Piercing Aftercare
Piercing Aftercare Instructions
Proper aftercare is essential for safe piercing healing. Follow these guidelines provided by our professional piercers.
Expected Healing Times
| Piercing Type | Initial Healing | Full Healing | Downsize at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earlobe | 6–8 weeks | 3–4 months | 4–6 weeks |
| Helix / Cartilage | 3–6 months | 6–12 months | 8–12 weeks |
| Tragus | 3–6 months | 6–12 months | 8–12 weeks |
| Daith | 3–6 months | 9–12 months | 10–12 weeks |
| Conch | 3–6 months | 6–12 months | 8–12 weeks |
| Industrial | 4–6 months | 9–12 months | 10–14 weeks |
| Nostril | 2–4 months | 4–6 months | 6–8 weeks |
| Septum | 6–8 weeks | 3–4 months | 4–6 weeks |
| Lip / Labret | 6–8 weeks | 3–4 months | 2–4 weeks |
| Tongue | 4–6 weeks | 2–3 months | 2–3 weeks |
| Navel | 4–6 months | 9–12 months | 8–12 weeks |
| Nipple | 4–6 months | 9–12 months | 8–12 weeks |
A piercing is considered “healed” when it no longer produces discharge, feels tender, or shows redness.
Cleaning Routine (2× Daily)
Clean twice a day — morning and before bed. No more, no less. Over-cleaning is as harmful as under-cleaning.
- 1Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately before touching or cleaning your piercing. Every time, no exceptions.
- 2Rinse the piercing with saline wound wash (NeilMed or equivalent). Spray directly or apply with clean lint-free gauze — never cotton balls, which leave fibres behind.
- 3Let the saline sit for 30–60 seconds to loosen any crust or discharge around the jewelry.
- 4Gently wipe away any softened crust with clean lint-free gauze or a Q-tip. Do not pick or force anything off.
- 5Rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue.
- 6Pat dry with a fresh paper towel or clean gauze. Do not rub.
- 7Apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment or saline spray to keep the site protected.
⚠ Do not over-clean. Cleaning more than twice a day strips natural oils and prolongs healing.
Products to NEVER Use
Alcohol & Hydrogen Peroxide
Kill healthy cells, dry out and damage the tissue around your piercing, massively slow healing.
Bacitracin & Polysporin
Cause allergic reactions, clog pores, don't cleanse the wound, and interfere with new tissue formation.
Bactine / Antiseptic Sprays
Contain benzalkonium chloride — too harsh for open wounds, damages healing tissue.
Soap Directly on the Wound
Use soap only to clean your hands before touching. Do not apply soap into the piercing channel.
What to Avoid
Physical
- • Do not touch, twist, rotate, or move the jewelry
- • Do not sleep directly on a new ear piercing
- • Avoid tight clothing rubbing over body piercings
- • Do not pick off crusty discharge — soak it off
Water & Environment
- • No swimming in pools, lakes, oceans, or hot tubs
- • Showers are fine — let clean water rinse over it
- • Avoid submerging in bath water
- • No saunas, steam rooms, or tanning beds
Lifestyle
- • No makeup, lotions, perfume, or hairspray near it
- • Keep hair away from facial/ear piercings
- • No oral contact with the piercing site
Jewelry & Downsizing
Your initial jewelry is longer than your final piece — this is intentional. It accommodates swelling.
- 1Do not change jewelry for at least 6–8 weeks for lobes and septum, or 3–6 months for cartilage and body piercings.
- 2Downsize at the appropriate time. Come back to the studio — we will swap to a shorter post that sits flush.
- 3After downsizing, continue aftercare until the piercing is fully healed.
- 4Material matters: use only implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136), implant-grade steel, solid 14k+ gold, or niobium.
⚠ Never attempt to change your own jewelry during initial healing. Come to the studio.
Possible Complications
Irritation Bump vs. Infection
Small, fluid-filled bumps near the piercing site are usually irritation bumps — caused by snagging, sleeping on the piercing, or incorrect jewelry fit. Fix the cause and the bump typically resolves. Continue saline aftercare. Do not pick or puncture.
⚕ Signs of Infection — See a Doctor Within 24 Hours If:
- • The area is red, hot, swollen, and increasingly painful beyond the first week
- • You notice thick yellow-green pus (distinct from normal clear/white lymph)
- • You have a fever or feel generally unwell
- • Redness is spreading visibly beyond the immediate piercing area
⚠ If you suspect infection, do NOT remove the jewelry. See a physician with the jewelry in place.
Recommended Products
Saline Spray (NeilMed Wound Wash or similar) · HeadRush Healing Gel · Spectro Gel face wash (for dry or sensitive skin)
NEVER USE: Bacitracin, Polysporin, Neosporin, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, Bactine, or any antiseptic not specifically formulated for piercings.
Questions about your piercing?
Contact us before doing anything you're unsure about.