New Piercing — How to Care for It

Healing a new piercing is generally straightforward, but it does require consistency, discipline, and proper aftercare. Following these guidelines closely will help ensure a smooth healing process and minimize the risk of complications.

Piercing Aftercare Instructions

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.

2. Spray a sterile saline solution on all entry points of the piercing twice daily.

3. Do not touch, twist, or move the jewelry.
   This can irritate delicate tissue and delay healing.

4. Avoid any pressure on the piercing, both short- and long-term.

   • The most common source of pressure is during sleep.

   • We strongly recommend using a healing pillow (U-shaped) or placing a pillow behind your back to prevent rolling onto the piercing.

   • Be mindful of headphones, tight hats, helmets, swim caps, and motorcycle helmets.

   • For conch, tragus, daith, and anti-tragus piercings, earbud-style headphones are strongly discouraged.

5. Avoid all bodies of water such as baths, pools, spas, lakes, and rivers for a minimum of 2 months.

6. Post-swelling jewelry adjustment (downsizing)

   • A longer post is initially installed to allow for normal swelling.

   • Once swelling subsides, a shorter post will be required.

   • Downsizing cost: $20–$35, depending on the jewelry type and piercing.

   • This appointment usually takes place several months after the initial piercing, depending on healing progress.

Additional Guidelines

• Body piercings
  Wear clean clothing and consider washing bedding more frequently during the healing period.

• Facial piercings
  Do not apply makeup, creams, or skincare products on or around the piercing for the duration of healing.

Recommended Cleaning Solutions

✔️ Sterile saline spray (NeilMed)
Available in-store — $10–$20

or

✔️ Sterile saline solution
Available at pharmacies

or

✔️ Homemade saline solution

• 1 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt

• 1 cup of distilled or bottled spring water, warmed