246 Main St, Gooding, ID 83330

AFTER CARE

Everyone heals differently and some healing journeys are easier and some require a little more attention. However together we can hopefully help yours a little easier.

Normal things to expect during healing.

There are plenty of worrying things that are perfectly normal during the healing process. However do not hesitate to reach out if you are concerned about your piercing.

Typical Healing Times

Earlobes: 6–8 weeks
Cartilage: 3–9 months
Nose: 2–4 months
Navel: 6–12 months
Tongue: 4–8 weeks

How Can I Tell If I Have An Infection?

Signs of infection include: Severe redness, swelling or tenderness at the procedure site, red streaks going from procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature, purulent drainage from the site. Discharge from the site may be green/yellow and have a foul odor.

If you believe you may have an infection we recommend reaching out to a medical professional immediately.

Single point piercings

(also known as Microdermals, and surface piercings)

Considerations

I always say to take your lifestyle into consideration when deciding on these. Think about the clothing you typically wear, if your every day jewelry is going to be in the way, lifestyle in general, is it in an area that gets squished when sleeping, or in a place where sweat collects? All things that can get in the way of your piercing healing or cause them to reject.

What to use

Just like a normal piercing you'll want to use a Sterile Saline spray. The cleaning isn't that much different. However the first two weeks or so can be a little bit different because they are going to need to be babied a little more. They are more likely to have rejection issues if you aren't careful.

Things to avoid

Especially avoid snagging it on anything! The way the jewelry is inserted can cause them to pull out easier until the skin grows back around or through the jewelry. If you use a scrunchy Loofa sponge when bathing just throw it in the trash, it's going to snag on your piercing constantly.

Avoid touching or playing with them just like you would any other piercing. If they are on your face like always avoid makeup.

See our page on: Things to Avoid During Healing

Oral Piercings - Cleaning your piercing

What to use

A non-alcoholic and peroxide free mouthwash can be used after meals. Some people prefer to rinse with sterile saline for their oral piercings instead and that is ok too.

Basic oral hygene

Brush your teeth and floss like you normally would twice a day. Be careful to avoid brushing directly on top of or around your new piercing. Also be careful not to bump your new piercing while flossing.

Things to avoid

Avoid playing with your piercing, I know this can be especially hard with oral piercings, but the softer tissue of your mouth and tongue are especially prone to tearing. You also risk wearing down the enamel on your teeth if you get into the habit of clicking your jewelry on them.
Try to avoid spicy food, not only will it hurt, but it can cause the swelling to be worse.
Be careful eating when your have your longer starter jewelry in so that you don't bite down on your jewelry!
Avoid smoking and vaping, I know this is a hard one for a lot of people, but it will slow down the healing process.
limiting your alcohol consumption during the healing process is recommended. Alcohol is harsh on new piercings and can also prevent healing.

A good rule of thumb when dealing with oral piercings is that if anything you're doing is uncomfortable you should stop or modify the way you are doing that task.

Non-Oral Piercings - Cleaning Your Piercing

What to use

All you'll need to clean your new piercing is Sterile Saline Wound Wash.
Nothing you put on your piercing is going to make it heal any faster regardless of claims made by certain companies.

How to clean your piercing

Please be gentle when cleaning your new piercing, scrubbing and extra movement is going to cause irritation.

Your only goal is to flush any visible debris off of your jewelry.
You'll want to irrigate your piercing 2-3 times a day.
If your piercing feels "stuck" to your jewelry it is perfectly normal please do not try to "unstick" it.
If you find there are debris stuck to your jewelry that are hard to get off, do not scrub at them. Try cleaning them after you get out of the shower, the heat

GENERAL INFORMATION

Swelling

Swelling is a completely normal part of the healing process. Some initial swelling is to be expected, the first 5-7 days especially, but can sometimes slowly decrease during the first month of healing depending on the piercing.
If you suspect or have sudden and/or really bad swelling feel free to contact me using the troubleshooting button up top.

Bleeding

Some bleeding in the first 12-24 hours is not uncommon. If you notice it bleeding during the cleaning process try skipping your nightly cleaning routine and then in the morning running saline or warm water over it.

Pain

With piercings come a bit of pain. Minor pain and soreness is to be expected with any piercing and can last a few days and even the first few weeks, but should not be unbearable. Your piercing may be sore for a little while. There are things you can do to minimize pain and one of the easiest is not touching or moving your piercing.

Discharge

Some whitish, clear discharge is a normal part of the healing process and is where the "crusties" come from. Your body is injured and is attempting to create a scab in order to heal. It just can't completely due to the jewelry being in the way. You will gently get this off during the cleaning process. Please do not pick or scratch them off.

Bruising

There are a few piercings where bruising is more common such as anywhere near the soft tissue of the eye. If you're prone to bruising already don't be surprised if a bruise accompanies your new piercing for a few days.

246 Main St,
Gooding, ID 83330