Migration of jewellery may also occur (jewellery moving outwards through your skin) if the piercing is agitated before it heals completely. This problem is more common in navel and eyebrow piercing but could happen with a piercing at any site. If you think this is happening to your piercing then return to your piercer and seek their advice.
When your piercing is fully healed you may notice that the jewellery seems too big. This was to allow for swelling of the skin. We can advise you on the size of jewellery you will need and can help fitting it for you.
General Rules
- Treat your piercing as an open wound.
- Make sure your hands are clean before touching your piercing and avoid ‘playing’ with it.
- Expect some inflammation and redness.
- Avoid swimming, sunbathing and saunas for 2 weeks.
- Try to avoid restrictive clothing on new piercings.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours after being pierced.
Facial and Torso piercings
- Clean twice per day with a saline (salt water) solution. This can be bought ready made for convenience.
- Avoid oral contact with the piercing.
- If playing sports please cover with a padded dressing to avoid damage.
- For nostril piercings, covering them with a plaster or micropore when sleeping is advised.
Genital piercings
- Clean twice per day with a saline solution.
- Avoid oral contact.
- Protection advised for any sexual contact.
Tongue piercings
- Rinse mouth with a saline solution or anti-bacterial, alcohol free mouthwash every 3 hours or after every meal.
- Use ice cubes to reduce the swelling.
- Avoid smoking if possible.
- Avoid oral contact.
Healing Time
Please note these are approximate and vary from person to person.
Ear cartilage 3-12 months
Tongue 2 months
Ear lobe 2 months
Nipple 3-12 months
Eyebrow 2 months
Navel 3-12 months
Nostril 3-4 months
Clit hood 1-2 months
Septum 2 months
Prince Albert 1-2 months
Labret 2 months
Surface - varies
If you have any problems or questions regarding your piercing at any time, you should contact your piercer on the details above to ask their advice in the first instance. It may be the case that they refer you to your GP or reassure you that what you are seeing is part of the natural healing process.