Healing Times for Every Piercing Type: How Long It Really Takes to Heal
Welcome to the Healing Club (Yes, It’s a Thing)
So, you’ve booked in at Studio 51 for your shiny new piercing — or you’re just about to. Smart move. But whether you’re getting a dainty nose stud, or going full throttle with an industrial. You’re likely wondering the same thing: how long does it take for a piercing to heal?
We get this question daily, and with over 25 years of poking holes in Basingstoke’s finest, we’ve got answers you can trust. Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Healing depends on the type of piercing, your body, and (let’s be honest) whether you actually follow the aftercare advice.
Let’s dive into healing times by piercing type — from earlobes to intimate piercings — so you can plan your summer selfies, weddings, or festivals without drama.
Ear Piercing Healing Times
Earlobe Piercing
- Estimated Healing Time: 6–8 weeks.
- Why So Quick? Soft tissue heals fast and is less prone to complications.
- Top Tip: Avoid sleeping on it, even if it seems fine. Your future self (and pillowcase) will thank you.
- Estimated Healing Time: 3–12 months.
- Why It Takes Longer: Cartilage has poor blood supply and is prone to bumps or keloids.
- Pro Tip: Avoid headphones or sleeping on the pierced side.
- Estimated Healing Time: 6–12 months.
- Special Considerations: These piercings often see irritation from pressure or snagging.
- Care Note: Consider a travel pillow for side sleepers — trust us, it works wonders.
Facial Piercing Healing Times
Eyebrow Piercing
- Estimated Healing Time: 6–8 weeks.
- What to Expect: Slight migration is normal; heavy jewellery might make it worse.
- Duncan’s Advice: Ditch the thick bars until you’re healed.
- Estimated Healing Time: 2–6 months
- Common Irritations: Makeup, masks, or towels catching the jewellery.
- Fix It: Use hypoallergenic jewellery and avoid harsh cleansers.
- Septum Piercing
- Estimated Healing Time: 6–8 weeks
- Bonus Points: One of the easier facial piercings to heal if well-placed.
- Studio Tip: Clean with saline spray and avoid fiddling.
Oral Piercing Healing Times
Tongue Piercing
- Estimated Healing Time: 4–6 weeks.
- Initial Swelling: Expect it. We start you with a longer barbell and swap it after 2–3 weeks.
- Diet Note: Soft foods and plenty of water help speed recovery.
- Estimated Healing Time: 6–8 weeks.
- Watch For: Rubbing against teeth or gums.
- Pro Tip: Use flat-back studs and rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash.
Body Piercing Healing Times
Navel (Belly Button)
- Estimated Healing Time: 3–6 months (can take up to 12!)
- Got Abs? Congrats. But be prepared for jewellery movement and friction.
- Quick Fix: Avoid tight waistbands and check for signs of rejection early.
- Estimated Healing Time: 3–6 months.
- What Slows It Down: Tight bras, snagging tops, and not following cleaning routines.
- Tip: Air it out at home and wear breathable cotton.
- Female (VCH / HCH).
- Estimated Healing Time: 4–8 weeks.
- Fast Healers: These areas get great blood flow — just keep things clean.
- Aftercare: Avoid friction and follow cleaning instructions exactly.
- Estimated Healing Time: 4–8 week.
- Key Considerations: Sexual activity, tight clothing, and hygiene impact healing.
- Advice: Use gentle saline soaks and avoid changing jewellery too soon.
Healing FAQs: Let’s Clear Up the Fuss
“Can I speed up the healing process?”
- No miracle shortcuts, mate. But you can avoid delays:
- Stick to saline solution — no alcohol, peroxide, or Dettol.
- Don’t touch it with dirty hands.
- Don’t change jewellery early.
How to Use This Info (AKA What Now?)
Plan Around Events: Got a holiday or wedding? Choose a piercing that’ll heal in time.Read Our Care Guides: Tattoo Care and Piercing Care guides have all the juicy details.Ask Duncan: We don’t bite. Ask as many questions as you like.Pop In or Book Online: Whether you’re curious or committed, we’re here to helpReady to get pierced by Hampshire’s finest? Book your appointment here and let’s get healing.