AFTERCARE

NAVEL/ EYEBROW/ EAR/ NOSE/ LABRET

You need: Dettol Antibacterial Liquid Wash (pump pack) and Betadine.

Cleaning the piercing is easiest in the shower. The steps are as follows:-

1. Always wash hands well before cleaning.
2. Let water from the shower assist in removing any crusty matter. Do not turn jewellery until all crusty matter has been removed.
3. Lather Dettol gently into and around the piercing.
4. Rinse thoroughly rotating/moving the jewellery. Don't allow any residue to remain in the piercing.
5. Apply the Betadine solution with a cotton bud to the piercing . Leave on for 2 minutes then wash solution off.

Clean the piercing ONCE or TWICE daily (cleaning more frequently may damage delicate skin cells, while cleaning less may invite an infection). Leave alone at all other times and do not touch with fingers.

· Avoid wearing belts, or restrictive clothing for the first few months as it will cause excessive friction on the piercing and may result in scarring.
· Avoid activities which rub against the area.
· Avoid applying oils and lotion on or around the piercing site.
· Remove navel jewellery during latter part of pregnancy. Depending on person, a retainer may be possible. Consult your piercer.
· Occasionally a navel piercing may 'fold' over to one side. The body may decide that the jewellery would be more comfortable at an angle. If this occurs, do not try to force the ring to lie straight.
· Navel/eyebrow piercings may migrate towards the surface somewhat as they heal. In some cases the jewellery may migrate all the way out of the body.
· Avoid swimming pools/public waters for the first month, especially in the case of navels and eyebrows.
· Please return in 8 weeks for a check up!!!!

TONGUE/ORAL PIERCINGS

· For the first few days do not eat: hot/spicy foods, hot drinks, hard food.
· Rinse with DIFFLAM mouthwash after eating. Dilute mouthwash to avoid ulcers. After first week swap over to Betadine Mouthwash. Keep rinsing mouth for at least 2 - 3 weeks.
· Sip on iced water. A frozen bottle of water squirted onto tongue throughout the day is soothing.
· Smoking will make healing time longer (by as much as 3 times). Cut down and take Vitamin C. Always rinse mouth after smoking.
· No sharing of bodily fluids of any kind for 3-4 weeks. (eg kissing, etc)
· Ensure the ball is secured. Balls go on clockwise.
· Jewellery can be changed (downsized) after 2-3 weeks, once the swelling has completely subsided.
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The usual healing time for a piercing is six to eight weeks, although some will take a few weeks less and some a few more weeks. It is generally assumed that after this period the jewellery can be removed, replaced or re-inserted on a day to day or week to week basis, without any problems. While this may be true for a small number of people, most people will experience prolonged healing problems and discomfort. Jewellery should be left in the piercing at all times for at least the first six months, even longer if possible. Although the piercing may appear healed after six to eight weeks, more time is required for the piercing to toughen up and establish itself permanently in! your body.
Clients should realise that the healthier the body, the faster the healing time. Smoking, alcohol, caffeine, bad diet and careless hygiene deplete the body of all sorts of vitamins and minerals leading to prolonged healing and in some cases, infection.