. Not to scare you, but in a worst-case scenario, the infection can get into your bloodstream and start spreading to other areas.

Allergic reactions and migration 

Once you've chosen where you want your eyebrow piercing, it should stay there, right? Well, not necessarily.

Your body can do this freaky thing where it rejects the piercing and tries to push it out, kind of like it does with a splinter. This process can cause your piercing to actually migrate to a new location. Pretty weird, right?

One way to prevent this, besides proper aftercare, is to make sure your piercing is made with material your body is less likely to reject, such as surgical steel or a nickel-free alloy. Another tip is to start with a curved barbell rather than a ring.

Reducing risks and ensuring safe healing 

You can never hear it too many times, but when it comes to your eyes: hygiene, hygiene, hygiene. This is especially true when it comes to wound care, which is basically what a piercing is: a wound (even if it's a cool one).

Proper aftercare practices 

This list may seem super-picky, but you'll thank us later when your piercing is completely healed, and you avoided major complications:

1. Keep your hands clean.
2. Clean the area two to three times daily.
3. Only clean with saline solution or aftercare cleansers provided by your piercing professional.
4. Only rinse with distilled water.
5. Pat dry with sterile products.
6. Don't touch, rub, or try to move the jewelry while cleaning (or at any time).
7. Keep soap, facewash, and makeup removers away from the area.
8. Don't wax eyebrows or use makeup near your piercing.
9. Avoid harsh chemicals, such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
10. Don't cover the jewelry or use ointments.
11. Avoid swimming in unchlorinated water and smoking.
12. Postpone getting your haircut or colored.
13. Keep bangs and long strands pinned back so hair doesn't snag on the jewelry.

Choosing a professional piercer 

While you may think the best way to choose a piercer is by looking for someone with a lot of piercings and tattoos, their hygienic practices are much more important. Choose a piercing professional who:

• Has received professional training
• Is experienced
• Has reference photos of past eyebrow piercings
• Has a positive reputation
• Follows strict hygiene and sterilization method
• Wears sterile gloves
• Sterilizes needles and tools in an autoclave
• Uses high-quality materials in the jewelry
• Provides aftercare instructions

So, how long does an eyebrow piercing take to heal?

Ultimately, it really depends on a lot of things. However, if you choose a reputable piercing professional, pick jewelry made of high-quality materials, and follow proper aftercare practices, the area should be completely healed in 2 to 3 months.

To really make that piercing pop, consider trying out some colored contacts for an even more daring look. Order contacts online with coupon codes and our Gajillion Percent Promise.

 

FAQs

What are the signs of an infected eyebrow piercing? 

Signs can include swollen lymph nodes, green or brown pus, fever, or the site being red, swollen, and warm to the touch.

Can eyebrow piercings cause vision-related issues? 

This is unlikely but could happen if an infection spreads systemically from the piercing site to the eye.

What should I do if my eyebrow piercing becomes infected? 

If your eyebrow piercing becomes infected, you should seek immediate attention from a medical provider.