Aftercare Instructions

How to Care for Your New Piercing

Thank you for choosing Medical Ear Piercing Clinics. Following these instructions carefully will help ensure your piercing heals properly and comfortably.

Cleaning Your Piercing

Clean both the front and back of the piercing twice daily for the first 5 days, using the aftercare swabs provided at your appointment.
After the first 5 days, simply keep the piercing dry — pat dry gently after bathing or any contact with water.
Shield the piercing from hair spray, perfume, and other chemical products.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the piercing.
There is no need to rotate or twist the earrings.

What to Expect During Healing

First 24–48 hours

Some mild redness, tenderness, or slight swelling is normal. This is your body's natural response.

Throughout healing

A small amount of clear or white discharge is normal — this is not a sign of infection. Yellowish or pus-like discharge, however, may indicate infection and should be evaluated.

Weeks 1–6

Earrings must remain in continuously for the full 6-week healing period.

After 6 weeks

Earrings may be changed to other hypoallergenic styles. Do not leave the piercing without an earring for more than one hour during the first year.

What to Keep in Mind During Healing

Lakes and natural bodies of water: Avoid swimming in lakes during healing — natural water can introduce bacteria and increase infection risk.
Ocean swimming: Avoid during healing — sand can become lodged around the piercing and cause irritation.
Pools: Generally okay if you are not sensitive to chlorine. Rinse and pat dry afterward.
If ears are submerged in bath water, simply clean and pat the piercing dry afterward.
Shield the piercing from hair spray, sunscreen, lotions, and other chemical products.

Signs of Infection

Increasing redness or warmth spreading beyond the piercing site
Yellow or green discharge (pus)
Fever
Significant swelling that does not improve within 48 hours of the piercing
Earring back becoming embedded in the earlobe

Lost or Removed Earrings

Falls out within first 48 hours

Try to reinsert immediately. You may re-pierce in 1 week if needed.

Falls out after 48 hours

Try to reinsert immediately. If the hole closes, wait 3+ weeks before re-piercing.

Earring back is lost

Use a clean eraser as a temporary backing while you obtain a replacement.

Earring Replacement

Choose medical-grade, hypoallergenic, nickel-free earrings for replacement and follow-up wear. If you need a recommendation, our clinics carry and can suggest appropriate options — just ask at your next visit or call us at 1-800-637-0264.

Questions? We're just a call away.

Call or text us at 1-800-637-0264, or visit us online to book a follow-up appointment.