Q: My new medusa piercing looked fine when I left my piercer but I got home and looked in the mirror and it seems to be off-center. Should I remove it and start over, or can it be fixed? -Crystal

A: This advice is especially true for philtrum/Medusa piercings – let it heal. For one thing, the philtrum (that little divot under your nose) is notorious for swelling like crazy after it is pierced. You undoubtedly got a good look at it after it was pierced and you were satisfied with the results. It was straight and properly located and looked good, right? (This is why it’s SO important to check well!) But by the time you got home…. It’s funky looking. That is clearly a result of swelling making it look a tad off. (After all, migration would take far longer and an improper pierce you would have noticed. So let it heal, let the swelling come down for a week, two weeks, and then decide. If it’s still not where you want it, go have it removed if you feel the need. But just giving it a chance to settle and for the swelling to go down can make the difference between a piercing you love and having to repeat the entire experience. Best of luck!

Q: I want to change out my jewelry in my nose piercing but I'm not sure what size or gauge to use. How do I know which to get? -Sam E.

A: The standard gauge for a nostril piercing is 20 gauge or 0.8mm. That said, standard is not universal, and your nostrils may not be. So, that leaves you with two options. You can go see a piercer, who will be more than happy to change your jewelry and tell you what gauge and length/diameter (depending on style) you may require. Your other option is to buy a set of digital jewelry calipers and measure what you already have for gauge and length/diameter. While a set of calipers is generally a good investment for people with piercings, getting nostril jewelry into place can be trickier than other piercings because of the location. Circular jewelry like seamless styles or open styles are fairly hassle-free while a captive ring can be a challenge and a flatback labret can be virtually impossible to do on oneself even with a pair of forceps and a steady hand. So, while the standard sizes are 18 gauge and 8mm for length/diameter, your best bet is to go see a professional who can give you a more bespoke experience. Happy piercing!

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Disclaimer: Body Candy is only here to give you fun and helpful advice and information when it comes to getting pierced. Always consult a professional piercer to make sure a new piercing is right for you!