Piercing Aftercare

 

Whether you just got pierced or are dreaming about your next piercing, proper aftercare is essential for ensuring a smooth healing process and maintaining the health of your piercings. From earlobes to cartilage, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

 

Full Healing Times

 

Lobes: 3-5 months  

Conch: 4-9 months  

Daith: 6-12 months  

Helix: 6-12 months  

Flat: 6-12 months  

Tragus: 6-12 months  

 

Remember, the healing time frame for your piercings depends on how well you care for them. 

Full Healing Times

 

Lobes: 3-5 months  

Conch: 4-9 months  

Daith: 6-12 months  

Helix: 6-12 months  

Flat: 6-12 months  

Tragus: 6-12 months  

 

Remember, the healing time frame for your piercings depends on how well you care for them. 

Healing Process

 

During the initial weeks of healing, expect some bleeding, localised swelling, tenderness, and bruising. Discoloration, itching, and crust forming on the jewellery are normal. The tissue may tighten around the jewellery as it heals.  

 

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent accumulation of body secretions and infections. Remember, the piercing may appear healed before it's fully healed internally, so patience is key.  

 

If you have any questions or need a check-up, contact us at piercingstudio@bycharlotte.com.au or book an appointment with our piercers. 
 
While infection is highly unlikely, if your piercing does become infected, it's important to seek medical attention from your GP.

Our Top Tips

No Touching, Please! 

Resist the temptation to turn, twist, or touch your fresh piercings. Leave your piercings alone and let the healing process unfold naturally.

Saline Spray Twice a Day

Use a sterile saline solution to clean your piercings. Spray it on your piercings twice a day, in the morning and at night, to keep them clean and promote healing.

Avoid Antiseptic or Alcohol

Stay away from antiseptic solutions or alcohol-based products as they can cause irritation and hinder the healing process. Stick to saline spray for cleaning.

No Touching, Please! 

Resist the temptation to turn, twist, or touch your fresh piercings. Leave your piercings alone and let the healing process unfold naturally.

Saline Spray Twice a Day

Use a sterile saline solution to clean your piercings. Spray it on your piercings twice a day, in the morning and at night, to keep them clean and promote healing.

Avoid Antiseptic or Alcohol

Stay away from antiseptic solutions or alcohol-based products as they can cause irritation and hinder the healing process. Stick to saline spray for cleaning.

Hair Care

After washing your hair, make sure to thoroughly dry your fresh piercings. Instead of using a towel, use a hair dryer on a low setting to prevent any unnecessary irritation.

Don't Change Until Healed

It is important to avoid changing your jewellery until your piercings are fully healed. Premature jewellery changes can lead to infection or irritation. Be patient and let your piercings heal completely.

Keep Your Earrings In

Always keep your earrings in place to prevent your piercings from closing up. If your earrings fall out or are removed, your piercings can start to close within a few hours.

Cartilage Piercings and Sleeping

Do not sleep directly on your fresh cartilage piercings. Sleeping on them can cause irritation, bumps, tenderness, and delay the healing process. Consider using a neck travel pillow to suspend your ear if you prefer sleeping on your side. 
 

Avoid Pressure on Piercings

Be mindful of not putting any pressure on your fresh piercings. Avoid activities that may cause undue pressure or trauma to the pierced area. 

No Swimming

We suggest you avoid swimming in chlorinated pool water as your piercing heals to avoid infection.

Bars First for Cartilage Piercings

For cartilage piercings, it's best to begin with a straight bar instead of a hoop. This helps prevent irritation and promotes quicker healing.

Hair Care

After washing your hair, make sure to thoroughly dry your fresh piercings. Instead of using a towel, use a hair dryer on a low setting to prevent any unnecessary irritation.

Don't Change Until Healed

It is important to avoid changing your jewellery until your piercings are fully healed. Premature jewellery changes can lead to infection or irritation. Be patient and let your piercings heal completely.

Keep Your Earrings In

Always keep your earrings in place to prevent your piercings from closing up. If your earrings fall out or are removed, your piercings can start to close within a few hours.

