Congratulations on Your New Piercing!
With proper attention and aftercare, the healing process can be very simple and pain-free. The following aftercare suggestions are based on years of research and experience. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the studio. We are here to help!
Cleaning Solutions
We recommend spraying or soaking the piercing 2 to 3 times daily, or more, using packaged sterile saline spray or wound wash. The APP no longer suggests mixing your own saline solutions for cleaning piercings. Only use sterile saline that is labeled for use as a wound wash. Other saline products like contact lens saline and eye drops should not be used for cleaning body piercings. Be sure the only ingredient listed is .09% sodium chloride. Often, when you mix your own sea salt solution, the product ends up too salty, which can cause the piercing to be too dry or irritated.
Cleaning Your Piercings
Always wash your hands thoroughly prior to having any contact with your piercing!
Submerge the piercing in the saline solution to draw out any bacteria and dead skin cells. Some piercings may be easier to clean using sterile gauze that's soaked in saline solution.
Rinse thoroughly with fresh water. It is important to wash off all the bacteria, dead skin cells and solution.
Dry with a disposable paper product tissue, paper towel, or sterile gauze. Do not use cotton balls/Q-tips or bath towels; loose fibers can cause irritation and harbor bacteria.
Alternative Aftercare
If you're unable to get sterile saline solution, then mixing your own sea salt solution could be a safe alternative. You'll want to mix 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. non iodized, fine grain sea salt with one cup of bottled water or warm distilled water. Stronger mixtures than this can irritate the piercing.
Oral Piercings
Piercings in and around the mouth may require jewelry that is greater in diameter or length at first to accommodate swelling. It is very important to downsize the jewelry once the swelling has gone down. The appropriate size of jewelry will aid in the healing and help reduce the risk of dental damage.
Clean the outside of your piercing as you would using the sterile saline. You can also rinse the inside of your mouth using a warm sea salt solution (see "Alternative Aftercare" for mixing instructions).
Cold water helps reduce swelling.
No open mouth contact or exchange of bodily fluids for the first half of the healing time.
Do not chew gum, tobacco, fingernails, pencils, sunglasses, or other foreign objects that can harbor bacteria.
If you choose to use a mouthwash during healing, make sure it's an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash. There are many suitable products just be aware of the ingredients! It is best to use the mouthwash in addition to sea salt rinses, not instead of. Do not use mouthwash more than 2 times a day.
Surface Anchors & Surface Piercings
Surface anchors and surface piercings need ongoing maintenance as matter can accumulate beneath the threaded top, leading to irritation of the piercing.
Utilizing saline solution and shower rinses can prove beneficial in eliminating matter lodged beneath the threaded top.
Don't put makeup on or near surface anchors or anchor piercings, even after they've healed.
Surface anchors and surface piercings are less likely to be permanent, even when they are cared for properly.
Healing Tips:
- The healthier you are, the better you heal.
- Remember, an unhealed piercing is like an open wound, with direct access to your bloodstream.
- Avoid touching, playing or moving the piercing and jewelry.
- Stay out of bodies of water for at least half the healing time: pools, tubs, rivers, oceans, jacuzzi, etc.
- Avoid tight and restrictive clothing and belts.
- If possible, wear hair up and away from piercing.
- Do not use irritants such as alcohol, iodine, peroxide, ointments, oils, antibacterial soaps, etc.
- Smoking can affect the healing time.
- Wash all bedding after receiving a new piercing.
- Avoid exposing the piercing to body fluids; use appropriate protective barriers to help prevent bacteria and disease transmission.
- Check threaded jewelry weekly for tightness (left is loose; right being tight) Keep all skin care products, makeup, sunscreen, and lotions away from your piercing Understand there are restrictions on certain activities during healing such as bathing, recreational water activities, gardening, and contact with animals for the duration of healing.
