It is completely normal for a new piercing to become tender, slightly swollen and produce a small amount of clear or pale yellow discharge during healing. Every piercing heals at its own pace. If you are concerned about excessive swelling, severe pain, unusual discharge or anything that doesn’t seem right, please contact us so we can advise you.

Clean your piercing with sterile saline solution as recommended during your appointment. Avoid over-cleaning, as this can irritate the piercing and slow the healing process.

No. Twisting or rotating the jewellery can damage the healing tissue and introduce bacteria into the piercing. Leave your jewellery in place and allow your body to heal naturally.

Most piercings should not be changed until they are fully healed. Even if your piercing feels comfortable, the deeper tissues may still be healing. If you’re unsure, book a complimentary piercing review and we’ll be happy to advise you.

Many piercings are fitted with slightly longer jewellery initially to allow room for swelling. Once the swelling has settled, this jewellery should often be downsized to a shorter post. Downsizing improves comfort, reduces movement and helps minimise irritation. Learn more in our Downsizing Guide.

We recommend avoiding pressure on your piercing throughout healing. Sleeping directly on a healing piercing is one of the most common causes of irritation bumps and delayed healing. A piercing pillow can help reduce pressure while you sleep.

We recommend avoiding swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers and the sea during the initial stages of healing wherever possible, as these environments may increase the risk of irritation or infection.

Yes. Even a well-healed piercing can feel slightly tender after jewellery has been removed and replaced, especially if we have performed a gentle taper. This usually settles within a day or two.

Keep the area clean, avoid touching the jewellery unnecessarily and allow it to settle. If the irritation becomes worse rather than better, please contact us.

Clean your jewellery regularly using suitable jewellery care products and warm water where appropriate. Different materials may require different care, so always follow the guidance for your jewellery.

View our Jewellery Care Guide.

Some jewellery can be changed safely at home once the piercing has fully healed. Other jewellery, particularly threadless and seam rings, can be more difficult to remove or insert correctly. We’re always happy to change your jewellery professionally.

Yes. Although your piercer will always ensure your jewellery is securely fitted before you leave the studio, it is your responsibility to check it regularly throughout the life of your piercing.

Both threadless and threaded jewellery should be inspected periodically to make sure they remain secure. Everyday activities, catching your jewellery on clothing or towels, sleeping on your piercing, or accidental knocks can all cause jewellery to loosen over time.

If you ever think your jewellery may have become loose, avoid unnecessary handling and pop into the studio. We’ll be happy to check and secure it for you.

Regularly checking your jewellery can help prevent accidental loss.