Essentially, the closing of a piercing hole is your immune system’s response to a wound.

The immune system response triggers regenerative tissue in the wound.

Dermatologist Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group explained toByrdiehow the process works.

Girl sanitizing her ear piercing

But older, healed piercings can also close up if left empty for too long.

Enjoy those piercings, but do it safely!

Close up of man opening sterile equipment for piercing