How long do piercings take to heal? Your go-to guide on all your favourite types
When our clients come in for a brand-new piercing, one of the first things they’ll often ask is, how long do piercings take to heal? And we get it. They want to know when they can rock their new accessory.
But healing times are more than just a countdown to showing off a new look – they’re crucial for maintaining a piercing’s health and avoiding complications. Proper aftercare is essential during this process, as every piercing needs specific attention, so it heals correctly.
As one of Australia’s leading piercing specialists, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to trusted aftercare tips, we’ve got everything you need to understand the path to healing. In this guide, we’ll explore the healing times for our most popular piercings, so you know exactly what to expect before your appointment
So, whether you’re looking for the lowdown on Helix Piercing healing times, Nose Piercing healing times or Conch Piercing Healing times, we’ve got it all. Let’s dive in and discover why our piercings are worth the wait!
Piercing healing times by type
Is a Labret your jam or have you got your heart set on a Helix? Perhaps a Navel is more your style, or maybe you’re ready to rock a Rook.
Whatever piercing is on your to-do list, we want to make it easy to understand the healing times and aftercare advice for every type. So, we’ve put it all together in this handy table. You’re welcome!
On a more serious note, these times are based on following the recommended aftercare advice and tips, so don’t skimp on those. So, how long do piercings take to heal? Keep reading to find out.
|
Piercing type |
Average time for sterile downsize |
Average full healing time and standard jewellery change |
Aftercare tips |
|
Helix Piercing |
6-8 weeks |
Minimum 6 months |
Avoid sleeping on the side of the piercing or touching the jewellery. |
|
Nose Piercing |
6-8 weeks |
Minimum 6 months |
Avoid makeup and skincare near the area and be careful you don’t snag glasses or clothing on this piercing. |
|
Septum Piercing |
6-8 weeks |
Minimum 6 months |
Be super careful when blowing your nose and avoid bumping the piercing during healing. |
|
Conch Piercing |
6–8 weeks |
Minimum 6 months |
Avoid sleeping on the side of the piercing or touching the jewellery. |
|
Earlobe Piercing |
6–8 weeks |
Minimum 4 months |
One of the fastest-healing piercings, this one still requires diligent aftercare. |
|
Eyebrow Piercing |
6–8 weeks |
Minimum 6 months |
Avoid sleeping on your stomach during healing and check the jewellery tightness regularly. |
|
Lip Piercing |
2-4 weeks |
Minimum 4 months |
Avoid spicy or acidic foods, sharing utensils or cups and kissing during the initial healing period. |
|
Tragus Piercing |
6-8 weeks |
Minimum 6 months |
Headphones and earbuds can snag and irritate this piercing so avoid during healing. |
|
Rook Piercing |
6–8 weeks |
Minimum 6 months |
Avoid sleeping on the side of the piercing or touching the jewellery. |
|
Daith Piercing |
6-8 weeks |
Minimum 6 months |
This one requires careful aftercare, so be sure to follow aftercare instructions for the full healing time. |
|
Labret Piercing |
2-4 weeks |
minimum 4 months |
Keep the area clean and avoid spicy or acidic foods, sharing utensils or cups and kissing during the initial healing period. |
|
Tongue Piercing |
2-4 weeks |
Minimum 3 months |
Swelling subsides pretty quickly. Use non-alcoholic mouthwash to keep this one clean. |
|
Nipple Piercing |
6-8 weeks |
Minimum 6 months |
Clothing friction can cause irritation, so wear loose clothes and clean thoroughly twice a day. |
|
Dermal Piercing |
12 weeks |
Minimum 6 months |
Placement affects healing time. Avoid snagging or pulling on the jewellery and wear loose clothing during healing. |
|
Navel Piercing |
6-8 weeks |
Minimum 6 months |
Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid swimming in pools or the ocean during healing. |
Helix Piercing
The healing time for a Helix Piercing is 6 to 12 months, so it’s reasonably long. Check in with your piercer at around the 8-week mark if you want to change to slightly shorter, sterile jewellery. To ensure the healing process runs smoothly, follow your aftercare routine and try not to fiddle with your new piercing as this could introduce bacteria into this delicate area. As with all piercings around the ear, avoid sleeping on that side during the healing process and be careful when using headphones and dressing that you don’t snag the new piercing.
Nose Piercing
One of the most popular non-earlobe piercings, a Nose Piercing is a great introduction to other piercing options. You’re looking at about 6 to 12 months for full healing of the piercing but after about 6 weeks you can think about changing out your jewellery – be sure to check in with your piercer about doing this though as it’s not a job you want to do solo. During healing, avoid using makeup and skincare products on the piercing and be wary about snagging it on glasses or clothing. For a piercing with a stud, popping on a BandAid before going to bed is a great idea to stop it getting snagged in your sleep.
