Do not deviate from them without first contacting us. You will receive a copy after your procedure, but we have made it available online for your convenience.

The after care links above will provide information on the proper aftercare for your newly applied tattoo, body piercing, permanent cosmetics or tattoo removal.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The aftercare that you give your new piercing will greatly affect the healing process. It is your responsibility to follow our guidelines. If you have any questions feel free to stop by or call us.

The time required to heal your new piercing will vary, and is dependent on the aftercare in which it receives. Even after the initial healing has taken place do not attempt to remove your jewelry for a long length of time and expect it to insert easily. Even though healed, newer piercings need time to “toughen up”. If the jewelry must be removed, please consult us about ways to maintain your piercing.

It is very important to clean the jewelry before cleaning the piercing. Remove all 'crusties' before attempting to move your jewelry. A cotton-tipped applicator and warm water works very well. We recommend the use of a Liquid Antibacterial Soap (Softsoap or Dial) for cleaning your piercing.

Apply the soap to the jewelry then move the jewelry back and forth. Let it 'soak' for 3 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly by moving the jewelry under running water. Then apply a good piercing aftercare solution (it should either contain benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride or organic sea salt). Soap should only be used once a day, and the antiseptic used twice a day.

Note: for ‘Natural Healing’, the use of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap with Tea Tree Oil is recommend for cleaning, followed solely by the organic sea salt soaks.

Hydrogen Peroxide should NEVER be used on a fresh piercing! The peroxide acts to break down the newly formed tissue. Isopropyl Alcohol is also inappropriate for use on piercings, as it is very drying.

We DO NOT recommend the use of antibiotic ointments! They seal off your piercing trapping in bacteria and allowing it to grow. It is best to prevent infection with proper cleaning…NOT with antibiotics!

A nutritious diet with some form of vitamin/mineral supplementation goes a long way in helping the body to fight infection and heal itself. Care should be taken not to contaminate new piercings. Never touch without first washing your hands. Even more importantly… Avoid all oral contact with the piercing until it is though the initial healing stage. Avoid “rough play” until the piercing is well seasoned.

During the healing process:

Do Not allow your new piercings to come in contact with others' bodily fluids!
Do Not expose your new piercings to pools, saunas, spas or hot-tubs (the risk of exposure to bacteria is too great, and soaking a new piercing is not good for it). It is best to protect your new piercing from extreme sun exposure, as the jewelry heats up more quickly than your skin.
Listed below are some 'area specific' healing instructions. Please take the time to read them, and if you have any questions please contact us.

Facial Piercings

(Average Healing Time 1-6 Months: Ear, Eyebrow, Nostril, Septum, Etc.)

• Cleanse the piercing once a day with a liquid antibacterial soap and then with the antiseptic solution. Follow up twice a day with the antiseptic solution.
• Make sure that you rinse well after using the soap. Always remove all of the dried discharge first with a cotton-tipped applicator and warm water.
• Makeup, foundations and powders should be avoided during the initial healing process. When using hair spray, avoid contact with your piercings.

Mouth-Related Piercings

(Average Healing Time 1-3 Months: Tongue, Lip, Labret, Cheek, Etc.)

• Cleanse the piercings on the outside per the Facial Piercing instructions above. Cleanse piercings on the inside of the mouth with Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash 3 times a day. You should dilute the mouthwash 50% with water to avoid irritation. A non-alcohol based mouthwash may be substituted for the Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash.
• Tongue piercings will normally swell for 3-5 days. Avoid eating solid foods until the swelling goes down. Taking an Anti-inflammatory (i.e.: Ibuprofen or Advil) and sucking on ice helps.
• Eat slowly at first. Remember…Rinse with water after eating, drinking or smoking, and avoid oral contact.

Body Piercings

(Average Healing Time 3-12 Months: Navel, Nipple, Etc…)

• Cleanse the piercing once a day with a liquid antibacterial soap and then with the antiseptic solution. Follow up twice a day with the antiseptic solution. Make sure that you rinse well after using the soap. Always remove all of the dried discharge first with a cotton-tipped applicator and warm water. Avoid tight clothing during the healing process.

Genital Piercings

(Average Healing time: 1-3 Months: Below the waist piercings)

• These piercings should be cleaned following the instructions for “Body Piercings” (see above). However, the cleaning products might irritate the piercings if one does not urinate after cleaning to “flush out” the urethra.
• Women should take care not to let any of the cleaning agents to enter the vagina and to rinse thoroughly with water, as the depletion of bacteria may contribute to the incidence of yeast infections.
• Genital piercings should be cleaned after intercourse. During the healing period the use of a condom during intercourse and dental dams during all other contact is required.
• Also, certain lubricants and spermicides may irritate the piercings.
  Do Not allow your new piercings to come into contact with others' bodily fluids!

If you experience any problems while your new piercing is healing and you wish to consult with a physician please contact us first. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.

However, please understand that we are not physicians; rather we will offer suggestions based upon our many years of experience in healing piercings.

Thank You! Enjoy Your New Piercing!

(Revised 10/2005) *A Division of Yates Enterprises, Inc.©2005