Piercing Aftercare
Congratulations on your new piercing! Proper aftercare is one of the most important steps in ensuring your piercing heals correctly and looks its best for years to come.
Every person’s body heals at a different pace, but following these aftercare instructions consistently will help reduce the risk of irritation, infection, and unnecessary complications.
If you ever have questions during the healing process, Monique’s Body Art is always happy to provide guidance and support.
Cleaning Your Piercing
Clean your piercing twice daily using a gentle, fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.
Gently cleanse around the piercing, allow the cleanser to remain on the area for 30–60 seconds, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and pat dry with a clean disposable paper towel.
Sterile Saline Care
Use a sterile saline wound wash (0.9% sodium chloride with no additives) 1–3 times each day, especially after exercise, sweating, or exposure to dirt.
Spray the piercing generously and allow it to air dry or gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not mix your own saltwater solution.
What Is Normal?
• Mild redness during the first several days
• Mild swelling and tenderness
• Clear to pale-yellow lymph that dries into a light crust
• Mild itching as the piercing heals
• Slight bruising with some piercings
Things to Avoid
• Touching the piercing with unwashed hands
• Twisting, rotating, or playing with the jewelry
• Removing or changing jewelry too early
• Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Betadine, or harsh antiseptics
• Ointments such as Neosporin or petroleum jelly
• Pools, lakes, rivers, hot tubs, and unnecessary water exposure during early healing
• Makeup, lotions, perfumes, and hair products on the piercing
Tips for Faster Healing
• Leave the jewelry in place for the entire healing period
• Sleep without pressure on the piercing (use a travel pillow for ear piercings if needed)
• Keep pillowcases, hats, headphones, and phones clean
• Eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep
• Avoid unnecessary trauma to the area
When to Contact Your Piercer
Please contact us if the jewelry becomes too tight, you develop a persistent irritation bump, or you
have any concerns about healing or changing jewelry.
Seek Medical Care If You Experience
• Rapidly spreading redness
• Increasing swelling after the first few days
• Thick green or foul-smelling drainage
• Fever or chills
Do not remove your jewelry unless instructed by your healthcare provider or your piercer.
Healing Times
Healing varies by piercing location and by individual.
Your piercer will let you know when it is appropriate to change your jewelry.
We’re Here to Help
Healing doesn’t end when you leave the studio. At Monique’s Body Art, we’re committed to helping you enjoy a safe, healthy healing process from start to finish. If you have any concerns about your piercing, experience unusual symptoms, or simply have questions about proper care, don’t hesitate to reach out.
We’re always happy to help you protect your investment and keep your new piercing looking great.
Thank you for trusting Monique’s Body Art with your piercing experience!