Eyebrow Piercing Scar Healing Time and Tips
Getting a piercing can be an extremely fun way to express yourself. But the possibility of scarring is a little daunting. You might find yourself on the verge of taking the plunge. And the fear of an eyebrow-piercing scar pulls you back. But fret not. We’ve got the low down on everything you need to know before you head on down to your next appointment.
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Eyebrow Piercings: The Good, The Bad, and The Punk
Brow piercings have been around for decades. They found popularity in the ‘70s, thanks to counterculture movements. Due to these roots, they earned themselves the status of being associated with being punk and anti-establishment. But people from all walks of life get them, and they’re no longer specific to any single group.
That being said, there is still a lot to understand about these piercings, despite how common and tried-and-tested they are. For one, they’re often not entirely permanent. Piercings that go through flatter skin are more likely to migrate to the surface over time. This process isn’t always as painful as it might sound and may even go unnoticed by some people. But for a few, it can be quite troublesome.
Another important factor is, naturally, the potential for an eyebrow-piercing scar. But this fear is a little more unfounded than others.
Eyebrow Piercing Scarring
Do brow piercings scar? The short answer is: yes. The slightly longer answer is: not all that much.
An eyebrow piercing has two main points at which scarring can take place. These are the entry and exit points of the barbell. As such, you’re only going to have those two points to worry about with each piercing. Moreover, brow piercing points are extremely tiny and almost unnoticeable in comparison to many others.
There are a few factors that will affect scarring, however. And these tend to be more specific to each person’s skin type and any pre-existing health conditions they may have.
Do Eyebrow Piercings Leave Scars?
To start with, the highly melanated are far more likely to see visible scarring. This means people of African, Asian, and Latin descent might notice the scarring more. The reason isn’t overly complex though. It is simply because such scarring is more visible on darker skin tones. Another important factor pertains to keloid scarring, which is also more common in darker skin tones.
Beyond these factors, there is also a possibility of scarring from a failed piercing. This occurs when a piercing begins to migrate or is all-out rejected by your body. And this happens because your body is pushing it out as it would any “foreign invader.”
A final factor has to do with improper aftercare. This can lead to infection and leave behind a more permanent mark.
Healed Eyebrow Piercing Scar
As with most scars, brow scars will naturally fade over time. Tiny scars are barely noticeable, so it’s unlikely you’ll even realize they’re still there. As a matter of fact, a brow piercing scar is usually less visible than the popular trend of shaving a scar into your eyebrow. But unlike these tiny scars the larger, darker ones might catch your eye more and be less easy to ignore.
If you do experience a scar that is unseemly and upsetting for you, the first and most important step would be to seek a professional’s opinion. This could be the person who did your piercing themselves, of course. But the more recommended route would be to consult a dermatologist and ensure there is no infection behind the scarring. If you do experience an infection, one of the first things you should have checked is your piercing jewelry itself.
Finding a good, qualified piercer who uses sanitized materials and gives you proper advice on how to take the best care of your piercing while it heals is the most important step. This will ensure you’re able to prevent most issues, including infection and highly visible scars.
Treating Piercing Scars at Home
Once you’re cleared on that front, opt for a simple and effective skincare routine. Preferably one crafted for your skin by a dermatologist. While there are many products that make bold claims about skin recovery, there are few substitutes for the tried-and-tested basics. Keeping the spot of your scarring clean and moisturized will enhance its natural healing abilities and fade the scar faster.
One of the best ways to keep a piercing clean, especially if you notice minor scarring, is a salt or saline soak. Another recommended remedy is a chamomile soak, though this does cause a reaction in those allergic to ragweed and must be thus used with caution.
Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Scar Treatments
You can, of course, incorporate a few additional elements into your routine to speed the healing process along. These include over-the-counter creams and gels to remove scars. Silicone gel is one of the more popular scar-fading treatments you can pick up at your local pharmacy. It is applied directly to the piercing and is usually done twice a day for the best results. Certain brands, like Maderma, also offer creams and gels to heal scars specifically. But topical treatments are just one piece of the puzzle. You can also try massages around the scar tissue to weaken it and minimize its appearance.
Eyebrow Piercing Scars and Infections
You might, of course, gravitate toward homemade treatments. And these may certainly work well for many people. But it is important to note the greater risk of infection when using such products. Applying any product that can worsen an infection will cause more than just a scar. It could push your body into fight mode and result in a fever, worse infection and scarring, and pain.
And that’s hardly worth the trouble for a scar that’s barely visible.
Eyebrow Piercing Scar Removal
If, however, your scar is significantly larger and deeply pigmented, you might want to look at other options. These include a laser removal procedure or corticosteroid injections.
These, as the names themselves suggest, are relatively more intense options. As such, they should only be used in extreme cases, such as ones where the scarring is causing you discomfort or distress. And, naturally, there must only be performed by a licensed professional.
The likelihood of needing such treatment, however, depends entirely on how good your piercer is and how diligent you are with your aftercare.
Great Eyebrows Happen By Appointment
Let’s face it: if any of us was born with our “brows on fleek,” that would make you immediate royalty. But, as they say, if you can’t make your own, storebought is just fine.
Spicing up your brow game is a fantastic way to upgrade your look. And if the only reason you haven’t done it yet is that you’ve been worried about an eyebrow-piercing scar ruining your look or causing serious infection, perhaps these tips can help lessen your fears. Just remember to find a qualified person to do the job for you, be sure to stick to their advice while your piercing heals, and you’ll do just fine.
