Piercing Aftercare

Regardless of the type of piercing, it is extremely important to follow the aftercare instructions so that the piercing can heal correctly. To avoid complications, we work with sterile and single-use materials only. However, once our work is done, the aftercare, as seen below, is your sole responsibility.

Body Piercing

1. In the shower, wash wish gentle fragrance-free soap (Cetaphil),
2. Rinse thoroughly,
3. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel,
4. With a cotton bud or a piece of gauze, apply a sterile saline solution (hydraSense) on your piercing for 2 to 3 minutes to optimize the healing process,
5. Pat dry with paper towel or a cotton bud if necessary.

Oral Piercing

• Rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash after each meal (no more than 5 times a day).
• Rinse your mouth with saline water after eating or smoking.
• Avoid alcohol (liquor, spirits, beer), spicy or hot food and dairy.

General Guidelines

• Don’t touch your piercing except during the aftercare,
• Carefully wash your hands before touching your piercing, 
• Don’t remove your piercing jewelry for the aftercare,
• If needed, take anti-inflammatories (Advil or Motrin) to reduce the swelling in the first few days,
• Avoid sleeping directly on your piercing,
• For the first few weeks, wear loose, clean cotton clothes,
• Wash your bed sheets every week,
• No bathing or swimming (bath, pool, spa, sea, lake, etc.)
• No contact with body fluids (saliva, blood, semen, etc.),
• Don’t put ointment, peroxide, rubbing alcohol or any other products containing alcohol on your piercing.

Healing Stages

Piercing Type	Swelling	When to Change Piercing Jewelry	Healing Time
Earlobe	1 to 3 days	1 month	2 to 3 month
Cartilage	3 to 6 weeks	2 to 3 month	6 to 9 month
Eyebrow and Bridge	3 to 10 jours	2 to 3 month	4 to 6 month
Nostril and Septum	2 to 4 weeks	2 to 3 month	6 to 9 month
Tongue	3 to 10 days	3 weeks	3 to 6 month
Cheek	4 to 8 weeks	1 to 2 month	9 to 12 month
Navel	1 to 3 days	2 to 3 month	6 to 9 month
Nipple	3 to 6 weeks	2 to 3 month	6 to 9 month
Surface	3 to 10 days	4 month	9 to 12 month
Dermal	3 to 10 days	4 month	6 month

White, yellow or translucent discharge is to be expected in the very first stages of the healing process, as your lymph is naturally cleaning the newly punctured area. However, these symptoms must go away in a few weeks (depending on the type of piercing). If symptoms persist or worsen (excessive redness, excessive swelling, opaque and smelly discharge, fever, strong radiating pain), it’s important to immediately contact your piercer. Your piercer will then asses the situation and adjust the aftercare instructions in consequence, or direct you to a doctor.