50+ Years of Expertise

Piercing Aftercare

Your piercing is an investment. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. We're always here if you have questions.

General Aftercare — All Piercings

Do

  • Clean 2x daily with sterile saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride — NeilMed or similar wound wash)
  • Spray saline directly on piercing, let soak 30-60 seconds, then gently pat dry with clean non-woven gauze
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your piercing
  • Sleep on a clean pillowcase (change it every 2-3 days)
  • Wear loose, breathable clothing around body piercings
  • Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support healing
  • Keep up with regular check-ins at the studio

Don't

  • DO NOT use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Bactine, rubbing alcohol, or tea tree oil on your piercing
  • DO NOT rotate, twist, slide, or play with your jewelry
  • DO NOT remove jewelry during the healing period — even briefly
  • DO NOT swim in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans until fully healed
  • DO NOT apply makeup, lotions, sunscreen, or sprays on or near the piercing
  • DO NOT let others touch your piercing
  • DO NOT use cotton balls or Q-tips (fibers can get trapped)
  • DO NOT over-clean — twice daily is enough

Normal Healing Signs

  • Light swelling for the first few days
  • Mild redness and warmth around the site
  • Clear or slightly white/yellow discharge (lymph fluid — NOT pus)
  • Occasional light bleeding in the first day or two
  • Itching as the piercing heals
  • Crusties forming around jewelry (dried lymph)

See Us or a Doctor If

  • Thick green or yellow pus (not clear lymph fluid)
  • Increasing pain, swelling, or redness after the first week
  • Red streaks extending from the piercing
  • Fever, chills, or body aches
  • Jewelry embedding into skin
  • Foul smell from the piercing site

Piercing-Specific Care

Select your piercing type for detailed instructions

Ear Lobe Piercing

6 – 8 Weeks
Complimentary Downsize at ~2 Months

Your initial jewelry is longer to accommodate swelling. Come back around 8 weeks for a free downsize — this prevents snagging and speeds healing.

Do

  • Clean 2x daily with sterile saline spray
  • Leave jewelry in place for the full healing period
  • Try to sleep on the opposite side or use a travel/donut pillow
  • Tie back long hair to prevent tangling around the earring
  • Be careful when putting on/taking off shirts and masks

Don't

  • Don't twist or rotate the jewelry
  • Don't sleep directly on the piercing
  • Don't change jewelry before fully healed
  • Avoid headphones that press on the piercing (use over-ear instead)
  • Don't use earbuds if you have a lobe piercing that's still healing

Healing Timeline

  • Week 1-2: Mild swelling, tenderness, possible light bleeding
  • Week 3-4: Swelling subsides, crusties may form
  • Week 5-6: Piercing feels much better, still healing internally
  • Week 6-8: Fully healed for most people — come in for downsize

Common Issues

  • Irritation bump: Usually caused by sleeping on it, snagging, or over-cleaning. Switch to saline only and avoid pressure.
  • Crusty buildup: Normal — gently rinse with saline, never pick at it.
  • Slight tilt: Swelling can cause jewelry to sit at an angle. It usually corrects as swelling goes down.

Ear Cartilage

6 – 12 Months
Complimentary Downsize at ~2 Months

Cartilage piercings swell more and longer than lobes. Your initial bar/post is extra long. Come in around 8 weeks for your free downsize to a snugger fit.

Do

  • Clean 2x daily with sterile saline — no more, no less
  • Use a travel pillow (donut pillow) to keep pressure off while sleeping
  • Be patient — cartilage takes significantly longer than lobe piercings
  • Keep hair, hats, and headphones away from the piercing
  • Come in for regular check-ups at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months

Don't

  • NEVER sleep directly on a healing cartilage piercing
  • Don't use earbuds or in-ear headphones on the pierced side
  • Avoid hats, helmets, and tight headbands
  • Don't get impatient and change jewelry early — even if it "feels" healed
  • Don't use aspirin paste, tea tree oil, or crushed aspirin — these damage cartilage

Healing Timeline

  • Week 1-4: Swelling, tenderness, possible throbbing. This is normal.
  • Month 2-3: Swelling reduces — downsize time. May still be tender.
  • Month 4-6: Looks healed externally but still healing inside the cartilage.
  • Month 6-12: Full internal healing. Safe to change jewelry at 9-12 months.

