Aftercare Guide | Adorn Body Piercing

"Piercing Aftercare Guide:

Essential Steps for a Successful Healing Process"

Welcome to our studio!

We're dedicated to supporting you during the crucial initial healing phase of your new piercing.

Whether you have a body, ear, oral, or dermal anchor piercing, we have specific cleaning techniques tailored to each type.

Make sure to read to the bottom of the page to learn about all the phases of the healing process and how to clean your specific piercing

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Your piercing goes through three distinct phases, our primary focus will be on the first two, addressing infection and irritation risks.

1st Phase

INFLAMMATION/ACCEPTANCE PHASE

IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU...

During the acceptance phase, which typically lasts several weeks, your aftercare practices play a crucial role in the healing process of your piercing. It's important to be mindful of the following:

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS:

You may experience soreness, swelling, heat, bruising, discharge and occasional bleeding as your body adjusts to the presence of the piercing.

These symptoms are normal and expected.

CLEANLINESS:

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing. See the cleaning recommendations for your specific piercing here.

never remove your jewellery to clean it as the piercing may close or become irritated

INFECTION PREVENTION:

Infections are common during this phase, so it's crucial to avoid actions that can introduce bacteria. Refrain from touching, twisting, picking, or playing with your new piercing. Such movements can irritate the piercing and introduce environmental bacteria to the healing tissue.

AVOID HARSH CHEMICALS:

WATER EXPOSURE:

CAUTION IN DAILY ACTIVITES:

Do not use harsh chemicals or ointments like rubbing alcohol, peroxide, or methylated spirits, as they can cause irritation and delay the healing process. Do not soak your piercing at any time. Use only the recommended cleaning products.

To prevent infections, avoid submerging your piercing in pools, baths, or spa pools. If you need to submerge your piercing, consider using a waterproof wound-sealant band aid, available at most pharmacies. Showering is safe, .

Be cautious not to snag your new piercing on things like towels, clothing, or gym equipment, as this can cause irritation. It's important to use common sense and listen to your body during the healing process.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDENCE:

If you have any concerns or uncertainties about the normal healing of your piercing, please don't hesitate to contact or visit our studio. Our team is here to provide support and address any questions you may have.

Swelling

What is normal and what is not

Swelling is a common during the acceptance phase, if it becomes painful or uncomfortable, there

are measures you can take.

How To Reduce Swelling

Ice the area, do not hold ice on the area directly, wrap in a clean cloth and only ice intermittently.
Elevate your head when sleeping

(for face or ear piercings)
Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or voltaren.

Prevent Excessive Swelling

Avoid touching, twisting, picking, or playing with your piercing.
Do not to sleep on your new piercing
Follow the aftercare instructions diligently.

Causes of Excessive Swelling

Infections
Poor aftercare
Reactions to jewellery
Lifestyle
Trauma to the piercing
Sleeping on the piercing

If you experience painful swelling or notice your jewellery sinking into your piercing, it's crucial to contact us or visit the studio immediately. Tight jewellery can lead to more complications

Downsizing

Downsize fittings are free at Adorn

Jewellery is not included, prices start from $15.00

To prevent irritation, migration, or rejection of your piercing, downsizing is crucial. It's recommended to wait until swelling has completely subsided before considering downsizing.

Your piercing professional will determine the appropriate time for downsizing based on the healing progress.

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2nd Phase

THE HEALING /CRUSTY PHASE

After the Acceptance Phase your piercing goes through a Healing phase that lasts from 1 to 12 months.

During this time, you'll notice some changes happening.

Scar tissue will form around the edges of the piercing hole, creating a healing tunnel towards the center. Even if your piercing looks normal, it's not completely healed yet.

There shouldn't be any bleeding, inflammation, or pain. It's normal to see yellowish discharge residue, often called "crusties." This means new scar tissue is forming.

In this phase, it's important not to change or remove your jewellery. Doing so can disturb the healing process.

Taking good care of your piercing during this time is crucial to prevent infections, irritations, or rejection.

Remember, avoid touching, twisting, picking, or playing with your new piercing. Any rough treatment can set back the healing progress.

3rd Phase

MATURATION/SEASONING PHASE

When your piercing has fully matured, you won't have any discharge or tenderness in the pierced area. This is a good sign that the healing process has gone well and the risk of infection is low.

At this stage, you can consider changing your jewellery. However, it's important to use high-quality jewelry and wait until the recommended healing time has passed. This ensures proper healing and reduces the chances of complications. Avoid leaving your piercing without jewellery for long periods, as the hole may shrink or close.

Remember, even though your piercing has matured, it's still important to take care of it. Keep up with good hygiene practices and listen to your body if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Enjoy your healed piercing with the right jewellery and proper care!

