Our aftercare is for those who have been pierced with jewelry suitable for a fresh piercing and have been pierced where sterile technique was applied.

This is a brief explanation of our aftercare. Do not attempt to heal your piercing with this method until you have come into our studio and have had a consultation about your piercing (all consultations are free of charge). If you have been pierced at Iris then you have been given the appropriate verbal aftercare instructions for your particular piercing and have received an aftercare pamphlet. For those who have been pierced here this is a reference for anything that you may have questions about.

If you have aftercare questions that are not answered within the information below, please stop by our studio, give us a call or send us
an e-mail.

WHAT TO DO:
Always keep your hands and any other foreign objects/chemicals away from your piercing. The more you leave it alone the quicker it will heal. Do your best to keep the piercing dry, and avoid concact with any unnecessary soap. If it gets wet in the shower, you will need to spray it with a particular type of sterile salt water solution (ex. H2Ocean, Wound Wash Saline) after you get out. Let your piercing air dry instead of drying it with your towel. You can also use the salt water spray on your piercing if it feels sore or irritated. Never take your piercing out to clean it.

If your piercing does get dirty, (touching it, hair caught in it, contact with other's bodily fluids, etc.) it is suggested to wash the outside of your piercing with a mild liquid soap (avoid getting soap on the inside of the piercing) followed by a rinse with distilled water or a particular type of sterile salt water solution (see above). Or come into the studio and we will clean it for you at no charge.

ORAL PIERCING CARE:
Drink a lot of cold bottled or distilled water. Rinse your mouth with cold bottled or distilled water, especially after you eat or drink anything. Not only will it help to keep it clean, but the low temperature of the water helps to reduce swelling. Let your piercing relax and try not to move it. Elevating your head while you sleep for the first few nights (either by sitting up while you sleep, or putting several extra pillows beneath your head) will also help to keep the swelling down. Be sure to shorten the length of your jewelry when your swelling has gone down. This is usually within the first 2-4 weeks after being pierced. Since your piercing will most likely not be healed at this time, jewelry that is suitable for a fresh piercing should be put in by a professional using sterile technique. Do not attempt to change jewelry on your own at this time.

Things to avoid during the healing process include: Drinking alcohol, smoking, chewing tobacco, spicy/hot temperature foods, wet kissing and oral sex.

PIERCING AFTERCARE TIPS
Don't touch your new piercing! Don't let anyone else touch your piercing either. (This includes oral contact).

With proper care, an average piercing will take several months to completely heal. Changing or removing jewelry should be avoided during that time.

Don't let the piercing come in contact with another person's bodily fluids.

Never use Alcohol, Hydrogen Peroxide, or soap* of any kind because they may damage healthy cells and cause scar tissue. Petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment are also not suggested for aftercare, as they can collect and promote the growth of bacteria and prevent oxygen from getting to the piercing.

Avoid hot tubs, swimming pools, and soaking in the bathtub during the healing process. If you must swim, cover the piercing with a Tegaderm (3M or Nexcare) waterproof bandage.

Discontinue intake of alcohol, drugs, caffeine, and aspirin during the initial healing period.

Arnica Montana in pill form may help to prevent or reduce swelling. Don’t use Arnica gel or cream.

Vitamin A, vitamin C, a multivitamin, and a zinc supplement may help throughout the healing process.

Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for a few weeks. Definitely avoid tanning oils, lotions and sand.

Avoid tight fitting clothes which might irritate a new piercing. Change your bedsheets at least once a week.

Get good sleep and take care of your body. The healthier you are, the quicker your piercing will heal.

*Not to be used on a healthy and clean piercing. See WHAT TO DO section for more information.

Please consult us with any questions or concerns. If you feel your piercing condition is beyond the scope of a piercing professional consult a physician who is knowledgable in body piercing.
The Most important thing to remember is that we are always here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to stop by the studio, give us a call or send us an e-mail.

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