Aftercare Essentials

Make sure you're well-rested and hydrated. Avoid alcohol or blood thinners like aspirin 24 hours before your appointment.

Healing times vary depending on the type of piercing. Most piercings take between 6-12 weeks, but cartilage piercings can take up to a year.

It's important to leave the original jewelry in place until it's fully healed. Changing jewelry too soon can lead to irritation or infection.

If you suspect an infection, clean the piercing with saline solution and consult a professional piercer or healthcare provider. Don't remove the jewelry until you're advised to.

Pain levels vary depending on the area of the body being pierced and individual pain tolerance. Some people find ear piercings to be relatively painless, while cartilage piercings may feel more intense. The pain is usually brief and fades quickly.