Cartilage Piercings and Sleeping

Do not sleep directly on your fresh cartilage piercings. Sleeping on them can cause irritation, bumps, tenderness, and delay the healing process. Consider using a neck travel pillow to suspend your ear if you prefer sleeping on your side. 
 

Avoid Pressure on Piercings

Be mindful of not putting any pressure on your fresh piercings. Avoid activities that may cause undue pressure or trauma to the pierced area. 

No Swimming

We suggest you avoid swimming in chlorinated pool water as your piercing heals to avoid infection.

Healing Time Depends on You

Remember, the healing time frame for your piercings depends on how well you care for them. Follow these aftercare instructions diligently to ensure a smooth healing process. 

Bars First for Cartilage Piercings

For cartilage piercings, it's best to begin with a straight bar instead of a hoop.

This helps prevent irritation and promotes quicker healing.

Healing Time Depends on You

Remember, the healing time frame for your piercings depends on how well you care for them.

Follow these aftercare instructions diligently to ensure a smooth healing process. 

Downsizing

 

Downsizing means changing the jewellery in a piercing to a shorter post, once initial swelling has subsided. 
 

When we pierce your ear, we use a longer post to accommodate for any swelling, this is essential to avoid complications. Once the piercing has healed and the swelling has subsided, your post will be too long for your piercing.  

 

Jewellery that is too long can snag easily and move around excessively, leading to irritation, migration, renewed swelling and can even change the angle of your piercing if it’s slept on. 

 

To ensure a comfortable and optimal healing process, it is highly recommended to schedule a follow-up appointment at our studio to downsize your jewellery in 8-10 weeks. The follow-up appointment is complimentary, and downsizing is an additional $30 per piercing.

Fresh piercing with room or swelling

Piercing after swelling has gone away

Properly downsized piercing after swelling

Piercing after not downsizing and slept on. Migration occurs. Scar tissues may be present

Changing Your Jewellery

 

Remember, patience is key when it comes to changing your jewellery. It's essential to wait until your piercing is fully healed, following the recommended healing times, before changing your earrings. 
 
When it's time to change your earrings for the first time, we recommend booking a checkup appointment with our piercers. They can provide expert guidance and ensure a smooth transition to new jewellery.  
 
Before handling your precious earrings, it is important to wash your hands, ensuring they are clean and free from any dirt or bacteria. It is essential to maintain a hygienic environment to minimise risk of infection or complications.

Changing Your Jewellery

 

Remember, patience is key when it comes to changing your jewellery. It's essential to wait until your piercing is fully healed, following the recommended healing times, before changing your earrings. 
 
When it's time to change your earrings for the first time, we recommend booking a checkup appointment with our piercers. They can provide expert guidance and ensure a smooth transition to new jewellery.  
 
Before handling your precious earrings, it is important to wash your hands, ensuring they are clean and free from any dirt or bacteria. It is essential to maintain a hygienic environment to minimise risk of infection or complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

APPOINTMENTS AND SERVICES

Can I bring my own jewellery for the piercing?

For safety and hygiene reasons, we only use sterilised, 14k solid gold by charlotte flatback earrings from our studio.  

How old do I need to be to get a piercing?

The minimum age requirement for piercings at our studio is 12 years old. We adhere to government regulations and require parental or guardian consent for anyone under the age of 16. ID is required for age verification for all bookings.

Can I get pierced if I am pregnant or brest feeding?

We do not pierce anyone who is pregnant or breast feeding for health and safety reasons.

Can I bring a friend or family member with me during the piercing?

Absolutely! Having a supportive friend or family member with you is encouraged. They can provide comfort and reassurance during the process. Please note that only one person support person can enter the studio with you. Unfortunately, unsupervised children are not permitted for safety reasons.

How long does the piercing process take?  

The duration depends on the type of piercing. Generally, it takes just a few minutes, but intricate or multiple piercings may take a bit longer. 

Can I get multiple piercings in one session?

You can get up to 4 piercings in one session. However, the decision ultimately depends on your individual pain tolerance, the complexity of the piercings, and the piercer's recommendation.  

Do I need to make an appointment, or do you accept walk-ins?

While we do our best to accommodate walk-ins, it is advisable to make an appointment to ensure availability and minimise wait times.

