Aftercare
so you've got a new piercing, here is how you look after it
Please note, this information is to be used as guidance on how to look after your new piercing. Remember every piercing and body is different. Not all of this information will apply to you and your piercing. This information is based on my own personal experience both from working as a body piercer and healing my own piercings, also from industry research.
If you are experiencing any problems with your new piercing, please get in touch and I will be happy to help.
DO NOT TOUCH - You should only be touching your piercing to clean it, when you do clean your piercing ensure you have washed your hands thoroughly before doing so. You do not need to twist your piercings.
DO NOT REMOVE YOUR JEWELLERY - If you remove your jewellery before the piercing is sufficiently healed, it may shrink making it difficult to replace the jewellery.
Swelling, bleeding or bruising are normal for a fresh piercing.
You should expect tenderness, discomfort, itchiness and reddening after a new piercing.
Stick to cleaning routine unless told differently by the piercer.
The best way to clean piercings is to use sterile wound-wash saline solution or spray, we sell Neilmed Spray in the studio but others are available.
Ears
Healing Time:
Lobes: 6-9 weeks
Cartilage: 3-6 months
Apply Saline Solution twice daily to the front and back of the piercing. Allow to settle on the skin for a minute then carefully remove and dry with medical gauze or a paper towel.
Avoid piercing getting wet, i.e. avoid swimming, dry after washing hair and keep wet hair off the piercing.
Avoid sleeping on fresh piercings. sleeping or resting on new piercings before the jewellery has been downsized may cause jewellery to shift.
Nostril
Healing Time: 4-6 months
Apply Saline Solution twice daily to the front and back of the piercing. Allow to settle on the skin for a minute then carefully remove and dry with medical gauze or a paper towel.
You don't need to do much to the inside of your nose but check regularly for any build up.
Avoid piercing getting wet.
Avoid applying make up to the area.
Septum
Healing Time: 6-8 weeks
It is very important to only clean septum piercings where necessary i.e. when yournotice a build up.
Avoid piercing getting wet.
Avoid applying make up to the area.
Do not play with or move your septum piercing.
Navel/Nipple
Healing Time:
Navel: 4-6 months
Nipple 6-9 months
Apply Saline Solution twice daily to the front and back of the piercing. Allow to settle on the skin for a minute then carefully remove and dry with medical gauze or a paper towel.
You don't need to do much to the inside of your nose but check regularly for any build up.
Avoid piercing getting wet.
Be considerate of what clothing is being worn over your piercing. For example, for nipples avoid lace bras and tops. For navels, stay away from high-waisted trousers etc.