Keep it clean.

The aftercare to the aftermath...


TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

# How you take care of your tattoo will directly determine how your tattoo will look when it's healed. A tattoo is for life, so take the time to help it heal properly.
# DO NOT USE ON YOUR TATTOO: Neosporin, Triple Antibiotic or anything else that your "friends" may tell you to use while it is healing - These can do harm to your healing tattoo. Listen to your Tattoo Artist's recommendations on what to use.
# Leave the bandage on for two hours. Do not re-bandage your tattoo.
# When showering, wash your tattoo with an antibacterial soap. Let air dry then apply a THIN layer of your chosen healing product. It is ok to get it wet when showering however do not soak your tattoo (bath, pool, hot tub, etc.) until it is healed.
# Apply a THIN layer of Tattoo Goo or your selected type of healing product 3 to 4 times a day for at least 3 to 4 days, you can then start using unscented skin lotion until your skin is smooth if you would like or you may continue using Tattoo Goo. Do not over-apply your healing product as it can do harm to your tattoo.
# Avoid using wash clothes or other abrasive materials on your tattoo.
# Avoid exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds for extended periods of time.
# Make sure to keep your tattoo free of dirt and debris such as pet hair, dust and lint to avoid infection.
# Do not pick or scratch your tattoo. If it itches, a brisk slap after four or five days will help.
# It is normal for your tattoo to peel and or flake off; this is part of the healing process.
# If you have any reaction to any healing products call us for further instructions.
# Please do not hesitate to call or stop by if you have any questions.


GENERAL PIERCING AFTERCARE (Ear, Navel, Nose, etc)

All piercings require one to two daily cleanings with the appropriate solutions to ensure proper healing. Cleaning solutions: Provon or Satin, which are very mild, liquid anti-microbial/germicidal medicated soaps. Inferior alternatives include products such as Almay Clearly Natural, Hypocare, NutriBiotic. In addition, mild, non-iodized sea salt soaks can be helpful.

Cleaning Instructions:
Body piercings need to be cleaned once or twice daily, every day, for the entire initial healing time. Most people clean morning and/or night, in the shower. Do not clean with your liquid soap product more often than twice a day as this can irritate your piercing, and possibly delay your healing. For once-a-day cleanings, do it at the end of your day. Optimal frequency will depend on your skin sensitivity, activity level, and environmental factors.

1. Before cleanings wash hands thoroughly with liquid antibacterial soap and hot water. If you wish, you may wear disposable latex or vinyl gloves and/or also use a hand sanitizing gel. Never, ever touch healing piercings with dirty hands. This is vital for avoiding infections.
2. Prepare the area for the cleansing by rinsing or soaking with warm water and be sure to remove any stubborn crust using a cotton swab and warm water. Never pick with fingernails! This step is very important for your comfort.
3. Apply a small handful of cleaning solution to the area with your clean hand. Cleanse the area and the jewelry, and gently rotate the jewelry back and forth a few times to work the solution to the inside of the piercing. (You do not need to rotate your jewelry during the first several cleanings).
4. Allow the solution to cleanse there for a minute or so. You may bathe normally, just don't purposely work anything other than the cleanser onto the inside of the piercing.
5. Rinse the area thoroughly under running water, while rotating the jewelry back and forth to completely remove cleanser residue from the inside and outside of the piercing.
6. Gently pat dry with disposable paper products such as gauze or tissues, as cloth towels can harbor bacteria.
Please try to be patient. Each body is unique, and healing times can vary considerably. If your piercing is tender or secreting you should continue the care regimen, even if it is past the stated average healing time range.

