PMA Piercing’s Aftercare Guidelines

 

 

Thanks for picking PMA Piercing & Fine Jewelry for your new Piercing. These are our aftercare guidelines. Please read this guide thoroughly and let us know if you have any questions.


Products you may need:

  • Sterile saline solution, with no additives (read the label!).  

            * We Suggest Neil Med Fine Mist Wound Wash Saline Piercing Aftercare

  • New Paper Towel. We suggest Bounty
  • Blow Dryer with a Warm and Cool setting
  • Disposable masks (above the neck piercings)
  • Alcohol-free oral rinse. We Suggest Crest or Biotene (For oral piercings)
  • Bottled water. We suggest Fiji or Evian (For oral piercings)

 


Live Healthy!

  • The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it is to heal! A good working immune system will make their process easier
  • Get enough sleep
  • Eat a nutritious diet 
  • Stay hydrated
  • Keep stress down
  • Try to avoid getting sick
  • Keep the PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)

 

WHAT IS NORMAL

  • Bleeding
  • Localized swelling
  • Tenderness or soreness
  • Itching
  • Secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not puss) that can form a crust build up on the jewelry.
  • Discoloration of skin around piercing site
  • The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals; the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing. DO NOT force it!

 

 

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS (Non Oral):

Don’t touch your piercing with Dirty Hands! - #1 RULE!

WASH your hands with soap and water before you touch your piercing!

We suggest showering in the morning, and doing initial piercing maintenance at this time. DON'T Rotate, spin or move jewelry! Do not put soap directly on or into your piercings. Rinse all soaps, shampoos and body washes away from the piercing. * If you choose to use soap near your piercing we suggest using an all natural one, such as Naked, and to fully rinse the area after use.

At the end of your shower, let your piercing run under warm water for 3-5 minuets(Detachable shower heads come in helpful). Do this at the end of every shower. Warm Shower Rinses will promote good circulation to the area and help remove debris, bacteria and soap residues.

 

SALINE RINSES:

Twice daily: Once in the morning after a shower and once at night before bed. Rinse piercing with a Fine Mist Sterile Saline Wound Wash, such as Neil Med Piercing Aftercare. Mist the area for 1 second, then inspect the piercing. If build up is still present use can use a freshly washed finger or spray a new q-tip soaked with the saline and gently use that to remove build up from the jewelry and piercing site. * Don't use dry Q-tips as they can leave cotton fibers behind

 

DRYING:

After rinsing your piercing, gently pat area dry using a new clean paper towel or sterile gauze pads. Follow with using a Blow Dryer for 15-30 seconds on a cool setting to rid site of any moisture.

  • Don’t Use bath/hand towels as they collect and harbor dust and bacteria, which can cause problems for your new piercing.
  • Keep fresh squares of paper towel sealed in a zip lock bags at locations you're commonly at. Ex. Home, Car, Work.

 

 

During Healing

WHAT TO DO:

  • Follow aftercare instructions!
  • Go to all Check up and Downsize appointments.
  • Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; leave it alone except when cleaning. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry.
  • Stay healthy. Get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, eat a nutritious diet and take your vitamins. The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be to heal your piercing. * Exercise during healing is fine, just listen to your body
  • Make sure your bedding is fresh, clean and changed regularly. * Best to keep pets out of your bed
  • Above-the-Neck Piercings should follow the Clean Pillow Trick: Placing a clean T-shirt over your pillow case will create a clean layer between you and your bedding. 1st Night, sleep on the front. 2nd Night, flip it. 3rd Night, turn inside out. 4th Night, flip it. Every 5th day, replace the T-shirt.
  • Below-the-Neck Piercings: Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing while you sleep.
  • Showering is safer than taking a bath; bathtubs harbor bacteria. If you would like to take a bath, directly prior to bathing, clean tub thoroughly with a tub cleaner. Rinse completely.
  • If you fail to include cleaning your piercing as a part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate.
  • Fully dry your piercing. Moisture can cause lots of issues.
  • Remember a piercing may seem healed well before healing is complete. Piercings heal from the outside inward; although it feels healed, the tissue remains fragile on the inside. BE PATIENT, and keep up with your aftercare throughout the entire healing period.
  • Even healed Piercings can shrink or close in moments after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, leave the jewelry in place.

