Piercing Aftercare | voodoo body piercing

Aftercare

Piercing Aftercare

Applicable to: Ears, Noses, Eyebrows, Nipples, Navels, and External Lip Piercings

Cleaning Instructions

Sterile saline solution is the most effective and safest method for cleaning your new piercing. It’s the same type of solution used in hospitals to clean wounds—and a piercing is essentially a small, intentional wound.

Clean the piercing twice daily, every day, for 16–18 weeks. Ensure both sides are cleaned thoroughly (front and back, or inside and outside depending on the piercing).

After this initial healing period, the piercing should be suitably healed. Only after this time should you consider changing your jewellery.

Please note that while most piercings heal within this timeframe, some may take up to 18 months to fully heal.

To clean the area:

Pour sterile saline into a clean egg cup or shot glass.

Use sterile gauze to dip into the saline, and gently clean both sides of the piercing (ensure only clean gauze is dipped into the solution).

Discard any remaining saline after use to maintain the sterility of the bottle.

Alternatively, if you have a saline spray, you may spray it directly onto the piercing. (This would be our recommended method).

Managing Swelling:

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process. Taking anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen may help reduce swelling, though this is a personal choice.

Please consult your GP if you’re unsure whether this medication is suitable for you, and always read the information leaflet provided.

Important Aftercare Guidelines:

Do not touch or play with the piercing.

Do not twist the jewellery.

Avoid swimming in the sea, pools, or using hot tubs for the full healing duration.

Keep makeup, fake tan, and spray tans away from the piercing area.

Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing.

Keep hair bleach and dye away from the piercing.

You may wash your hair and body as normal, but be sure to rinse the piercing thoroughly in the shower with clean water to remove any residual soap or shampoo.

Do not allow others to touch your piercing.

Avoid dusty or dirty environments.

Always wash your hands before touching the area around your piercing.

Pet hair is a common cause of irritation and infection. If contact with pets is unavoidable, wash your hands immediately afterward.

Avoid cuddling pets, as their fur should be kept away from the piercing wound.

Keep pets out of the bedroom during the healing period to reduce exposure to pet hair on pillows and bedding.

Change your pillowcase at least three times a week to help limit pet hair and bacteria.

Use care when brushing hair or removing clothing such as t-shirts, as these actions can accidentally catch or knock new ear piercings.

Oral Piercing Aftercare (Inside the Mouth)

For internal oral piercings (e.g., tongue or inner lip):

Use an antibacterial, non-alcoholic mouthwash, such as Corsodyl.

Rinse your mouth twice daily using the mouthwash.

Cold items such as ice water or ice cubes can help soothe and reduce internal swelling.

Additional Information by Piercing Type:

Tongue / Lip Piercings:

Avoid spicy foods for a few days, as they may irritate the fresh wound.

Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 7 days, as it can increase swelling and irritation.

Avoid smoking for 24–48 hours. If you do smoke, rinse your mouth with warm water immediately afterward.

Heavy kissing and oral sex should be avoided until the piercing is fully healed.

Be cautious while eating—lip jewellery can catch on your teeth.

Nose / Septum Piercings:

Avoid using nasal sprays and recreational drugs that pass through the nasal cavity until the piercing is fully healed.

Nipple Piercings:

Avoid oral contact with the piercing during the healing period.

Eyebrow Piercings:

In rare cases, some clients may develop a black eye due to bruising. This is normal and temporary—please don’t be alarmed.

Possible Reactions and What to Expect:

Bleeding: Minor bleeding, especially if the piercing is knocked, is normal during the early days.

Bruising: Can occur with fresh piercings and is generally not a cause for concern.

Swelling: Expected and accounted for by the initial jewellery sizing.

Migration: This occurs when the body rejects the piercing and slowly pushes it out. It's not painful, but you may notice the jewellery becoming more visible or shifting position.

Loose Jewellery: Threaded jewellery may loosen over time—check and tighten regularly with clean hands.

Hypertrophic Scarring: These are small bumps or raised areas around the piercing, usually caused by trauma. They may resolve on their own or become permanent. Visit us for evaluation if this occurs.

When to Contact Us

While most symptoms are normal, please get in touch if:

Swelling becomes excessive, and the jewellery appears too tight or begins to embed in the skin.

You suspect migration—we can assess whether removal is necessary to avoid scarring.

A jewellery end falls off—we may be able to refit it if you still have the piece, or you may need to purchase a replacement.

Hypertrophic scarring develops—we can provide guidance and treatment options.

Final Notes

This guide outlines the most common healing experiences and scenarios. However, every body is different, and unexpected issues can occur. We are always here to help.

If you notice anything unusual or simply want reassurance, please reach out—no question is too small or too silly.

Remember: The only silly question is the one you don’t ask.