Aftercare Faq’s – Oral Piercings

Initial Healing Stage

During the initial healing stage, the body will begin sealing the piercing from the air by forming a fistula or scar tissue. Bleeding or spotting may occur over the first few days after receiving your piercing. Over the first week of having a new piercing, expect the area to be mildly swollen, tender, and red. This is an inflammatory response, and means your body is defending itself from the foreign object. * Applying or sucking on ice cubes will help reduce swelling *. Avoiding consumption of hot, citrus, and spicy foods is recommended. During the healing stage, while the piercing is an open wound, it is important to refrain from oral contact with anyone, synthetic drugs, beer, wine and ciders. The jewelry should be regularly checked to make sure the balls are on tight.

During this period of 2-3 weeks, you must clean your piercing 5-10 times daily with

Biotene Mouthwash or Sea Salt and Water Solution

Sea Salt 2 tablespoons : 1 cup of warm water

other piercings

During the initial healing stage, the body will begin sealing the piercing from the air by forming a fistula or scar tissue. Bleeding or spotting may occur over the first few days after receiving you piercing. Over the first few weeks of having a new piercing, expect the area to be mildly swollen, tender, itchy, and red. This is an inflammatory response, and means your body is defending itself from the foreign object. * A sea salt and water compress / soak will relieve the redness and soreness *. Over the whole healing stage the piercing will secrete a clear fluid that will dry and become crusty over the entrances of the piercing. This is what you will be cleaning off, and should be done so with regularity.

During this period of 8 -12 weeks, you must clean your piercing 2-3 times daily with

Sea Salt and Water Solution or an Unscented Antibacterial Soap

Sea Salt 2 tablespoons : 1 cup of warm water

Neutrogena Unscented

Seasoning or Secondary Stage

The seasoning stage of your piercing allows your body to reduce and absorb any scarring produced during the initial healing period. Cleaning of the piercing should be limited intermittently through out the week when the client is active, sick, or dirty.

Women should be aware that during your menstrual cycle, the fluctuations of your hormones may cause the piercing to be irritated and your piercing may have to be cleaned daily for a few days.

Excessive build up of scar tissue, usually a hard red bump should be treated w/ Vitamin E oil during the seasoning stage.

3 to 6 months

Changing / Stretching of Piercing

Changing of jewelry may only take place after 4-8 weeks.

Stretching of jewelry may only take place after 3-6 months.

Symptoms to Watch For:

Infection

Inflammation around whole area not just piercing.

Pain to the point that you do not want to touch it.

Thick pusy discharge mixed with blood.

Excessive heat around area that is much warmer than the rest of the body.

Metal Reaction

Tissue around piercing is pulling away from jewelry, thick discharge present

Solution Reaction

Rash like symptoms around area.

Rejection

Jewelry seems to be migrating out, and entrances are growing closer together, pushing jewelry to surface.

*Remember*

These are just basic guidelines for healing out a piercing

If you have any problems or concerns with your body piercing, please phone or come by to see us.