Your body's response
The hole made by the needle is a wound. The body increases blood flow, so mild redness, warmth and swelling may be seen. A small amount of bleeding or lymph fluid is also normal.
What to do
- Follow the aftercare instructions and don't clean unnecessarily on the first day.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.
- Avoid pressure while sleeping.
- Stay away from alcohol and heavy smoking; they delay healing.
- Use the aftercare products your piercer recommends.
What to avoid
Pools, the sea and jacuzzis; touching the piercing; moving the jewellery; applying make-up or lotion; heavy exercise.
Normal and not normal
Mild swelling, tenderness and clear fluid are normal. Severe pain, spreading redness, hot and hard swelling, dark discharge or fever are not normal; see a doctor.
Follow-up
Add your check-up appointment to your calendar. Swelling and jewellery length are assessed in the first weeks.
What is normal in the first hours?
Mild swelling, redness, warmth and tenderness to touch are normal after the procedure. With cartilage piercings, a feeling of pressure and throbbing may occur in the first days. Light bleeding or lymph seepage may also occur.
A practical list for the first 48 hours
This is the critical period when the body recognises the wound. Here is what to do:
- Wash your hands before touching your piercing.
- Follow the aftercare instructions your piercer gave you; clean gently with saline.
- Don't twist or remove the jewellery.
- Don't use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or ointments.
- Avoid pools, the sea and intense exercise.
- Avoid pressure: watch your sleeping position.
When should you worry?
Swelling and redness should decrease within a few days. If there is increasing pain, spreading redness, fever, yellow-green smelly discharge or severe swelling, see a doctor without removing the jewellery.
What to expect in the first hours
Mild throbbing, warmth and redness are normal in the first hours. Swelling may start in the area; this is the body's healing response. Don't touch or move the jewellery, and don't rush to clean it. If your piercer gives aftercare instructions, follow them; many studios don't recommend cleaning on the first night and simply ask you to keep it dry and clean.
Practical tips for the first night and first day
On the first night, use a clean pillowcase, tie your hair up and don't sleep on the pierced side. If the air outside is polluted, keep make-up and skincare products away from the piercing. If you need a painkiller, use a product suitable for your general health, recommended by a doctor or pharmacist. Alcohol, smoking and heavy exercise can make healing harder in the first days; limit them.
After 48 hours: moving to a cleaning routine
From the second day, cleaning with saline twice a day begins. Don't try to pick off the crust; soften it with saline and dab with clean paper. It is normal to see blood, a little lymph fluid or a yellowish crust. If the colour darkens, the smell increases or the pain becomes severe, see your piercer.
First 48 hours checklist
Clean hands, clean pillowcase, hair tied up, no pressure, no touching the jewellery. If you need a painkiller, use a suitable product; a cold compress brings relief. Stay away from smoking and alcohol. Note down your appointment details and your piercer's aftercare instructions.
Common mistakes
- Over-cleaning on the first day
- Straightening the jewellery yourself because it looks crooked
When should you get help?
Spreading redness, throbbing pain, smelly discharge or fever.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your piercer or doctor about your personal situation.
Official and reliable sources
Not sure? For a short free consultation at the studio book an appointment or browse our jewellery.
FAQ
Is bleeding on the first day normal?
There may be light bleeding; stop it by pressing with a clean cloth. See a doctor if the bleeding doesn't stop.
Can I take a painkiller?
Follow your doctor's or piercer's advice; avoid medicines that increase bleeding on your own.
Can I shower on the first day?
Yes; keep the area around the piercing dry and clean.
This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.