Piercing Aftercare
Piercing aftercare is vital for safe healing and long-lasting results. In this guide, you’ll learn how to care for your new piercing and what to expect during the healing journey.
Get to know your new piercing.
How long will my piercing take to heal?
Healing times vary from person to person, and each piercing heals at its own pace. Factors like overall health, stress levels, lifestyle, and how well you follow aftercare all play a big part. A piercing is considered healed when it feels comfortable, shows no swelling, and you can move the jewellery freely without pain.
Lobes (2–3 months):
Can feel healed sooner, but full tissue healing is usually 8–12 weeks.
Cartilage: Helix, Flat, Conch, Tragus, Rook, Daith (6–12 months):
Cartilage has less blood supply, so it’s slower to fully heal. It’s very temperamental and differs for everyone.
Nostril (6–9 months):
Faster than cartilage, but can still be temperamental. 9 months is a safe guideline for “fully healed.”
Navel (9–12 months):
One of the slowest due to movement, friction, and its location.
Please Note: Healing times are averages and can vary from person to person. Factors like health, lifestyle, and aftercare all play a role. Your piercing may feel healed before it truly is, jewellery should only be changed once healing is confirmed by a professional.
Downsizing your jewellery.
When you’re first pierced, we start you off with slightly longer labret (bar/post) on your jewellery to allow space for any swelling. Once your piercing begins to settle, we recommend a process called downsizing, this means switching to a shorter bar so it fits more comfortably. Downsizing helps your piercing heal smoothly, prevents irritation, and reduces the risk of bumps. It’s a normal part of the healing journey, and your piercer will guide you on the right time to make the change.
What is Downsizing?
Lobes & Cartilage: (6-8 weeks)
Nostril (3 months)
Navel (3–6 months)
Please Note: These timeframes are averages. Some piercings need longer before downsizing is possible, your piercer will let you know what’s best for your body. Keep in touch over your healing journey and we can see you sooner or later if you feel it is needed. We only ever charge once for Downsizing regardless of amount extending and shortening appointments.
Aftercare & Hygiene
NeilMed Aftercare Spray.
Available in studio:
£10
177ml
We ONLY recommend NeilMed Aftercare Mist for cleaning piercings. Spraying directly onto the front and back of your piercing twice a day, allowing the solution to soak in and cleanse the area. There’s no need to twist or move the jewellery just let the spray do the work. Avoid touching your piercing with hands or cloths; if needed, allow it to air dry or gently dab the skin around (not on) the piercing with a clean tissue.
How do I clean my new piercing?
NeilMed is a sterile saline solution, designed to gently clean piercings without irritation. It’s science-based and trusted by professionals worldwide exactly what a doctor would recommend for wound care.
It’s isotonic saline (same salt balance as your body), which means it gently rinses without damaging tissue.
It’s sterile and pre-mixed, so there’s no risk of contamination like with homemade saltwater.
Medical professionals already use sterile saline in hospitals for wound cleansing and post-surgical care.
We’re against outdated methods like saltwater mixes, tea tree oil, or tea bags. These can be harsh, inconsistent, slow down healing and often have no basis in science or medicine. With NeilMed, you get a safe, effective, and simple routine that supports your piercing every step of the way.
Why NeilMed?
The Do’s & Dont’s of Aftercare
Do: Wash Your Hands
Clean hands mean less chance of bacteria reaching your piercing, especially if you need to interact with them.
Do: Use NeilMed
A sterile saline mist. Using it twice daily helps reduce irritation, supports natural healing, and is the method recommended by professionals and doctors alike.
Do: Stick to a Routine
Consistency is key spray twice a day and let your body do the healing. Begin to be more cautious with towels, undressing, hair dryers, glasses and other ways of catching/irritating your piercing.
Do: Come Back for Downsizing
Don’t: Touch or Twist
This breaks down the healing tissue. Delaying the healing process, causing unnecessary pain and leaving the wound open to infection.
Don’t: Swim Too Soon
Avoid submerging in water for 2-4 weeks. Baths, pools, hot tubs, and open water carry bacteria that can cause infection. Stick to showers.
Don’t: Sleep on your piercing
Pressure from sleeping on your piercing can cause irritation or slow healing. Try using a travel pillow to help ease pressure and have a more comfortable sleep.
Don’t: Apply Harsh Products
Avoid alcohol, peroxide, tea tree oil, or skincare products near the piercing. they can dry out tissue, cause chemical burns, and slow healing.
Don’t: Change Jewellery Early
Even if it feels fine, it may not be healed switching too soon risks complications.
A shorter bar reduces movement and irritation once swelling has settled. Stops piercing angle changing and makes for a more comfortable experience.
Do: Be Patient
Healing takes time. Everyone’s body is different, so don’t rush the process.
Keeping an eye out for infection.
Signs of Irritation (common, not infection)
Redness or slight swelling around the piercing
Small bumps or dry skin near the jewellery
Tenderness when pressure is applied
Clear or slightly whitish fluid that forms a crust
Signs of Infection (much less common)
Spreading redness and warmth around the area
Persistent, throbbing pain that worsens
Thick yellow/green discharge with strong odour
Fever or feeling unwell in more severe cases
Many clients worry about infection, but in most cases it’s actually irritation rather than a true infection. Redness, bumps, or tenderness are common signs of irritation and usually improve with proper aftercare, while infections are much less common.
Is it Irritation or Infection?
Please Note: True infections are rare if you follow aftercare properly, but it’s important to know what to do if you’re concerned. Never remove jewellery yourself, this can trap infection inside. If you notice worsening pain, spreading redness, or thick discharge, contact BLINK for advice or consult your doctor if symptoms are severe.
Tips for Noses & Navels
Clean Inside and Outside
Nose Piercing:
Spray NeilMed Aftercare Spray on both the outside of your nostril and the inside opening. This keeps the whole piercing channel clean.
Be Careful with Makeup & Skincare
Avoid foundation, powder, or cleansers around your nose while healing products can clog and irritate the piercing.
Be Gentle When Sneezing or Blowing
Mask & Glasses Awareness
Face masks and glasses can press on your piercing. Adjust straps and frames so they don’t rub.
Navel Piercing:
Avoid Tight Clothing
High-waisted jeans, belts, and gym leggings can press on your piercing stick to looser fits while it heals.
Sleep Position Matters
Try to sleep on your back or side, not your stomach, to avoid pressure on the piercing.
Piercings can catch on tops, waistbands, or bedding. If needed, cover with a breathable plaster during sport or activity.
Protect from Snags
Be Patient with Healing
Navels heal slower than most piercings—expect 3–6 months. Avoid changing jewellery too early to prevent setbacks.
Instead of pinching or wiping across your nose, dab gently with a tissue to reduce irritation.
Watch Out for Accidental Knocks
Nose piercings are prone to bumps when changing clothes or hugging, move slowly and stay mindful.
Be Careful with Exercise
Sweat and friction can cause irritation. Clean with NeilMed after workouts and avoid sit-ups or movements that strain the area early on.