Piercing Aftercare

All external piercings must be cleaned with a white non-scented antibacterial soap and sterile saline wound wash to ensure a balanced cleaning regiment. Wash hands before handling/cleaning your piercings. Only contact your piercings with clean cotton balls and Q-tips. For piercings using the "shot glass technique,” the shot glass must be sanitized between uses to prevent bacterial growth and cross contamination; glass is preferred.

During the first week of the piercing’s healing process, the area must be cleaned with a white non-scented antibacterial soap and soaked with sterile saline wound wash twice a day. After the first week, the piercing must be cleaned with a white non-scented antibacterial soap and soaked with sterile saline wound wash at least once a day for the duration of the healing period. After the piercing is fully healed, it is still very important to maintain a clean piercing.

As I’ve told my clients over the years, “Don’t freakin’ touch it.” Only contact the piercing to clean/adjust your piercing. Do not sleep on, pick at, play with, twist, touch, cross contaminate, or change the jewelry during the healing process. Avoid clothing that rubs/snags your piercing, and participating in activities that subject the piercing to harmful elements (swimming, tanning, sports, exercise that requires contact with the piercing, etc.) while the piercing is healing. If you don’t follow these steps, the piercing is susceptible to infection, severe irritation, rejection, migration, keloids, tearing, and other healing complications. If you are experiencing any of those healing complications or are concerned about the well-being of your piercing, contact your doctor or medical professional immediately. Delaying medical attention to your piercing risks further complications.

Avoid the following on your piercing: hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, ointments, balms, lotions, salves, chemicals, makeups, astringents, powders, dust, dirt, sweat, bodily fluids, dyes, perfumes, exfoliants, scented body washes, pet dander, etc.

Do not twist/turn/remove the jewelry while the piercing is healing. Implant Grade Titanium and Implant Grade Surgical Steel are deemed by the State of Ohio to be safe for your skin. Any material not manufactured as “Implant Grade” is not pierced within our studio.

Sleeping with a neck pillow (aka donut or airplane pillow) protects your piercing in your sleep if you tend to lay on the side that is healing. Just lay the pillow flat, and your head will be supported while the piercing safely “floats” in the center of the pillow. Make sure that pillow cases are changed every other night, and bed sheets are changed regularly to prevent cross contamination.

Downsize your jewelry once the swelling has gone down; this is one of the most important steps to the healing process. The exact timeframe for swelling varies from person-to-person, but the jewelry must be downsized as soon as there is excess length in the post.

For detailed cleaning instructions for specific external body piercings, select from the options below.

External Piercings

  • Healing Time: 6-8 weeks minimum

    Initial Jewelry Options: Traditional earring studs, threadless push-fit labrets

    Saline Wound Wash Application: Apply cotton ball(s) saturated with saline wound wash to the entire piercing (both entry and exit holes,) soak for 2 minutes, and wipe off any softened discharge with a dry Q-tip.

    Soap Application: Lather the white non-scented antibacterial soap to the affected area, and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area with clean Q-tips.

    Tip: It is very effective to remove any softened discharge after a warm shower. The steam and warm water will help soften the residue, remove with a clean Q-tip immediately after showering. Remember, do not SOAK your piercing in water.

    Beware: Ears have a lot of surface area due to the “nooks and crannies” that make up the intricate folds in the ear. Dead skin cells, ear wax, natural oils, hair care products, and sweat build up in the hard-to-reach places of the ear, harboring moisture and bacteria. This build-up will disrupt the healing process significantly, so make sure to clean your entire ear daily. The best time to remove this build-up is after a nice warm shower, use dry pointed Q-tips for the most comfortable and effective removal. Be mindful of cleaning and drying behind your ears!!

  • Healing Time: 3-4 months minimum

    Saline Wound Wash Application: For nostril piercings, apply a cotton ball saturated with saline wound wash to the outside of the nostril piercing, soak for 2 minutes, and wipe off any softened discharge with a dry Q-tip. For the inside of the nostril, apply a Q-tip saturated with saline wound wash to the affected area and remove any discharge/buildup.

    For septum piercings, only use Q-tips to apply the wound wash (cotton balls are not recommended to be placed inside the nostril, this can be uncomfortable and could lead to being lodged inside the nose.)