Common Issues

  • Irritation bump: #1 issue. Caused by pressure (sleeping on it), trauma (snagging), or wrong jewelry. See us — don't try to fix it yourself.
  • Industrial soreness: Two puncture points = more healing. Expect 9-12 months minimum. Don't touch the bar.
  • Keloid vs. bump: Most "keloids" are actually irritation bumps. True keloids are genetic. We can help you tell the difference.

Nostril Piercing

4 – 6 Months
Complimentary Downsize at ~2 Months

Your initial stud has a longer post to allow for swelling. We'll swap it for a shorter, more comfortable fit at no charge around the 8-week mark.

Do

  • Spray sterile saline on both the outside and inside of your nostril 2x daily
  • Gently pat dry with non-woven gauze — never tissue or paper towels
  • If crusties form, soften them with saline and let them rinse away naturally
  • Be extremely careful with towels, clothing, and face masks near your nose

Don't

  • Don't blow your nose aggressively — dab gently if needed
  • Don't apply foundation, concealer, or powder near the piercing
  • Don't pick at crusties — let the saline do the work
  • Don't try to change to a ring before it's fully healed (4-6 months minimum)
  • Avoid face-down sleeping

Healing Timeline

  • Week 1-2: Swelling, tenderness. Some bloody nose discharge is normal.
  • Month 1-2: Swelling subsides. Crusties are common. Downsize around 8 weeks.
  • Month 3-4: Feels healed but still maturing internally.
  • Month 4-6: Fully healed. Can switch to ring or different stud style.

Common Issues

  • Nostril bump: Very common. Usually caused by trauma (towels, sleeping) or moving to a ring too early. Saline compresses and patience fix most bumps.
  • Jewelry falling out: Flat-back labrets stay better than L-bends during healing. If it falls out, come in ASAP — nostrils close fast.

Septum Piercing

2 – 3 Months

Do

  • Spray saline up both nostrils 2x daily, letting it run over the jewelry
  • In the shower, let warm water run over it for 30-60 seconds
  • If you need to hide it, flip it up gently ONCE and leave it — don't flip back and forth
  • Keep tissues/napkins gentle around your nose

Don't

  • Don't flip it up and down repeatedly — pick a position and leave it
  • Don't pull on it, click it against your teeth, or play with it
  • Don't blow your nose forcefully for the first 2 weeks
  • Avoid kissing/contact that puts pressure on your nose

Healing Timeline

  • Day 1-7: Tender, possibly watery eyes. Sneezing is common.
  • Week 2-4: Much more comfortable. Crusties along the jewelry.
  • Month 2-3: Fully healed for most people. Can change jewelry.

Common Issues

  • Smell: A slight smell in the first few weeks is normal — it's healing discharge. Keep up saline cleaning.
  • Crooked appearance: Swelling can make it look crooked. Wait until swelling fully subsides before judging placement.

Tongue Piercing

4 – 6 Weeks
CRITICAL: Downsize at 2 Weeks

Your initial bar is extra long to allow for significant swelling. You MUST come in around 10-14 days for a shorter bar. A long bar left in too long can damage teeth and gums.

