General Aftercare

Apply these rules to every piercing for the best results.

• Hands Off: Never touch, twist, or turn your jewelry.

• Zero Pressure: Do not apply pressure to the area. Avoid sleeping on your piercing (I recommend using a Piercing Pillow).

• Clean Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before starting your aftercare routine.

• Saline Rinse: Use a sterile saline solution to rinse the area.

• Gently Clean: Use a saline-soaked cotton bud to carefully remove any "crusties" or residue.

• Stay Dry: Ensure the skin around the piercing is kept dry after cleaning.

Body & Surface Piercings

Specific steps for the first 6 weeks and beyond.

• Water Safety: Avoid submerging the piercing in water (baths, pools, hot tubs) for the first 6 weeks.

• Product Safety: Keep makeup, lotions, hair products, and spray tans away from the piercing.

• Avoid Irritants: Do not use harsh cleaning products, alcohols, or ointments.

• The Downsize: Refrain from changing jewelry too soon. Contact me to discuss "downsizing" your post once initial swelling subsides.

• Monitor: Watch for signs of infection (increased redness, heat, or discharge). If concerned, contact me or a healthcare professional immediately.

Oral Piercing Aftercare

For lip, labret, and tongue piercings.

• The Outside: Follow the General Aftercare steps using sterile saline on the skin side. Keep the area dry.

• The Inside: Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash or sterile saline after every meal and before bed.

• Swelling: Sucking on clean ice or drinking cold water helps reduce swelling in the first 3–5 days.

• Eat Carefully: Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods for the first week. Take small bites to avoid biting the jewelry.

• Oral Hygiene: Use a new, soft-bristled toothbrush and be extra gentle near the piercing.

• Lifestyle: Avoid smoking and alcohol for the first 2 weeks to prevent irritation and slow healing.

Troubleshooting & Common Concerns

It is normal for a healing piercing to experience minor swelling, localised redness, or a small amount of clear/pale-yellow discharge (lymph) for the first few weeks. However, if things look a bit different, here is how to handle it:

The "Piercing Bump" (Irritation)

If you see a small, raised bump near the piercing, it is usually not an infection, but a sign of irritation.

• The Cause: Usually sleeping on the piercing, touching it, or jewellery that is too long (needs downsizing).

• The Fix: Ensure you are using your Piercing Pillow, stop touching the area, and stick strictly to your saline routine. Check in with me to see if it's time to downsize your post.

Embedded JEWELLERY

If the jewellery looks like it is sinking into your skin or the skin is beginning to grow over the edges.

• The Cause: Significant swelling that has outgrown the length of your current post.

• The Fix: Contact me immediately. You likely need a longer "initial" post to allow the swelling to subside safely.

Signs of Infection

True infections are rare if aftercare is followed, but they do happen.

• The Signs: Intense heat around the area, radiating redness, thick green/grey discharge, or feeling feverish.

• The Fix: Do not remove the jewellery (this can trap the infection inside). Contact me or your GP immediately for professional advice.

JEWELLERY Sensitivity

• The Signs: Itchy, dry, or flaky skin around the piercing.

• The Fix: Because I only use Implant Grade Titanium and 14k Gold, metal allergies are extremely rare. This is often a reaction to a cleaning product or hair/body product. Ensure you are only using sterile saline.

"When in doubt, reach out."

If you aren't sure if what you're seeing is normal, don't guess. I am here to help you through the healing process.

• Option 1: Fill out the Contact Form here on the site.

• Option 2: Shoot me a message on Instagram.