How do I book an appointment?

Booking an appointment is easy! You can visit our website to make a booking.

WHY DO I NEED TO GET TO MY APPOINTMENT 5 MINUTES EARLY?

We kindly ask that you arrive at least 5 minutes prior to your scheduled piercing service appointment. This will give you ample time to complete a waiver/consent form before your session.

What is covered in the booking appointment service fee?

Our booking appointment service fee includes a consultation with our professional piercer, thorough aftercare instructions, an aftercare kit, the piercing procedure itself and any equipment required.

PAYMENT INFORMATION

  • Your initial payment will be credited toward your first piercing. Payment for both the jewellery and any additional services is due at the time of your visit.
  • Some services may require a credit card payment to reserve an appointment, and in case of a no-show, late arrival, or cancellation with less than 24 hours' notice, the card may be charged accordingly. 

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept various forms of payment, debit cards, credit cards, and digital payment options. Please check with our studio for specific details. 

What's your cancellation policy?

  • If you need to cancel your appointment, please do so at least 24 hours in advance to avoid any charges. For cancellations within 24 hours, late arrivals, or no-shows, your deposit will be forfeited.
  • Appointments may be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the booked appointment, however, are subject to availability.  
  • If you are more than 10 minutes late to your Piercing appointment, your appointment length will be shortened to ensure there is no disruption to the subsequent schedule.  

  • If you are more than 15 minutes late, your appointment will need to be rescheduled and the service fee taken at the time of reservation will be forfeited.

  • If you do not show up to your booked appointment, we will cancel the appointment and your initial payment/deposit will be forfeited. 

how long does it take to receive my refund if i cancel my appointment WITH more than 24 HOURS' notice?

It will be refunded back to your original payment method. It may take up to 7 business days to reflect on your account after it has been processed.

can i reschedule or make any changes to my appointment?

To reschedule or cancel your appointment with more than 24 hours notice, please contact our Sydney Flagship Boutique on (02) 8959 4900.  

We reserve the right to reschedule your appointment at any time and for any reason, without giving you prior notice. If we do, we will return your original payment method with the amount of the booking deposit. 

 

What types of piercings do you offer?

We offer both cartilage and lobe piercings. Earlobes, Daith, Tragus, Flat, Helix and Conch. We do not currently offer Rook piercings.

Do you use a needle or gun?

We exclusively use single-use needles for piercing as they provide more precise and less traumatic results compared to piercing guns.

Do you use single-use needles?

Yes, we use single-use, sterile needles for each piercing procedure for your health and safety. 

How can I get in contact?

If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to us at piercingstudio@bycharlotte.com.au or book an appointment with our piercers. 

Before Piercing

How do I prepare for my piercing appointment?

To prepare for your piercing appointment, make sure you are well-rested, eat a light meal, and avoid alcohol or blood-thinning medications. Arriving with clean skin and wearing comfortable clothing is also recommended.

Is getting a piercing painful?

Pain levels vary from person to person, but most piercings involve some level of discomfort. Our experienced piercers strive to make the process as quick and comfortable as possible. 

Can I use a numbing cream before getting a piercing?

It is generally not recommended to use numbing creams as they can interfere with the piercing process and make it difficult to assess any potential complications.

What type of jewellery should I start with for cartilage piercings? 

It's best to begin with a straight bar instead of a hoop for cartilage piercings to prevent irritation and promote quicker healing.

Why can't I get pierced with a butterfly back?

Butterfly back earrings are typically not recommended for initial piercings due to their design. They don’t allow for swelling and can be difficult to keep clean, increasing the risk of infection and complications. Flat-backed or internally threaded jewellery is preferred for initial piercings as they offer better hygiene and comfort during the healing process.

Why don’t you offer Rook piercings?

Currently, we do not have suitable jewellery specifically designed for rook piercings. However, we are constantly expanding our range of piercing options and working on introducing rook piercings soon. 

Are there any restrictions on piercing placement based on anatomy or personal preferences?

Yes, there may be restrictions on piercing placement based on individual anatomy and personal preferences. Certain areas of the area may have specific limitations due to the anatomy of nerves, blood vessels, or potential risks. Your piercer will assess your anatomy and provide guidance on suitable piercing options based on your preferences.

