Walk-ins welcome at all locations
Aftercare Instructions
Keep your piercing healthy by following these guidelines. Healing takes time, be consistent. Everyone heals differently, remember your lifestyle and habits can affect healing time.
Questions or Concerns? Don’t guess, come see us!
Basic Aftercare
Wash hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning.
Clean with NeilMed sterile saline wash 1-2 times daily, spraying directly onto piercing.
Pat dry with clean disposable product like gauze or paper towels, gently removing any crusty debris or build-up.
What to do
During healing, do not twist, spin, rotate or remove your jewelry.
Exercise and sweating during healing are fine. Avoid activities that could jostle or aggravate your piercing. Keep the piercing protected from bacteria present on gym equipment or exercise mats.
Wash and change your bedding regularly. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing while sleeping. A piercing pillow is highly recommended during the initial heal.
Let the water run over the piercing at the end of showering to rinse the piercing free of any excess salts, soaps or debris.
What to avoid
Cleaning with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, iodine, DIY salt mixes or any harsh products, as well as over cleaning.
Unnecessary trauma caused by pressure or friction, this can be from clothing, bedding, excessive cleaning etc. Piercing pillows can be helpful during healing to take pressure off ear piercings.
Avoid pools, lakes, hot tubs etc. for at least 6-8 weeks, and make sure to use a waterproof bandage and clean piercing thoroughly if unavoidable.
Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing, including cosmetics, lotions and sprays.
What is normal
Initially: Some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.
During healing: Discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid forming crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals. Remember to be patient, although your piercing may feel fine on the outside, the inner tissue may still be fragile.
Once healed: The jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; do not force it. Cleaning your piercings as part of your normal hygiene routine can help avoid accumulation of normal, possibly smelly, secretions. Remember that many piercings, even healed, can shrink or close in minutes, The time it can take varies from person to person so best practice is to keep jewelry in if you want to keep the piercing.
Oral/Mouth
Rinse with alcohol-free, antimicrobial or antiseptic mouthwash (such as Biotène® or alcohol-free Listerine®) 1-2 times daily.
Rinse with bottled water after eating, drinking (anything other than water), or smoking.
Avoid bodily fluids, alcohol, hot drinks, and spicy foods during initial healing.
Keep your head elevated when sleeping to help reduce swelling.
Initial jewelry is longer to allow for swelling; downsizing after healing is important to prevent tooth and gum damage.
Ear/Face
Be cautious when styling your hair and inform your stylist of a new or healing piercing.
Avoid sleeping directly on healing piercings. Use a piercing pillow to protect your ear.
Nipples
The support of a tight cotton shirt or sports bra can provide protection and comfort, especially while sleeping.
Surface
These require ongoing maintenance as matter can build up under the threaded top. Saline and shower rinses can help remove this build-up.
Avoid applying makeup to these piercings even after healing.
Healing Guide*
| Piercing | Downsizing* | Full Healing |
|---|---|---|
| Earlobes | 6-8 weeks | 4-6 months |
| Ear Cartilage | 3-4 months | 6-12 months |
| Industrial | 4-6 months | 9–12 months |
| Nostril | 2–4 months | 4–6 months |
| High Nostril | 3–4 months | 6–9 months |
| Septum | 6–8 weeks | 3–4 months |
| Eyebrow | 6–8 weeks | 3–4 months |
| Lip | 2-4 weeks | 3–4 months |
| Tongue | 2-4 weeks | 3–4 months |
| Navel | 2-4 months | 9–12 months |
| Nipple | 2–4 months | 9–12 months |
| Surface Piercings | N/A | 6–12 months |
*Healing times are a minimum and can vary
Disclaimer: These guidelines are based on professional experience, common sense, research, and clinical practice. They do not substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention immediately.