Although the treatment is perfectly safe for long-term use, the stud itself mush be changed about every four days. This is because, even though the studs are sterile and made of stainless steel, if they stay in over longer periods of time they may act as a focus of infection. To avoid this risk, studs need to be changed regularly. The ear used is alternated to further reduce the risk as well. Patients are warned that in the event of which the ear becomes painful or itchy, they should take the studs out immediately.
The great advantage of ear acupuncture is that they have no side effects. Unlike nicotine chewing gum and appetite suppressants, no drug is entering the patient’s system, so studs can continue to be used for as long as it takes the patient to achieve his goal.