Piercing Aftercare Information
Standard Aftercare Routine
Always wash your hands before touching your piercing if contact is necessary. Clean your piercing 2 times per day using a sterile saline solution. Spray the area thoroughly and allow the saline to soak for a few minutes to help soften and remove any dried discharge. If needed, gently rinse away loosened debris in the shower with clean running water.
After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry. Avoid using cloth towels, which can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry.
During healing, avoid touching, twisting, rotating, or playing with your jewelry. Your piercing heals best when it is left alone.
Some redness, tenderness, swelling, and light discharge are normal during the healing process. As healing progresses, you may notice small amounts of dried discharge around the jewelry. This is normal and should not be picked away.
Avoid submerging your piercing in pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water until it is fully healed. If submersion cannot be avoided, speak with your piercer for recommendations.
Do not remove or change your jewelry until your piercing has fully healed or your piercer has advised that it is safe to do so. If you have any concerns during the healing process, contact your piercer before removing the jewelry.
Wash hands before cleaning
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Use saline spray only
- Pat dry with sterile gauze
- Check tightness of ends occasionally
DO
- Twist or rotate jewelry
- Pick at dried discharge
- Use alcohol or peroxide
- Full submerge in any bodies of water
DON'T
Oral Piercing Aftercare
Rinse your mouth with an alcohol free mouthwash or sterile saline solution after eating, drinking anything other than water, smoking or vaping, and before bed. Avoid overusing mouthwash, as excessive rinsing can irritate the healing tissue. Two to four rinses per day is sufficient.
Brush your teeth twice daily and maintain good oral hygiene, taking extra care around the jewelry. Keeping your mouth clean is one of the most important parts of the healing process.
Swelling is normal during the first several days. Staying hydrated, sleeping with your head elevated, and using clean ice chips can help minimize swelling. Avoid chewing on the jewelry, as this can damage your teeth, gums, and the piercing.
Choose softer foods during the first few days and take smaller bites while you adjust to the jewelry. Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods if they cause discomfort during healing.
Avoid smoking, vaping, alcohol, and recreational drug use whenever possible during the initial healing period, as these can delay healing and increase irritation.
Do not play with or intentionally move the jewelry. Your piercer will typically recommend a shorter post once the initial swelling has subsided. Be sure to return to downsize your piercing, as wearing jewelry that is too long for too long can increase irritation and the risk of tooth or gum damage.
If you experience excessive swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, severe pain, or any other concerning symptoms, contact your piercer as soon as possible.
DO
DON'T
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Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash
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Brush gently with a new toothbrush
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Eat small, soft bites of food
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Drink plenty of cold water
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Play with the jewelry
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Engage in oral intimate contact
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While healing, don't share anything that goes in or around your mouth, including drinks, straws, vapes, cigarettes, or smoking devices.
Worried about healing?
We're here to help. Healing can sometimes be unpredictable, but don't panic. Reach out to our studio at any time if you're unsure or worried about your new tattoo or piercing. No question is too small.