Piercing Aftercare Guide
Recommended Cleaning Solutions
- Packaged sterile saline solution — gentle and effective for body piercings.
- Alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash — ideal for oral piercings.
Cleaning Instructions
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning your piercing.
- Rinse with sterile saline (or mouthwash for oral piercings) 2–3 times daily.
- Do not rotate or twist the jewelry — this can delay healing.
- Dry by gently patting with clean, disposable paper towels. Avoid cloth towels, as they can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry.
If signs of infection appear, Bactine (an antibacterial cleaner sold at most pharmacies), can be used to help.
If signs of infection persist contact our piercers or come by the shop in person.
In cases of emergency a doctor may be necessary to control extreme cases of infection!
Healing Tips
- Keep hands clean before any contact with your piercing.
- Change bedding often! Bedding can harbor a lot of bacteria so change/wash those pillowcases, sheets, and blankets!
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle — good nutrition and rest help your body heal faster.
- Avoid smoking with fresh oral piercings.
- Do not swim or fully submerge your piercing until healed.
- Avoid harsh cleaners like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, strong tea tree oil, or ointments — over-cleaning can be as harmful as under-cleaning.
- Bactine is safe for infected piercings, but should not be used for routine cleaning.
Every body heals differently — contact your piercer with any concerns.
Shop phone: (423) 206-9933
Emergencies only: (423) 488-2518 - Matthew, our current head piercer.
Socials/website: @LaughingKoffinTattoo
What to Expect During Healing
- Early stage: mild bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or bruising.
- Healing stage: possible discoloration, itching, and a whitish-yellow secretion that forms light crust on the jewelry.
- Jewelry may feel tight or not move freely — do not force movement.
- Piercings can appear healed before they actually are; tissue heals from the outside in.
- Even fully healed piercings can shrink if left empty for extended periods — keep jewelry in place if you want to maintain it.
Average Healing Times
- Earlobe: 4–8 weeks
- Ear cartilage: 3–4 months
- Nostril: 2–4 months
- Eyebrow: 6–8 weeks
- Tongue: 4–8 weeks
- Labret: 6–8 weeks
- Navel: 8–12 months
- Nipple: 8–12 months
- Genitals: Available upon request
Jewelry downsizing
Most piercings can be downsized to a closer fit after approximately 3 weeks — but only if healing is progressing well.