Piercing Aftercare: Dos and Don'ts for a Smooth Healing Process

At Blackbrew Tattoo & Piercing, located in downtown Abbotsford, we understand that getting a piercing done is a truly transformative experience. However, learning how to care for your new piercing is important to avoid infections and even for your body rejecting the piercing.

In this blog, we will provide you with the best aftercare practices straight from our piercer -in-chief, Tristin Allaire. From cleaning techniques to avoiding certain activities, we will ensure that you are educated on the topic of piercing aftercare so your new piercing heals nicely when you leave our piercing studio.

The Healing Process

As Tristin says, proper aftercare is important to ensure the long-term health and stability of your new piercing. But equally important is being prepared for any complications by understanding the healing process. The healing time for a new piercing can vary depending on the location and type of piercing, but it generally follows a similar pattern. Healthlink BC clearly outlines how long it takes for different piercing areas to heal.

At Blackbrew Tattoo & Piercing, we strictly follow the health authority guidelines in BC to keep our clients informed of safe piercing aftercare practices and to understand the healing process.

Step By Step Guide to Piercing Aftercare

When it comes to piercing aftercare, Tristin talks about several important "dos" that one should follow to ensure a smooth and successful healing process. These include:

• Regular Cleansing: Once you get back home from our piercing studio, cleaning areas around the piercing with a saline solution or an unscented skin safe soap and warm water helps to avoid any further irritation that could result from stronger detergent based body washes that can affect the healing process.

• Resist the Temptation: Trust us, we know it’s very tempting to touch or play with your new piercing. After all, it is your new body art! But do resist the temptation, as this can introduce bacteria and disrupt the healing process. Regularly keeping hands clean and only touching the piercing for cleaning or inspection is highly recommended.

• Breezy Clothing: If your new piercing is in the chest, navel, or groin areas, choose loose, breathable clothing that won't rub or irritate it. Avoid tight-fitting clothes, especially for piercings like nipples or belly buttons.

  
  

  

  
  

• Don’t Pick Crusties: Picking crusties is as close to an ASMR feeling as pimple popping. While it’s very tempting to remove any crusties that may form around the piercing, it should be avoided as it can damage the delicate tissue and slow down healing. Use the proper technique to remove crusties shared by your piercer.

• Water Is A Big NO During the Initial Healing Stage: While saline soaks are recommended, avoid submerging the piercing in water, such as swimming or taking baths, during the initial healing phase, as this can increase the risk of infection.

• Don’t Change It Too Soon: Resist the urge to change your piercing jewelry before the recommended healing time, as this can disrupt the healing process and lead to complications.

• Pay Attention: If you notice any redness, swelling, increased pain, or unusual discharge, don't hesitate to contact your piercer or a local healthcare professional for guidance. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious infections.

• Trust Your Instincts: Lastly, trust your instinct if you think something isn’t right. If you notice any signs of infection, allergic reactions, redness expanding much further from the pierced area, fever, etc., then it’s probably best to drop by a local clinic to find out what’s going on.

• No Questions Are Wrong: Lastly, if you have any concerns or questions about the healing process, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Blackbrew Tattoo & Piercing.

Remember, the key to a successful piercing journey is patience, consistency, and open communication with your trusted piercer. Take the time to research and invest in the right aftercare products, maintain good hygiene practices, and be vigilant in monitoring your piercing for any signs of trouble.

By following the right techniques and the guidance provided in this quick guide, you can get ready to enjoy your new body art with confidence, knowing that you've done everything in your power to ensure a smooth and healthy healing process.

The entire Black Brew Tattoo & Piercing staff wishes you a happy and safe piercing!

Looking for a place to get your next piercing in Abbotsford? Read more about why you should visit our tattoo studio.