I've had my nose peirced for about a year now, I don't compete but I take mine out frequently( visiting snooty family, ect.) My nose has not closed up, the closest it came was after it fell out during my 10 hour sleep( I was sick) it started to close, but I was able to stick an earing through and then put in a stud.. Since if i were to take it out it seems chances are it will close up