Normal reactions
Some bleeding, swelling, pain, or bruising can happen in the first few days. This is expected and not a sign of infection.
Aftercare instructions
Take care of your piercing.
A few simple habits keep your piercing comfortable and healing on track. Bookmark this page and check back any time you have a question. If anything feels off, message Yuffy directly.
Contact Yuffy immediately if any emergency happens
Daily routine
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Clean twice a day with saline solution
Once in the morning, once at night. Sterile saline only. NeilMed wound wash is the easiest option.
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Always dry the area after cleaning
Tap gently with a clean tissue or paper towel. Do not rub. Cloth towels carry bacteria.
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Soften stubborn crusts before removing
If crusts are hard, soften them with warm water in the shower first, then clean with a cotton swab and saline.
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Let new scabs fall off naturally
In the first 2 to 3 days, blood scabs help seal the piercing. Do not rush to remove them.
Avoid these
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No swimming or soaking for 3 months
Pools, hot tubs, lakes, and full bath submersion all carry bacteria that can infect a healing piercing.
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No alcohol, peroxide, or iodine
These products are too harsh and damage healing tissue. Saline only.
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Do not remove jewelry while healing
Taking jewelry out before it is fully healed can close the channel, trap bacteria, or cause migration.
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Do not sleep on the new piercing
Pressure during sleep is the most common cause of irritation bumps. Switch sides or use a travel pillow.
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Do not switch to a hoop too soon
Hoops move more than studs and slow healing. Wait until your piercer confirms it is fully healed.
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Do not touch the piercing
Hands carry bacteria. Only touch the area when you are actively cleaning it with clean hands.
What to expect
When your piercing is healing.
During healing
The area may look slightly discolored or feel itchy. A clear, white, or pale yellow fluid can dry on the jewelry as small crusts. This is plasma, not pus.
About crusts
Use a cotton swab with saline solution to gently remove crusts after they soften. Never pull or pick at the piercing.
Free with us
Come back for your downsize.
Free for clients who choose a Niori Jewelry replacement piece. Once swelling settles, a shorter bar reduces irritation and keeps your piercing comfortable. Book your visit around 4 to 8 weeks after your piercing.
Common questions
FAQ
How long does a piercing take to heal?
Healing times vary by placement. Earlobes take roughly 2 to 3 months, most cartilage piercings 6 to 12 months, navel and nipple piercings 9 to 12 months. Surface piercings and complex placements can take longer. Your piercing may look healed on the outside long before the inside is ready, so stick to your aftercare for the full healing window.
What does a normal vs. infected piercing look like?
Normal: mild redness, light swelling, clear or pale yellow fluid that dries into crusts, mild tenderness, itching as it heals.
Possible infection: increasing pain after the first week, hot skin around the site, thick green or dark yellow discharge with a foul smell, fever or feeling unwell. If you see these signs, message Yuffy and consider seeing a doctor.
Why does my piercing have a small bump?
Irritation bumps usually appear from sleeping on the piercing, snagging it on clothing or hair, using harsh products, or wearing jewelry that is too long or low quality. They are not pimples and you should not pop them.
The fix is removing the source of irritation: switch your sleeping position, downsize your jewelry, stop using anything other than saline. Most bumps fade within a few weeks once the irritation stops. Come in for a free trouble shooting visit if it is not improving.
When can I change my jewelry?
Wait until your piercer confirms it is safe. As a guide, earlobes can usually be changed at 8 to 12 weeks, cartilage at 4 to 6 months, and other placements longer. Switching too early can close the channel, cause irritation bumps, or lead to migration.
Your first jewelry change should ideally be done at the studio so we can use the right technique and confirm your piercing is ready.
Can I use makeup, sunscreen, or skincare near the piercing?
Keep all skincare, makeup, perfume, and sunscreen away from the piercing for the first month, and continue to avoid direct contact during the rest of the healing window. These products can clog the piercing channel and cause irritation. Apply skincare around the area, not over it.
What should I do before my appointment?
Eat a proper meal beforehand so your blood sugar is steady. Drink water. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Wear something that gives easy access to the area you are getting pierced. Bring your ID. If you are getting a piercing that involves the head or hair, come with clean hair and no heavy product.
Can I downsize my jewelry for free?
Yes. Downsizing is free for all Piercing Lab clients within the first year of your piercing. We size you down once the swelling settles, usually around 4 to 8 weeks for most placements. Book a Downsizing Jewelry appointment when you are ready.
What if I have an emergency or my piercing falls out?
Message Yuffy directly as soon as possible. For an MRI or X-Ray where jewelry must come out, book the X-Ray or MRI Jewelry Removal service and we will swap your jewelry for a safe plastic placeholder, then reinstall it for you the same or next day.
If a piercing falls out and the hole is still open, try to keep it open with clean jewelry or a glass retainer until you can come in. Do not force anything if it has started to close.