What to AVOID during the healing process of your piercing(s):

• NO rubbing alcohol, peroxide, Neosporin, Bactine, or ear care solution. !!!EVER!!!

• NO hot tubs, Jacuzzis, lakes, oceans, swimming pools, bathtubs, or any standing pools of water. This also includes the use of tanning beds, and spray tanner. (FOR AT LEAST 31 DAYS)

• NO pets on the bed for 31 days.

• NO bodily fluids on the area of the piercing(s) as well.

• That means NO ONE is allowed to touch your piercing(s), but you; and the only time you are allowed to touch it is with clean hands while cleaning your piercing(s).
   

For ORAL piercings, follow all of the above guidelines, as well as these additional ones:

• NO alcohol mouthwash for the next 31 days.

• NO kissing, or other things that will require your mouth for the next 31 days.

• NO sharing drinks, food, or utensils with anyone for the next 31 days.

• We would like for you not to drink alcohol, for the next 31 days. (If you do please keep in mind you will have to swish after your drink(s).)

• We would like for you not to smoke, or use smoking products (ALL Smoking Products) for the next 31 days.
   

What is NORMAL during the healing process of your piercing(s):

• Redness, soreness, bruising, and swelling is NORMAL. You may use a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc…) to help minimize swelling and reduce discomfort.

•  There may be a yellowish-white discharge from the entrance and exit point of the piercing(s). This what we call the crusties (A by-product of skin cell development). This is NORMAL. DO NOT PICK AT IT!! It will come off when you clean your piercing(s).

• Keep tight clothing off your piercing(s) for 31 days. It will slow your healing process.

• Change all bedding every 5 to 7 days, for the first 31 days of your piercing(s). You do not want that bacteria to get into your piercing(s), and cause problems.

• Do not sleep, lean, or put pressure on your piercing(s) for 31 days, or as much as possible.
   

How to clean your piercing(s):

• Water (from a running tap, or in the shower)

• Soap (liquid antimicrobial or antibacterial [color free, fragrance free] soap)

• Your Hands (NO cotton balls, Q-tips, gauze pad, wash cloths, or sponges)

1. Thoroughly wash your hands with your soap (if you are showering do all your shower washing first), before touching your piercing. Do not be concerned if your wash/shampoo runs into your piercing(s). You are cleaning your piercing after your shower.

2.  Pour a small amount of your soap (liquid antimicrobial or antibacterial) into your hands, and make into a lather.

3. Place lathered soap around the piercing(s), the entrance and exit points. Please do not force it to move.

4. Rinse the area thoroughly under running water to remove all soap and residue, then pat dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid hand towels, and bath towels. They can harbor bacteria.

5. You will need to clean your piercing(s) twice a day for the next 31 days to optimize healing results. After 31 days you can start to cut down how often you clean your piercing(s).

6. Also if you are cleaning your piercing(s) in the sink, you must pull water from the faucets head, not from the sinks basin.
    

How to take care of your ORAL piercing(s):

• Alcohol-Free Mouthwash (Crest Pro Health, Tom’s of Maine, Biotene, or Act) – With NO peroxide, or whitening agent

• New Toothbrush

• Ibuprofen (any anti-inflammatory medication)

• Ice Chips, or Ice Cubes
   

You will rinse your mouth out whenever you eat a big meal, or when you feel that you need too. (You do not have to rinse your mouth after drinking water.)

 

Buy a new toothbrush. You do not want to introduce old bacteria to new piercing.

 

Take Ibuprofen or some kind of anti-inflammatory medication. Please read the instructions on how they are used. We (piercer) are not doctors, we just recommend that it may help with the swelling, and soreness of the piercing(s).

 

Ice cubes, ice chips, or really cold water can also help to take down some of the swelling. Just do not suck on the ice, or suck through a straw. It could make the swelling worse.
 

Additional Tips for ORAL Piercings:

• It is going to swell. It depends on you how long that swelling will be. If you remove your jewelry to soon, that could hinder the healing of your piercing(s). Always leave your jewelry in unless told otherwise, by your piercer.

• Be careful when eating, drinking, or talk you may bite down on your jewelry, and break, or chip your teeth. Also you could rip, or tear your tongue. Please be careful with pasta noodles, they could choke you, so cut them up before eating. Chew slowly, and take your time when eating. You may eat what you like just be cautious.

• Make sure you can feel the back, front, top, or the bottom of your jewelry. It can embed into your lip, cheek, or tongue.

• Sometimes the jewelry may sit awkward, but after the jewelry is changed it will sit like it should. Either close, or flat to the surface of the piercing(s).

• Keep all make-up, lotion, facial cleaner, or lip products off your piercing(s). 

• Clean all phones before putting up to your mouth.
   

Other things to help your piercing(s) to heal:

Sea Salt Soaks - Take 1/4 teaspoon of uniodized sea salt, with distilled water. Mix items into shot glass, or relish cups. Place the cup in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds, or until warm to the touch (not boiling hot). Place cup upside down, or place cup on piercing(s) and soak for 5-10 minutes. Remove cup, and let piercing(s) air-dry. You will only need to do this once a day if need be.

H2Ocean Aftercare Spray - Follow directions as indicated on the side of the can for best results.
 

TIPS FOR PARTICULAR AREAS

NAVEL — Avoid tight, cinching belts, waistbands, and inflexible clothing on the area during healing. When getting up from a table, push away first, before standing. Also try not to sleep on your stomach.

EAR, HELIX, CARTILAGE AND FACIAL — Avoid getting lotion, makeup, and other foreign substances on your piercing(s). Avoid contact with your piercing(s) with phones, headsets, and earbuds. Clean them first, use the other side, or not at all.

NIPPLES — It is advisable to sleep in a tank top, t-shirt, or for ladies a sport bra. Mothers with newborns will still be able to breastfeed without any problem after the piercing(s) are healed.

GENITAL — Sexual activity is not prohibited, but must be gentle, and hygienic. LISTEN to your body! If it feels good, ok, if it hurts, stop. You may need to ease up, or stop for a time. Use condoms and dental dams for all sexual contact during healing to prevent sharing bodily fluids. This is required even if you are in a monogamous relationship.

• It is mandatory for your health, and safety during the entire minimum initial healing time. Avoid condoms and lubricants containing Nonoxynol 9, as it is very strong, and can irritate healing piercing. Use water-based lubricants like water base KY jelly.
   

General Information: Always be patient with your new piercing(s). No two piercing(s) heal the same.
 

DISCLAIMER
These guidelines are based on a combination of past professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. 
 

Beware, however, that many doctors and dentists have no specific training, or experience regarding healing patterns of body piercings and may not be educated on how best to assist you. For a happy and healthy piercing please keep in mind you need to be healthy as well. Proper diet, staying hydrated and getting enough rest will actually help aid the healing process. Also please DO NOT remove piercing until told to, or unless you have seen your piercer.