Piercing Preparation
Preparing properly for your piercing helps reduce swelling, bleeding, and complications, and ensures the best possible healing experience.
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Before Your Appointment:
Eat Before You Come
• Have a proper meal within 2–3 hours of your appointment.
• Piercings can cause a drop in blood sugar if you haven’t eaten.
• Avoid piercing on an empty stomach.
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Stay Hydrated
• Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your appointment.
• Proper hydration supports circulation and healing.
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Avoid Alcohol & Drugs
• Do not consume alcohol or recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
• Alcohol thins the blood, which can increase bleeding, swelling, and bruising.
• Arriving intoxicated may result in your appointment being refused.
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Avoid Blood Thinners
Unless prescribed by a doctor, avoid the following 24–48 hours before your piercing:
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Excessive caffeine
• Energy drinks
• Fish oil supplements
(If you are on prescribed blood thinners, please inform your piercer in advance.)
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Get a Good Night’s Sleep
• Being well-rested helps your body handle stress and pain more effectively.
• Fatigue can increase dizziness or nausea.
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Hygiene & Clothing
Shower Before Your Appointment
• Arrive freshly showered and clean.
• Avoid lotions, oils, perfumes, or makeup on the piercing area.
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Wear Appropriate Clothing
• Choose loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the piercing area.
• Avoid tight, restrictive, or abrasive fabrics.
• For body piercings, consider clothing that won’t rub or press on the jewelry afterward.
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Jewelry & Anatomy Considerations
• Jewelry selection will be discussed with your piercer to ensure:
• Proper sizing
• Safe materials
• Correct fit for swelling
• Not all anatomy supports all piercings — your piercer may advise against a piercing if it cannot be done safely.
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Health & Medical Information
Please inform your piercer before the procedure if you:
• Have allergies (especially to metals, latex, iodine, or adhesives)
• Are pregnant
• Have diabetes
• Have immune system conditions
• Are prone to fainting
• Have heart conditions
• Are healing another piercing or tattoo
This information helps us keep you safe.
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Pain, Bleeding & Swelling
• Some discomfort, swelling, redness, and light bleeding are normal.
• Everyone’s pain tolerance and healing process is different.
• Your piercer will guide you through breathing and aftercare instructions.
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Aftercare Commitment
• Proper aftercare is your responsibility.
• Failure to follow aftercare instructions can lead to:
• Infection
• Prolonged healing
• Jewelry rejection or migration
• Aftercare instructions will be provided after your piercing — please follow them carefully.
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Minors & ID
• Government-issued photo ID is required.
• Minors must meet shop age requirements and provide appropriate identification and guardian consent where applicable.
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Final Notes
• If you feel unwell, dizzy, or anxious before your appointment, please tell your piercer.
• Ask questions — we want you to feel informed and comfortable.
• Your safety and healing are our priority.
Preparation matters just as much as the piercing itself.
Piercing Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential for healing, comfort, and long-term success of your piercing. Healing times vary depending on placement, anatomy, and lifestyle.
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General Aftercare Rules (All Piercings)
• Wash your hands before touching your piercing.
• Do not twist, spin, or play with the jewelry.
• Avoid unnecessary touching or pressure.
• Healing piercings should be treated like open wounds.
• Some redness, swelling, warmth, and clear/whitish discharge (lymph fluid) are normal.
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Cleaning Instructions
Saline Cleaning (Recommended)
• Clean the piercing 2–3 times daily using sterile saline solution.
• Spray or soak the area for 5–10 minutes.
• Gently remove any softened buildup with clean hands or non-woven gauze.
• Allow to air dry or gently pat dry with clean paper towel.
(Pre-made sterile saline is preferred. Do not mix your own.)
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What NOT to Use
• Alcohol
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Betadine
• Antibiotic ointments (unless directed by a doctor)
• Tea tree oil
• Harsh soaps or scrubs
These products can delay healing and damage tissue.
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Jewelry Care
• Leave the initial jewelry in place for the full recommended healing time.
• Jewelry is sized to allow for swelling — do not downsize early.
• If jewelry becomes embedded, extremely painful, or displaced, contact your piercer immediately.
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Healing Timelines (Approximate)
• Earlobes: 6–8 weeks
• Cartilage: 6–12 months
• Nostril: 4–6 months
• Septum: 6–8 weeks
• Lip / Labret: 6–8 weeks
• Tongue: 4–6 weeks
• Navel: 6–12 months
• Nipples: 6–12 months
Healing continues internally after surface symptoms improve.
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Oral Piercing Aftercare (Tongue, Lip, Cheek, etc.)
Cleaning
• Rinse mouth after eating, drinking, smoking, or vaping.
• Use:
• Alcohol-free mouthwash or
• Sterile saline or
• Plain water if nothing else is available
Additional Tips
• Avoid oral contact with others during healing.
• Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods early on.
• Ice chips or cold drinks can help reduce swelling.
• Expect swelling to peak within the first 3–5 days.
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Facial & Body Piercing Care
• Avoid makeup, lotions, or skincare products near the piercing.
• Do not cover piercings with bandages unless instructed.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing over body piercings.
• Avoid friction, pressure, and impact.
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Swimming & Soaking
• Avoid:
• Pools
• Hot tubs
• Lakes
• Baths
until fully healed.
• Showering is safe.
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Sleeping & Lifestyle
• Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing.
• Keep bedding clean.
• Be cautious during exercise — rinse after sweating.
• Avoid contact with pets, bodily fluids, and dirty environments.
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Alcohol, Smoking & Healing
• Excessive alcohol can increase swelling and bleeding.
• Smoking and vaping may slow healing, especially for oral piercings.
• Reducing use during healing supports better outcomes.
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Signs of Normal Healing
• Mild redness
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Clear or whitish discharge that crusts
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When to Seek Help
Contact your piercer or a medical professional if you notice:
• Severe or worsening pain
• Thick yellow or green discharge
• Excessive swelling that doesn’t improve
• Fever or chills
• Jewelry embedding into the skin
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Important Reminders
• Healing is a process — be patient.
• Do not change jewelry early.
• Follow your piercer’s advice over online sources.
• If something feels wrong, ask.
Good aftercare protects your piercing and your health.
