Should i downsize my monroe piercings?

i got my snakebites done a few months ago. the piercer used a longer 14g stud to pierce it, saying it would accommodate for the swelling. i didn't have many problems with it, i followed the aftercare, and it's healed fine. i then bought some monroe studs because the originals were getting long and sticking out. they were 16g. i left a pair in for a few days, until my lip starting getting irritated and i decided to take them out and replace my old ones. (i have super thick lips btw) it hurt like hell trying to get the stud back in, and i haven't messed with them since. should i just look for 14g studs? i don't wanna go through that pain again...