What is the difference between a medical-grade piercing stud and a regular earring?

Our medical-grade piercing studs (used with a medical piercing gun) are designed with thicker posts (1.3mm) than a standard sized earring post (1.0mm). After the initial 6-week healing stage, the piercing studs are permanently removed. Standard sized posts can then be easily inserted into the slightly larger hole, greatly reducing the possibility of damaging the newly formed canal. While the piercing continues to heal, the hole will slowly shrink to accommodate the newer, thinner post.