Septum Piercing
A Septum Piercing is one of the faster-healing piercings, but as with any piercing, proper aftercare is key to a smooth recovery. During the healing process, avoid twisting or playing with the jewellery, and clean the piercing regularly with saline solution. Be patient, as the full healing process can take a few months, and be careful when wiping or blowing your nose that you don’t bump or irritate the piercing.
Conch Piercing
Like other piercings located in cartilage of the ear, the Conch Piercing takes a little more time to heal. Full healing can take up to 12 months, so regular cleaning with saline solution and proper aftercare is a must. You can swap out jewellery relatively early though but check with your piercer first. To minimise irritation and speed up recovery, avoid using headphones and sleeping on the pierced side.
Ear Piercing
The earlobe is one of the fastest healing piercings on offer, so the Ear Piercing healing time can be as little as 3 months. But that doesn’t mean you can skimp on aftercare. Check the backs of your studs regularly to ensure they’re not too tight and don’t fiddle with them or swap them out for other jewellery for at least 12 weeks. You can then downsize to other sterile jewellery. But you’ll have to hold off for the 12-week mark before moving onto a ring.
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Eyebrow Piercing
With a healing time of minimum to 6 months, it’s important to keep up with aftercare if you’ve got yourself a new Eyebrow Piercing. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as you don’t want to irritate the area, and check your jewellery tightness regularly to prevent issues. Avoid over-touching or using cleaners or moisturiser as these may irritate and extend your Eyebrow Piercing’s healing time.
Lip Piercing
Placed along the lip line or just below it, these piercings make a dramatic statement and compared to other piercings, the Lip Piercing healing time is relatively short (around 4 months), but aftercare is super important. To reduce irritation and the risk of infection, during healing time (and we’re sorry we have to say this), steer clear of spicy or acidic foods, kissing and sharing cups and utensils.
Tragus Ear Piercing
The Tragus Piercing is located on the small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal. Like other piercings in the area, healing takes a minimum of 6 months, and we recommend avoiding headphones or using earbuds during this time. Try to sleep on your non-pierced side and avoid fiddling with your new piercing.
Rook Piercing
Nestled in the fold of cartilage above the ear canal, the Rook Piercing is becoming increasingly popular. But you might need a bit of patience with this one. Healing can take up to 12 months, and, as with other piercings in the ear area, you should avoid sleeping on the pierced side or touching the jewellery unnecessarily.
Daith Piercing
Placed through the innermost fold of ear cartilage, the Daith Piercing is believed by some to help with migraines (though this isn’t medically proven), so is becoming more and more popular. Healing can take 6 to 12 months, so diligent aftercare is crucial. Like other ear-related piercings, be careful of snagging with clothing or headphones and avoid touching it.
Labret Piercing
A Labret Piercing sits just below the centre of the lower lip. Like other Lip Piercings these can heal quite quickly. But be sure to avoid kissing, spicy food and sharing utensils. Keep up with your oral hygiene with a non-alcoholic mouthwash to prevent irritation and before you know it, you’ll be kissing your partner over a spicy curry in no time!
Tongue Piercing
Sitting vertically through the tongue, a Tongue Piercing is a bold choice. Healing is quick, around 3 months, but it requires careful cleaning with non-alcoholic mouthwash. It’s also really important to avoid hard or spicy foods that are likely to irritate your piercing during the early weeks of healing.
Nipple Piercing
Nipple Piercings are an edgy and empowering choice, but patience is key–these beauties can take 6 to 12 months to heal. Wear loose, flowy tops that won't rub the wrong way. Twice a day, show your piercing some love with a gentle saline soak, and remember: no unnecessary twisting or playing with the jewellery, no matter how tempting, as you don’t want to add more months to the Nipple Piercing healing time.
Dermal Piercing
Whether it’s on your collarbone, cheekbone or back, a Dermal Piercing is a single-point piercing anchored into your skin. Healing takes a minimum of 6 months, depending on location, but as with other piercings, while it’s healing keep your hands off! Keep it clean with a little saline and avoid harsh soaps or skincare as this could irritate the piercing.
Navel Piercing
A Navel Piercing is a popular choice, but the belly button can be delicate and the healing time for a Navel Piercing is 6 to 12 months. While you're waiting to show off your midriff, steer clear of tight waistbands and swimming. Treat your piercing to a twice-daily saline spa treatment and keep it dry. With a little patience, your midriff will be ready to take centre stage before you know it.