    Soap Application: Lather the white non-scented antibacterial soap to the affected area, and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area with clean Q-tips.

    Tip: It is very effective to remove any softened discharge after a warm shower. The steam and warm water will help soften the residue, remove with a clean Q-tip immediately after showering. Remember, do not SOAK your piercing in water.

    Beware: Mucus dries quickly, creating a “boogey build-up.” This build-up is dangerous for a healing piercing, due to harboring moisture/bacteria and can suffocate the piercing. When this is dry, it is very difficult to remove; the best time to remove any stubborn boogers is immediately after a warm shower using a clean Q-tip.

  • This includes: Outer/Forward/Mid Helix, Rook, Conch, Snug, Tragus, Anti-Tragus, Flat, Daith, and Industrial

    Healing Time: 4-6 months minimum, exception is the Industrial takes 6-8 months minimum to fully heal

    Initial Jewelry: Cartilage piercings should be downsized after the swelling has gone down; excess length in the post can be hazardous to the piercing when not downsized in a timely manner. The only exception is the daith, due to the initial jewelry being a hoop.

    Rook, snug, anti-tragus: curved barbell

    Outer/mid/forward helix, conch, tragus, flat: labret stud

    Daith: hoop

    Industrial: barbell.

    Saline Wound Wash Application: Apply cotton ball(s) saturated with saline wound wash to the entire piercing (both entry and exit holes,) soak for 2 minutes, and wipe off any softened discharge with a dry Q-tip.

    Soap Application: Lather the white non-scented antibacterial soap to the affected area, and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area with clean Q-tips.

    Tip: It is very effective to remove any softened discharge after a warm shower. The steam and warm water will help soften the residue, remove with a clean Q-tip immediately after showering. Remember, do not SOAK your piercing in water.

    Beware: Ears have a lot of surface area due to the “nooks and crannies” that make up the intricate folds in the ear. Dead skin cells, ear wax, natural oils, hair care products, and sweat build up in the hard-to-reach places of the ear, harboring moisture/bacteria and can suffocate the piercing. This build-up will disrupt the healing process significantly, so make sure to clean your entire ear daily. The best time to remove this build-up is after a nice warm shower, use dry pointed Q-tips for the most comfortable and effective removal. Be mindful of cleaning and drying behind your ears!!

  • Healing Time: 3-4 months minimum

    Initial Jewelry: curved barbell. This piercing should be downsized after the swelling has gone down; excess length in the post can be hazardous to the piercing when not downsized in a timely manner.

    Saline Wound Wash Application: Apply a cotton ball(s) saturated with saline wound wash to the entire piercing (both entry and exit holes,) soak for 2 minutes, and wipe off any softened discharge with a dry Q-tip.

    Soap Application: Lather the white non-scented antibacterial soap to the affected area, and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area with clean Q-tips.

    Tip: It is very effective to remove any softened discharge after a warm shower. The steam and warm water will help soften the residue, remove with a clean Q-tip immediately after showering. Remember, do not SOAK your piercing in water.

    Beware: Be very mindful to keep this piercing clear of any build-up due to dead skin, natural oils, hair care products, sweat, makeup, and lotions; they are known to cause severe irritation to this sensitive piercing due to harboring moisture/bacteria and can suffocate the piercing. The best time to remove this build-up is after a nice warm shower, use dry pointed Q-tips for the most comfortable and effective removal.

  • Healing Time: For men, 4-6 months minimum. For women, 6-9 months minimum (if you have a cup size larger than DD, typically 9-12 months minimum.)

    Initial Jewelry: straight barbell. This piercing should be downsized after the swelling has gone down if the post shows excess length when the nipple is in a relaxed state; excess length in the post can be hazardous to the piercing when not downsized in a timely manner.

    Saline Wound Wash Application: Fill a clean shot glass 1/3 full with the saline wound wash, place the opening of the cup over the nip, use a swirling motion and soak for 2 minutes. Wipe off any softened discharge with dry Q-tips.

    Soap Application: Lather the white non-scented antibacterial soap to the affected area, and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area with clean Q-tips.