 

WHAT TO AVOID:

  • DON’T TOUCH YOUR PIERCING WITH DIRTY HANDS!
  • Do NOT sleep on your piercing! Extra important for cartilage piercings.
  • Extra important for cartilage piercings. This can cause your piercing to shift, angle and/or cause bumps.
  • Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewelry and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing, and other complications. 
  • DO NOT USE Alcohol, Hydrogen Peroxide, Bactine, Betadine, Hibiclens, Neosporin, or any other ointment, spray or cream on your piercings.
  • Avoid Over Cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.
  • Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
  • Avoid stress and recreational drug use including excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
  • Avoid submerging the piercing in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, Jacuzzis, etc for the entire initial healing time.

    *If you must go in water, use a waterproof tegraderm bandage.

  • Avoid all make-ups, lotions, hair sprays, and like products around the piercing.
  • Don't hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.

 


Piercings and Masks:

Masks are new obstacle in healing many facial and ear piercings. Here are some suggestions in working with them with your new or healed piercing.

Cleanliness is key. Only touch them with clean hands. Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when putting on or removing your mask. Avoid touching near your piercing when possible. Be sure adjust  your mask when wearing to not cause direct pressure on your piercing.

Disposable masks are preferred and should be disposed of after each use. If cloth masks are used, be sure to wash after each use. Masks can collect bacteria and when over used, dirty masks can cause harm to your piercing.

For ear piercings it is best to not use over the ear mask placement as it cause several issues. Try using the mask clips/ connectors to wear mask below ears.

 

 

ORAL CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS:

(Lip, Labret, Monroe, Philtrum & Cheek also use General Cleaning Instructions)

During normal daily oral hygiene maintenance, in the morning and at night, use an alcohol free mouth rinse such as Biotene or Crest for 30 seconds before flossing and brushing. Rinse mouth with bottled water after this process.

For initial healing time rinse mouth with with high grade bottled water like Fiji or Evian for 30 seconds after anything other than water or ice have come in contact with the inside of your mouth.

 

To help reduce swelling:

  • Minimize talking.
  • Some clients have found it helpful to use an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory following package/manufacturer instructions.
  • Sleep with your head slightly above heart level.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene. Use a new soft-bristled toothbrush and keep it clean.
  • Brush your teeth after every meal.
  • Floss daily and gently brush your teeth and tongue.
  • For Tongue Piercings: Suck on crushed ice for the 1st 5-7 days.

 


Oral Jewelry:

  • Once the swelling has subsided, it is vital to Downsize (Replace) the original, longer jewelry with a shorter post.
  • Consult your piercer for the Downsize Policy. Because this necessary jewelry change will occur during healing, it should only be done by a Qualified Piercer.
  • Once healed, thoroughly brush tongue jewelry daily to avoid plaque build-up.

 

 

Eating with a New Oral Piercing:

  • Slowly eat small bites of food, placed directly onto the molars.
  • Avoid eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature foods or beverages for the first few weeks.
  • Cold foods and beverage are soothing and help reduce swelling.
  • For tongue piercing, try to keep your tongue level in your mouth as you chew and swallow.
  • For Labret (Cheek and Lip) style jewelry, be cautious about opening your mouth too wide. This can result in the backing of the jewelry catching on your teeth.

 

 

WHAT TO AVOID- Oral Piercings:

 

  • DO NOT PLAY WITH THE JEWELRY. Long term effects of playing with/clicking jewelry against the teeth can result in permanent damage to teeth and other oral structures.
  • Avoid undue trauma. Excessive talking or playing with jewelry during healing can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, and other complications.
  • Avoid any mouthwash containing alcohol. It can irritate the area and delay healing.
  • Avoid oral sexual contact including French (wet) kissing or oral sex during healing (even with a long term partner).
  • Avoid chewing on gum, tobacco, fingernails, pencils, sunglasses, etc.
  • Avoid sharing smoking utensils, drinks and eating utensils.
  • Smoking increases risks and lengthens healing time. If you are a heavy smoker, cut back as much as you can without raising stress levels.

