Woman with nose piercing
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Nose Rings Should Be Left In

Because nose piercings have a tendency to close very quickly, alternatives to removing your nose ring should be considered. If you're thinking of taking your nose ring out for appearance reasons, or for surgery or x-rays, you should instead insert a clear acrylic retainer. These retainers are nearly invisible and won't affect x-rays or surgeries.

If You Must Remove Your Nose Ring

If removing your nose ring is absolutely necessary, keep it out for only a few minutes at first and gradually work up to longer intervals. Nose piercings that have not fully healed -- healing takes at least one year -- will most likely close up within a few minutes of the ring being removed. Wash your hands when removing jewelry and wash your hands, jewelry and piercing when reinserting to avoid infection.

Bottom Line

It is not recommended that nose rings be taken out for any length of time. If you must remove your nose ring, do so for only a few minutes at a time.