What materials are used for the jewellery?

We use 14k solid gold to minimise the risk of allergic reactions.

How do I remove butterfly back earrings?

Firmly hold the front of the earring and pull the butterfly back in the opposite direction, then carefully slide it off the post.

How do internally threaded earrings work?

Internally threaded earrings have the screw attached to the jewel. To remove, firmly hold the flatback post and unscrew the top to the left. 

How do hinged clicker earrings work?

To open, gently pull the end near the clasp of the hoop. To close, gently snap the clasp together. You will hear a click when it's securely in place. 

After Care

Can I touch my fresh piercings?

It's best to avoid turning, twisting, or touching your piercings. Let the healing process happen naturally.

How should I clean my piercings?

Use a saline spray (such as NeilMed) twice a day, morning and night, to keep your piercings clean and promote healing. 

Avoid using antiseptic or alcohol-based products as they can cause irritation.

How should I care for my piercings while washing my hair?

After washing your hair, thoroughly dry your fresh piercings using a hair dryer on a low setting instead of a towel.

How should I sleep with cartilage piercings?

Avoid sleeping directly on your fresh cartilage piercings to prevent irritation. Consider using a neck travel pillow to suspend your ear if you prefer sleeping on your side.

Can I swim or go to the gym after getting a piercing?

We recommend avoiding swimming in chlorinated pool water while your piercing is healing to prevent infection. As well as hot tubs, and excessive sweating during the initial healing period. These activities can introduce bacteria and prolong the healing process. 

Healing Process

How long does it take for piercings to heal?

Earlobes: 3-5 months 

Daith: 6-12 months 

Cartilage/Helix: 6-12 months 

Rook: 6-12 months 

Conch: 4-9 months 

Remember, the healing time frame for your piercings depends on how well you care for them.

When should I downsize my jewellery?

It is recommended to schedule a follow-up appointment at our studio for jewellery downsizing to ensure comfort and optimal healing.

When can I change my jewellery For the first time?

It's important to wait until your piercings are fully healed before changing the jewellery to prevent infection or irritation. It's recommended to book an aftercare appointment with our piercers for expert guidance and a smooth transition to new jewellery.

What can I expect during the healing process?

Initial bleeding, swelling, tenderness, and bruising are normal. Discolouration, itching, and crust formation on the jewellery are also expected. The tissue may tighten around the jewellery as it heals. Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent infections and promote healing.

Should I always keep my earrings in?

Always keep your earrings in place to prevent your piercings from closing up. They can start to close within a few hours if removed. 

How can I minimize the risk of infection during the healing process?

Follow our provided aftercare instructions diligently, including cleaning the piercing with a saline solution, avoiding touching the piercing with dirty hands, and keeping the area clean and dry. You can read our aftercare information here. 

How do I know if my piercing is infected?

Signs of infection may include excessive redness, swelling, pain, heat, persistent yellow or green discharge, or the presence of a bad odour. If you suspect your piercing is infected, it's best to consult with a GP immediately. 

What if I suspect an infection?

While infection is unlikely, if your piercing does become infected, seek medical attention from your GP.

How do I clean my jewellery after the piercing is healed?

After the piercing is fully healed, you can clean your jewellery using a mild soap and warm water. Gently rub the jewellery with a soft cloth, rinse it thoroughly, and pat it dry. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the jewellery. 

Can I change the jewellery myself after the healing process?

Yes, you can change the jewellery yourself once the piercing is fully healed. However, it's important to ensure proper hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly before handling the jewellery. Take your time and be gentle when removing or inserting new jewellery to avoid irritation or injury. 

Magic Happens Here

 

Step into our warm and inviting piercing studio, where magic happens. Our expert piercers will guide you through the process, helping you discover the perfect pieces that reflect your individual style.

Magic Happens Here

 

A piercing experience like no other. Step into our warm and inviting piercing studio, where magic happens. At By Charlotte, we believe that getting a new piercing is a fun and memorable way to celebrate milestones and curate your ear. Our expert piercers will guide you through the process, helping you discover the perfect pieces that reflect your individual style.