PIERCING AFTERCARE
Congratulations on your new piercing! What’s next?
How you take care of your healing piercings will set you up for success. Please keep in mind that the information below is not medical advice, as we are not medical professionals — If you are consulting with your doctor, we advise following their advice.
Having trouble with a piercing done at our studio? Let us know! We’re always here to help.
DO’S
DO use sterile saline wound wash 2-3x a day. This is the ONLY topical solution that should be used on piercings other than warm water.
DO allow the water to run on your piercings while you shower. This will soften up any debris and allow it to fall off naturally.
DO use cotton swabs to clean your piercing very gently, should you notice that you have excessive buildup that’s not coming off in the shower.
DO downsize accordingly. Wait 4-6 weeks and visit your piercer for a shorter post. If you are pierced at So Gold, we will send you a reminder when it’s time for your downsize!
DONT’S
DO NOT use alcohol, peroxide, tea-tree oil, ointments of any kind or soap to clean your piercings, and do not make your own salt water mixtures.
DO NOT touch, twist, rotate, play with or remove your piercing while it is healing.
DO NOT forget to downsize your piercing! Wearing an extended post for longer than necessary can cause irritation and delay healing.
DO NOT sleep on a healing piercing. Any prolonged pressure can cause irritation and can cause the angle of your piercing to shift.
WHAT IS DOWNSIZING?
When pierced with a stud, downsizing is an important step! As illustrated below, your piercing will be done initially with a longer post to accommodate for the swelling that’s typically present within the first four weeks post-piercing.
If you were pierced at So Gold, we will send you a reminder email 4 weeks after your piercing to book a Downsize Appointment so that we can replace your longer post with a more fitted one.
If you do not downsize your post 4-6 weeks after the initial piercing, it may lead to irritation due to the post having enough length to move through the piercing channel. In addition, pressure on the piercing from sleeping or wearing helmets/headphones can cause the angle of your piercing to permanently shift if the post is still long. If this happens, your jewelry may not sit flush against your skin, and may make it more difficult to eventually wear a ring in the piercing in the future.
