Piercing Aftercare

Piercing Aftercare Instructions

Wash your hands thoroughly.

Spray saline solution directly on the front & back of your piercing. Enough to liberally flush both sides or soak a nonwoven gauze with saline solution and apply to both sides of your piercing. 

Crusties are a normal part of the healing process. Use a Q-Tip or nonwoven gauze soaked with saline solution to clear away any debris that have collected on or around the jewelry. 

If your jewelry is threaded, make sure your balls are screwed on tight. 

Avoid playing with & twisting your jewelry.

Avoid changing jewelry prematurely. (jewelry can be changed after completely healed, see average healing time chart)

Avoid tight clothing or waistbands on your new piercing. (except for nipple piercings where a tight sports bra is recommended to prevent gravity from pulling on the jewelry)

Avoid getting hairspray, make up, perfume, scented lotion, etc. on your new piercing.

Clean your telephone often to prevent infection with new ear piercings. 

Use a travel pillow with a clean pillowcase each night to prevent from sleeping on your new ear piercing. 

Ibuprofen & ice are helpful with reducing pain & swelling.

Contact your physician immediately if any signs of infection develop such as fever, redness or swelling around site, red streaks going from the procedure to the heart, and/or green/yellow foul-smelling discharge.

*For oral piercings only – Oral hygiene must be maintained while any piercing inside the mouth is healing. Choose an alcohol-free mouth wash such as Biotene, Crest Pro-health, Colgate Advanced Care, or a saline solution and swish in mouth for 60 seconds. Gently brush jewelry with your toothbrush to remove any plaque or buildup. 

Rinse your mouth with cool bottled water meals, snacks, and smoking.

Avoid oral contact with other people’s bodily fluids, sucking think beverages, hot/spicy foods, chewing gum, fingernails, & tobacco, and smoking. 

Gently suck on ice for the first few days to reduce swelling. 

Downsize initial jewelry once swelling subsides. Failure to downsize the length of your jewelry increases your risk of tooth and gum damage. 

Average Healing Times

Cartilage 6-9 months

Earlobe 4-6 weeks

Eyebrow 2-3 months

Lip 2-3 months

Nipple 9-12 months

Nostril 2-3 months

Septum 6-8 months

Tongue 4-6 weeks

Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. 

Call or Text Home Base Tattoo at 570.728.0381