Oral Piercings
Body and Facial Piercings
What you will need:
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Packaged Sterile Saline Wound Wash
What you'll need to do:
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Always wash hands before handling a healing piercing.
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Soak a cotton pad or gauze with the Saline solution
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Hold it against the piercing for 5-10 minutes.
I recommend for most piercings to do this when you wake up, before you go to bed, and if you feel you need it one more time throughout the day.
What you will need:
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Alcohol-free mouth rinse or
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Packaged Sterile Saline Wound Wash
What you'll need to do:
Rinse with chosen solution as part of your regular oral care routine.
Carry a clean bottle of water with you and rinse your mouth after any time you put anything other than water in your mouth (food, juice, etc). Over-cleaning can lead to a longer healing time!
The tongue will swell for the first 3-6 days so if you can take over the counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen or Advil it could assist with swelling as well as plenty of ice ^.^
Once the swelling has subsided it is very important to come in and change the longer barbell to a shorter one.
What is Normal?
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Initially Bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness → or bruising.
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During Healing
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Discoloration, itching and white or yellow secretions which dry up and form “crusties".
Do Not Pick at your Piercing!!
A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete because tissue heals from the outside in, and although it feels fine, the interior remains fragile. Be patient!
For the first 4 days keep the anchor covered with a small bandage that applies light pressure.
You should allow it to breathe before bed and clean residue from bandaid but keep piercing site dry.
Starting day 5 follow same instructions for Body and Facial piercings.
Until they are fully healed continue to wear a bandage to bed, if you will be very active (sports, dancing, etc), or if you will be wearing clothing that will either get caught on or otherwise cause distress to the piercing.
What to Expect
Surface Anchors
Taking care of your new piercing
Above all else it is important to remember that your body is the one doing the work of healing, not the products you use.
The better you take care of your health, and the less you touch and irritate your piercing, the better it will heal.
What to Do and What to Avoid!
What to Do
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Leave it alone!
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Unless you are cleaning it avoid touching your new piercing.
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Stay Healthy!
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The better your immune system the better your piercing will heal.
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Eat Well
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Sleep Well
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Take Multivitamins
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Keep yourself as well as your clothes and bedding fresh and clean!
What to Avoid
Make-up and other beauty products should not come in contact with the piercing site until the piercing is healed.
Avoid cleaning with Betadine®, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Dial® or other harsh soaps, as these can damage cells. Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
Avoid Bactine®, pierced ear care solutions and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK). These can be irritating and are not intended for long term wound care.
Showering
Do your best to keep all products such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc away from the piercing. Once you are done with your shower allow warm water to run over the piercing for a few minutes to make sure that it is free from any irritating products.