Piercing Aftercare

Healing Times & Care Tips

Getting a piercing is exciting, but the real work starts after you leave the chair. Proper aftercare keeps your piercing clean, prevents infection, and helps it heal beautifully. At Thai Tattoo Café, we don’t just pierce and send you home. We guide you through the entire healing journey, so you know exactly what to do every step of the way.

"Close-up side profile of a man with beard stubble and a black circular nose ring, in warm moody lighting, highlighting facial features and piercing detail."

Close-up side profile of a man with beard stubble and a black circular nose ring, in warm moody lighting, highlighting facial features and piercing detail."

How Long Does a Piercing Take to Heal?

Healing time depends on the piercing location, technique, and how carefully you follow aftercare. Here’s an average healing timeline for different types of piercings:

  • Ear lobe – 6 to 8 weeks

  • Helix / Cartilage – 3 to 6 months

  • Nose (nostril) – 2 to 4 months

  • Septum – 6 to 8 weeks

  • Eyebrow – 6 to 8 weeks

  • Lip / Labret – 2 to 3 months

  • Navel – 6 months to 1 year

  • Surface piercings – 3 to 9 months

Everyone heals at a different pace, but following proper aftercare will help you heal faster and with fewer problems.

How to Speed Up Healing

  • Wash your hands before touching your piercing

  • Use a sterile saline spray 2–3 times a day

  • Avoid changing jewelry too soon

  • Don’t sleep directly on the piercing

  • Stay out of swimming pools, the ocean, and hot tubs for the first few weeks

Your body knows how to heal—you just need to give it the right environment.

Signs Your Piercing Is Healing Normally

  • Mild redness and swelling in the first few days

  • Clear fluid or slight crusting around the jewelry (this is normal)

  • Light itching as it heals

When to Seek Help

If you notice heavy swelling, yellow or green pus, excessive pain, or heat around the piercing, contact your piercer or a medical professional immediately.

Aftercare Support at Thai Tattoo Café

We use surgical-grade stainless steel jewelry for all first piercings and follow the highest hygiene standards.
After your session, our piercers:

  • Explain every aftercare step clearly

  • Recommend trusted aftercare products

  • Offer follow-up checks if needed

Your piercing should not only look great—it should feel healthy long-term.



Piercing Aftercare FAQ

Q: How do I make my piercing heal faster?
Keep it clean with sterile saline spray, avoid touching it with dirty hands, and don’t change the jewelry too soon.

Q: Can I sleep on a new piercing?
It’s best to avoid sleeping directly on it until fully healed to prevent irritation and swelling.

Q: Can I shower with a new piercing?
Yes. Just rinse gently and pat dry with a clean tissue or paper towel. Avoid harsh soaps.

Q: How do I know if my piercing is infected?
Look for heavy swelling, yellow or green pus, heat around the area, and persistent pain.

Q: What should I avoid after getting a piercing?
Swimming pools, the ocean, hot tubs, heavy makeup around the area, and twisting the jewelry unnecessarily.

Q: Is redness normal after a piercing?
Yes, mild redness and swelling in the first few days are part of normal healing.

Ready for a piercing with care that goes beyond the needle? Book your session at Thai Tattoo Café and enjoy professional aftercare for a smooth, stress-free healing process.