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Piercing Aftercare Guide
How to care for your new piercing for safe healing and the best results
Proper aftercare is essential for safe healing and long-lasting results after a piercing. At The Piercings Club, we provide professional piercings in San Diego, with locations in Bay Park and La Jolla, and we believe great aftercare is just as important as expert technique.
This piercing aftercare guide is designed to help clients heal safely, reduce irritation, and know exactly what to expect after their appointment.
General Aftercare Instructions (All Piercings)
Clean 2–3 times per day
Use a sterile saline solution only. Gently spray the area — do not scrub, twist, or over-clean.
Do not touch with dirty hands
Only touch your piercing when cleaning, and always wash your hands first.
Do not twist or rotate jewelry
Modern piercing techniques allow jewelry to heal best when left undisturbed.
Sleep carefully
Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing. A donut or travel pillow can help with ear piercings.
No alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments
These products are too harsh and can delay healing.
Sleep carefully
Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing. A donut or travel pillow can help with ear piercings.
Healing Times (General Estimates)
Healing varies by body and lifestyle, but here are typical timelines:
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Earlobes: 6–8 weeks
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Cartilage: (helix, conch, tragus): 3–9 months
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Nose: 3–6 months
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Navel: 6–12 months
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Lip / Facial piercings: 6–8 weeks initial healing
Even if your piercing feels healed, continue aftercare until the full healing period is complete.
Downsizing Your Jewelry (Very Important)
Many piercings are started with longer jewelry to allow for swelling. Once swelling subsides, a downsizing appointment is often required.
Wearing jewelry that’s too long can cause:
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Irritation bumps
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Delayed healing
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Snagging or discomfort
We recommend a downsizing or check-up 4–8 weeks after your piercing.
What’s Normal During Piercing Healing?
Normal signs of healing:
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Mild swelling or redness
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Clear or pale yellow fluid (lymph discharge)
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Slight tenderness
Contact us if you notice:
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Increasing pain after the first few days
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Thick yellow or green discharge
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Jewelry embedding into the skin
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Heat, throbbing, or severe swelling
Our team is happy to evaluate your piercing — early checks prevent bigger issues.
Children’s Ear Piercing Aftercare
We specialize in professional children’s ear piercing in San Diego using needles (never piercing guns).
For children:
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Clean twice daily with sterile saline
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Avoid touching or twisting earrings
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Keep jewelry in for the full healing period
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Avoid changing jewelry too early
Parents are always welcome to visit us with questions during healing.
Professional Piercing Aftercare in San Diego
This guide applies to all piercings performed at The Piercings Club in:
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Bay Park, San Diego
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La Jolla, San Diego
Whether you received an ear piercing, cartilage piercing, nose piercing, or child’s ear piercing, proper aftercare is the key to a smooth healing process.
If you have questions, concerns, or want a professional check-up, we’re always here to help.
Ready to Book or Need a Check-Up?
Visit us in Bay Park or La Jolla
Book a piercing, downsizing, or check-up appointment online
💧Pick up Steriwash Saline Spray ($10) in-studio