    Tip: It is very effective to remove any softened discharge after a warm shower. The steam and warm water will help soften the residue, remove with a clean Q-tip immediately after showering. Remember, do not SOAK your piercing in water.

    Beware: Be very mindful to keep this piercing clear of any build-up due to dead skin, natural oils, sweat, and lotions; they are known to cause severe irritation to this sensitive piercing due to harboring moisture/bacteria and can suffocate the piercing. The best time to remove this build-up is after a nice warm shower, use dry pointed Q-tips for the most comfortable and effective removal.

  • Healing Time: 6-9 months minimum

    Initial Jewelry: curved barbell

    Saline Wound Wash Application: Fill a clean shot glass 1/3 full with the saline wound wash, place the opening of the cup over the nip, use a swirling motion and soak for 2 minutes. Wipe off any softened discharge with dry Q-tips.

    Soap Application: Lather the white non-scented antibacterial soap to the affected area, and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area with clean Q-tips.

    Tip: It is very effective to remove any softened discharge after a warm shower. The steam and warm water will help soften the residue, remove with a clean Q-tip immediately after showering. Remember, do not SOAK your piercing in water.

    Beware: Be very mindful to keep this piercing clear of any build-up due to dead skin, natural oils, sweat, and lotions; they are known to cause severe irritation to this sensitive piercing due to harboring moisture/bacteria and can suffocate the piercing. The best time to remove this build-up is after a nice warm shower, use dry pointed Q-tips for the most comfortable and effective removal.

  • Healing Time: 3-4 months minimum

    Initial Jewelry: The type of jewelry varies depending on the type of lip piercing. This piercing should be downsized after the swelling has gone down; excess length in the post can be hazardous to the piercing and your teeth/gums when not downsized in a timely manner.

    Saline Wound Wash Application: Apply a cotton ball(s) saturated with saline wound wash to the external part of the piercing, soak for 2 minutes, and wipe off any softened discharge with a dry Q-tip.

    Soap Application: Lather the white non-scented antibacterial soap to the external affected area, and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area with clean Q-tips.

    Mouth Wash Application: Rinse with an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash for at least 30 seconds. Do this after every meal, snack, sugary beverage, and after brushing your teeth.

    Tip: It is very effective to remove any softened discharge after a warm shower. The steam and warm water will help soften the residue, remove with a clean Q-tip immediately after showering. Remember, do not SOAK your piercing in water.

    Beware: Be very mindful to keep this piercing clear of any build-up due to dead skin, natural oils, hair care products, sweat, makeup, and lotions; they are known to cause severe irritation to this sensitive piercing due to harboring moisture/bacteria and can suffocate the piercing. The best time to remove this build-up is after a nice warm shower, use dry pointed Q-tips for the most comfortable and effective removal.

All healing mouth piercings should be rinsed regularly with an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash. Maintaining general oral health is also extremely important; floss daily and brush your teeth after meals.

During the entire healing process, the area must be rinsed with an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash after meals, snacks, sugary beverages, and brushing your teeth. After the piercing is fully healed, it is very important to maintain a clean piercing.

Use an electric toothbrush to remove plaque/food from the jewelry inside of the mouth. Brush the jewelry (avoid brushing the piercing itself,) for at least 15 seconds. Use a new toothbrush head to avoid cross-contamination, and to regularly replace the brush head thereafter. A non-electric toothbrush is not recommended, due to the abrasive movements and pulling on the piercing’s jewelry. The electric toothbrush is more gentle and effective for cleaning. Wash your hands thoroughly before flossing and brushing your teeth.

Avoid these foods when healing: spicy, salty, crunchy, sour, acidic, live yeast/bacteria cultures, beer, Greek yoghurt, raw/undercooked meats. Also avoid certain *ahem* activities that would irritate or cross-contaminate the piercing while healing… I’m sure I don’t need to elaborate.

Do not bite your nails! There are bacteria, dirt, and other unkind elements under your fingernails. Oral infections are particularly aggressive, and can be extremely dangerous. If you feel as though your piercing is infected or requires medical attention, immediately contact your doctor or medical professional.

