Moon Sheen Tattoo offers custom tattoo artistry and professional piercings in NYC, with a focus on creativity, safety, and personalized service.
PIERCING CARE – New York, NY
For the best healing results, we recommend using Recovery products.
Below are the aftercare guidelines for facial and body piercings, provided by the Association of Professional Piercers.
Piercing Care Solutions – New York, NY
For optimal healing of piercings, use one or both of the following solutions:
Additionally, use a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap that is antibacterial, antimicrobial, or germicidal for cleaning.
Immediately after piercing: It’s normal to experience some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.
During the healing process: You might notice some discoloration, itching, or a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that forms a crust on the jewelry. As the tissue heals, it may tighten around the jewelry.
Once fully healed: The jewelry may feel less movable in the piercing; don’t force it. If cleaning your piercing isn’t part of your daily routine, natural bodily fluids can accumulate, and while it’s normal, they may develop an odor.
Healing reminders: Sometimes a piercing might seem healed on the outside before it’s fully done healing. Piercings heal from the outside in, so the outer tissue may feel fine, but the inside remains delicate. Keep cleaning it consistently until the entire healing process is complete.
Even healed piercings can shrink or close quickly! This can happen even after years of healing, and it varies by person. If you like your piercing, it’s best to keep jewelry in place rather than leaving it empty.
Before touching your piercing, always wash your hands thoroughly. Otherwise, try to avoid touching it unless you're cleaning. There’s no need to rotate your jewelry during the healing process.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help your piercing heal more easily. Prioritize good sleep, a balanced diet, and staying active. Exercise is okay during healing, just make sure to listen to your body.
Change and wash your bedding regularly to keep things clean. Wear fresh, comfortable clothing that allows your piercing to breathe, especially while sleeping.
Showers are generally safer than baths, as tubs can carry bacteria. If you prefer bathing, make sure to clean the tub thoroughly before use, and always rinse your piercing afterward.
A piercing may feel healed before it fully is. While the outside may appear fine, the inner tissue can still be delicate. Be patient and continue cleaning throughout the healing period.
Even piercings that have been healed for years can shrink or close up in a matter of minutes. This varies by individual, so if you want to keep your piercing, it’s best to leave jewelry in place rather than leaving it empty.
To ensure proper healing, here are some things to avoid:
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your piercing heals properly and without complications.
Unless you have an issue with the size, style, or material of your initial jewelry, it’s best to leave it in place for the entire healing period. If you need to change the jewelry during healing, consult with a qualified piercer. You can find a member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) on their website, or request a copy of the "Picking Your Piercer" brochure.
If your jewelry needs to be removed for any reason, such as a medical procedure, contact your piercer. They can guide you on non-metallic alternatives if needed.
It’s important to keep the jewelry in at all times. Even piercings that are well-healed or older can close up quickly—sometimes within minutes—if the jewelry is removed. Re-inserting it can be difficult or even impossible.
Regularly check that threaded ends of your jewelry are tight (use clean hands or a paper product to avoid contamination). Remember the rule: “Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.”
Keep a clean spare ball on hand in case of loss or breakage.
If you decide you no longer want the piercing, simply remove the jewelry (or have a professional piercer do it) and continue cleaning the area until it closes. In most cases, only a small mark will remain.
If you suspect an infection, it's crucial to keep quality jewelry or an inert alternative in place to allow the piercing to drain. Removing the jewelry could cause the piercing to seal up and trap the infection inside, leading to an abscess. Never remove jewelry unless a medical professional advises you to do so.
Piercing Aftercare Tips:
While you can typically resume sexual activity once you're comfortable, always prioritize hygiene and gentle actions to avoid trauma during the healing process. Soaking in warm saline solution before activity can help prevent crusting and increase comfort.
Use barriers like condoms, dental dams, or waterproof bandages during intimate activities to protect against fluids, even in monogamous relationships. Also, ensure any sex toys are clean and use a new container of water-based lubricant—avoid saliva. After sex, a saline soak or rinse is recommended.
Remember, everyone heals at their own pace. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to your piercer for personalized advice.
