Piercing Aftercare

Piercing Aftercare

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Piercing Aftercare

There is no do-all tell-all process or guideline for aftercare of your new piercing. Nothing beats good old common sense but you will need to ensure that you follow through with your aftercare until your piercing is completely healed.

Failure to do this may result in your piercing becoming infected or being rejected by your body. There are a different variety of piercings and they will all have their own time and way of healing.

  1. Do not touch your healing piercing unless you are cleaning it and not before you have cleaned your hands first. The less time you spend touching your new piercing, the quicker you can expect it to heal
  2. Do not twist or rotate your new piercings as this will delay the healing process
  3. Do not remove or change your jewellery during the healing process
  4. Never use alcohol, peroxide, Neosporin or any other strong cleaning products for cleaning as they are generally too harsh and will irritate your new piercing.
  5. Immediately following any body piercing, you may experience some swelling or bleeding. This is a normal part of the body’s healing process but you should seek medical attention if you feel that you are suffering from an abnormal reaction.
  6. Swelling in the form of a lump can be classed as a keloid. Not all lumps are keloids, some can simply be side effects of the healing process. If keloids or any other form of lumps develop during healing then return to the studio for advice
  7. Avoid tanning oils, sand, lotions and tight fitting clothing on or around your new piercing
  8. A solution of rock salt and pre-boiled, slightly cooled water (1 part salt to 4 parts water) is best for cleaning your new piercing. Anti-bacterial soap such as dial, lever 2000, hibiclens etc can also be used. This can be done by either fully submerging the piercing (if possible) or by applying the solution liberally to the piercing and the surrounding areas with a cotton bud or pad.
  • You should aim to clean your piercing at least 2 to 3 times per day for as long as it takes for it to heal completely
  • If you notice any fluid or crust, ensure you remove it gently using the solution and cotton buds or pads. Stubborn build-up may need you to repeat the cleansing process until you’ve removed all the build-up.
  • Gently pat the area dry with a non-fibrous paper towel. Never use toilet paper or cosmetic tissues, as they can leave material residue behind.
  • Check that your jewellery is secure. Ensure threaded balls or screw on balls are tight and screwed on correctly.
  • Wash your hands again.

Healing Times

Healing times for piercings vary depending on the piercing and also vary from person to person. The below healing times are for guidance purposes only.

Piercing Position Healing Time
Belly 6 months to 1 year
Ear Lobe 4 – 6 weeks
Ear Cartilage 4 months to 1 year
Eyebrow 6 – 8 weeks
Lip 6 – 8 weeks
Nipple 2 – 3 months
Nose 2 – 3 months
Septum 6 – 8 weeks
Surface 6- 8 weeks
Tongue 4 – 6 weeks