Do

  • Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash (Biotene) or saline after every meal and before bed
  • Suck on clean ice chips or drink cold water to reduce swelling (days 1-5)
  • Eat soft, cold foods for the first week: smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, ice cream
  • Take ibuprofen as directed for swelling (not aspirin — it thins blood)
  • Speak slowly and carefully for the first few days

Don't

  • NO smoking, vaping, or tobacco for at least 2 weeks (ideally the entire healing period)
  • NO spicy, acidic, salty, or very hot foods for the first week
  • NO oral contact (kissing, oral sex) until fully healed
  • NO alcohol for at least 48 hours (it increases swelling and bleeding)
  • Don't play with the barbell, click it against your teeth, or bite on it
  • Don't use Listerine or any alcohol-based mouthwash — it will burn and delay healing
  • Don't share utensils, straws, or drinks

Healing Timeline

  • Day 1-3: Significant swelling (tongue can nearly double). This is normal. Ice, ice, ice.
  • Day 4-7: Swelling peaks then starts reducing. Speech improves.
  • Week 2: Downsize appointment. Swelling mostly gone. Eating gets easier.
  • Week 3-6: Fully healed. Swelling gone. Can change jewelry.

Common Issues

  • White/yellow coating: A white or yellowish coating on the tongue around the piercing is NORMAL during healing. It's new tissue forming.
  • Tooth/gum damage: The #1 long-term risk. Always use the shortest bar possible. Don't click or play with it. Consider plastic/PTFE balls.
  • Difficulty eating: Totally normal the first week. Stick to soft foods and small bites.

Lip / Labret Piercing

2 – 3 Months
Complimentary Downsize at ~2 Weeks

Lip piercings swell fast. Your long initial post needs to be swapped for a shorter one around 10-14 days to prevent tooth and gum contact.

Do

  • Clean the OUTSIDE with sterile saline 2x daily
  • Rinse the INSIDE with alcohol-free mouthwash after eating and before bed
  • Ice the area for the first 2-3 days to manage swelling
  • Eat carefully — small bites, avoid biting down on the jewelry
  • Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the disc inside your lip

Don't

  • No kissing or oral contact until healed
  • No smoking or vaping for at least 2 weeks
  • Don't apply chapstick or lipstick directly on the piercing
  • Don't pull the disc away from your gum to look at it
  • Don't bite or chew on the jewelry

Healing Timeline

  • Day 1-5: Swelling, difficulty eating. Ice helps a lot.
  • Week 2: Downsize time. Swelling down. Much more comfortable.
  • Month 1-2: External healing looks complete. Still maturing internally.
  • Month 2-3: Fully healed. Can change jewelry.

Common Issues

  • Gum recession: If the disc rubs your gum, you need a downsize ASAP. Don't wait. This is the most common long-term complication.
  • Embedding: If the disc starts sinking into the inside of your lip, come in immediately for a longer post.

Nipple Piercing

6 – 12 Months
Complimentary Downsize at ~2 Months

Once swelling subsides, a shorter bar reduces snagging and speeds healing. Come see us around the 8-week mark.

Do

  • Spray with sterile saline 2x daily
  • Wear a snug cotton sports bra, bralette, or fitted cotton shirt to bed and during activity
  • For showering, let warm water run over the piercing — no scrubbing
  • Keep the area clean and dry
  • If you have long hair, keep it tied back to prevent tangling

Don't

  • Don't go braless during healing — the jewelry needs support and protection from snagging
  • Don't soak in baths, pools, hot tubs, or any body of water
  • No oral contact or rough handling during the entire healing period
  • Don't sleep face-down without a sports bra or compression shirt
  • Don't apply lotions, powders, or perfume to the chest area

Healing Timeline

  • Week 1-2: Tender, sensitive. Some bleeding is normal on day 1.
  • Month 1-2: Crusties are common and normal. Downsize at ~8 weeks.
  • Month 3-6: Feels healed, still maturing. Don't change jewelry yet.
  • Month 9-12: Truly healed. Safe to swap jewelry.

Common Issues

  • Discharge: Clear/white crusty discharge for months is completely normal. Yellow-green pus is not — see us.
  • Snagging on clothing: Wear a sports bra or snug shirt to protect it, especially during sleep and exercise.
  • Temperature sensitivity: Nipples react to cold, which can cause soreness around the healing piercing. This is normal.

Eyebrow Piercing

2 – 3 Months
Complimentary Downsize at ~2 Months

We'll swap to a shorter curved barbell once swelling is fully down, reducing snag risk.

