:: Piercing Aftercare ::

GENERAL BODY PIERCING

May take anywhere from 4 weeks to 1 year to heal, depending on the location of the piercing, type of jewelry and aftercare of the new piercing. Be sure to follow all of the guidelines relevant to your new piercing, as prescribed by your piercer, to maximize the safety and pleasure of your new body piercing. If your piercing is showing signs of irritation or possible infection, consult your piercer as soon as possible.

GENERAL HYGIENE

Except for cleaning, do not touch the piercing. No oral contact of any kind during the healing period (i.e. kissing, sucking, biting, etc.). Avoid restrictive clothing or anything that limits oxygen flow to the area. Avoid contact with dirty clothing or bed sheets. Stay out of swimming pools, hot tubs, ocean water, lakes, streams, etc., for 3 months. Pulling on, playing with, or pressure of any kind can irritate and prolong the healing process of your new piercing.

WHAT YOU NEED

1. A fragrance-free, liquid antimicrobial soap, such as Satin or Provon (heavily diluted Baby Mild Dr. Bronner's soap can be used as an alternative).
2. Non-iodized sea salt
3. Q-tips
4. Zinc lozenges
5. Ibuprofen

GENERAL AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wet the pierced area with warm or hot water(don't burn yourself). Remove any discharge from the piercing with a Q-tip. Clean the piercing with antibacterial soap and water. Rinse well. Repeat this 2-3 times per day until the piercing is healed.
2. Immerse the pierced area in a saltwater solution (a cup, bowl or clean bathtub all work well). Add 1/4 teaspoon sea salt for every cup (8 oz.) of warm water. For bathtubs, add 2-3 cups of sea salt. Then rinse well with water.
3. NEVER USE ALCOHOL, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, IODINE SOLUTION, TEA TREE OIL OR ANY PRODUCTS NOT RECOMMENDED BY YOUR PIERCER!
4. Alcoholic beverages and aspirin thin blood and should be avoided for at least one week after piercing.
5. Ibuprofen may be taken to reduce swelling (200-400mg) three times a day.
6. Zinc lozenges(20-80mg) taken once daily (with a meal to reduce nausea), will help with the healing process.

GENITAL PIERCING AFTERCARE

Any sexual contact should be gentle and include latex barriers(i.e. condoms, dental dams and latex gloves) to protect the piercing from bodily fluids, even if you are in a monogamous relationship. Also note, soap in the urethra can lead to bladder infections. Make sure to wash off all soap after cleaning. Drink a glass of water before cleaning and urinate afterwards to flush soap out of the urethra.

ORAL PIERCING AFTERCARE

No oral contact of any kind during the healing period. This includes kissing, oral sex and sharing of cups or utensils. Sucking on ice immediately after piercing will help minimize the swelling. Ibuprofen is suggested for the first 5 days to reduce swelling and pain. Do not play with the piercing while healing, including pulling on it or scraping it with your teeth.

SPECIFIC TO TONGUE

1. Rinse 3 times per day for one minute with Biotene/Tech 2000 or alcohol-free Tom's of Maine oral rinse diluted 50% with distilled water.
2. Rinse well using a distilled water and sea salt mixture (1/4 teaspoon of sea salt per 8 oz. of distilled water).
3. Zinc lozenges taken once per day with a large meal can help the healing process.

EATING

Eating solid food will probably be difficult for the first 3-5 days due to swelling and the jewelry. Eat slowly and gently to avoid biting down on the barbell. Soft, mushy foods such as apple sauce, mashed potatoes, fruit smoothies, etc., are recommended. Until fully healed, avoid alcohol, smoking (if possible), spicy foods, acidic fruits and foods with live cultures. Do not drink using a straw for at least 2 weeks.

DOWNSIZING JEWELRY

Come back in 1-3 weeks, or as soon as the swelling has gone down and there is extra room on the jewelry. Your jewelry can then be replaced with one of a shorter length. The shorter jewelry will be more comfortable and reduce the risk of damaging your teeth.

SPECIFIC TO LIP, LABRET, AND CHEEK

1. Rinse 3 times per day for one minute with Biotene/Tech 2000 or Tom's of Maine oral rinse diluted 50% with distilled water.
2. Rinse using a distilled water and sea salt mixture (1/4 teaspoon of sea salt per 8 oz. of distilled water) before and after eating, drinking or smoking.
3. Zinc lozenges taken once per day with a large meal can help the healing process.
4. For outer cheek and lips, wet the pierced area with warm or hot water. Gently remove any discharge from the piercing with a Q-tip. Clean the piercing with antimicrobial soap and water. Rinse well.
   Immerse the pierced area in a saltwater solution (1/4 teaspoon of sea salt per 8 oz. of water) for 5-10 minutes. A cup, bowl or clean bathtub all work well. Repeat 2-3 times a day until piercing is healed.

AVERAGE HEALING TIMES

Tongue 2-4 weeks
Lip 6-8 weeks
Labret 6-8 weeks
Cheek 6-12 weeks
Earlobe 4-6 weeks
Ear cartilage 2 months- 1year
(tragus, conch, rook, daith)
Nostril 1-3 months
Eyebrow 6-8 weeks
Septum 6-8 weeks
Nipple 3 months-1 year
Navel 3 months-1 year

Male Genital:
Apradraya 4 months-1 year
Prince Albert 4-6 weeks
Frenum 6-8 weeks
Hafada 6-8 weeks
Guiche 2-4 months

Female Genital:
Hood 4-6 weeks
Inner labia 2-4 weeks
Outer labia 2-3 months
Fourchette 4-6 weeks

BE SAFE, HAPPY HEALING, AND, MOST OF ALL, ENJOY YOUR NEW PIERCING.

DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL US WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.

YOUR FRIENDS AT BRAINDROPS

1324 HAIGHT ST.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117
415.621.4162