after your piercing
Your After Care Guide
Aftercare is just as important as the piercing itself. Following proper aftercare helps your piercing heal safely, reduces the risk of complications and ensures the best long-term result. Use this guide to care for your new piercing with confidence.
What to expect in the first few weeks
Some changes are a normal part of the healing process. Knowing what to expect can help you feel reassured and avoid unnecessary concern.
Normal healing signs include:
Swelling, redness and tenderness in the early weeks
Minor bleeding, dried blood, light discolouration, or bruising in the first 1 – 2 weeks
“Crusties” forming as the body heals these should be left alone and will usually rinse away in the shower
Around weeks 5 to 8, many piercings require a downsizing appointment to support proper healing and reduce irritation.
General Aftercare
Do's and Don'ts Of Care
DO
Attend your downsizing or check-up appointment if recommended
Wash your hands before touching your piercing
Pat dry the area gently, especially behind ear lobes before sleeping
Reach out to your piercer if you have concerns or want to double-check your aftercare routine
DO NOT
Do not twist, rotate, or play with your jewellery
Do not remove jewellery prematurely, as this may cause the piercing to close
Do not sleep on the piercing, as this can cause angling or trauma bumps
Avoid swimming (pools, ocean, or spas) during the initial healing period
Why we only use needles
Use a saline spray like NeilMed sterile saline as advised by your piercer (typically 2–3 times per day).
Avoid over-cleaning; twice daily is usually sufficient
Rinse the piercing gently in the shower
Do not use cotton tips to clean your piercing
Avoid harsh products:
Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soap, ointments, or creams. These can irritate the piercing and slow healing.
Why downsizing matters
Downsizing helps reduce swelling-related irritation and supports proper healing. Not all piercings are downsized at the same time, so we recommend following your piercer’s advice.
