Piercings After Care

GENERAL INFO -
CARING FOR YOUR NEW PIERCING

Let's begin with two important points to keep in mind:

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR PIERCING

You will only touch your piercing if you are cleaning it. To do this, you must first wash your hands.

AVOID REMOVING YOUR PIERCING

A new piercing can shrink if the jewelry is removed. This can make it difficult or impossible to get the jewelry back in.

Normal things to expect during healing:

A new piercing can cause bleeding, swelling, and/or bruising.
It is normal for the body to secrete a yellowish-whitish fluid, but not pus, as part of healing. It is liquid once it leaves the body, but it dries into "crusties".
While healing, piercings may experience "ups and downs". For a time, they may appear healed but then regress. During initial healing, it is important to keep up with your cleaning habits.
For several days, you can expect some tenderness or discomfort around the new piercing. Itching and discoloration are common during the healing process.
Unclean piercings, including healed ones, can smell unattractive. However, this does not necessarily mean that there is a problem.
Jewelry is not expected to move or rotate in any piercing, even after healing.
Most piercings shrink or close quickly if the jewelry is removed. It is important to leave your jewelry in place at all times!

TIPS: BODY PIERCING AFTERCARE

SALINE SOAKS

This name is not meant to confuse. Saline soaks, also known as saline bathtubs, are simply a bath with a saline solution in which you soak your new piercings. A saline soak can be done in just a few steps.

Use a small container to hold the saline solution. You should fill the cup with enough solution to submerge your jewelry.
Allow the piercing to soak for two to three minutes.
Remove the cup and gently dry the piercing with a towel.

What do these baths do?

Saline baths can be used to cleanse the piercing, draw out discharge and stimulate circulation. This keeps the piercing clean both inside and out for quicker healing.

Saline soaks are easy to do.

You will most likely want to choose a warm, salty bath. Warm water stimulates blood flow to the area and brings oxygen and other nutrients to your piercing. While colder water may offer some pain relief for swelling skin during the initial stages of healing, blood flow is essential for successful healing. After you have finished your salt bath, you may apply a cold compress to the new piercing. This will provide some pain relief.

STERILE WOUND-CARE SALINE MORNING & EVENING

Although it doesn't have the same benefits as a warm bath, sterile wound-care spray is more convenient than a warm one. Avoid touching your piercings without washing your hands. Keep your jewelry in place at all times.

Spray the saline directly onto the piercing to flush it OR soak a non-woven gauze with saline then apply to the piercing. Keep it saturated for at least 10 minutes, twice a day.
A non-woven gauze or a Q-tip may be necessary to remove any "crusties" or other debris from the piercing.
This product does not need to be rinsed. However, if you do, make sure to use clean, running water.
For threaded piercings (barbells, etc.), check it to ensure it is still tight.

OPTIONAL- USE A MILD SOAP AT THE END OF YOUR BATHING ROUTINE - NO MORE THAN ONCE A DAY

To remove any hair or skincare products that may irritate your piercing, a mild (non-antibacterial), liquid soap should be used at end of your bathing ritual. It is important that your jewelry remains in place throughout your cleaning process.

Wash your hands with the mild soap that you will be using to clean your piercing.
After you have finished your bathing routine thoroughly, lather your hands with mild soap. and rub the jewelry and area around your piercing for between 30-60 seconds.
You might need to clean any "crusties", which may have accumulated around the piercing with a Q-tip or a non-woven gauze.
Wash all soap and suds under running water. You can rotate the jewelry if it moves easily. If it doesn't move easily, don't force it to move! After you have rinsed the jewelry, dry it with a towel. For threaded piercings, make sure it is still tight.