Do

  • Spray sterile saline 2x daily
  • Be extremely careful with towels, shirts, and hats near the piercing
  • Protect from impact — this is a surface piercing and can reject if traumatized
  • If you wear glasses, ensure they don't press against the jewelry

Don't

  • Don't apply face wash, moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup near the piercing
  • Don't wax, thread, or tweeze the eyebrow near the piercing
  • Don't wear headbands or tight hats over the area
  • Don't sleep face-down on the pierced side

Healing Timeline

  • Week 1-2: Swelling and some bruising (it's near thin skin). Both are normal.
  • Month 1-2: Swelling gone. Looks great. Still healing internally.
  • Month 2-3: Fully healed for most people.

Common Issues

  • Rejection/migration: Eyebrow piercings are surface piercings and can migrate over time. If the bar gets shallower or you can see it through the skin, come see us.
  • Bruising: Light bruising around the eye area for the first week is common and harmless.

Dermal / Microdermal

6 – 12 Months

Do

  • Spray sterile saline 2x daily
  • Cover with a small breathable bandage during sleep for the first 2-4 weeks
  • Be hyper-aware of clothing, towels, seatbelts, and anything that could catch on it
  • Keep the top (visible part) clean and free of makeup/product buildup
  • Check that it's sitting flat — if it starts to tilt or lift, come see us

Don't

  • NEVER force the top off — if you want it changed, come to us
  • Don't snag it on clothing — this is the #1 cause of rejection
  • Don't apply pressure or sleep directly on it
  • Don't try to spin, twist, or push down on the anchor
  • Don't apply adhesive bandages directly over the top — they can pull it out when removed

Healing Timeline

  • Week 1-2: Tender, possibly pink/red around the anchor. Keep it covered at night.
  • Month 1-3: Anchor is setting into tissue. Be very gentle.
  • Month 3-6: Feels secure. Can stop covering at night.
  • Month 6-12: Fully anchored. Can change the decorative top (not the base).

Common Issues

  • Rejection: Dermals can reject at any time — even years later. If it's lifting, tilting, or the skin is thinning over the anchor, come see us.
  • Snagging: If snagged hard, come in immediately. Even if it looks fine, the anchor may be displaced underneath.
  • Removal: If removal is needed, always have a professional do it. Never try to pull it out yourself.

Troubleshooting Guide

Irritation Bump

A small, flesh-colored or red bump near the piercing hole. This is NOT a keloid (those are genetic and rare). Usually caused by trauma, pressure, wrong jewelry, or over-cleaning.

Fix: Saline only, stop touching it, check sleeping position, come in for a jewelry check.

Piercing Feels Tight

Swelling can make jewelry feel snug or embedded. This is most common in the first week. If the jewelry is actually sinking into the skin, come in ASAP.

Fix: Ice the area, take ibuprofen, and come in if it doesn't improve in 24 hours.

Jewelry Fell Out

Don't panic, but don't wait either. Piercings can close within hours, especially oral and nostril piercings. Don't force jewelry back in if there's resistance.

Fix: Come in immediately or call us. Do NOT force jewelry back through a closing hole.

Crusty Discharge

Clear, white, or light yellow crusty buildup around the jewelry is normal lymph fluid. It's part of healing. It is NOT pus unless it's thick, green/yellow, and smelly.

Fix: Soften with saline, let it rinse away. Never pick or scrape.

Migration / Rejection

The piercing is moving closer to the surface, the bar is getting shallower, or you can see more jewelry through the skin than before. More common with navels, eyebrows, and dermals.

Fix: Come see us immediately. Early intervention can sometimes save the piercing.

Possible Infection

True infections are uncommon with proper care. Signs include: thick green/yellow pus, increasing pain and swelling after the first week, fever, red streaks from the piercing.

Fix: Do NOT remove jewelry (it can trap infection). See us or a doctor immediately.

Questions? We're Here.

If something doesn't look or feel right, don't wait — come see us or give us a call. No question is too small. Check-ups are always free.

(503) 669-4191

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