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Healing

Healing times are known for initial healing only. Complete healing times will vary

Facial

Eyebrow 8 weeks minimum
Nose 8 to 12 weeks minimum
Cartilage 8 to 12 weeks minimum
Earlobe 8 weeks minimum
Septum 8 weeks

Torso

Navel 8 to 12 weeks minimum
Nipple 8 to 12 weeks minimum

Please note: Surface/genital piercing information is available from our trained staff.

Basic Piercing Aftercare

Twice a day for 8 weeks, wash with diluted piercing solution (which we stock). Soaps containing deodorants, perfume and other additives should not be used. Using a cotton tip is a gentle and hygienic way to apply your piercing solution.

Betadine is not to be used on gold jewellry as this will discolour it. hydrogen peroxide, methylated spirits, Dettol concentrate, tea-tree oil, alcohol swabs and other harsh products should NOT be used on piercings.

During the healing process, matter secreted from the piercing will dry on and around the jewelry do not pick it. Use salt water to rinse the secretion away. According to medical source the overall healing process is enhanced with a well-balanced diet, adequate sleep and if needed a vitamin and mineral supplement (vitamin C 500-1000mg and chelated zinc 50-150mg per day, after food). Vitamin C, chelated zinc and echinacea liquid extract may be useful for the first 12 weeks of the healing process. They will boost the immune system and aid connective tissues to heal.

New piercings, especially nipples, should NOT be subjected to heavy abuse. If the correct aftercare is applied infection is rare. However, you should seek advise from your piercer if you suspect your piercing is infected. Signs of infection are constant inflamed redness, excessive pain and a yellow secretion from the piercing. IT IS NOT recommended you remove your jewellry in this situation, as your body will need an exit for the excretion of the infection.

Be careful when exercising NOT to have belts, jeans, clothes or other accessories rubbing on your jewellry during the healing process. This would aggravate the new piercing and may cause infection. If granulated tissue begins to grow from your piercing which looks similar to keloid scarring, consult your doctor for a prescription of Bactroban ointment. Body jewellry may be changed once your piercing is healed. If the jewellry is removed too soon or in an incorrect manner the delicate lining of the piercing may be torn.

It is recommended that you visit your piercer for jewellry changes. Stainless Surgical Steel (316-L), Niobium, Titanium, Lucite and Gold are the most popular and recommended metals and plastic used safely for body piercings. Other metals such as sterling silver or low grade steels are NOT appropriate for body piercing as they will cause infection and aggravate a new or healed piercing.

If this precautionary advise is followed your piercing will heal within 2-12 weeks, depending on the location of the piercing.

Handy Tips (General Piercing)

Navel

Tight or high waste bands promote too much friction during the initial healing period, which can result in prolonged healing, scarring or migration.

Nipple

Well placed barbells can decrease healing time by minimising friction.

Cartilage

Any friction (turning, knocking, sleeping directly on piercing) will delay the healing process and promote keloid scarring.

Nostril/Facial

Make-up creams and moisturisers can irritate new piercings.

Disclaimer: Remember these are guidelines based on experience and common sense. Always consider medical advise but be aware of doctors with no experience regarding piercing.

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