Your piercing is now complete. We've done our job, it's now time for you to do yours. Following our suggested instructions will speed up the healing process and will result in a healthy and happy piercing experience.
Once your piercing experience at Graceland Tattoo is complete, the artist will dress the area before you leave the studio. Keep in mind, the process of body piercing is considered similar to a "minor surgery". We recommend the use of H2Ocean aftercare products. For general piercing there is a STERILE ocean salt spray. For oral piercings we recommend the Artic Ocean Rinse mouthwash. When you leave our studio you will recieve extensive aftercare instructions in writing.
General Piercing Aftercare
Piercings are susceptible to infection during the healing period. Appropriate aftercare is extremely important to promote healing and prevent infection.
Piercings heal by forming epithelial cells along the inside of the piercing to protect the body from the foreign object. The epithelial cells form a tubelike layer of skin along the inside of the piercing. This process usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. After the epithelial layer has formed, the piercing may constrict around the jewelry. The epithelial layer can easily be torn or dislodged; do not force the jewelry to rotate without first applying warm water. The piercing may need to be soaked in warm water to allow the skin to expand so that the jewelry can be rotated.
Once the epithelial layer forms it must toughen and strengthen. This process often requires 6 months to a year. As the piercing becomes more cohesive the entrances will round inwards, like a donut hole, and the piercing will become more flexible and relaxed around the jewelry.
If you plan to keep your piercing do not remove your jewelry for any length of time while it is healing. Most body piercings require at least 6 months to a year before the jewelry can be removed for any length of time without the risk of the piercing closing. After the piercing has toughened, it will not close but will shrink if the jewelry is removed.
All piercings produce a lymph discharge during the healing period. The discharge is sticky and white to off-white in color and dries to a crusty formation around the openings of the piercing and on the jewelry.
Symptoms of infection may include pain, swelling, inflammation (area feelswarm or hot to the touch) excessive redness, and a discharge of yellow or green pus. If you suspect an infection contact me and your doctor, especially in the case of oral and facial piercings. DO NOT REMOVE YOUR JEWELRY. If the jewelry is removed the openings of the piercing will close and trap the infection, which can create an abscess.
Symptoms of sensitivity to the cleaning product may include redness, irritation, itching or burning when the piercing is cleaned, or a rash surrounding the piercing. Over-cleaning the piercing or failure to thoroughly rinse the piercing can cause the openings of the piercing to become red, overly dry, and cracked.
Symptoms of sensitivity to the jewelry usually manifest immediately and include increasing redness and inflammation, itching, and a colorless discharge. The piercing my enlarge or gape around the jewelry as your body tries to eject the jewelry. If you suspect a jewelry sensitivity please contact me immediately. The piercing may be saved by switching to a more biocompatible metal.
Occasionally a piercing migrates towards the surface of the skin or rejects (grows out). Migration and rejection is indicated by the piercing becoming narrower and more shallow. A scar or dimple often forms where the piercing was originally placed. A piercing which is migrating quickly will form scabs where the piercing was originally placed. Healing will be prolonged; the entrances of the piercing will remain red and ragged. As the piercing rejects the jewelry may become visible through the skin.
The jewelry installed in your piercing is made of either implant-grade stainless steel (316L or 316LVM), niobium, titanium, 14k or 18k yellow gold, or 18k palladium white gold. The style, gauge (thickness), and the diameter or length has been selected to fit your anatomy. Every effort has been made to insure the quality of your jewelry.
Please remember that we are not physicians. Our suggestions should not be construed as medical advice.
Your new piercing is your responsibility once you leave our studio. Use common sense and if at anytime you have a question give us a call at (845)297-3001.
