This is a question that comes up with the very small heads that we use on some of our jewellery. The answer is ~ avoid making the hole too big!
Unfortunately there is a difference between the nominal size of a needle, and the actual diameter of the hole it cuts in the piercing. The difference is actually the difference between the internal and the external diameter of the (cannula) needle.
- 14 gauge, (Orange top) give a hole diameter of 2.1mm ... we don't use them!
- 16 gauge, (Grey top) give a hole diameter of 1.7mm ... we use them for 1.6mm jewellery.
- 18 gauge, (Green top) give a hole of 1.3mm diameter ... we use them for 1.2mm jewellery.
- 20 gauge, (Pink top) give a hole of 1.1mm diameter ... we use them for 1.0mm jewellery.
This makes a big difference in several ways. If an "18 gauge" (1.0mm) needle is used to pierce for a 1.0mm Nose Stud, with a 1.5mm head, then the actual size of the hole is 1.3mm. If there is any swelling, there is virtually nothing to hold the head outside the hole, and it will, very likely, disappear ... the best option is, obviously, use the smaller 0.8 needle (20 gauge).
Additional benefits are achieved by doing this. Because the jewellery is a better fit, it acts as a plug and reduces bleeding (if there is any at all). There is also less seepage of body fluids. Perhaps the bigges benefit is that it reduces the chance of infection ... and the head won't disappear!
For those piercers who do not use cannula needles, this advice is probably of no use, as they will have discovered for themselves the needle of preference to them.
