Piercing Aftercare
& Cleaning Guide
What to expect after getting your piercing?
Right after getting pierced, you might notice a little bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or some bruising. This is totally normal!
As your piercing heals, it’s also normal to see a bit of discolouration, mild itching, and a white or straw-coloured fluid (not pus) that can form small crusts around your jewellery.
Cleaning Instructions
Clean your piercing until it’s completely healed. Healing time varies depending on piercing placement, your body, and proper aftercare. Some piercings can take several months.
Use our NeilMed sterile saline spray morning and night to gently clean your piercing. Only clean it twice a day unless it’s irritated.
After cleaning, make sure the area is fully dry. Gently pat with a clean paper towel or use a hairdryer on the cold setting. Moisture can encourage bacteria.
Aftercare Tips
Always wash your hands before touching or cleaning your piercing as it’s an open wound, and bacteria from your hands can cause irritation or infection.
Do not remove your jewellery during the healing phase; it will start to close right away.
Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh chemicals as they can irritate the skin and delay healing.
Don't twist, turn, or move your jewellery.
Skip swimming in pools, lakes, or hot tubs while your piercing heals.
Keep lotions, makeup, moisturizers, and perfumes away from your piercing.
Don’t pick or pull at any dried matter as it’s part of the healing tissue.
Be mindful while washing or styling your hair, putting on clothes, or sleeping. Try sleeping on the opposite side, or use a piercing pillow so your ear rests in the opening.
Jewellery Downsizing
(Helix, Conch, Midi, Flat, + Nose)
What Is Jewellery Downsizing?
When you get a fresh piercing, it’s fitted with a longer post to allow for swelling and healing. After the initial swelling subsides, usually around 6 to 8 weeks or as recommended just for you, it’s time for a quick, comfortable switch to a shorter post. This essential step, called downsizing, helps your piercing heal properly, reduces irritation, and keeps things looking and feeling their best.
Why It Matters
Downsizing helps your piercing heal beautifully. It keeps your jewellery sitting at the right angle and reduces the risk of snags from hair or clothing.
How to Know You’re Ready
You’re likely ready to downsize when the swelling is gone, there’s no crusting or discharge, and your jewellery feels loose or has some extra space.
We typically pierce with an 8mm post and can downsize to a 6mm post once your piercing is ready.
If you think it’s time, book a downsize appointment with your original piercer. They’ll check your piercing and let you know if it’s ready for a new fit.
A Few Final Notes
Caring for your new piercing is up to you. Following these aftercare steps helps ensure a seamless healing process.
If you ever have concerns or think your piercing might be infected, don’t remove the jewellery yourself. Instead, contact us for advice or book a wellness check with your piercer.