PIERCING
AFTERCARE.
Less is more. Most piercing problems don't come from neglect but from overdoing it: too much cleaning, too much touching, the wrong products. Here's what to do — and above all what not to.
Cleaning: saline only
Sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) from the pharmacy, twice a day: spray it on or soak clean gauze and hold it there for a few seconds. Pat dry with clean paper. That's it. No alcohol, no hydrogen peroxide, no Betadine, no ointments, no 'natural' oils — they all slow healing. In the shower, let the water run over it and rinse off any soap that lands on it.
- Saline
- 2× a day
- Clean hands
- No alcohol
- No ointments
Don't touch it, don't twist it
The old advice to 'turn the earring' is wrong: it breaks the new tissue forming and carries bacteria in. The jewellery stays still. Don't touch it with unwashed hands, don't press it, don't sleep on it (for ears, a travel pillow with a hole in the middle works wonders). Hair, headphones, glasses, masks, clothes: anything that catches or presses, keep away.
Healing times by placement
Lobe: 6–8 weeks. Ear cartilage (helix, tragus, conch, daith, rook, flat): 6–12 months. Nostril: 4–6 months. Septum: 2–3 months. Lip and labret: 6–8 weeks. Tongue: 4–6 weeks. Eyebrow: 6–8 weeks. Navel: 6–12 months. Nipple: 6–12 months. A piercing looks ready long before it is — so don't change jewellery by eye.
Bumps: what they are and how they go
A small lump next to the piercing — especially on nostrils and helixes — is almost always irritation, not infection and not a keloid. Causes: pressure (sleeping, headphones), moisture, jewellery that moves because it's too long or is a ring, the wrong material. Fix: find and stop the cause, saline, patience, and come in for a check — it often goes with a downsize. No home remedies, no popping, no tea tree oil.
Infection: how to tell
Irritation: mild redness, a little clear or yellowish fluid that dries into 'crust', tenderness. Normal, especially in the first weeks. Infection: redness that spreads and feels hot, strong pain that gets worse, pus (thick, yellow-green, smelly), fever. If you see that, don't take the jewellery out yourself — the hole closes and traps the infection. Doctor, and let us know.
When to change jewellery
After full healing, and the first time here. Downsizing — changing to a shorter bar once the swelling is gone — happens earlier and is part of the job: come in when we tell you. If you need to remove jewellery for a scan or surgery, ask us first — there is bioplast jewellery for exactly that.
Everyday life
Sea and pool: not until it's closed. Showers: as normal. Gym: yes, rinsing after you sweat. Make-up, creams, perfume: away from the piercing. Oral piercings: alcohol-free mouthwash after every meal, no smoking or alcohol in the first days, soft food.
What do I clean the piercing with?+
Sterile saline only, twice a day. No alcohol, peroxide, Betadine or ointments.
Should I turn the earring?+
No. It breaks the new tissue and carries bacteria in. The jewellery stays still.
A bump appeared next to my piercing. Is it a keloid?+
Almost never — it's irritation from pressure, moisture or the wrong jewellery. Send a photo and come in for a check; it often goes with a downsize.
How do I know if it's infected?+
Redness that spreads, heat, strong pain, smelly pus, fever. Don't remove the jewellery — see a doctor and let us know.
When can I go to the sea?+
Once it's fully closed. Sea and pool water on a fresh piercing is one of the most common causes of trouble.
When do I change jewellery?+
After healing — and the first time here. Downsizing earlier, when we tell you.
How long does cartilage take to heal?+
6–12 months. It looks ready much sooner — don't be fooled.
Do these instructions replace a doctor?+
No. They're the studio's general aftercare instructions. For anything medical, see a doctor.
TELL US
WHAT'S ON
YOUR MIND.
The appointment is confirmed by the studio.