How do I take care of my piercing?

We offer Neilmed Saline Solution for purchase and we recommend using this twice a day for the duration of your healing, especially for the first 6 - 8 weeks. You will be provided with an in depth aftercare form post piercing and taken through the process with our expert staff. But a general rule is less done, the better. The more you leave your piercings be, the better chance you have for a smooth healing process.

What are the best tips for healing my new piercing?

1. We know it’s tempting but never pick or scratch at your new piercings. You need to give the channel time to heal from the outside in.
2. No turning and twisting, despite what you may have heard elsewhere. Avoid touching, playing or fiddling with the jewellery - bacteria from your hands can transfer to the channel of your piercing and inhibit healing.
3. Clean your piercing twice daily with Neilmed solution. Always wash your hands prior to doing so - never touch your piercing with unwashed hands.
4. Please do not sleep on your new piercings until they are fully healed. This can cause excessive swelling and irritation, the piercing to “migrate” (when the angle is compromised and heals on a slant) and can also cause “piercing bumps” or hypertrophic scarring. 
5. Avoid any pressure on your new piercings caused from headgear. For example, headphones or helmets.
6. Do not remove the jewellery or attempt to change it before it is fully healed. If you need to remove the jewellery for any reason, please contact us at info@artefact-artefact.com so we can assist you with this.⁠ Even fully healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years.

Can I swim and exercise with my new piercing?

It is perfectly fine to shower with your new piercing, in fact, it is recommended! The hot water can be helpful in flushing debris from your piercing. Please avoid chlorinated water, saunas, hot spas and dams/rivers while your piercing is healing. These bodies of water contain harsh chemicals or bacteria that can hinder your healing and leave you more susceptible to infection. Exercise is completely fine, as long as it doesn't disrupt your piercing site, eg. contact sports.

How long do piercings take to heal?

On average, earlobe piercings take up to 3-4 months to heal and cartilage between 6-12 months. This is of course dependent on the individual, their health, lifestyle and how well they carry out their aftercare. Piercings are beautiful but curated ears with multiple adornments take time, care and consideration. Piercings can also appear healed from the outside, but rest assured that they will still be healing internally and remain fragile, so please don’t rush your aftercare or let it fall by the wayside because it seems and feels healed. Be patient, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.⁠ 

What is normal and what to expect after I receive my piercing?

You should expect some minor discomfort, bleeding, localised swelling, discolouration and tenderness to the area. During healing, you might experience some itching or minor secretions of a whitish - yellow fluid (not pus) that will form a “crust” around the jewellery, do not pick this off. The tissue may also tighten around the jewellery during healing. Once healed, the jewellery should move freely in the piercing - do not force it. If you are concerned about anything at all post piercing, please reach out to us at info@artefact-artefact.com and we can assist you.

When should I downsize my piercing jewellery and why is it important?

The jewellery we use to pierce you with is anatomy dependent, but generally with extra wiggle room to allow for swelling. If you continue to wear the original post after the initial swelling has subsided, chances are the post will be knocked and caught on fabrics or hair, and this will prolong irritation and delay healing. Also, the area around a healing piercing is quite soft and delicate, so if the initial jewellery is left in, this can cause the piercing channel to migrate and heal on an angle due to the pressure and movement of a longer post. Depending on the type of piercing and the individual healing process, most piercings can be changed within 6-8 weeks, pending our assessment. Our checkup and downsize appointments (using sterile equipment and jewellery) are encouraged because we really want your healing process to be successful.