Whether it’s your first piercing or you're adding to your curated ear, proper aftercare is the key to a smooth healing process. Ignoring care instructions can lead to irritation, prolonged healing, or even infections—but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
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The healing timeframes for different piercings
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How to care for your piercing properly
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The best jewelry to use for healing (spoiler: it’s our titanium flatbacks!)
Healing Timeframes for Different Piercings
Not all piercings heal at the same rate. Here’s what you can expect:
| Piercing Type | Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Lobe | 6-8 weeks |
| Helix | 6-12 months |
| Conch | 6-12 months |
| Tragus | 6-12 months |
| Daith | 6-12 months |
| Rook | 6-12 months |
| Forward Helix | 6-12 months |
| Industrial | 9-12 months |
Healing time can vary based on aftercare, lifestyle, and jewelry choice. Using the right materials—like our implant-grade titanium flatbacks—can make a huge difference in preventing irritation and speeding up recovery.
The #1 Rule: Choose the Right Jewelry for Healing
Not all jewelry is suitable for fresh piercings. Many people experience reactions due to nickel, brass, or low-quality metals, which can lead to irritation and even allergic reactions.
That’s why we only recommend implant-grade titanium for healing piercings.
Why Titanium Flatbacks?
✅ Hypoallergenic & Nickel-Free – Perfect for sensitive skin, preventing allergic reactions.
✅ Lightweight & Comfortable – Less pressure on the piercing = better healing.
✅ Corrosion-Resistant – Unlike silver or gold, titanium won’t tarnish or degrade over time.
✅ Flatback Design – No snagging on hair, masks, or clothing = less irritation.
✅ Industry-Preferred – Many professional piercers recommend titanium over stainless steel because it’s biocompatible with the body.
Smoothie London’s Titanium Flatbacks are designed for both comfort and style. Shop our best-selling healing-friendly earrings here.
Essential Aftercare Tips for a Smooth Healing Process
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Clean Twice a Day – Use a saline solution (not alcohol or hydrogen peroxide) to gently cleanse your piercing. Over-cleaning can dry it out and cause irritation.
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Avoid Touching It – Your hands carry bacteria! Only touch your piercing when cleaning it.
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Sleep Smart – If you have a side piercing (helix, conch, rook, etc.), sleep on the opposite side or use a piercing pillow to reduce pressure.
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Say No to Hoops (at First) – Stick to titanium flatbacks during healing. Hoops can shift, leading to irritation bumps.
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Avoid Pools & Saunas – Chlorine and bacteria in water can cause infections. Stick to clean, dry environments during the first few months.
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Watch for Signs of Infection – Redness and mild swelling are normal, but if you notice extreme pain, pus, or a fever, consult a professional.
Troubleshooting Common Piercing Problems
Piercing Bumps
If you notice a small bump around your piercing, don’t panic! These are usually caused by:
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Irritation from sleeping on it or touching it too much
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Incorrect jewelry (low-quality metals or poorly fitted backs)
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Over-cleaning (too much saline solution can dry out the skin)
✅ Solution: Switch to implant-grade titanium flatbacks, stop over-cleaning, and try chamomile compresses to soothe irritation.
Infections vs. Normal Healing
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Normal Healing: Some redness, light swelling, and occasional clear discharge.
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Infection: Extreme redness, throbbing pain, yellow or green pus, and fever.
✅ Solution: If it’s an infection, don’t remove the jewelry—this can trap bacteria inside. Instead, keep it clean and consult a piercer or doctor.
Upgrade Your Healing Experience with Smoothie London’s Titanium Flatbacks
If you want the fastest, smoothest healing possible, implant-grade titanium is your best friend—and we’ve got the perfect pieces for you.
💖 Browse our collection of hypoallergenic, lightweight titanium flatbacks here.
Say goodbye to irritation and hello to happy, healed piercings!