OLEANDER PIERCING
Piercing Aftercare and More!
The following is information about how to take care of your piercing, troubleshoot minor issues, and learn how your jewelry works!
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PIERCING
The first rule of body piercing is: you do not touch your piercing. The second rule of body piercing is: you do not touch your piercing. This is something we can never stress enough! Touching your piercing during healing can cause an array of issues so avoid it at all costs.
CLEANING THE PIERCING
We suggest using saline spray twice a day, morning and night. On average, most piercings will need to be cleaned over the first 2-3 months (unless otherwise stated by your piercer). It is vital that you do not over-clean the piercing. At Oleander Piercing we give you saline spray with your piercing and sell it in the studio. If you need to purchase saline elsewhere, just make sure that it says on the can 0.9% sodium chloride. Avoid using saline products with other ingredients in it, including contact solution, as it could create irritation with the piercing.
If you see any crust or build up on the jewelry, the best time to remove it is after a shower as everything will be loose and easy to remove. You can gently use a q-tip to remove crust but be sure to not scrub at it, force anything off, or pick at it with your fingers. Do not use a paper towel...these leave fibers behind that get stuck on your jewelry which can cause irritation. Also avoid hand-towels to prevent snagging. If you do not see any build up, you do not need to wipe it. Essentially, all you're doing removing any debris from the area so the piercing can breathe and heal on its own. If you do not see anything, do not do anything. It truly is that easy.
We suggest cleaning no more than once a day. On average, most piercings will need to be cleaned over the next 3-4 months (unless otherwise stated by your piercer). It is vital that you do not over-clean the piercing. Excessive and prolonged cleaning and moisture can cause complications.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your piercing may experience redness, soreness and swelling. These are are typical "symptoms" of a fresh piercing, and they can come and go over the first few weeks to the first few months depending on the piercing and the placement. This is an absolutely normal process of a new piercing and does not necessarily mean there is something wrong with it. It is also normal to experience a whitish to yellowish secretion coming from the piercing. This is called sebum, which is just your body's natural secretion and what creates crust on the jewelry. It can come an go throughout the entire healing time.
What most people think is an infection is not. If you're unsure about what is going on with your piercing, please come in and see your piercer. Do not look up things on the internet.
A FEW OTHER THINGS DURING HEALING
--Always wash your hands before touching your piercing, but if you can help it, do not touch it (please refer to the first two rules of piercing).
--Never spin the jewelry, move it back and forth, or move it while you're cleaning it. The jewelry may feel tight or like it's not moving around and that is OK. It will move around on it's own.
--In your shower, avoid any shampoo, conditioner or soap on the piercing. If it's in the water running down over it, that is OK.
--Avoid make-up, lotion, or any other products on the piercing during the first two months of healing. We suggest a dime-sized diameter all of the way around and away from the piercing at all times.
--Do not sleep on your piercing while it is healing.
--Come in for your downsize. If your piercing requires it, then it's important to do it to avoid any complications with your healing. Your piercer should have already discussed downsizing with you if you received a piercing that will need it. Lip and tongue piercings are usually 10-14 days. Everything else, around 4-8 weeks. If you're unsure about downsizing, call or come in. Do not change the jewelry yourself until fully healed.
--Swimming should be avoided while healing, three month minimum. This includes all bodies of water, even the ocean. Keep in mind that the sea salt in the ocean is different than the sea salt spray you clean your piercing with, and that the ocean is teaming with bacteria. If your piercing shows a little redness or swelling still, wait longer before going in the water.
--NEVER use products like alcohol, peroxide, bactine, hibiclens, neosporin, vaseline, etc. These products are not meant for piercings and can create an array of piercing issues. It even says on these bottles "not meant for puncture wounds."
--Do not remove your jewelry until it's healed, four to six months. (unless otherwise stated by your piercer).
--For genital/nipple piercings (and some lip piercings), avoid any oral contact with the piercing. We are not accustomed to other peoples bodily fluids so getting a mouth on the piercing should be avoided. Penetrative sex may need to be avoided during initial healing and always use barrier protection.
Average Healing Times For Body Piercings
-Earlobe, Septum, Eyebrow: 3-4 Months
-All Cartilage (Helix, Flat, Rook, Tragus, Daith, Conch, Industrial): 6-9 Months
-Nostril, Navel, Nipples: 6-9 Months
-Lips, Tongue: 3-4 Months
-Intimate Piercings: 3-6 Months
Oleander Piercing proudly offers Steriwash Saline Spray!
Downsizing
Most new piercings will receive a longer bar to accommodate for swelling, which can come and go over the first few weeks. After a bit of time, you may notice the jewelry starting to stick out a little bit and this is the indicator that your jewelry may be ready for a more fitted, shorter piece.
Downsizing the jewelry when the piercing is ready is important to avoid any issues, especially snagging/tugging of the jewelry. Constantly snagging a newer piercing may result in many issues like irritation, prolonged swelling, bleeding/scabbing, bumps, or even migration. Migration is when the jewelry moves or "tilts" into a new position, often accompanied with irritation bumps. Unfortunately you cannot make the jewelry shift back into it's original position without re-piercing it, so be sure to get the downsize when appropriate!