What to do:
# Wash your hands prior to contact on or near the area of your healing piercing!
# Leave the piercing alone except for when you are cleaning it. It is not necessary or advisable to rotate the jewelry while healing except during cleanings.
# Leave the starter jewelry in during the entire minimum initial healing time! (Assuming your initial jewelry is appropriate in terms of metal content, style, and size for the anatomy. Inappropriate jewelry should be changed out by a professional.)
# Check twice daily with clean hands to make sure the balls are screwed on tight on threaded jewelry such as barbells. Both balls tighten to the right.
# If you like your piercing leave jewelry in at all times. Even old, well-healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person, and even if your ear lobe piercings stay open without jewelry your body piercing may not! Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medical procedure). Monofilament nylon or another inert non-metallic substance may be able to be inserted to maintain the piercing until jewelry can be reinserted. # Make sure your bedding is clean and changed frequently while you are healing, especially if pets get into your bed.
# Wear clean, comfortable, breathable fabric clothing in the area of a body piercing.
# A multi-vitamin mineral supplement containing zinc and vitamin C may help boost your body's healing abilities. Take it with your morning meal according to package instructions.
# Get enough sleep, eat a nutritious diet, and avoid undue stress, recreational drugs, and heavy alcohol consumption. The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal.
# Showering is safer than taking a bath, as bath tubs tend to harbor bacteria. To bathe safely, clean your tub with a bleach product before each bath, and rinse the tub before you fill it. Also, be sure to do a running water rinse on your piercing when you are done in the tub.
# In the event that the piercing drains a thick pus discharge instead of the normal liquid secretion, you may wish to see a physician for evaluation and possible antibiotic treatment. If you do have an infection, the jewelry should be left in the piercing to allow for drainage of pus. If the jewelry is removed, the holes can close up, resulting in an abscess.

LEAVE YOUR JEWELRY IN!

What to avoid
# Don't use alcohol, peroxide, Betadine, or Hibiclens as they are overly strong and drying which can hinder healing.
# Don't apply any ointment such as Bacitracin, Neosporin or any triple antibiotic ointment on your piercing. These prevent oxygen from reaching the wound and form a sticky residue which can cause complications. They are not designed for use on healing piercings.
# Don't over clean. Cleaning more often than twice a day is not better. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.
# Don't use too many different products; Select and use only one cleaning solution (such as Provon or Satin).
# Avoid oral contact, rough play, and contact with other bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
# Don't use band aids on a healing piercing. They limit air circulation and the adhesive can irritate the surrounding area.
# Avoiding sleeping directly on a piercing during healing is advisable.
# Don't hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.
# Avoid submerging your piercing in water such as pools, lakes, Jacuzzis, etc. Unless you feel confident that the water is clean enough for you and an open wound (which is what your piercing is while it is healing). Most bodies of water harbor large amounts of bacteria. If there is sea life, motor oil or children in the water it is not clean enough!
# Exercise during healing is fine; just listen to your body. Try to avoid activities that put undue stress on the area. Your own sweat and bodily fluids are not harmful to your piercing, provided you clean daily as directed.

What is normal?
# Bleeding, bruising, discoloration and/or swelling are not uncommon. Any break in the skin, including a new piercing can bleed off and on for a few days, or swell, or bruise. These are not indications of any complications. Reduce intake of aspirin, alcohol, and caffeine.
# Some tenderness or discomfort in the area of a new piercing is not unusual. You may feel stinging, burning, or aching or other unpleasant sensations off and on for several days or longer. During healing there maybe some itching.
# Secretion of a fluid which contains blood plasma, lymph and dead cells is perfectly normal. It is fairly liquid, whitish-yellow in color and forms a crust on the jewelry at the openings of the piercing. This is not pus, but indicates a healing piercing.
# Once healed your piercing may secrete a semi-solid white malodorous substance from the oil glands called sebum. This is not pus, but indicates a healed piercing.
# Piercings may have a tendency to have a series of ups and downs during healing by seeming healed and then regressing. Try to be patient, and do keep cleaning during the entire 8-10 week initial healing time, even if the piercing seems healed sooner.
# Tightness is normal. Do not expect jewelry to swing freely in most body piercings, even after they are thoroughly healed.

Disclaimer
These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. Beware, however, that many doctors and dentists have no specific training or experience regarding piercing and may not be educated on how to best assist you. If you do get an infection, the jewelry should be left in, so that pus can drain. If the jewelry is removed, the holes can close up, resulting in an abscess.


NIPPLE / GENITAL AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

Cleaning Solutions for Nipple and Genital Piercings:
A mild liquid antimicrobial/germicidal medicated soap such as Provon or Satin, and water. Inferior alternatives include products such as Almay Clearly Natural, Hypocare, NutriBiotic; or other mild, fragrance - and color-free liquid antibacterial soap. These should possibly be diluted with distilled or bottled water, depending on product strength.

