Q: My cartilage piercing has finally healed. Can I sleep with my jewelry in, or should I take it out at night? I’m worried about it closing up after all that work. -Ashley

A: Definitely don’t take your jewelry out overnight unless you absolutely have to. Piercings have a mind of their own and can start shrinking whenever they feel like it. Sometimes it takes days, other times it can happen in just a few hours. And while shrinking isn’t the same thing as closing up, it can still mean you’ll need a trip to your piercer to get it reinserted with a taper.

If your jewelry isn’t bothering you while you sleep, just leave it in. The only real reasons to remove it are if it’s uncomfortable, you’re swapping it for something comfier at bedtime, or if there’s a legit medical reason. Otherwise, keep it in, keep it safe, and avoid the hassle. Your piercings will thank you.

Q: What exactly are play piercings? I wanted to get a corset piercing, but I saw someone say it’s a play piercing and that it’s only temporary? - Sienna

A: Yes, play piercings are more of a temporary vibe. think for a photoshoot, a special event, or just for the aesthetic. They’re not meant to heal long-term, and honestly, most won’t. Instead, they’ll eventually reject and leave behind scars if you try to keep them in.

Something like a corset piercing looks amazing, but the constant pulling and tension on the jewelry makes it pretty much impossible to heal correctly. That’s why play piercings are all about the moment! Fun, bold, and beautiful while they last, but definitely not forever. Once the event is over, the jewelry has to come out.

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!