NIPPLE PIERCING AFTERCARE

 

Piercings are done under aseptic conditions, with sterile instruments, and with disposable sterile needles.  We only use 14 Gauge internally threaded jewelry made of Titanium for nipple piercing. It is a pure and quality hypo-allergenic metal.  We do not pierce with fancy jeweled or designer jewelry as these types of jewelry can put an extra strain on a fresh wound and interfere with or delay the healing process. After the initial healing phase is complete ( 3-9 months), quality jewelry made of titanium or gold can be used to replace the jewelry we pierce with if you want something fancier.  We recommend keeping the old jewelry to put it back in if you experience complications with new jewelry. 

 

 Minimal bleeding at the time of the piercing and even a slight amount of staining for the first day or two is common for fresh nipple piercing. A mild degree of redness, swelling, and heat at the piercing  for a day or two is normal. Fresh piercings may drain a sticky fluid which becomes crusty on the jewelry. These ‘crusties’ must be removed during cleaning. A normal piercing could be tender for a few days. The discomfort is most often noticed periodically. Ibuprofen is the drug of choice (ADVIL, or generic for those who can take it safely). It will relieve the discomfort, decrease swelling, and cool the heat. Aspirin is not recommended, as it can interfere with clotting.  ICE WILL HELP A LOT AND SHOULD BE PUT ON THE PIERCING AS SOON AS PRACTICAL--- like, when you get home. You can put ice on it as often as you want. 

 

Wash your hands and finger tips often, especially before cleaning your piercing.

You will be given a bottle of Provon Medicated Soap. Twice each day, wash your hands and fingertips real good and then use the Provon on your fingertips to clean the piercing. It is good to get some of the soap into the wound and then rinse it with water. It is also good to move the jewelry around inside the piercing while cleaning. . Do not use alcohol or peroxide on the wound.  If the wound is very dry on the inside during the first week you can put a little  antibiotic ointment ( for those who can use it safely)  on the jewelry for a day or two to make it slide inside the wound better and make it more comfortable. When you clean the jewelry make sure the balls are “finger tight” if they are threaded. They each screw onto the post clock-wise. If the jewelry is  circular, you can rotate the jewelry while cleaning.

 

If you go swimming in a pool, you should clean your piercing afterwards. Salt water ( the sea) is good for a piercing. Putting your piercing under water in a bath, hot tub, creek, pond, or dirty water is not recommended while it is healing.   Showers are fine  Once your piercing is no longer sore to touch, is not draining, and the jewelry can be moved around freely within, you can consider changing jewelry. We recommend that you become familiar with the processes required to change it yourself.

Vitamin C, multivitamins, and Zinc supplements have been used successfully to speed healing during the first couple weeks. For a piercing to be fully healed, to the point where the jewelry can be removed for a few days without it closing -may take a year or two. If you decide that you don’t want to have a piercing anymore, just take it out. Continue to clean the wound for a few days. It will heal to a tiny scar, probably undetectable to the naked eye, if removed during the first few months. After several years, there may be a more noticeable scar/dimple.

 

NJ law requires us to describe the signs and symptoms of an infection, therefore: The signs or symptoms of an infection may include excessive soreness, abnormal swelling, redness or heat, accompanied by pus or a foul smelling odor coming from a wound.  If you think that you have an infection or a serious problem you should contact a physician. If you do not know who to call, Headlight Tattoo Inc. will try to locate a Physician who may agree to see you ( at your own expense). 

Healthy living, a high-quality diet, and good hydration will promote healing. Remember……Don’t drink and drive, and be nice to dogs.    Feel free to email questions, comments, or concerns to: headtattoo@aol.com