Basic Aftercare

Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.
During healing: some discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that will form some crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.
A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because tissue heals from the outside in, although it feels fine, the interior remains fragile. Be patient, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.

WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.
SALINE rinse as needed during healing. Rinse afterward to remove any residue.
RINSE thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry through the piercing.

Avoid cleaning with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, iodine.
Avoid Bactine®, pierced ear care solutions, and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK). These can be irritating and are not intended for long-term wound care.
Avoid over-cleaning.
Avoid friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area and playing with the jewelry.
Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others’ bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
Avoid submerging the piercing in bodies of water.
Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays.
Avoid sleeping directly on your fresh piercing.

Oral Aftercare

For the first three to five days you may experience swelling, light bleeding, bruising, tenderness, and/or a whitish to yellowish secretion that may form crust on the jewelry.
After the first week, you may still continue to experience some minor swelling and secretion.
A piercing might seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because piercings heal from the outside in. Although it feels fine, the tissue remains delicate on the inside. Be patient, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.
For lip piercings, it is typical for the jewelry to “nest” slightly into the lip (on the inside) once it is healed.
Even healed piercings that you have had for years can shrink or close within a few hours if the jewelry is removed. This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in! Do not leave the hole empty for a long period of time.

Wash your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.
rinse at least twice a day.
Rinse with water thoroughly after you eat, drink or smoke.

Wash your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.
rinse with warm water in the shower. Flush with saline two to three times a day.
Gently remove any crust that may have built up on your jewelry.

Take your time with eating until you are used to the piercing and the jewelry is downsized to prevent irritation or prolonged healing.
Avoid eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature foods or beverages for the first two weeks (no specific foods need to be avoided).
Cold foods and beverages can be soothing and help reduce swelling.
For labret (cheek and lip) piercings: be cautious about opening your mouth too wide as this can result in the jewelry catching on your teeth.