HOW TO HEAL A BODY PIERCING - WHAT NOT TO DO

Keep your piercings clean and avoid touching them.
Avoid applying any aftercare products or creams that are not recommended by your piercer.
Avoid using makeup or lotions around your piercing.
Avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, etc.
For some piercings, you can use a waterproof and breathable bandage such as Tegaderm.
Avoid contact with bodily fluids with other people.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS TO HEAL A BODY PIERCING

Don't clean your piercings more frequently than recommended. Over-cleaning can cause damage and slow down healing.
A multivitamin with zinc and vitamin C may help boost your body's healing capabilities.
Stress, poor diet, drug abuse, or illness can lead to extended healing times and other problems.
Clean your bedding. This is particularly important if your pets sleep in your bed.
Contact us immediately if you suspect that your piercing has become infected. We are not physicians, but we can offer suggestions based on our experience. Remember that redness, tenderness, and swelling are normal. However, we recommend clients consult a healthcare professional for any unexpected conditions.

TIPS FOR SPECIFIC BODY PIERCINGS

FACIAL AND EAR PIERCINGS

Protect piercings with hair spray or styling products.
Avoid contact with unclean phones and clean your phone often.
If you have just had your ear pierced, it is important to avoid sleeping with damp hair. This can cause problems.

NIPPLE PIERCINGS

If you have pets, it is a good idea to wear a tight-fitting shirt or bra while you sleep, particularly if they get in or onto your bed.
Many women find wearing a bra to be more comfortable during initial healing.

GENITAL PIERCINGS

Sexual contact is allowed, but it shouldn't be harsh. Piercings should be kept out of the reach of other people's bodily fluids (saliva, or any other), while they heal (even if you are in monogamous relationships).
To prevent infection, a good condom or barrier is essential. Avoid lubricants which are not water-based.
Some mucous membranes may not require soap.

NAVEL

Avoid tight clothing (waistbands, etc.)
Do not rub on your piercings.

ORAL PIERCING AS AFTERCARE

USE DILUTED, ALCHOL-FREE MOUTHWASH - MORNING & EVENING

To maintain oral hygiene while piercings are healing, it is important to use a mild mouthwash. Too strong a mouthwash can cause damage to cells and slow down the healing process. Make sure you choose an alcohol-free mouthwash like Biotene, Crest Pro-Health, or Colgate Advanced Care. Mix it 50/50 in distilled or bottled water.

You should never touch your piercings without washing your hands first.
Also, don't forget to always keep your jewelry in.
For 30-60 seconds, gently mix an alcohol-free mouthwash with 50/50 distilled or bottled tap water.
You may rinse your mouth with bottled water if you so desire.
For threaded piercings (barbells, etc.), check it to ensure it is still tight.

HOW TO HEAL AN ORAL PIERCING - WHAT NOT TO DO

Do not touch your piercing unless you are cleaning it.
Contact with bodily fluids of other people.
Drink thick drinks (such as milkshakes) through straws.
Consuming hot, spicy food and excessive amounts of alcohol, aspirin, or caffeine.
IF you smoke, you should rinse your mouth with cold bottled water right after.
Chewing gum, tobacco, or fingernails.
Avoid playing with jewelry. It can cause irreversible damage to your teeth and gums.

ADDITIONAL TIPS TO HEAL ORAL PIERCING

For the first few days, gently suck on ice to reduce swelling.
Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen can be used to reduce swelling
Get a new toothbrush!
To prevent plaque buildup, be sure to gently brush your jewelry and tongue.
At the end of your initial healing, come back in for JEWELRY DOWNSIZING. The initial healing period for oral piercings can cause them to swell, so you will need more room for cleaning. It is recommended to replace your initial jewelry with a shorter piece of jewelry once the swelling has subsided. This will decrease the chances of tooth decay, gum recession, or bone loss.
Don't clean your piercings more frequently than recommended. Over-cleaning can cause damage and slow down healing.
A multivitamin with zinc and vitamin C may help boost your body's healing capabilities. Stress, poor diet, drug abuse, and illness can all lead to prolonged healing times or other problems.
Contact us immediately if you suspect that your piercing has become infected. We aren't doctors but we can offer suggestions based upon our experience. Remember that a healing piercing can cause some redness, tenderness, and swelling. However, we recommend clients consult a doctor if there is any unusual redness, tenderness, or swelling at the site or any unexpected drainage.