Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience
Piercings can sometimes cause persistent irritation, scarring, stretching, or other changes to the skin. In some cases, the jewelry itself may need to be removed, while other situations may require treatment of the tissue surrounding the piercing.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and piercing removal in Washington, DC for patients experiencing concerns related to unwanted, irritated, damaged, or problematic piercings. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience, Dr. Holmes evaluates the piercing and surrounding tissue to determine the most appropriate approach.
Schedule a Piercing Removal Consultation
Surgical procedures are scheduled by phone. Call our office to discuss your concerns and determine the appropriate next step.
Call: 202-737-6800Piercing removal involves removing jewelry from an existing piercing and, when necessary, addressing changes or problems affecting the surrounding skin and tissue.
While some jewelry can be removed easily, certain situations may require professional evaluation or treatment.
A dermatologist can evaluate the piercing and surrounding tissue to determine whether simple jewelry removal is appropriate or whether additional treatment may be necessary.
There are several reasons someone may seek professional evaluation for piercing removal.
These may include:
The appropriate treatment depends on the condition of the piercing and surrounding tissue.
Consider scheduling an evaluation if a piercing:
A dermatologist can determine whether the concern can be addressed with jewelry removal alone or whether additional treatment may be appropriate.
Not every piercing requires a surgical procedure.
If the jewelry can be safely removed without difficulty, simple jewelry removal may be all that is needed.
However, some piercings can become embedded, damaged, stretched, or associated with excess scar tissue. These situations may require a more involved procedure.
Dr. Holmes will evaluate the area and determine the appropriate approach based on the individual situation.
Piercing-related concerns can occur in many areas of the body, including:
The treatment approach depends on the location, type of jewelry, condition of the piercing, and surrounding tissue.
Sometimes jewelry can become partially or completely embedded in the surrounding skin.
This may happen when swelling develops or when the jewelry is too tight for the tissue.
An embedded piercing should not be forcibly pulled or manipulated at home.
Professional evaluation can help determine the safest way to address the jewelry and any associated tissue irritation or injury.
Piercings can sometimes leave behind scar tissue after the jewelry is removed.
The resulting scar may appear as:
The appropriate treatment depends on the type and extent of scarring.
In some cases, additional treatment may be considered after the piercing has been removed and the area has healed.
Piercings can sometimes cause significant stretching or tearing of the earlobe.
If the earlobe has been partially or completely torn, simple jewelry removal will not repair the damaged tissue.
In these situations, earlobe repair may be considered.
Learn more about Earlobe Repair in Washington, DC →
The procedure depends on the specific problem being treated.
When a more involved removal is necessary, the treatment may include:
The specific technique will depend on the location and condition of the piercing.
If a procedure is necessary, local anesthesia may be used to numb the treatment area.
You may experience pressure or movement during the procedure, but the treatment area should be adequately numbed.
Some tenderness or discomfort may occur afterward as the area heals.
The time required depends on the type of piercing and whether additional treatment is necessary.
Simple jewelry removal may take only a short time, while removal of embedded jewelry or treatment of damaged tissue may require more time.
Your expected procedure time can be discussed during your consultation.
After removal, the treated area may require some time to heal.
Depending on the procedure, you may receive instructions regarding:
Following your post-procedure instructions can help support proper healing.
Whether an area can be re-pierced depends on the condition of the tissue and how well it heals.
If the piercing caused significant irritation, scarring, stretching, or tearing, re-piercing too soon may increase the risk of additional damage.
If you are considering re-piercing, discuss your plans with Dr. Holmes during your evaluation.
Patients with skin of color may experience pigmentation changes following inflammation, irritation, or injury.
After a piercing is removed or treated, the area may temporarily become darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's natural pigmentation and individual skin characteristics when evaluating piercing-related concerns and discussing treatment.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
A piercing that is mildly irritated may not require emergency care. However, significant or rapidly worsening symptoms should be evaluated promptly.
Seek medical attention for concerning symptoms such as:
Do not attempt to forcibly remove deeply embedded jewelry yourself.
Click on a question to reveal the answer:
Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Individualized Evaluation
of piercing-related skin and tissue concerns
Personalized Treatment Planning
based on the location and condition of the piercing
Experience With All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Attention to Healing and Skin Changes
with consideration for individual pigmentation and tissue characteristics
Recognized
2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for piercing-related skin concerns, skin growths, scars, and other dermatologic conditions.
Dr. Holmes considers the location and condition of the piercing, the surrounding tissue, the patient's concerns, and individual skin characteristics when developing an appropriate treatment plan.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes also considers pigmentation and healing characteristics when discussing treatment.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you have a piercing that is painful, irritated, embedded, stretched, damaged, or otherwise causing concern, a dermatology evaluation can help determine the appropriate next step.
Schedule a Piercing Removal Consultation in Washington, DC
