PIERCING AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

Please read and follow the suggested instructions provided carefully

Thank you for choosing Eighth Element Tattoo & Piercing to create a work of art on your body. We take the utmost pride in the body art we create, so we ask that the aftercare instructions are performed accordingly to these instructions. Remember, with every great body piercing aftercare plays 50% of the outcome. Please read carefully to ensure the best outcome for your body piercing.

STANDARD PIERCING AFTERCARE:

• Before attempting to clean your new piercing – thoroughly wash your hands with soap, and rinse your hands clean.

• Minimize any movement of your body jewelry when cleaning. Make sure the pierced area is free from discharge or “crusties” before attempting to change or remove your jewelry.

• It is vital to the healing process that you clean your new piercing 2-3 times daily.

Before cleaning your new piercing, make sure to remove any discharge from the pierced area. Gently hold the jewelry with one hand and carefully – remove any discharge or “crusties” with your finger nails, or a clean Q-tip. Any discharge that accidentally enters the pierced area may cause irritation* and possibly infection. Be sure to use an appropriate cleanser or what we suggested for your new piercing as instructed below.

EARS, NOSTRIL, SEPTUM, EYEBROW, or OUTER LIP:

Swelling and/ or bruising is common in the first 72 hours after the piercing. To control and minimize swelling and/ or bruising, keep this area elevated above your heart as often as possible, especially when sleeping. Place a cold pack or some ice in a Zip-Lock bag directly over the pierced area for 10 minutes, 2 times a day (every 2 – 3 hours) for 2 days. To clean, moisten a clean Q-tip with 3 – 4 drops of suggested aftercare, and gently wipe off any remaining discharge from the pierced area. DO NOT ROTATE THE JEWELRY AT ALL! Moisten another Q-tip, but this time using clean fresh water, and then be sure to wipe off any discharge and suggested aftercare . Keep your pierced area free of make-up, lotions, face wash, and dirt as these will irritate your new piercing. Keep your piercing irritant free!

TONGUE, LABRET / MONROE, LIP, or CHEEK:

Swelling and/ or bruising is common in the first 72 hours after the piercing. To control and minimize swelling and/ or bruising, keep this area elevated above your heart as often as possible, especially when sleeping. Drink plenty of cold fluids and gently suck on crushed ice. Slurpees, ice cream, yogurt, Otter Pops, and other fun, cold treats work wonders in the first 72 hours. Avoid any smoking and/ or alcoholic beverages for the first 72 hours. DO NOT eat any hot and/ or spicy foods, and minimize talking for at least a week. Brush your teeth 2 – 3 times daily, and rinse with suggested aftercare, or similar alcohol –free mouth wash for 30 seconds after every meal. Keep your piercing irritant free!​

NAVELS, NIPPLES, or SURFACE PIERCINGS:

After removing all discharge from the pierced area to be cleaned, squeeze a few drops of a mild anti-bacterial soap such as Satin or Liquid Dial into the palm of your hand. Lather the soap with your fingers, and gently rub the anti-bacterial soap onto your piercing. DO NOT MOVE YOUR JEWELRY! You DO NOT need to work the soap into your piercing! Wait 30 seconds, and thoroughly rinse off all the soap with running clean fresh water 2 – 3 times daily for healing period. It is very important that you thoroughly rinse off all the soap.

MALE or FEMALE GENITALS:

After removing all discharge from the pierced area to be cleaned, squeeze a few drops of a mild anti-bacterial soap such as Satin or Liquid Dial into the palm of your hand. Lather the soap with your fingers, and gently rub the anti-bacterial soap onto your piercing. DO NOT MOVE YOUR JEWELRY! You DO NOT need to work the soap into your piercing! Cleaning should be done two (2) times per cleaning session. Cleaning sessions should be between 2 -3 times daily. It is very important that you thoroughly rinse off all the soap. Bleeding is often common with some genital piercing(s). Should you notice anything unusual, please contact us immediately. Urine is sterile to one’s own body. AVOID CONTACT WITH YOUR PARTNER’S BODY FLUIDS AND ALWAYS USE A CONDOM/ DAM.

THE THREE “A’s”:

ALWAYS make sure your hands are clean before attempting to touch or clean your piercing.

AVOID ORAL CONTACT and IRRITANTS.

ALSO, tighten the balls and disc backs often or as needed.

*Irritants are redness that is caused by: often touching, playing with, make-up, lotion/ oils, dirt, belts, tight clothing, or any foreign object on/ or in the piercing. There are many levels of irritation, however if ignored it may lead to possible infection.

Should You Have Any Questions and/ or Concerns,

Please Feel Free To Contact Us at 1-714-847-4777

Thank you for choosing and trusting us to do your body art!