General Advice
After a few days the piercing will start to secrete fluid, this is called lymph (don’t worry – this is normal and not to be confused with an infection). When cleaning, hold the jewellery to stop it moving. Clean the jewellery and then move it gently through the skin with either cotton wool or cotton buds dipped in the cleaning solution. Clean off all the dried lymph, making sure you don’t reuse the same cotton bud.
Women may experience an increased secretion of lymph and soreness of piercing towards the onset of menstruation. Extra care should be taken of the piercing during this time.
Infections can develop easily on a new piercing since it is an open skin wound. Be sure to keep dirty fingers and tight or dirty clothing away from a new piercing. Avoid excessive tugging and pulling. Refrain from oral and sexual contact until the area is well healed. Remember it is your body and an infection does hurt.
CAUTION: Ointments do not clean or disinfect the piercing – they are only lubricants and not a substitute for a proper cleaning solution. DO NOT use soap. To ensure your piercing heals as quickly as possible, do not use antiseptic ointment – e.g., Savlon, Germoline, TCP, Dettol or surgical spirit. All of these products will slow down the healing process.
For any piercing except oral: Swimming in chlorinated pools or the sea should be avoided until the piercing is well healed.
If excessive redness, swelling, bleeding, changes of colour in tissue or soreness persists, DO NOT remove jewellery, contact Inkspirationz. If you are unable to contact us, visit your local GP. Do not take aspirin as pain relief. An aspirin substitute such as Ibuprofen is advised and is available from chemists.
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Get plenty of rest the night before. Eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids within 6 hours before getting pierced or tattooed.
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Do not consume alcohol, large amounts of caffeinated beverages or blood-thinning medications within 12 hours prior to or 24 hours after getting pierced or tattooed.
If you must take blood-thinning medication discuss this with your piercer and your doctor prior to your appointment.
Wear clean clothes. If you are getting a navel, nipple, surface piercing or tattoos in the torso area, do NOT wear restrictive clothing.
If you are getting a facial piercing, do not wear makeup on or around the piercing site.
If you are getting an ear-piercing, wear your hair away from your ear.
If you are thinking about getting more than one piercing or a large tattoo in a single session, consider factors such as your body’s ability to heal multiple piercings and comfort during the healing period.
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Ear
For an ear piercing: the only cleanser you need is Antibacterial Cleansing Solution. Use this twice a day, every day.
Hair should be kept away from the piercing as it carries a lot of dirt and oil. Any contact with shampoo, hair dye and other hair products should be avoided.
For a facial piercing: the only cleanser you need is Antibacterial Cleansing Solution. Use this twice a day, every day.
Be cautious with make-up application around the piercing area. Don’t use any make-up on the actual piercing.
Don’t be tempted to try and cover it up – this will compromise the healing process.
For an oral piercing: Glycerine of Thymol, is to be used every time you eat, drink, smoke, sleep or after any form of oral contact.
Brush teeth gently two or three times a day with toothpaste.
Ice will reduce the swelling. Kissing or any other oral contact should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.
For a nipple or navel piercing: we recommend the full After Care Pack, containing Antibacterial Cleansing Solution, skin paint, zinc capsules and sterile dressings.
When you leave the studio, you will have a dressing protecting the piercing – leave this for 24 hours to give the piercing time to settle. Apply fresh dressings provided only during the night, for the next four nights and leave them off during the day so your piercing can breathe. Clean the piercing twice per day with Antibacterial Cleansing Solution. Apply skin paint twice a week. Zinc capsules to be taken daily.
For a surface piercing: the only cleanser you need is Antibacterial Cleansing Solution. Use this twice a day, every day.
* Take the utmost care not to knock your piercing – surface piercings can take more of an aftercare commitment, as they are more vulnerable to being dislodged. Be especially cautious during any sexual contact!
Facial
Lips
Nipple Navel
Surface
Internal Piercings
- Wash your hands
- Take a clean cotton bud
- Soak in the saline solution
- Clean around the piercing
- Wash your hands
External Piercings
You must rinse your mouth after eating, drinking and (smoking / vaping)
Do this using the above saline solution
This must be done for 4-6 weeks after piercing.
Weekly Cleaning & Bathing
Cover the whole piercing with a cupful of mild saline solution (above) to allow thorough cleaning of the piercing.
Twice per week is sufficient
Aftercare Products
Available at Inkspirationz