Piercing Aftercare

Piercing Aftercare Guide

Recommended cleaning solutions:

Packaged sterile saline — 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.
Spray with sterile saline (or mouthwash for oral piercings) 2–3 times daily.
Dry by gently patting with clean, disposable paper towels. Avoid cloth towels, as they can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry.

Do not rotate or twist the jewelry — this can delay healing.

If signs of infection appear, Bactine (an antibacterial cleaner sold in our shop and 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.

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.
Once healed: 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

Ears

Earlobe: 4–8 weeks

Ear cartilage (helix, daith, conch, etc.): 6–9 months or longer

Nose

Nostril: 4–6 months or longer

Septum: 4–8 weeks or longer

Facial

Eyebrow: 6–8 weeks

Bridge: 4–6 months or longer

Surface anchor: 3–4 months or longer

Surface: 6–9 months or longer

Oral

Tongue: 4–8 weeks

Lip (all variations): 2–3 months or longer

Body

Navel: 6–9 months or longer

Nipples (male): 3–4 months or longer

Nipples (female): 6–9 months or longer

Genitals: Available upon request

Piercing aftercare

So you got stabbed? If it was by us, read below! If it was in the parking lot, go to the hospital!