Healing Time Frames
Week 1 – Inflammatory Period
Swelling, redness, localised bruising & mild bleeding are normal. Indirectly cool area.
Week 2 onwards – Initial Healing
Yellow ‘crusties’ form as new skin cells are generated. No picking, no touching, no Q-tips. This is a good time to send photos.
Week 3-4 – Checkup time! (send pics)
Week 8-12 – Settled
If instructed, come see us to downsize. Continue not to irritate or sleep on your piercing. Keep cleaning if it is still crusty.
6-12 Months – Maturation (settling)
The skin inside your piercing should begin forming. Come in if you’re still healing or want to change the jewellery.
Facial Piercings
- Spray 2x a day with STERILE saline
- Rinse in the shower to remove crusties
- Do NOT touch the area at all
- Do NOT sleep on the piercing side
- Do NOT turn/twist jewellery
- Do NOT pick at your crusties
- Avoid chlorinated pools & spas
Oral Piercings
- Lips also follow FACIAL aftercare
- If you use rinse, ensure it’s alcohol-free
- Avoid tooth whitening products
- Sleep elevated on your back, if possible
- Eat soft/blended food until downsized
- Do NOT play with your piercing (EVER)
- Drink water after eating or drinking
- Swelling is expected for 2-3 weeks
- Ensure you come in to downsize!
Torso Piercings
- Follow FACIAL aftercare
- Breast piercings should have fresh nursing pads for the first 2 months
- Wear non-compressive underwear
- Be sure to avoid rubbing on clothing
- No bodily fluids on healing wounds
Genital Piercings
- Follow FACIAL aftercare
- Bleeding is normal for the first week
- Practice safe sex during healing (inc. oral)
- Sex can resume when comfortable
- Supportive and breathable underwear
- Shower before/after sex during healing
Surface Piercings
- Do NOT cover, catch, or sleep on the area
- Indirectly cool area 10 mins on/off
- Hirudoid around the area if bruised
- Allow us to change your jewellery
Troubleshooting
- Air dry the area after showers
- Sleeping on, playing with, or touching will cause pressure bumps and issues
- Poor iron or immune system slows healing
- Plated metals, <14kt gold, silver & plastics cause irritation and should be avoided
- Alcohol, antiseptics, disinfectants, and essential oils are irritating/unnecessary
- Your healing piercing is delicate, so treat it like your eyes & remember no chemicals!