• Chemicals will not help you heal faster! In fact, the opposite is true, your body is made to heal on it’s own. Chemicals of any kind will upset the balance with-in your newly forming cells and create a condition in which your piercing will heal more slowly. Therefore, DO NOT use ANY product marked “for external use only” including but not limited to: rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Bac-tine, ear care solutions, Neosporin, Betadine, or Hibiclens.  
  
  HOW TO CLEAN YOUR PIERCING: Wash your hands before touching your piercing! Use either our aftercare spray or saline solution for your piercing for the entire healing time. Do this even if your piercing looks or feels healed sooner. In order to keep you up to date on the best aftercare routines available, we now offer and wholeheartedly recommend Addictions Aftercare Spray. It has been specifically formulated for optimal healing results. Product contains: water, silver microns, and mineral supplement. **Use Addictions Aftercare Spray, 2-3 times daily for the amount of time specified for your piercing. Most importantly after a shower or a bath. Your piercer will advise you of any additional aftercare products or jewelry adjustments you may need during your healing time. This product can be used both orally and topically. **A saline solution can also be used, although saline does not neutralize germs. When choosing a saline solution, be sure to select an additive free product. We typically recommend a generic, sensitive eyes solution. **If you choose to mix your own solution. Use 1/4 tsp. sea salt to 8 oz. of distilled water. Make a fresh solution daily. Failure to do so can result in bacteria replication, ultimately making it a harder healing process.  
  
  WHAT TO AVOID:

• Avoid over-cleaning. This will irritate your piercing and delay your healing.

• Avoid undue trauma such as excessive motion of the area, friction from clothing, playing with the jewelry, and vigor-ous cleaning. These activities can cause uncomfortable and unsightly scar tissue, prolonged healing, migration, and other complications.

• Avoid playing with your new piercing, physical irritation is the worst!

• Avoid recreational drug use, nicotine, alcohol, and excessive caffeine.

• Avoid submerging your piercing in bodies of water (lakes, hot tubs, pools, etc.).

• Avoid beauty products around or on your piercing including, lotions, sprays, and cosmetics.

AVOID OTHER PEOPLE’S BODY FLUIDS INCLUDING SALIVA UNTIL FULLY HEALED.

Remember: Wash hands throughly before touching your piercing or the area around it. Bacteria can spread very quickly, so touching just the skin close by with unwashed hands can ultimately cause complications. Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly is the #1 way to promote healthy piercings.

Your jewelry will most likely be too long after 3+ months, at which time having your piercer change out your barbells is recommended, although this time frame can vary. Purchasing the Same Day Downsize is STRONGLY suggested! The reality is, you will more than likely simply need it. This is available for pre purchase for half off the same day you get pierced, although you can purchase at a later time for full price as well 

CARE FOR SPECIFIC PIERCINGS:

CARTILAGE: 

6+ months healing time 
Keep phones, eyeglasses, headphones, hats, helmets, and anything that comes in contact with your piercing clean. Be cautious when using hair care products and when styling your hair. Avoid sleeping on your new piercing as it will be tender. Your jewelry will most likely be too long after 3+ months, at which time having your piercer change out your barbell is recommended, although this time frame can vary. 

EARLOBE: 

4-8 weeks healing time Do not turn, rotate, or touch your jewelry during the healing time. 

EYEBROW:

 8-10 weeks healing time Bruising below the brow is not uncommon, the tissue in that area is very delicate. Your jewelry will most likely be too long after 2+ weeks, at which time having your piercer change out your barbell is recommended, although this time frame can vary. 

MICRODERMAL/DERMAL ANCHOR:

 4+ months healing time Keep piercing covered with a spot Band-Aid for 2-4 weeks. Expect lymph accumulation and drainage on an occa-sional basis. Be sure to come back for a “check-up” with your piercer in one month. NAVEL: 6+ months healing time Avoid wearing restrictive clothing. Wearing your pants or skirts below the navel is helpful and can lessen irritation. Expect some redness starting the first week for up to a couple of months.  

NIPPLE: 

4-6 months healing time Women - During the first few weeks wearing snug fitting bras and sports bras can help restrict movement. Men - Wearing a tighter fitting cotton tank top is helpful. AVOID OTHER PEOPLE’S BODY FLUIDS INCLUDING SALIVA UNTIL FULLY HEALED. Your jewelry will most likely be too long after 3+ months, at which time having your piercer change out your barbells is recommended, although this time frame can vary. Nostril: 3-6 months healing time Nostrils are prone to cyst development. Contact your piercer if you notice a bump forming and we will be able to ad-vise you on treatments. Your jewelry will most likely be too long after 3+ months, at which time having your piercer change out your barbell is recommended, although this time frame can vary.

Nostril:

3-6 months healing time Nostrils are prone to cyst development. Contact your piercer if you notice a bump forming and we will be able to ad-vise you on treatments. Your jewelry will most likely be too long after 3+ months, at which time having your piercer change out your barbell is recommended, although this time frame can vary.

ORAL PIERCINGS: 

Use Addictions Aftercare Spray or an alcohol free mouthwash, such as Biotene. Rinse mouth for 30 seconds 4-6 times a day during the healing period. Rinse after meals, soft drinks, alcohol, or tobacco use. AVOID other people’s body fluids during your healing. Even saliva from an open mouth kiss has the potential to cause infection.  

TONGUE: 

4-6 weeks healing time Begin icing with Slurpees, Ice, Popsicles etc. immediately. Remember that inner oral healing cells appear white, not crusty like on the outside. Do not pick this off. No kissing or oral contact until healed. Your jewelry will most likely be too long after 3+ weeks, at which time having your piercer change out your barbell is recommended, although this time frame can vary. 

LIP/LABRET/MONROE:

2-4 months healing time Begin icing with Slurpees, Ice, Popsicles etc. immediately. Remember that inner oral healing cells appear white, not crusty like on the outside. Do not pick this off. Your jewelry will most likely be too long after 3+ weeks, at which time having your piercer change out your barbell is recommended, although this time frame can vary. 

*These guidelines are based on a combination of extensive professional experience, research, vast clinical practice, and common sense. If an infection is suspected seek medical advice/attention.

Thank you for letting us be part of your piercing experience. We are here to assist you in any way needed during your healing. 

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS