You have a new piercing, now what?

Proper Aftercare

Taking proper care of a new piercing is essential to ensure a smooth healing process! See the information below for recommendations and information on taking care of new piercings. This information is also available in the form of a brochure

The Healing Process

  • Localized swelling, tenderness, mild bruising & bleeding is normal during the initial healing period. The tissue may tighen or loosen on the jewelry as healing progresses. Itching and discoloration may also present as healing continues. Secretion of a white/yellowish fluid (not pus) is normal, and may cause crust to build up on the jewelry.

  • After the initial swelling, it may be beneficial to downsize from the initial jewelry to aid in the healing process. Check the front of this brochure to see if this is recommended for your new piercing.

  • The piercing may seem healed prior to completed healing. This is due to the tissue healing from the outside in. Remain patient and continue to clean the piercing for the entirety of the recommended healing time.

  • Failure to keep a piercing clean may result in the accumulation of smelly, bodily secretions. This can lead to irritation, even in a fully healed piercing.

How to Clean

PREPARE. Wash hands thoroughly and ensure an appropriate aftercare solution is handy.

CLEAN. Rinse the new piercing with a sterile saline product. Be sure to rinse both sides of the piercing (the front and back, for example.) For some piercings, it may be beneficial to apply the sterile saline with a saturated piece of clean gauze.

RINSE & DRY. After cleaning, the piercing should be rinsed with clean water to rinse away any leftover saline solution. Pat the piercing dry with clean gauze (or another disposable paper product.)

DO NOT TWIST. It is not necessary to twist, rotate, or move the jewelry while cleaning a new piercing. It may move during the cleaning process, but a direct attempt at moving the jewelry is not necessary.

DO NOT OVER CLEAN. Clean new piercings twice a day, with a third time if necessary. Over cleaning can delay the healing process and irritate the piercing.

  • Always wash hands thoroughly before touching the piercing. The only time it's necessary to touch a new piercing is when it is being cleaned. At all other times, don't touch it.

  • Ensure bedding (along with any other surfaces that may be touching the piercing) are cleaned regularly.

  • If possible, do not submerge the piercing in bodies of water including, but not limited to baths (shower instead), lakes, oceans, pools, etc. for 3 months. If submersion is unavoidable, waterproof wound sealant bandages are available at most drugstores and work best for nipple, navel, and surface piercings. If these are not available, clean the piercing(s) after submersion.

  • Avoid cleaning the piercing with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, iodine, or any harsh products.

  • Do not use lotions, ointments, beauty care products on or around the piercing including wound ointments cosmetics, sprays, etc.

  • Downsize when recommended. Some piercings require the jewelry to be downsized to assist in healing. Healing cartilage piercings can shift if directly slept on and not downsized appropriately.

  • Do not touch, fondle, play with, or hang anything from the new piercing.

  • Avoid any and all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others' bodily fluids during the healing process.

How to Assist the Healing Process

Aftercare Solutions

It is recommended to use a pre-packaged, sterile saline solution to care for a new piercing. Sterile saline is typically offered with new piercings at the shop. Sterile saline solutions for wound washing can also be purchased at most stores with pharmacies. The product should list 0.09% sodium chloride (NaCl) as the only ingredient. Eye drops, contact lens saline, and other saline products are not suitable aftercare products for new piercings. NeilMed Piercing Aftercare is recommended.

If a sterile saline product is not available to you, a mixture of sea salt and distilled water. Dissolve 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt into one cup (8oz./250mL) of warm distilled water.

Changing Jewelry in a New Piercing

Outside of a recommended downsizing after the initial piercing, or there is a problem with the size, style, or material of the jewelry, leave it in place for the entirety of the healing process. If jewelry needs to be removed for a medical procedure, contact us to have retainers inserted into the piercings.

Healed piercings can shrink or close up when the jewelry is removed. If jewelry is removed, reinsertion can be difficult or impossible.

If the piercing is no longer desirable, the jewelry should be removed as long as there is no evidence of infection.

Extra Tips

ABOVE THE NECK.

  • Be sure to sleep on a clean surface every night! If you don't have a stock of pillow cases, and don't have the time for daily laundry, use a large t-shirt! Put the t-shirt on the pillow for a clean surface. Flip it over for night two. Turn the shirt inside out for nights 3 and 4!

  • Take care when dressing, drying, styling hair, and any other activity around the face and ears.

  • Keep phones, eyeglasses, helmets, hats, and anything else potentially coming into contact with new piercings clean.

NAVELS.

  • Tight clothing may put pressure on a navel piercing, causing irritation and discomfort. If tight clothing is unavoidable, a hard, vented eyepatch (similar to what a modern day pirate might wear) can be worn under clothes to mitigate friction and impact during physical activities.

  • Are you a tummy sleeper? Try not to be for a little while! Sleeping (and movement as sleeping occurs) can be quite irritating to a healing navel piercing.

ORAL PIERCINGS.

  • Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash twice daily. During healing, use an alcohol-free mouthwash.

  • During the initial healing period, it may be helpful to sleep with the head elevated to minimize overnight swelling.

  • Once the initial swelling has subsided, a qualified piercer should downsize the jewelry to avoid damage to the teeth and gums.

  • Rinsing with cold water or using ice chips may reduce swelling.

  • Minimize movement of the area and avoid playing with the jewelry.

  • If it seems the tissue is "growing over" the jewelry, visit a qualified piercer immediately to avoid embedment.