Piercing Aftercare: How to Take Care of Your New Piercing for a Healthy Healing Process

Getting a new piercing is exciting, but proper aftercare is essential to ensure a smooth healing process and to avoid infections or complications. At Salvation Beauty Ink in Pembroke Pines, FL, we take pride in providing professional piercings and educating our clients on the best aftercare practices. Whether you’ve just had a cartilage piercing, navel piercing, oral piercing, or dermal piercing, following the correct steps will protect your investment and keep your new piercing looking beautiful.

General Piercing Aftercare Instructions

How to clean your piercing:

• Clean twice a day using a sterile saline solution (available at most pharmacies). You can spray directly on the area or soak with a sterile gauze pad. Gently clean around the jewelry, removing any dried discharge.

• Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh soaps, as they can dry out and irritate the skin.

Healing time before changing jewelry:

• For soft tissue piercings (such as earlobes), wait at least 2 months before switching or downsizing jewelry.

• For cartilage piercings (like helix, tragus, conch, rook), healing takes longer—4 months or more before changing jewelry. Patience is key to prevent bumps or migration.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Do not bump, twist, or remove the jewelry during the healing process.

• Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing or applying unnecessary pressure.

• Keep your piercing out of pools, oceans, bathtubs, and hot tubs for at least 2 months. Avoid direct sun exposure while it’s healing.

If you notice redness, unusual swelling, or discharge that looks like pus, contact your piercer or a healthcare professional. You can also reach us directly at 754-888-9981 for personalized advice.

Specific Piercing Care Guidelines

How to Take Care of a Cartilage Piercing

Cartilage piercings (helix, conch, tragus, rook, etc.) require more care because they heal slower than earlobe piercings. To care for a cartilage piercing:

• Clean twice daily with sterile saline.

• Avoid headphones, helmets, or anything that puts pressure on the ear.

• Sleep on the opposite side or use a travel pillow with an open center to avoid pressure.

• Do not remove or change your jewelry for at least 4 months.

Cartilage piercings can be prone to bumps if irritated, so following these guidelines closely will reduce your chances of complications.

Oral Piercing Aftercare (Tongue, Lip, Labret, Smiley)

• Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash or saline solution after eating, drinking, or smoking.

• Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods during the first week as these can increase irritation.

• Avoid kissing, oral contact, or sharing utensils for at least 2 weeks.

Dermal Piercing Aftercare

• Avoid pulling, snagging, or putting pressure on the anchor.

• If needed, cover the area with breathable protection (like gauze) while sleeping.

• Avoid tight clothing or anything that may rub against the piercing.

Dermal piercings are surface-level, so they require extra attention to prevent displacement or rejection.

Navel Piercing (Belly Button) Aftercare

• Avoid tight clothing or high-waisted pants that press against the area during healing.

• Sleep on your back to reduce irritation.

• Keep the area clean and dry; do not submerge in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean for the first 2 months.

Why Piercing Aftercare Matters

Healing time varies from person to person, depending on placement, lifestyle, and individual healing ability. Proper aftercare helps:

• Prevent infections

• Reduce swelling and irritation

• Avoid scarring or migration of the jewelry

Following these simple steps will keep your piercing healthy and beautiful.

Ready for Your Next Piercing?

If you have any questions about how to take care of a cartilage piercing or any other piercing, visit us at:

Salvation Beauty Ink
📍 12251 Taft St., Suite 302, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
📞 754-888-9981
🌐 www.SalvationBeautyInk.com