Congratulations on your new piercing! Proper aftercare is essential for healthy healing — please read through these instructions carefully and follow them for the full healing period.
Immediate Care
- Leave the piercing jewelry in at all times during healing, even if the area feels irritated
- Avoid touching your new piercing with unwashed hands
- Wash your hands thoroughly before any contact with the piercing or surrounding area
Cleaning Instructions
- Clean the piercing twice daily using a saline solution (sterile saline spray or a mixed saline soak)
- Gently spray or soak the area, then pat dry with a clean, disposable paper towel — avoid using cloth towels, which can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry
- Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibacterial soap directly on the piercing — these can dry out and irritate the skin, slowing healing
- Avoid rotating or twisting the jewelry unnecessarily during cleaning
What to Avoid During Healing
- Swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and the ocean until fully healed
- Applying makeup, lotion, or skincare products directly on or near the piercing
- Sleeping directly on a fresh piercing where possible
- Changing the jewelry yourself before the area is fully healed
- Touching or playing with the piercing unnecessarily
Healing Times by Piercing Type
- Ear lobe: 6–8 weeks
- Ear cartilage (helix, tragus, daith, etc.): 3–12 months
- Nostril: 2–4 months
- Septum: 2–3 months
- Navel: 6–12 months
- Dermals: 2–3 months, ongoing care required for longevity
- Intimate piercings: 2–6 months, varies significantly by placement — your piercer will give specific guidance for your piercing
Healing times vary by individual — these are general guidelines, not guarantees.
Signs of Normal Healing (Not a Concern)
- Mild redness and tenderness for the first few days
- Slight swelling initially
- Clear or slightly white/yellow discharge (not pus) that dries into a light crust around the jewelry
Signs You Should Contact Us or See a Doctor
- Increasing redness, swelling, or heat spreading beyond the piercing site
- Thick yellow or green discharge with a strong odor
- Excessive, ongoing pain well beyond the first few days
- Fever
- The jewelry appears to be embedding into the skin, or migrating significantly
If you notice any of the above, please reach out to us directly — don’t hesitate to ask questions during healing, we’re here to help.
Stretches — Additional Care Notes
- Stretch gradually and only when fully healed at your current size — never rush a stretch
- Keep stretched piercings clean the same way as a fresh piercing during the adjustment period
- Use quality jewelry material (avoid cheap or low-grade metals) to reduce irritation
Dermal Anchors — Additional Care Notes
- Avoid pressure, friction from clothing, or bumping the area, especially in the first few weeks
- Dermals can migrate or reject if the area is repeatedly irritated — contact us early if you notice any lifting or unusual movement
General Tips
- Wear loose, breathable clothing near the piercing site where possible
- Be mindful of hair products, jewelry-catching fabrics, and phone contact near facial/ear piercings
- Patience is key — piercings heal at their own pace, and rushing the process increases risk of complications
