Aftercare

Most piercers recommend a sterile saline solution for the outside, applied gently a couple of times a day, and rinsing your mouth with water or an alcohol free rinse after you eat. Your piercer will tell you exactly what to use and how often, and their instructions win.

Many piercers advise against harsh products on a fresh piercing, such as strong alcohol based mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide or antiseptics, because they can irritate rather than help. Do not use anything like that unless your piercer specifically tells you to.

While it settles, piercers commonly suggest going easy on the things that irritate a healing lip: alcohol and smoking, very hot or spicy food, chewing gum, resting the jewelry against your teeth, kissing and oral contact, and sharing drinks, cups or cutlery. Swimming pools and lakes are usually best avoided too. Your piercer will give you the specifics for your situation.

A fresh Ashley swells, which is why you start on a longer post. Once the swelling has settled and your piercer confirms you are healed, you switch to a shorter length so it sits flat and stays clear of your teeth and gums. This step is called downsizing, and it is the single most important one. See how to change your top and the size guide when you are ready.

Lip piercings are commonly quoted as healing in the region of six to twelve weeks, but healing is personal, and a piercing can look settled on the outside before it is healed inside. Only the piercer who did yours can tell you where you actually are.

If anything about your piercing concerns you, or it simply does not seem to be settling the way it should, do not rely on a website to reassure you. Go and see your piercer, or a doctor. That is genuinely the right call, and there is nothing dramatic about doing it early.

To say it once more, clearly: this page is general information, not medical advice. Your professional piercer, and where needed a doctor, are the people to guide your healing.