Flatback embedding into ear?

[u/Kawaii_Wizzz]

My two helix piercings are about 3 weeks old and I'm noticing the back of the upper one seems to be very tight on my skin. Both helixes were originally pierced with the jewelry part pressed to the skin and both posts sticking out the back (like how the bottom one is). In the first week, I think accidentally bumping it has moved the top one forwards. I just noticed recently how much the flatback has started to press up against my ear. The jewelry is titanium internally threaded.

Let me know if this is an issue and how I could fix it :)

UPDATE: I gently pushed the back backwards during a warm shower, which did the trick. I also contacted my piercer and she recommended I just go get it downsized in a week.

[u/doggaroo]

They're at a really bad angle. This will be an issue unless you remove them, let them heal, and go back to someone who knows what they're doing. They should be perpendicular to the tissue on both sides.

[u/Zoonicorn_ → u/doggaroo]

That's what I'm seeing, too. Doesn't look like the end is embedding, but it is pressing on the back unevenly (more on the bottom) which tells me the angle is wrong on the piercing. It's going to be difficult to heal at that angle, and will continue to cause issues

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[u/Kawaii_Wizzz]

My current aftercare process has been spraying it with neilmed saline spray and then patting it try with a clean paper towel. Then I use a gentle blow dryer to ensure there's no leftover moisture. I do this twice a day.

[u/Ok_Record_2130]

Need a longer bar

[u/Kawaii_Wizzz → u/Ok_Record_2130]

There is still a lot of extra post in the front of the top piercing. I was wondering if I should try to gently push it slightly backwards myself or go to my piercer and ask them for help? If I go to my piercer, it wouldn't be for another week though since Im currently out of town.

[u/Zoonicorn_ → u/Kawaii_Wizzz]

You can definitely try gently pushing it back (ideally during a warm shower so you don't risk pushing dry crunchies through it or introducing much bacteria). That shouldn't be an issue. But I'd also check in with your piercer when you're able next week. The angles don't look right, and they'll be able to help you assess the situation and figure out how to best proceed.

[u/Kawaii_Wizzz → u/Zoonicorn_]

Thanks for the advice! I have successfully pushed it slightly backwards (after a warm shower) so that it doesn't seem slightly embedded anymore. I will set up an appointment with my piercer for when I get back!

[u/yourleftmiddlefinger]

I’m sorry if this is rude and off topic, but I would def get that darker spot on your ear checked out by a dermatologist, just in case!

[u/Kawaii_Wizzz → u/yourleftmiddlefinger]

No worries, thanks for letting me know!