As I’ve told my clients over the years, “Don’t freakin’ touch it.” Only contact the piercing to clean/adjust your piercing. Do not sleep on, pick at, play with, twist, touch, cross contaminate, or change the jewelry during the healing process. Avoid clothing that rubs/snags your piercing, and participating in activities that subject the piercing to harmful elements (swimming, tanning, sports, exercise that requires contact with the piercing, etc.) while the piercing is healing. If you don’t follow these steps, the piercing is susceptible to infection, severe irritation, rejection, migration, keloids, tearing, and other healing complications. If you are experiencing any of those healing complications or are concerned about the well-being of your piercing, contact your doctor or medical professional immediately. Delaying medical attention to your piercing risks further complications.

Do not twist/turn/remove the jewelry while the piercing is healing. Implant Grade Titanium and Implant Grade Surgical Steel are deemed by the State of Ohio to be safe for your skin. Any material not manufactured as “Implant Grade” is not pierced within our studio.

Properly downsizing your jewelry once the swelling has gone down is one of the most important steps to the healing process. The exact timeframe for swelling varies from person-to-person, but the jewelry must be downsized as soon as there is excess length in the post.

For detailed cleaning instructions for specific mouth piercings, select from the options below.

Mouth Piercings

  • Healing Time: 2-3 months minimum

    Initial Jewelry Options: straight barbell

    Mouth Wash Application: Rinse with an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash for at least 30 seconds. Do this after every meal, snack, sugary beverage, and after brushing your teeth.

    Tip: It is very important to keep your jewelry free from plaque build-up, otherwise it will turn into tartar (which is near impossible to remove from the jewelry.) Brush the jewelry with an electric toothbrush to remove plaque at least twice daily.

    Beware: The tongue piercing has potential to cause damage to teeth and gums from rubbing and biting down on the barbell. To avoid this from happening, be extremely mindful of where you are chewing and talking as well as not playing with the jewelry. Properly downsizing the length of the bar after the piercing is done swelling is crucial.

  • Healing Time: 2-3 months minimum

    Initial Jewelry Options: Fixed Bead Ring, Captive Bead Ring

    Mouth Wash Application: Rinse with an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash for at least 30 seconds. Do this after every meal, snack, sugary beverage, and after brushing your teeth.

    Tip: It is very important to keep your jewelry free from plaque build-up, otherwise it will turn into tartar (which is near impossible to remove from the jewelry.) Brush the jewelry with an electric toothbrush to remove plaque at least twice daily.

    Beware: The smiley piercing has potential to cause damage to teeth and gums from friction due to talking and chewing. To avoid this from happening, be extremely mindful of where you are chewing and talking as well as not playing with the jewelry.

  • Healing Time: 3-4 months minimum

    Initial Jewelry: The type of jewelry varies depending on the type of lip piercing. This piercing should be downsized after the swelling has gone down; excess length in the post can be hazardous to the piercing and your teeth/gums when not downsized in a timely manner.

    Saline Wound Wash Application: Apply a cotton ball(s) saturated with saline wound wash to the external part of the piercing, soak for 2 minutes, and wipe off any softened discharge with a dry Q-tip.

    Soap Application: Lather the white non-scented antibacterial soap to the external affected area, and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area with clean Q-tips.

    Mouth Wash Application: Rinse with an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash for at least 30 seconds. Do this after every meal, snack, sugary beverage, and after brushing your teeth.

    Tip: It is very effective to remove any softened discharge after a warm shower. The steam and warm water will help soften the residue, remove with a clean Q-tip immediately after showering. Remember, do not SOAK your piercing in water.

    Beware: Be very mindful to keep this piercing clear of any build-up due to dead skin, natural oils, hair care products, sweat, makeup, and lotions; they are known to cause severe irritation to this sensitive piercing due to harboring moisture/bacteria and can suffocate the piercing. The best time to remove this build-up is after a nice warm shower, use dry pointed Q-tips for the most comfortable and effective removal. The lip piercing has potential to cause damage to teeth and gums from rubbing and biting down on the barbell. To avoid this from happening, be extremely mindful of where you are chewing and talking as well as not playing with the jewelry. Properly downsizing the length of the bar after the piercing is done swelling is crucial.