 

 

Tips and Jewelry Hints - All Piercings:

  • Unless there is a problem with the size, style, or material of the initial jewelry, leave it in place for the entire healing period. A Qualified Piercer should perform any necessary downsizes or jewelry change that occurs during healing.
  • Contact US if your jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medical procedure). There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives.
  • Leave jewelry in at all times. Even old, well-healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes, even after having been there for years! If removed re-insertion can be difficult or impossible.
  • With clean hands daily check threadless and threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness. For treadless, make sure the end is pushed together with post. For threaded, make sure piece is screwed tight (righty-tighty, lefty-loosey).
  • Carry a clean spare ball with you in case of loss or breakage.
  • Should you decide you no longer want your piercing, seek professional help removing jewelry and continue cleaning until the hole closes. In most cases, only a small indentation will remain.
  • If you Think your piercing is infected, CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY. Leave the jewelry in place so it can drain. If the jewelry is removed, your body will close the piercing and trap the infection in your skin. If you know your piercing is infected, Contact your Doctor immediately!

 

 

Above the Neck; Ear, Cartilage and Facial:

  • Use the Clean T-shirt trick
  • Keep up on Downsizes
  • Maintain cleanliness of telephones, headphones, eyeglasses, helmets, hats and anything in contact with the pierced area.
  • Use caution when styling your hair and advise your stylist of a new or healing piercing.

 

 

Navel:

  • A hard, vented eye patch (sold at pharmacies) can be applied under tight clothing (such as nylon stockings) or secured using a length of ace bandage around the body (to avoid irritation from adhesive). This can protect the area from restrictive clothing, excess irritation, and impact during physical activities such as contact sports.

 

 

Nipple:

  • Only wear clean clothing over the piercing.
  • Make sure bras and shirts are fitted properly and do not cause pressure on the jewelry. A fitted cotton shirt or sports bra may provide protection and feel comfortable, especially for sleeping.

 

 

Genital:

  • Wash hands before touching on or near your piercing.
  • It is very common for Genital piercings to bleed during healing. We suggest using a panty liner or pad for the first few weeks.
  • In most cases, you can engage in sexual activity as soon as you feel ready. Comfort and hygiene are vital.
  • During healing, all sexual activities must be gentle. To increase comfort and decrease trauma, clean your piercing prior to sexual activity.
  • Use a new container of water based lubricant. * Do not use saliva as a lubricant.
  • Use barriers such as condoms and dental dams and avoid other's bodily fluids, even in monogamous relationships. *Sex toys included.
  • After any sexual activity, rinse piercing with saline.
  • After urinating, rinse jewelry with bottled water like Fiji or Evian.
  • Jewelry can cause urine streams to spray; sitting down may be preferred.

 

 

 

 

INITIAL HEALING TIMES:

Everyone heals at different rates!

These are Average Healing Times and you will heal at your own pace. Following your aftercare and leaving your jewelry in for at least the minimum time listed will help in your personal timeline. When your jewelry is ready to be changed, contact us for help.

8 Weeks: Earlobe, Eyebrow, Septum, Tongue, Lip: Labret, Philtrum/Medussa, Monroe, Bites; Clitoral Hood, Foreskin, Fourchette, Inner Labia, Prince Albert

 4 Months: Earl/Bridge, Surface Anchors, Frenum, Guiche, Outer Labia, Lorum, Pubic, Scrotum, Triangle 

12 Months: Nostril, Ear Cartilage: Conch, Daith, Helix, Rook, Tragus; Navel, Nipple, Surface Piercings, Ampallang, Apadravya, Dydoe

*ALL PIERCINGS CAN TAKE A YEAR+ AFTER INITIAL HEALING UNTIL THEY CAN BE CONSIDERED FULLY HEALED. We suggest leaving jewelry in place for the entire duration of time.

 

 

 

 

 

PMA PIERCING & FINE JEWELRY
1335 Lakeside Dr. Unit 1, ROMEOVILLE, ILLINOIS 60446
# 630-312-8151     PMAPIERCING.COM    info@PMApiercing.com

*** This aftercare guide was designed with real world knowledge and experience, and is in line with current industry standards. It is not intended as or to replace medical advice. Following this aftercare does not guarantee you will heal or not have issues with your piercings.

Updated 02.21.2024