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Piercing Aftercare

Rènü Dermatology

Piercing Aftercare Information

Thank you for choosing Rènü Dermatology for your new piercing.
Following the aftercare advice below is essential to ensure your piercing heals correctly and remains in good condition.

You will have also been verbally advised on aftercare during your appointment and informed about what to expect throughout the healing process. Please read this information carefully.

General Aftercare Advice (All Piercings)

  • DO NOT touch your healing piercing unless you are cleaning it

  • Always wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning or handling jewellery

  • Frequent touching increases the risk of infection and irritation

  • Do not remove jewellery during the healing process

  • Avoid tanning products, lotions, oils, perfumes, sand, and tight-fitting clothing near the piercing

  • Do not soak a fresh piercing in dirty water

  • Avoid swimming (pools, hot tubs, lakes, sea) for at least 2 weeks

  • Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, or unapproved solutions

  • Only use aftercare products recommended by your piercer unless directed otherwise by a medical professional

Swelling, Redness & Bruising

  • Mild swelling and redness are normal after a new piercing

  • A lightly applied cold compress may help reduce swelling

  • Over-the-counter pain relief may be used if needed

  • Bruising can occur and usually subsides within 1–2 weeks

Free 2-Week Check-Up

You are advised to return 2 weeks after your initial piercing for a FREE check-up.

  • If required, jewellery will be downsized to support healing

  • Downsizing helps prevent irritation, bumps, and migration

⚠️ If you do not attend your free check-up, Rènü Dermatology cannot be held responsible for future healing complications.

Keeping in contact with your piercer is strongly advised so any concerns can be assessed and resolved quickly.

Piercing-Specific Aftercare

1. Eyebrow, Nostril, Septum, Ear & Cartilage Piercings

  • Wash hands before cleaning

  • Clean twice daily for 2 weeks, then as required

  • Use a non-touch sterile saline spray (such as Piercemed)

  • Gently rinse away any crusting around the jewellery

  • Do not remove jewellery during healing

  • Avoid sleeping on or applying pressure to the piercing

⏳ Healing time:

  • Cartilage piercings: 4–6 months (may take longer for full healing)

2. Nipple & Navel (Belly Button) Piercings

  • Wash hands before cleaning

  • Clean twice daily with sterile saline spray

  • Avoid tight clothing that may rub or catch

  • Continue aftercare until fully healed

⏳ Healing time:

  • Approximately 6–12 months

3. Tongue Piercings

  • Rinse mouth with a 50/50 mix of alcohol-free mouthwash and water

  • Rinse at least 4 times daily (morning, night, and after food/drinks)

  • Avoid alcohol for the first 10–14 days

  • Swelling usually lasts 5–7 days and may be significant

  • Ice cubes and anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce swelling

  • Do not remove jewellery yourself

  • Avoid oral sex during healing

⏳ Healing time:

  • Approximately 6–8 weeks

⚠️ You must return after 2 weeks for tongue bar downsizing.

4. Lip, Labret & Cheek Piercings

  • Wash hands thoroughly before cleaning

  • Clean externally with sterile saline twice daily

  • Rinse mouth with a 50/50 mouthwash and water solution

    • Morning, night, and after food/drinks

  • Do not remove jewellery during healing

⏳ Healing time:

  • Approximately 8–12 weeks

⚠️ Jewellery must be downsized at 2 weeks.

If You Have Any Concerns

If you experience:

  • Excessive swelling

  • Persistent pain

  • Heat, redness, or discharge

  • Jewellery embedding or movement

Please contact Rènü Dermatology immediately so we can assess and advise.

Rènü Dermatology

Professional • Safe • Ethical Piercing Care
Lymington & the New Forest