Body Piercing Aftercare

Piercing aftercare is crucial for several reasons. It ensures proper healing, limits the risk of infection, and helps prevent scarring.

By following this guide and the specific piercing aftercare instructions you will receive from your artist, you'll be well on your way to a beautifully-healed piercing.

The process can be divided into three phases:

1. Inflammation (a few days to a few weeks)
2. Proliferative (dependent on your body's healing process & the piercing you have)
3. Maturation (can last a few months to a few years, depending on the piercing)

Phase 1: Inflammation

Also known as the “acceptance stage,” you may experience:

• Blood clotting around the piercing holes and/or jewelry
• Inflammation or swelling
• Tenderness in the area

During this phase, it's important to thoroughly wash your hands before following the cleaning guidelines your piercer has provided.

Phase 2: Proliferative

Your body has now entered the healing stage. During this time:

• The piercing starts to appear normal (not inflamed, tender, or bleeding).
• You may experience a clear or yellowish discharge of lymph, plasma, and dead cells that harden and collect around the piercing hole(s).

Cleaning during this phase is as crucial as ever, as your piercing is still at risk of infection or improper healing.

Phase 3: Maturation

By this point, your piercing is well on its way to healed, but it’s important to note that this phase could take a few years, depending on the location of your piercing. Remember:

• It may still be possible for the piercing to close if you remove the jewelry.
• Always wash your hands before handling your piercing or jewelry.

Do

• Follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions.
• Wash your hands before touching your piercing.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing that won’t snag on your jewelry.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.

Don’t

• Over clean – it can be tempting, but it may delay healing or unnecessarily irritate your piercing.
• Submerge a piercing in bodies of water while healing, like swimming pools or hot tubs.
• Use personal or beauty care products near or on your piercing, like lotions or sprays.
• Clean with anything harsh, like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibacterial soap.

It takes time for a piercing to heal. You can help things along by carefully following the guidelines your piercer provides. Should you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities!