Healing is one of the most important (and most misunderstood) parts of the piercing process. A common question I get is: “How long will this take to heal?” The answer? It depends on the piercing, the person, and the aftercare.
Let’s break it all down so you know what to expect.
📅 General Healing Timelines
Here’s a very general overview of healing timelines for common piercings. These are average estimates and can vary:
| Piercing | Initial Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Earlobes | 8–16 weeks |
| Nostril | 6–12 months |
| Septum | 8–16 weeks |
| Eyebrow | 8–16 weeks |
| Navel | 6 months–1 year |
| Cartilage (helix, conch, etc.) | 6 months–1 year |
| Nipples | 9–12+ months |
| Genital piercings | 3–9 months (varies) |
| Surface/Microdermals | 6 months–1 year (if retained) |
Note: These timelines reflect when a piercing is considered initially healed, meaning the tissue is no longer open or vulnerable. That doesn’t always mean you’re ready to swap jewelry or stop aftercare (more on that below).
💡 Healing ≠ Healed
A piercing may look healed on the outside but still be healing on the inside. This is why I recommend waiting for a professional to assess it before switching jewelry or reducing aftercare. Cartilage especially can be deceiving—just because it’s not red or sore anymore doesn’t mean it’s fully settled.
🧼 Healing Best Practices
- Saline spray 1–2 times daily (I’ll show you how to use it right!)
- Don’t twist or move the jewelry
- Avoid sleeping directly on it
- Keep hair and phones away from the area
- Keep it dry—especially after showers or workouts
- Hands off unless you’re cleaning it
I’ll go over all of this with you during your appointment and aftercare check-ins, but feel free to reach out if you ever need help troubleshooting!
🧠 Factors That Affect Healing Time
- Your individual immune system – Everyone’s body is different.
- Your daily routine – Activities like wearing headphones, swimming, or contact sports can slow things down.
- Jewelry quality – I only pierce with ASTM F-136 implant-grade titanium, niobium, or solid gold, which dramatically reduces irritation.
- Piercer technique – Clean, precise piercings reduce trauma and help you heal faster.
📝 Final Thoughts
Healing is a process, and there’s no shame if yours takes a little longer. That’s why I offer personalized check-ins and support throughout your piercing journey. Whether it’s a fresh piercing or a stubborn one that needs troubleshooting, I’ve got your back.
Want to schedule your next piercing or come in for a downsize?
Visit book.ipricku.com to set up a time or head to ipricku.com for more info.