Most piercings will need a downsize in 4-6 weeks.
Oral piercings will need a downsize in 10-14 days.
Your piercer will discuss with you the appropriate time to come in if your piercing will require a downsize. You can make an appointment for a downsize when you're ready. If you're not sure, come visit us anyway and we can take a look!
BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING
Believe it or not, the most common reason why people have problems with their piercing is because they touch it or pick at it (you can always refer to the first two rules of body piercing). Leave it alone, and you may notice it getting better.
Always feel free to come into the studio to have your piercing looked at. Be wary of the internet for advice. Just come in. Seriously. :)
--There Is A Bump On My Piercing
It's almost NEVER a keloid so do not worry. Irritation bumps are not permanent and will go away. Bumps are typically caused by a form of irritation. The most common way to get a bump is by touching it, picking at it, hitting/snagging it, sleeping on it, removing the jewelry too soon/ too frequently, poorly fitted or low quality jewelry, and poor hygiene. There is nothing you can put on a bump that will make it go away. The only way it will go away is by leaving it alone. Always feel free to come by to have us assess the situation in person.
--My Jewelry Is Sinking Into The Hole/Feels Tight
This just means you need a longer piece of jewelry to accommodate for the swelling. Sometimes people get a lot of swelling! We always make sure there is room for swelling when you first get pierced, but once in a while you just need more space. This kind of problem will not fix itself, so don't be afraid to come by the studio so we can assist you.
--My Piercing Looks Goopy/Moist
Excessive moisture can be a problem and this is most commonly experienced in navel and ear piercings. Keep the piercing dry by using a piece of gauze at the end of your shower to gently pat the piercing, or let it air dry before putting clothing over it. If you sleep with wet hair, simply pin the hair back so the piercing can breathe and stay dry.
--Migration and Rejection
This is when your body is pushing out the jewelry, essentially rejecting the piercing. You will know if it's happening because the skin will begin to thin out and more of the jewelry will be visible than before. This is something that takes many months/years to happen. Sometimes piercings will migrate around a little because of sleeping on it, but it does not mean it is rejecting. If you feel you are experiencing migration or rejection, come by the studio for assistance.
--Signs Of An Actual Infection
Infection is very serious and can put you in the hospital. Signs of infection are excessive swelling and redness, red streaks spreading outward, a secretion that is brown or black with blood mixed in, and you may be experiencing a fever.You can always stop by the studio if you are unsure, but if you feel you have an actual infection, please go see your doctor.
If you have any questions about your piercing or what to expect, please reach out to us!
Call us at +1-508-762-9960
Direct message us on Instagram at @oleanderpiercing.com
Email us at oleanderpiercing@gmail.com
Our Body Jewelry and How It Works
Here at Oleander Piercing, we only use the best body jewelry this industry has to offer us. If you are curious about the companies we order from please feel free to send us a message! All of our jewelry abides by the standards of the Association of Professional Piercers.
For initial piercings we only use:
-Solid 14k and 18k yellow, rose and white gold that is free of nickel and cadmium.
-Implant Grade Titanium (Ti6a14V ELI that is ASTM F136 Compliant)
-Niobium
-Lead-free borosilicate glass or fuzed quartz glass.
-We use genuine and semi precious gemstones of the highest grades available.
-All synthetic gemstones are from Swarovski.
We only use press fit and internally threaded jewelry for all initial piercings. All of our jewelry is free of nicks, scratches and burrs and have a lovely high polish finish. All of our gemstones are quality genuine and semi-precious, and our synthetic stones and opals are from Swarovski. All gemstones and synthetic gemstones are hand set, so no glues or adhesives are used and they will not discolor or fall out of the settings. Only the best for our clients!
Press Fit (threadless) Jewelry and Internally Threaded Jewelry VS Externally Threaded Jewelry
Always wear the best jewelry in your body!
Externally threaded jewelry has threading on the bar that can cause damage when inserted into the hole, even with completely healed and older piercings. This type of jewelry is usually a lower grade metal that can irritate your piercing as well, even if it's healed.
Internally threaded and press-fit jewelry is smooth with a high polish. This style has the threading or pin on the ball or gem and not on the bar itself which means it slides in and out of the piercing smoothly and does not damage your piercing. The difference is uncanny, don't you think?
How Your Body Jewelry Works
Here's a general diagram of how your jewelry works.
It's important to always make sure that your jewelry fits appropriately. Well fitted jewelry prevents snagging or possible migration of the jewelry. We encourage you to check your jewelry from time to time to make sure everything is tight and nothing is coming loose!
Don't forget to wash your hands before touching your piercing or inserting jewelry. :)
If you can't figure it out, please come in for assistance! Make sure your piercing is fully healed before you remove the jewelry on your own, and if you're not sure if it's completely healed, you know where to find us. We can usually tell just by looking at the piercing if it is healed enough for a jewelry change!
If you have any questions about your piercing or what to expect, please reach out to us!
Call us at +1-508-762-9960
Direct message us on Instagram at @oleanderpiercing.com
Email us at oleanderpiercing@gmail.com