Piercing Aftercare Guide

Avoid touching your piercing as much as possible during the first 24 hours.

Always wash your hands with soap before touching — contact with dirty hands increases infection risk.

Do not twist, turn or rotate your piercing — this is a common misconception and delays healing.

Do not remove the jewellery until healing is complete — the hole may close if removed.

Clean 1-2 times daily with sterile saline solution (0.9% NaCl).

Spray the solution onto the piercing, leave for a few minutes, then gently pat dry with clean paper towel.

Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, tea tree oil or antibacterial soap — these dry out and irritate the skin.

Keep the piercing area as dry as possible — dry thoroughly after showering and cleaning.

Do not move or rotate the piercing during cleaning.

Earlobe: 6-8 weeks

Ear cartilage (helix, tragus, conch): 3-9 months

Nostril: 2-4 months

Septum: 2-3 months

Eyebrow: 3-6 months

Navel: 6-12 months

Lip: 2-3 months

Tongue: 4-6 weeks

Bridge: 3-6 months

Important: Even if a piercing appears healed externally, the internal tissue may still be healing. Be patient.

Do not touch the piercing with unwashed hands.

Do not enter pools, the sea, lakes, hot tubs or steam rooms during the healing period.

Do not apply makeup, perfume, hairspray or lotion on the piercing.

Prevent tight clothing, hats or accessories from rubbing against the piercing.

Do not sleep on your piercing during healing — consider using a U-shaped pillow.

Do not change the jewellery yourself until healing is complete — consult your professional piercer.

Reduce smoking and alcohol consumption — these slow healing.

The initial jewellery is longer to allow for swelling.

Once swelling subsides (usually 2-8 weeks), you need to replace it with a shorter piece.

This process is called 'downsizing' and is critical for proper healing.

Excessively long jewellery can cause snagging, catching and irritation — which can reset the healing process.

Always visit your professional piercer for downsizing.

Mild redness, swelling and tenderness in the first few days is normal.

Clear or whitish discharge (lymph fluid) is normal — this is not an infection.

Mild itching is part of the healing process.

Small crusts may form around the piercing — do not scrape them off; they will soften and fall off during cleaning.

Redness that spreads rather than decreasing over time.

Increasing pain and swelling.

Yellow-green, dark or foul-smelling discharge.

Excessive heat sensation at the piercing site.

Fever or general malaise.

If you notice any of these symptoms, do not remove the piercing — contact your piercer or a healthcare professional immediately.

Irritation bumps: Usually caused by pressure, friction or incorrect jewellery. Continue saline cleaning and consult your piercer.

Piercing migration: Occurs when the body begins to reject the jewellery. Discuss with your piercer.

Keloid formation: Excessive tissue growth. If you have a history of keloids, inform your artist before piercing.

Allergic reaction: Can be caused by low-quality metals. Surgical steel, titanium or 14K-18K gold should be used.

Use an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash after meals.

Avoid spicy, acidic and very hot foods during the first week.

Smoking and alcohol seriously slow the healing process.

Avoid contact with others' saliva — including kissing.

Swelling during the first few days is normal for tongue piercings — sucking on ice may help.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush around the piercing.

Even after healing is complete, keep your piercing clean regularly.

Have jewellery changes done by your professional piercer — at least for the first change.

Use quality jewellery — surgical steel, titanium or 14K-18K gold is recommended.

Have your piercing checked regularly — we recommend a check-up appointment 2-8 weeks after piercing.

If you have any concerns or questions at any time, don't hesitate to contact our studio.