With all piercings, you should avoid spending time in pools, rivers or the ocean, clean the area twice a day, make sure it stays dry and keep a lookout for signs of infection like pain or redness. If your new piercing shows any type of infection or discomfort that’s out of the ordinary, head back in and see us.
How to keep your piercing in tip-top condition
Check out our aftercare tips to help your piercing stay healthy and happy.
- Give it some love twice a day: Think of your piercing as a tiny diva–it deserves only the best! Spritz it with aftercare spray morning and night. Your piercer can set you up with a bottle.
- Keep your hands off! As tempting as it is to touch or twist your new bling, don’t! Your piercing isn’t a fidget toy, and your hands are often carrying sneaky bacteria that could crash the healing party.
- Rock hypoallergenic bling: Your piercing deserves VIP treatment, so stick with jewellery recommended by your piercer, such as surgical steel and titanium. Do not swap out your jewellery while it’s healing.
- Say no to splashy adventures: Your piercing isn’t ready for a swim date just yet! Pools, hot tubs and trips to the beach are a no from us. Keep your piercing dry and stick to showers for now. Trust us, it’s worth it.
- Be kind to your piercing: Bumps and snags? No thanks. Treat your piercing like royalty by keeping it out of harm’s way. Avoid clothes that will catch on your Navel or Dermal Piercing. Got a Lobe Piercing? A travel pillow can be your new BFF for pressure-free sleep. Loving the look of your Lip Piercing? Keep it that way by saying no to a pash with your partner.
- Spot trouble early: Some redness and swelling post-piercing are normal, but if things get extra dramatic with pain, discharge, or odd smells, it’s time to head to the doctor.
- Patience, grasshopper! Piercings don’t heal overnight, no matter how much you wish they would. Stick to your aftercare routine, and remember, it’s all part of the process.
Follow these tips, and your piercing will be living its best life in no time. After all, a little TLC goes a long way!
Your piercing questions answered
Piercing aftercare can sometimes feel like a waiting game, but understanding the healing process makes it much easier. Here’s everything you need to know about healing times, common concerns and how to keep your piercing looking fabulous while it heals!
How will I know when my piercing is healed?
The healing process often consists of three stages. In the initial stage swelling and tenderness are normal for the first few weeks. Don’t worry, that’s just your body doing its thing.
In the middle stage your piercing begins to feel less sore as your body creates scar tissue around the piercing. At this stage things might look all healed, but don’t be fooled – it’s still healing underneath. Still, at this stage you can think about changing out the jewellery (with your piercer’s help, of course!).
In the final stage the skin around the piercing looks healthy and feels like normal skin again. But don’t skimp on your aftercare until the end of this stage. Your piercer can give you more advice about this.
The best sign your piercing is fully healed is when it feels like it’s not even there! No redness or swelling? Check. Jewellery moves freely without discomfort? Double check. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to get back in touch with your piercer – they’re your go-to expert.
How do I tell if a piercing is starting to feel rejected?
There are some tell-tale signs of a rejecting piercing so come straight back to us if the jewellery seems to ‘migrate’ or move closer to the surface, the skin around the piercing appears thinner or translucent or you’re having persistent irritation, redness or discharge that just won’t quit. If this happens, don’t panic – catching it early is key to saving your piercing!
How do I know if my piercing is infected?
No need to worry unnecessarily, but keep an eye out for increased redness, swelling or warmth around the piercing. A yellow or green discharge that smells funky (not your standard clear discharge), plus pain that doesn’t seem to subside over time are signs of infection.
Though rare, if you suspect an infection, don’t DIY it–check in with your piercer or doctor. Most issues are easily treated if you get to them quickly!
What happens if I change my piercing too early?
Patience is your best friend. Changing your jewellery before your piercing is fully healed can make the healing process longer, (you don’t want that!). It also increases the risk of irritation, infection or even closure of the piercing (and you definitely don’t want that).
Stick to the original jewellery until you get the all-clear from your piercer. Your future self will thank you!
Can I swim or go in the ocean while my piercing is healing?
As tempting as a dip might be, it’s a no-go for now. Pools, hot tubs, rivers and oceans are breeding grounds for bacteria, which can spell trouble for a fresh piercing. If you absolutely must swim, use a waterproof bandage to protect the area, but it’s best to wait until you’re fully healed before taking a dip.
Healing takes time, but you’re piercing is worth the wait
Okay, now you know how long piercings take to heal, what next? Well, you wait. We know that you’re keen to get out and rock your piercing as soon as you can, but taking the time to allow it to heal properly is so important.
Got questions about your piercing? Visit us in-store for expert advice or shop our collection of high-quality, piercing-safe jewellery online!
Use our easy online booking form and see us at SkinKandy to make a statement.