Cleaning Instructions for Nipple and Genital Piercings:
1. Body piercings need to be cleaned twice daily, every day, for 8 to 10 weeks. Most people clean morning and night, in the shower. Do not clean with your liquid soap product more often than twice a day as this can irritate your piercing, and possibly delay your healing.
2. Before cleanings wash hands thoroughly with liquid antibacterial soap and hot water. If you wish, you may wear disposable latex or vinyl gloves and/or also use a hand sanitizing gel. Never, ever touch healing piercings with dirty hands. This is vital for avoiding infections.
3. Prepare the area for the cleansing by rinsing or soaking with warm water and be sure to remove any stubborn crust using a cotton swab and warm water. Never pick with fingernails! This step is very important for your comfort.
4. Apply a small handful of cleaning solution to the area with your clean hands. Cleanse the area and the jewelry, and gently rotate the jewelry back and forth a few times to work the solution to the inside of the piercing. (You do not need to rotate your jewelry during the first few cleanings.)
5. Allow the solution to cleanse there for a minute or so. You may bathe normally, just don't purposely work anything other than the cleanser onto the inside of the piercing.
6. Rinse the area thoroughly under running water, while rotating the jewelry back and forth to completely remove cleanser residue from the inside and outside of the piercing.
7. Gently pat dry with disposable paper products such as gauze or tissues, as cloth towels can harbor bacteria.

Please try to be patient. Each body is unique, and healing times can vary considerably. If your piercing is tender or secreting you should continue the care regimen, even if it is past the stated average healing time range.

What to do:
# Wash your hands prior to contact on or near the area of your healing piercing!
# Leave the piercing alone except for when you are cleaning it. It is not necessary or advisable to rotate the jewelry while healing except during cleanings.
# Leave the starter jewelry in during the entire minimum initial healing time! (Assuming your initial jewelry is appropriate in terms of metal content, style, and size for the anatomy. Inappropriate jewelry should be changed out by a professional.)
# Check twice daily with clean hands to make sure the balls are screwed on tight on threaded jewelry such as barbells. Both balls tighten to the right.
# If you like your piercing leave jewelry in at all times. Even old, well healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person, and even if your ear lobe piercings stay open without jewelry your body piercing may not! Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medical procedure). Monofilament nylon or another inert non-metallic substance may be able to be inserted to maintain the piercing until jewelry can be reinserted. # Make sure your bedding is clean and changed frequently while you are healing, especially if pets get into your bed.
# Wear clean, comfortable, breathable fabric clothing in the area of a body piercing.
# A multi-vitamin mineral supplement containing zinc and vitamin C may help boost your body's healing abilities. Take it with your morning meal according to package instructions.
# Get enough sleep, eat a nutritious diet, and avoid undue stress, recreational drugs, and heavy alcohol consumption. The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal.
# Showering is safer than taking a bath, as bathtubs tend to harbor bacteria. To bathe safely, clean your tub with a bleach product before each bath, and rinse the tub before you fill it. Also, be sure to do a running water rinse on your piercing when you are done in the tub.
# In the event that the piercing drains a thick pus discharge instead of the normal liquid secretion, you may wish to see a physician for evaluation and possible antibiotic treatment. If you do have an infection, the jewelry should be left in the piercing to allow for drainage of pus. If the jewelry is removed, the holes can close up, resulting in an abscess.
LEAVE YOUR JEWELRY IN!

What to Avoid
# Don't use alcohol, peroxide, Betadine, or Hibiclens as they are overly strong and drying which can hinder healing.
# Don't apply any ointment such as Bacitracin, Neosporin or any triple antibiotic ointment on your piercing. These prevent oxygen from reaching the wound and form a sticky residue, which can cause complications. They are not designed for use on healing piercings.
# Don't over clean. Cleaning more often than twice a day is not better. This can delay your healing & irritate your piercing.
# Don't use too many different products; Select and use only one cleaning solution (such as Provon or Satin).
# Avoid oral contact, rough play, and contact with other bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
# Don't use bandaids on a healing piercing. They limit air circulation and the adhesive can irritate the surrounding area.
# Avoiding sleeping directly on a piercing during healing is advisable.
# Don't hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.
# Avoid submerging your piercing in water such as pools, lakes, Jacuzzis, etc. Unless you feel confident that the water is clean enough for you and an open wound (which is what your piercing is while it is healing). Most bodies of water harbor large amounts of bacteria. If there is sea life, motor oil or children in the water it is not clean enough!
# Exercise during healing is fine; just listen to your body. Try to avoid activities that put undue stress on the area. Your own sweat and bodily fluids are not harmful to your piercing, provided you clean daily as directed.

