Agave in Bloom

Welcome to Agave in Bloom

Thank you for choosing Agave in Bloom Piercing & Fine Jewelry! We are grateful for your business and are dedicated to helping you heal your piercing. Please reach out with any questions or concerns. While the piercing itself is done, proper aftercare is crucial for the overall health and successful healing of your new piercing.

How Do I Clean My Piercing?

We recommend and offer NeilMed Piercing Aftercare, an isotonic, preservative-free sterile saline solution. You can also use any packaged sterile saline solution specifically made for wound care. Always check the label to ensure there are no other additives.

Cleaning Instructions (to be done 1-3 times per day):

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before starting.
2. Spray sterile saline solution on each side of your new piercing.
3. Gently pat the area dry with sterile gauze or allow it to air dry.

You can also allow warm water to run over your piercing in the shower to help loosen any discharge. Doing this after your regular shower routine (soap, shampoo, conditioner) helps protect your piercing from product buildup. Ensure you dry your piercing thoroughly after showering.

What's Normal During Healing?

In the initial stages of healing, you may experience bleeding, swelling, bruising, throbbing, redness, and mild discomfort. Some discoloration, itching, and lymph discharge are also common. It's normal to see some whitish or clear fluid discharge, which is best removed with showers and saline spray.

Caring for Your New Piercing

Your body needs to be healthy to heal effectively. Ensure you are getting enough sleep, minimizing stress, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, and keeping your piercing clean.

Your piercing is a healing wound and requires protection. Bacteria can cause infections. Any surface or article of clothing that touches a healing piercing must be clean. Be cautious to avoid bumping into or snagging your jewelry on clothing, hair, or other objects.

Attending check-up appointments with your piercer at recommended times will significantly contribute to keeping your piercing healthy and happy.

What Should I Avoid?

• Touching, turning, twisting, or moving your jewelry.
• Sleeping directly on your new piercing.
• Swimming or soaking your piercing until it is fully healed. (Showering is still recommended!) Even bathtubs can harbor infection-causing bacteria, so submerging your piercing should be avoided until healed.
• Wearing tight clothes or using objects that put pressure on your piercing (e.g., headphones, helmets, high-waisted pants).
• Changing your jewelry too soon or removing it entirely. Your piercing can close quickly, making reinsertion difficult. If your jewelry does come out and you cannot reinsert it, please contact us immediately to schedule an appointment for assistance.
• Using any beauty or personal care products in the immediate area of your piercing.
• Applying harsh chemicals or any first aid products other than saline to your piercing.

Downsizing

During the initial healing phases, swelling is normal. Your initial jewelry length is chosen to accommodate this. As healing progresses, swelling typically subsides, and your jewelry may feel looser. Once this occurs, we recommend a check-up and downsizing appointment. Your piercer will help fit your piercing with a shorter post suitable for the remainder of the healing process. Healing times vary, so the timeline for downsizing can differ from person to person and piercing to piercing.

Potential Complications

Contact Agave in Bloom or your physician immediately if you suspect an infection.

The Dreaded Piercing Bump:

Piercing bumps can arise from various issues. If you develop a bump, please schedule a consultation appointment for assessment by a piercer. Do not attempt to pop it yourself.

What If I Have to Take My Jewelry Out?

Some piercings, especially those still healing, can close quickly. If you anticipate needing to remove your jewelry for a medical procedure or another reason, you can schedule a remove/install appointment. We can help you install a glass retainer during this process. We advise against using plastic retainers, as plastic can be toxic and harbor bacteria.

Oral Piercing Aftercare

Rinse your mouth with water after every meal and after drinking anything other than water. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is vital for your healing process. Use a toothpaste without a whitening factor and avoid products containing charcoal while the piercing heals. We suggest using a new toothbrush to minimize bacteria introduction to your new piercing.

If you smoke, please try to reduce your smoking, as this will aid your healing process.

Swelling is normal for the first few weeks. Enjoying cold items like ice chips and popsicles can help reduce swelling. Avoid using straws for the first two to three weeks of healing, as the suction pressure can cause increased swelling. Spicy and acidic foods may cause discomfort during healing. Eat attentively, taking small bites and chewing slowly as you adjust to your new piercing.

Downsizing oral piercings is essential for protecting your teeth and gums. Initial jewelry is longer to accommodate swelling. Once swelling subsides, your piercing requires shorter jewelry. You may need multiple downsizing appointments between the initial piercing and full healing to achieve the ideal jewelry length.

During the healing process, avoid sharing drinks, chapstick, cigarettes, or anything that contacts your mouth. Also, avoid contact with other people's bodily fluids (regardless of relationship status) to prevent infection.