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Piercing Aftercare Guide
Your piercing is an investment. Protect it.
At Pressha, we source our jewelry from implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) and 316L surgical steel — materials designed to work with your body, not against it. But even the best jewelry needs proper care. Follow this guide to heal faster, avoid irritation, and keep your piercing looking flawless.
Daily Care Routine
Clean your piercing twice daily — morning and night:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing
- Spray or apply sterile saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride) directly to the piercing
- Gently remove any crust with a clean cotton swab or gauze
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never a cloth towel (bacteria!)
- Do not twist, rotate, or move the jewelry
Always avoid: alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Bactine, and antibacterial soaps — these damage healing tissue.
Healing Times by Piercing Type
Healing times vary by person and aftercare. Initial healing (surface) happens faster than full internal healing — don't change jewelry based on surface appearance alone.
Ear Piercings
| Piercing | Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Earlobe | 6–8 weeks |
| Upper Lobe | 8–10 weeks |
| Helix / Cartilage | 3–12 months |
| Tragus / Anti-Tragus | 3–6 months |
| Conch | 3–9 months |
| Daith / Rook | 6–12 months |
| Industrial | 6–12 months |
Facial Piercings
| Piercing | Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Eyebrow | 6–8 weeks |
| Nostril | 2–8 months |
| Septum | 6–8 weeks |
| Lip (Labret / Side) | 6–8 weeks |
| Bridge | 8–12 weeks |
| Cheek / Dahlia | 4–6 months |
Body & Oral Piercings
| Piercing | Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Tongue / Smiley (Oral) | 3–6 weeks |
| Navel (Belly Button) | 6–9 months |
| Nipple | 6–12 months |
| Surface Piercings | 6–12 months |
| Genital | 4 weeks – 6 months+ |
Piercing-Specific Tips
Belly Button (Navel)
- Wear high-waisted clothing loosely during healing — avoid waistbands pressing on the piercing
- Be extra careful at the gym — sweat + friction = irritation
- Sleep on your back when possible
- Healing takes up to 9 months — patience is everything
Septum
- Flip the jewelry up inside your nose if needed during healing
- Avoid blowing your nose aggressively
- Saline rinse works perfectly for septum — spray directly
Daith
- Sleep on the opposite ear or use a travel pillow with a hole
- Avoid earbuds/headphones on that side during early healing
- Cartilage heals slowly — don't change jewelry before 6 months
Cartilage / Helix / Tragus
- Avoid sleeping on the piercing — use a travel/donut pillow
- Hair products, dry shampoo, and hairspray can irritate — rinse away from the piercing
- Cartilage is more prone to keloids — keep it clean and undisturbed
Nipple
- Wear breathable, soft fabrics during healing
- Avoid underwire bras pressing directly on the piercing
- Healing can take up to 12 months — do not change jewelry early
Why Our Materials Matter
Not all body jewelry is created equal. All Pressha pieces are made from:
- Implant-Grade Titanium (ASTM F136) — the gold standard for body jewelry. Nickel-free, lightweight, hypoallergenic, and safe for even the most sensitive skin. Anodized for color with no added chemicals.
- 316L Surgical Stainless Steel — strong, durable, and safe for most people. Not recommended for those with severe nickel sensitivities.
If you've had reactions to jewelry before, implant-grade titanium is your best choice.
Normal Healing Signs
These are all normal — don't panic:
- Mild redness and swelling in the first few days
- Clear or white/yellow crust forming around the jewelry (lymph fluid — not infection)
- Occasional tenderness when bumped
Signs You Need Professional Help
See a piercer or doctor if you notice:
- Severe or worsening pain after the first week
- Green or dark yellow discharge with a strong odor
- Spreading redness or heat around the piercing
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
Do not remove the jewelry yourself if you suspect an infection — this can trap bacteria inside.
When to Change Your Jewelry
Only change jewelry once your piercing is fully healed — not just feeling fine. Changing too early is the #1 cause of setbacks.
When you're ready to switch it up, shop our full collection of implant-grade titanium and surgical steel styles at pressha.co.
Quick Reference
- ✔ Clean twice daily with sterile saline
- ✔ Hands clean before touching
- ✔ Pat dry — never rub
- ✔ Avoid pools, hot tubs, and lakes during healing
- ✔ Don't twist or rotate jewelry
- ✔ Be patient — healing takes time
Ready to upgrade your jewelry? Browse our full collection of body-safe pieces.
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