piercing aftercare guide - Irezumi ink

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Every piercing is a little different, but here’s what’s totally normal in the early healing stages. 

• Mild swelling or redness for the first few days 
• A little tenderness or warmth 
• Clear or pale yellow discharge (not pus!)
• A slight crust forming around the jewellery (totally normal-don’t pick!) 

Clean 2x daily with sterile saline (morning & night): 

1. Wash your hands thoroughly. 
2. Spray or soak the piercing using a pre-made sterile saline wound wash (avoid contact lens solution!)
3. Let it soak for 30-60 seconds to loosen any build up. 
4. Gently pat dry with clean kitchen roll. No towels, no tissues- they trap bacteria and fluff. 
5. Avoid twisting, moving, or fiddling with your jewellery- healing piercings love to be left alone.

If your piercing is in a tricky spot (like daith, rook, or navel), a saline soaked cotton pad compress for 2-3 minutes can help. 

Piercing                           Average healing time 

Earlobe                              8-10 weeks 

Helix/Tragus/Cartilage     3-12 months 

Nostril                               2-4 months 

Septum                              8-12 weeks

Eyebrow                            2-3 months 

Lip/Medusa/Labret           8-10 weeks

Tongue                              4-6 weeks

Navel                                 6-12 months 

Nipple                                6-12 months 

Dermals/ Genital               Varies- consult with us 

Everyone heals at their own pace- stay patient and consistent. If you’re unsure how your’s is doing, just book a check in. 

• No alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, dettol, TCP, or harsh cleaners 
• No twisting, spinning, or removing jewellery 
• Don’t sleep directly on new ear piercings - use a travel pillow or a piercing cushion 
• Avoid makeup, fake tan, or skincare around facial piercings during healing 
• Stay out of pools, saunas, lakes, and sea water until fully healed
• Avoid changing jewellery until your piercer gives the ok