Fortunately, after receiving treatment for 9 days, the swelling subsided and I was able to take off the taping. I'm going to the hospital again in a week to check the progress. They said they'll take it out if it's still there, but I'm scared to death... What's the cause of the swelling? I have a metal allergy, and if I don't wear earrings or necklaces, I break out in hives and it's a mess. Does that have anything to do with it? Could it be that I'm having a rejection reaction to silicone? It's not necessarily because of alcohol or cigarettes... Seriously, after experiencing it once, I'm scared to death that I'll get it again.............