What is normal?
# Bleeding, bruising, discoloration and/or swelling are not uncommon. Any break in the skin, including a new piercing can bleed off and on for a few days, or swell, or bruise. These are not indications of any complications. Reduce intake of aspirin, alcohol, and caffeine.
# Some tenderness or discomfort in the area of a new piercing is not unusual. You may feel stinging, burning, or aching or other unpleasant sensations off and on for several days or longer. During healing there maybe some itching.
# Secretion of a fluid which contains blood plasma, lymph and dead cells is perfectly normal. It is fairly liquid, whitish-yellow in color and forms a crust on the jewelry at the openings of the piercing. This is not pus, but indicates a healing piercing.
# Once healed your piercing may secrete a semi-solid white malodorous substance from the oil glands called sebum. This is not pus, but indicates a healed piercing.
# Piercings may have a tendency to have a series of ups and downs during healing by seeming healed and then regressing. Try to be patient, and do keep cleaning during the entire 8-10 week initial healing time, even if the piercing seems healed sooner.
# Tightness is normal. Do not expect jewelry to swing freely in most body piercings, even after they are thoroughly healed.

Genital Piercings: Sexual activity is not prohibited, but must be gentle & hygienic. Listen to your body! If something feels sore, it means you need to ease up or stop for the time being. Use condoms and dental dams for all sexual contact during healing to prevent sharing of bodily fluids. This is required even if you are in a monogamous relationship. It is mandatory for your health and safety during the entire minimum 8-10 weeks initial healing time. Avoid condoms and lubricants containing Nonoxynol 9 as it is very strong and can irritate healing piercings. Use water-based lubricants such as KY jelly.
Nipple Piercings: It is advisable to sleep in a cotton tank top or tee shirt especially if you have any pets that get on or in your bed. Many woman find sleeping in a bra or sports bra to be comfortable with a healing nipple piercing.



ORAL PIERCING AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

All piercings require daily cleanings with the appropriate solutions to ensure proper healing.

Cleaning solutions for the inside of your mouth: TRIAD mouth rinse according to package instructions as an oral irrigator. An alternative is Biotene, Tech2000 or other alcohol-free antimicrobial or antibacterial mouth rinse used according to package instructions. These are available in the oral medications section of most drugstores.

Cleaning solutions for the outside of your mouth:Provon or satin, and water. Inferior alternatives include products such as Almay Clearly Natural, Hypocare, NutriBiotic; or other mild fragrance-and color-free liquid antibacterial soap. These should be diluted with water,depending on product strength.

Cleaning Instructions for the inside of your mouth: Rinse mouth for 30-60 seconds with TRIAD or Biotene (See Cleaning Solutions above) after meals during the entire minimum initial healing time 8 weeks. Do not use more than 6-8 times daily.

1. Cleaning Instructions for the outside of your mouth; The outside of your piercings need to be cleaned twice daily, every day, for the entire initial healing time. Most people clean morning and night, in the shower. Do not clean with your liquid soap product more often than twice a day as this can irritate your piercing, and possibly delay your healing.
2. Before cleanings wash hands thoroughly with liquid antibacterial soap and hot water. If you wish, you may wear disposable latex or vinyl gloves and/or also use a hand sanitizing gel. Never, never touch healing piercings with dirty hands. This is vital for avoiding infections.
3. Prepare the area for the cleansing by rinsing or soaking with warm water and be sure to remove any stubborn crust using a cotton swab and warm water. Never pick with fingernails! This step is very important for your comfort.
4. Apply a small handful of cleaning solution to the area with your clean hands. Cleanse the area and the jewelry, and gently rotate the jewelry back and forth a few times to work the solution to the inside of the piercing. (You do not need to rotate your jewelry during the first few cleanings).
5. Allow the solution to cleanse there for a minute or so. You may bathe normally, just don't purposely work anything other than the cleanser onto the inside of the piercing.
6. Rinse the area thoroughly under running water, while rotating the jewelry back and forth to completely remove cleanser residue from the inside and outside of the piercing.
7. Gently pat dry with disposable paper products such as gauze or tissues, as cloth can harbor bacteria.

What is normal?
# Swelling of the area is perfectly normal during the first part of healing an oral piercing. It can be greatly reduced by gently sucking (rather than chewing) on clean ice. Chipped or shaved ice or small cubes are best. The majority of the swelling usually only lasts for 3-5 days.

