We pierce with a longer post on purpose. Your ear swells for the first week or two, and that extra length gives it room. Once the swelling settles, the post will feel too long and start to catch on things, which is your cue to come back and let us downsize it. That swap usually happens 4 to 8 weeks in, and the shorter post is what keeps the piercing snug and healing straight.

In the meantime, wash your hands before touching it, spray it with sterile saline wound wash once or twice a day (0.9% sodium chloride should be the only ingredient), and pat dry with clean gauze or a paper towel. Leave the jewelry alone. No twisting, turning, or taking it out, even once it looks healed, since piercings heal from the outside in and can close within minutes. Skip alcohol, peroxide, antibacterial soap, and ointments. A little swelling, tenderness, and light crusting is normal. If anything feels off, come see us.