How to Clean your new Piercing

CARING FOR YOUR FACE, EAR AND BODY PIERCINGS

1. Clean hands, clean piercing: Wash your hands with soap and warm water every time you touch your piercing. This helps prevent any potential bacteria from causing infection.

2. Gentle cleaning routine:

Avoid over-cleaning your piercing. Clean it only when necessary, usually twice a day, using only a sterile saline solution. Apply the solution with a clean gauze pad or a cotton bud.

3. Pat, don't rub: After cleaning, gently dry the area with a clean cotton bud or disposable paper towel.

Remember not to rub, but pat it dry.

4. Jewellery stays put:

Never remove the jewelry during the healing period. This allows the piercing to heal properly and prevents the hole from closing.

5. Daily checks for safety: Regularly check the tightness of the piercing balls or heads. Ensure they are securely fastened to prevent any accidents or complications.

6. Timing for jewelry change: Only change your jewelry once the piercing has fully healed and does not require cleaning for more than one week. Premature jewelry changes can disrupt the healing process.

CARING FOR YOUR ORAL PIERCING

1. Always maintain excellent oral hygiene. Brush your teeth gently twice a day and continue with your regular oral care routine.

If mouthwash was already part of your routine, you can use an alcohol-free mouthwash. However, avoid using mouthwash if it's not something you normally use.

2. Rinse your mouth with clean water after eating, drinking, smoking, or vaping for the first 3-5 days. This helps remove debris and reduces the risk of infection.

3. Avoid playing with the piercing, as excessive movement can lead to swelling and complications. Refrain from biting or chewing on the jewellery.

4. While your piercing is swollen, avoid hot and spicy foods that may cause irritation. Additionally, steer clear of highly fermented foods like dairy products and foods high in citric acid, such as oranges.

5. Jewellery stays put:

Never remove the piercing during the healing process. Removing it can cause the hole to close and hinder proper healing.

6. Daily checks for safety: Check the tightness of the jewellery daily. Ensure that the balls or heads are securely fastened to prevent any accidents or complications.

7. Downsize your piercing when your swelling has reduced to avoid any damage to your teeth and gums.

CARING FOR YOUR DERMAL ANCHOR PIERCING

1. Keep the piercing covered constantly for the first 2 weeks. Only remove the cover once a day to clean the piercing.

2. After the initial 2 weeks, continue to keep the piercing covered while sleeping for another 2 weeks or until it is securely healed.

3. Clean hands, clean piercing: Wash your hands with soap and warm water every time before touching your new piercing. This helps prevent the introduction of bacteria.

4. Clean the piercing with a sterile saline cleaning solution. You can apply the solution using clean gauze or a saturated cotton bud.

5. Gently dry the area using a clean cotton bud or disposable paper towel. Avoid rubbing the piercing; pat it dry instead.

6. Do not rotate, twist, or turn the jewellery. This can disrupt the healing process and cause irritation.

7. Regular maintenance is required for dermal anchor piercings throughout their lifetime. Matter can accumulate underneath the threaded top, leading to irritation. Keep the area clean and free from buildup.

8. Avoid putting makeup on the piercings, even after they have fully healed.

9. Keep in mind that dermal anchor piercings may be less permanent than other body piercings and are prone to rejection, even with proper care.

CARING FOR YOUR CARTRIDGE PIERCING

*Important Note for Children Under 12: Children's ears require special attention during the healing process. Parents or guardians should check their child's ears daily to ensure there is no irritation, the butterfly back is in the correct position.

1. Clean hands, clean piercing: Before touching your cartridge piercing, wash your hands with soap and warm water to prevent infection.

2. Gentle cleaning routine: Avoid over-cleaning your piercing. Clean your piercing with a sterile saline solution twice a day, using clean gauze or a cotton bud if needed. Avoid over-cleaning.

3. Pat, don't rub: After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a clean cotton bud or disposable paper towel.

4. Jewellery stays put: Keep your butterfly-backed earrings in place during the healing phase to allow proper healing and avoid complications. Do not remove the jewellery at any time, as the piercing may close.

5. Daily checks for safety: Parents or guardians of children under 12 should check their child's ears daily to ensure there is no irritation, the butterfly back is in the correct position, and contact us anytime via phone or coming into the studio if they have any concerns.

6. Timing for jewellery change: Only change your jewelry once the piercing has fully healed and does not require cleaning for more than one week. Premature jewelry changes can disrupt the healing process.

Disclaimer

Please note that the aftercare instructions provided here are general guidelines and may vary depending on the type and location of the piercing.

It's important to consult with your professional piercer and follow their specific aftercare instructions for your individual piercing. If you experience any severe pain, swelling, redness, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.