# Any new piercing can bleed off and on for a few days. There can also be some bleeding under the surface resulting in temporary bruising or discoloration. This is perfectly normal and not indicative of any complication.

# Some tenderness or discomfort in the area of a new piercing is not unusual. You may feel aching, pinching, tightness or other unpleasant sensations off and on for several days or longer.

# Don't be alarmed if you see a fairly liquid, yellowish secretion coming from the piercing. This is blood plasma, lymph and dead cells which is perfectly normal. All healing piercings secrete, it just looks different inside the mouth as it doesn't have a chance to dry and form a crust as it does on ear or body piercings. This is not pus, but indicates a healing piercing.

# Plaque may form on tongue jewelry, commonly on the bottom ball and/or post. Scrub your barbell with a firm toothbrush (gently during healing). If you are diligent with oral hygiene the jewelry will not need to be removed for cleaning, and it can usually be left in even for routine visits to the dentist.

# Piercings may have a tendency to have a series of "ups and downs" during healing by seeming healed and then regressing. Try to be patient, and do keep cleaning during the entire initial healing time, even if the piercing seems healed sooner.

# Each body is unique, and healing times can vary considerably.

What to do:
# Try to sleep with your head propped up on pillows during the first few nights of healing; keeping your head above your heart will help to avoid much initial overnight swelling.
# An over the counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) taken according to package instructions can reduce discomfort, and it can also help to diminish swelling during the first few days.
# Check twice daily with clean hands to be sure the threaded ends on your jewelry are on tight. To clean hands, wash them carefully with liquid antibacterial soap such as Dial or Lever2000. If your hands aren't freshly washed, don't touch yourself above the neck during the initial healing time.
# Replace your toothbrush and make sure to keep it clean so that everything that goes into your mouth is hygienic while you are healing. A "sensitive" type of toothpaste may be less irritating to your mouth during healing than a usual, stronger variety.
# Try to go slowly when you eat and to take small bites when you are getting used to your new jewelry. Cold foods and beverages feel great and can help diminish swelling. Drink plenty of liquids, especially bottled water.
# Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet. The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal.
# Once initial swelling is down having your piercer replace the jewelry with a shorter post may be wise. Jewelry which fits more closely is less likely to irritate your mouth or get between your teeth and be bitten.
# If you like your piercing leave your jewelry in at all times. Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person, and even if your ear lobe piercings stay open without jewelry your oral piercing may not!
# Keep following the care procedures during the entire minimum initial healing time, even if the piercing seems healed sooner.

What to avoid:
# No oral sexual contact including French (wet) kissing or oral sex during the entire initial healing period, even if you are in a monogamous relationship. (If you had a large cut you would not allow anyone to spit into it! This is essentially the same thing.)
# Avoid chewing on gum, tobacco, fingernails, pencils, sunglasses, etc., during healing. Don't share plates, cups or eating utensils.
# Reducing smoking or quitting is highly advisable when healing an oral piercing. Smoking increases risks and can lengthen the healing time. Avoid undue stress and recreational drug usage.
# Stay away from aspirin, large amounts of caffeine, and alcoholic beverages for the first several days. These can cause additional swelling, bleeding and discomfort. Refrain from eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature foods and beverages for a few days.
# Do not play with the piercing for the initial healing time beyond the necessary movement for speaking and eating. The mouth withstands a lot of trauma from normal speaking and eating. Try to avoid other disturbances such as excessive talking, actively playing with the jewelry, or clicking the jewelry against your teeth. Undue stress on the piercing can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration and other complications.
# Even after healing, excessive play with oral jewelry can result in permanent damage to teeth, gums, and oral structures. Metal is harder than the human body; be gentle.
# Do not use Listerine or other mouthwash which contains alcohol. It can irritate the area and delay healing.
# Don't use too many different products, select and use only one cleaning solution.

Lip/cheek: Be cautious about opening your mouth wide when you eat as this can result in the backing of the jewelry catching on your teeth. Take small bites and go slowly at first. The outside of the piercing may become somewhat red or pink during healing and this is normal.


Disclaimer These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. Beware, however, that many doctors and dentists have no specific training or experience regarding piercing and may not be educated on how to best assist you. If you do get an infection, the jewelry should be left in, so that pus can drain. If the jewelry is removed, the holes can close up, resulting in an abscess. LEAVE YOUR JEWELRY IN!


If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call or stop in