Aftercare

Ensure Proper Healing with Our Expert Tips

Aftercare Instructions

Daily rinsing is required to mitigate discharge and avoid buildup. This simple action keeps the region clean and allows for optimal healing.

That said, the healing process can differ depending on where the piercing is. Here are some general aftercare instructions you can follow based on the type of piercing you get:

    • Cleaning: Spray saline front and back of piercing, let saline sit for a few minutes and rinse with water. no need to twist or turn the jewelry. avoid qtip and cotton balls. 

    • Heal Time: 6+ months

    • Downsize: 6-8 weeks

    • Cleaning: Spray saline front and back of piercing, let saline sit for a few minutes and rinse with water. no need to twist or turn the jewelry. avoid qtip and cotton balls. 

    • Heal Time: 9+ months

    • Downsize: 6-8 weeks

    • Care: Be extra cautious as cartilage piercings are more prone to bumps and irritation.

    • Cleaning: Spray saline on top of piercing, let saline sit for a few minutes and rinse with water. no need to twist or turn the jewelry. avoid qtip and cotton balls. 

    • Heal Time: 9+ months

    • Downsize: 6-8 weeks

    • Care: Avoid makeup, moisturizers, oils and ointments directly on top of piercing.

    • Warning: Be extra cautious as cartilage piercings are more prone to bumps and irritation.

    • Cleaning: Spray saline on piercing, let saline sit for a few minutes and rinse with water. no need to move the jewelry. avoid qtip and cotton balls. 

    • Heal Time: 6+ months

    • Downsize: 6-8 weeks

    • Care: Avoid makeup, moisturizers, oils, and ointments directly on top of piercing.

    • Warning: Ensure your bedding and pillowcases are clean for all facial piercings. You can always use the t-shirt method and slip your pillow into a large, clean tee. That way, you can get up to four clean surfaces for sleeping by rotating the pillow and turning the shirt inside out.

    • Cleaning: Follow your normal oral hygiene. We recommend rinsing your mouth with a non-alcoholic, antiseptic mouthwash after eating, drinking, and smoking.

    • Heal Time: 6+ months

    • Downsize: 2-4 weeks

    • Care: Avoid straws, spicy, acidic foods and alcohol during the healing process. Stick to soft foods initially.

    • Cleaning: Spray saline on piercing, let saline sit for a few minutes and rinse with water. no need to move the jewelry. avoid qtip and cotton balls. 

    • Heal Time: 6+ months

    • Care: Avoiding waist high or compression clothing while sleeping is recommended. Try sleeping on your back to avoid extra pressure on the piercing.

Recommended Aftercare Products

The number one product we recommend when caring for your piercing is a sterile saline solution like Love Saline. Simply spray the saline onto the piercing (front and back or top) and let it sit for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Doing this before a shower is a great way to ensure it gets rinsed properly. It’s as easy as that!

Common Issues and Solutions

Despite your best efforts, sometimes issues can arise during the healing process. Here are some common problems and practical solutions to help you navigate any challenges with your new piercing.

  • Symptoms:

    • Redness

    • Swelling

    • Fever

    • Heat around the piercing site

    • Pain or tenderness

    • Yellow or green discharge

    Solutions:

    • Clean Gently: Continue cleaning with a saline solution once a day.

    • Avoid Irritants: Keep the area free from makeup, lotions, and other potential irritants.

    • Seek Professional Help: If symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional immediately.

  • Symptoms:

    • A small bump near the piercing site

    • It may be filled with fluid or firm to the touch

    • Red and inflamed

    • It may be tender, burn, or itch - however, some are painless

    Solutions:

    • Avoid Pressure: Ensure your jewelry is not too tight and avoid sleeping on the piercing.

    • Consult Your Piercer: If the bump does not improve or worsens, consult your piercer for further advice.

    • Care: Be extra cautious as cartilage piercings are more prone to bumps and infections.

  • Symptoms:

    • The piercing moves from its original position

    • The skin between the entrance is flaking or peeling, red or inflamed, and/or hard and calloused. 

    Solutions:

    • Remove Jewelry: If you suspect rejection, visit your piercer to have the jewelry removed to minimize scarring.

    • Choose Appropriate Jewelry: Ensure you’re using high-quality, implant-grade jewelry suitable for the piercing.

    • Monitor Healing: Keep an eye on your piercing, and if it continues to move, consult your piercer for alternatives.

  • Symptoms:

    • Redness and itching around the piercing site

    • Rash or hives

    Solutions:

    • Switch Jewelry: Opt for hypoallergenic, implant-grade materials like titanium.

    • Consult Your Piercer: Have your piercer help with changing the jewelry to minimize irritation.

  • Symptoms:

    • Swelling around the piercing site

    • Tight feeling around the jewelry

    Solutions:

    • Consult Your Piercer: If swelling persists or worsens, consult your piercer for advice.

  • Symptoms:

    • Prolonged bleeding from the piercing site

    Solutions:

    • Apply Pressure: Use a clean cloth or sterile gauze to apply gentle pressure to the area.

    • Elevate the Area: If possible, elevate the pierced area to reduce blood flow.

    • Seek Professional Help: If bleeding does not stop, seek medical attention.

  • Symptoms:

    • Dry skin around the piercing

    • Crust formation

    Solutions:

    • Saline Solution: Continue cleaning with a saline solution once per day, which can help remove crusts.

    • Avoid Over-Cleaning: Over-cleaning can cause dryness, so stick to cleaning once a day.

    • Consult Your Piercer: If dryness and crusting persists or worsens, consult your piercer for advice.

  • Symptoms:

    • Prolonged healing time

    • Persistent pain or discomfort

    Solutions:

    • Follow Aftercare Instructions: Ensure you are following all aftercare instructions meticulously.

    • Consult Your Piercer: If healing complications persist, consult your piercer for a thorough assessment.

  • Symptoms:

    • Severe redness, swelling, or pain

    • A large amount of thick, green, yellow, or gray discharge

    • Unpleasant scent

    • Red streaks near the piercing site

    • Notice symptoms are lasting for a week or more

    • Experiencing fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or disorientation

Remember, every piercing heals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to listen to your body and reach out to a professional if you have any concerns. At Envy Body Piercing, we are here to support you throughout your healing journey. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or issues you may encounter. Your health and satisfaction are our top priorities.

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