Aftercare

Congratulations on your new piercing!

If you are pierced in our studio, we will provide you with a detailed aftercare guide and verbal instructions on how to properly clean and care for your fresh piercing.

Our aftercare instructions are intended for piercings performed by a skilled professional using sterile equipment and implant-grade jewelry. Even with the criteria above being met, healing success can vary from person to person; aftercare of your piercing is your responsibility.

Below are tips and advice to help you successfully heal your new piercing. If you have received a piercing service in our studio, use this as a quick reference guide to ensure you’re appropriately following aftercare. If you have any additional questions about aftercare, please get in touch with our studio, and we will assist you.

Helpful Tips

  • ​Do not touch your piercing. Do not let anyone else come into contact with your piercing either.

  • Do not remove your jewelry while healing.

  • Avoid executing your cleaning regimen with hands that aren't sanitized. Only use sterile, single use items intended for wound care.

  • Do not twist your piercing to detach "crusties" or keep it from "getting stuck." 

  • Do not pick or pull biological build-up from your piercing. Do allow the shower pressure to remove it or loosen it so it can be removed gently with a sterile cotton swab.

  • Do not use soap (of any kind), alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, bactine, or the like as they may destroy healthy cells and are not intended for long-term wound care or even puncture wounds. Do not use homemade salt solutions or essential oils (including tea tree oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and CBD oil).  Do not apply ointments or balms to your piercing (they prevent the air circulation necessary for healing and can collect irritants and promote bacteria growth).

  • Use sterile saline wound wash to irrigate and disinfect your piercing (Neilmed Piercing Aftercare Solution is prepackaged in a sterile environment, contains no additives, and has the correct ratio of sterile water to sodium chloride required for safe and long-term wound cleansing).

  • Avoid beauty or personal care products on or around your healing piercing, including: cosmetics, serums, lotions, fragrance, etc.

  • Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers (any unhygienic bodies of water), or submerging in baths during the first few months of healing.

  • Change your linens and pillowcases often.

  • Regularly sanitize surfaces that may come into contact with the piercing area, such as: eyeglasses, phone screens, helmets, hats, etc.

  • After the initial swelling subsides, if your jewelry post (or backing) is too long, a downsize is necessary to ensure your piercing will continue to heal smoothly and fit properly.

  • Take good care of yourself! Drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, reduce your stress level, and support your immune system (Vitamin C, Zinc) to help heal your piercing.

  • Only take advice about your piercings from a professional piercer.