Primary Intent

A cut or puncture heals by Primary Intent when the freshly cut edges of the tissue can be brought into contact with one another. The skin will join with skin, connective tissue to connective tissue. This is the most rapid form of healing, however piercings cannot heal this way because the jewelry prevents the wound from closing.

Secondary Intent

A cut that remains open heals by Secondary Intent. In this case, a layer of what is called 'granulation tissue' forms over the injured surface, a layer of skin will develop over time replacing the granulation tissue from the edges inward.  This form of healing is a slower form than primary intent. Body piercings heal by in this way. The six week healing period often suggested for navel piercings actually corresponds to the development of the tube of granulation tissue in the piercing. The 'epithelialization' of the piercing, or the replacement of the granulation tissue with skin, is 6-9 months. If the  jewelry is removed during this period, the piercing may be lost (see Tertiary Intent).

Tertiary Intent

If a wound is healing by secondary intent, and the surfaces of the granulation tissue have come together, the surfaces will join, closing the wound. The body then reabsorbs the granulation tissue, and the surfaces will rejoin each other. This is how piercings that are 8 months old can be lost.