PIERCING PREPARATION

PIERCING GUIDELINES & INFORMATION

Studio Policy: UNDER 16 CHILDREN STRICTLY NOT ALLOWED UNLESS GETTING PIERCED

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• Arrive on time (Late arrivals by more than 15 minutes will result in rescheduling or you having to wait until a slot if available during the same day).

• Each individual needs to book their own slots separately. (1 slot booking per person)

• 1 Slot allows you to get 4 piercings done for 1 person.

• Only 1 Person will be allowed to accompany you inside the piercing room. Please advise others if they are coming with you to wait outside.

• All piercing and stud charges need to be paid before the piercing is carried out.

Jewellery Liability Disclaimer:

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Guns and Inks Tattoos is not responsible for jewellery manufacturing defects or damage caused to the jewellery post sale or for any personal jewellery during the sterilisation process at the studio.

Non-optional: Sterilisation cost for personal jewellery is Rs.200 and requires 60 minutes of additional time.

Stud Options & Pricing:

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• Basic surgical steel ball stud included in the piercing price (please tell the piercer if you are allergic to nickel). All piercings are done with a sterile, single-use needle, never a gun.

• Any designer stud costs extra

• Sterling silver and 18kt gold studs also available.

• All prices of designer/fancy studs are FIXED and range from ₹500 to ₹4000 each (Please do not ask the piercer for discounts)

• You may also bring your own gold studs (non-optional: sterilisation charges of Rs.200 apply)

You are not eligible if:

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• Under 18 and not eligible under our age policy: Clients over 18 do not need parental consent. Under 18s can have ear and nose piercings at any age, including newborns, with a parent or guardian. Belly piercings are available from age 13 with parental consent and a physical copy of ID. All other piercings are 18+ only.

• If pregnant, lactating, or with any medical conditions which prevent you from proceeding

• No creams or perfumes on piercing area when you come for your piercing appointment

• Wear loose clothing (nipple/belly)

• Remove nearby jewellery of previously healed piercings

• Inform us if you are prone to fainting, seizures, or taking blood thinners

• Any transmissable diseases like Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), Tetanus, Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcal, Impetigo and Furunculosis, Herpes Simplex and Zoster, Warts (Verruca vulgaris/plana), Molluscum Contagiosum, Syphilis or any other STI's

• If you have small children at home? Be cautious post-piercing

Minimizing Risks:

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• Discuss allergy to any metals before the piercing

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine 24 hrs prior. Do not stop prescribed medicine, including blood thinners, without your doctor's advice – tell us about it instead

• Clean once or twice daily with sterile saline; no alcohol cleansers

• Keep hands clean; avoid unnecessary contact

• Maintain starter jewellery until fully healed

• Avoid swimming and soaking in water until the piercing has fully healed (read aftercare instructions)

• Oral piercings: Avoid spicy/acidic foods

• Wear loose clothing for at least 1 month in case of nipple/belly piercing

BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT

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Preparation:

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• Consult your doctor if you are on blood thinners and other medication

• We will need a doctor's consent before hand if you have a medical history of (Heart diseases, Fainting, Seizures, Mental Health Issues, or more)

• Eat properly beforehand.

• Stay hydrated.

• Rest well the night before.

• Wear loose clothing (belly/nipple)

Common Causes of Infection:

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• Touching with unclean hands

• Exposure to dirt, sweat, or contaminated surfaces

• Exposure to heat and water (Steam, Beaches, Bath tubs etc)

• Accidental trauma (turkey towels, tight clothing, human touch, slightest trauma while changing clothes, while sleeping, infants/children at home)

• Changing jewellery before the piercing is completely healed (Seek advice if you are not sure)

• Dietary habits, physical activities, health conditions

• Improper aftercare or products containing alcohol

Cartilage piercings can remain prone to infections for up to a year. Research thoroughly before proceeding.

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• Healing time: usually 6–12 months (industrial 9–12 months; sometimes longer). It may look healed outside before it’s healed inside.

• First 2–4 weeks: swelling, tenderness and light yellow/clear crusting is normal.

• Clean once or twice daily with sterile saline only. Pat completely dry.

• Do NOT twist, rotate or remove the jewellery.

• Avoid sleeping on it (use a piercing pillow if needed).

• Avoid swimming, over-ear headphones, helmets and friction.

• Initial jewellery is slightly longer for swelling — you’ll need a downsizing appointment at the studio once swelling settles (usually around 4–8 weeks).

Seek advice urgently if you notice:

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• Cartilage heals slowly — patience and minimal irritation are the key to perfect healing.

• Increasing pain, spreading redness, thick green discharge, severe swelling or fever. Do NOT remove the jewellery if infection is suspected.

• If you have any concerns, contact us between 11AM - 9PM on +91 88868 86600

PIERCING HEALING TIMES & RISKS:

Typical ranges only; healing varies from person to person. Full table: gunsandinks.com/after-care

1. Ear Piercings (Lobe/Cartilage)

• Risks: Cartilage piercings are more prone to infection and slower to heal than lobe piercings.

• Healing Time: Lobes: 6-8 weeks; Cartilage (helix, forward helix, flat, conch, tragus, anti-tragus, daith, rook): 6-12 months; Industrial: 9-12 months.

2. Nose Piercings

• Risks: Infection, swelling, and irritation bumps are common.

• Healing Time: Nostril: 4-6 months; Septum: 6-8 weeks (up to 2-3 months); Bridge: 2-3 months.

3.Tongue Piercings

• Risks: Swelling, infection, and chipped teeth or gum damage from the jewellery.

• Healing Time: 4-8 weeks. Downsizing usually around 2-4 weeks.

4. Lip Piercings

• Risks: Gum recession, swelling, and infections.

• Healing Time: 2–3 months. Downsizing usually around 2–4 weeks.

5. Belly Piercings

• Risks: Clothing friction may irritate the area, leading to delayed healing.

• Healing Time: 6–12 months.

6. Nipple Piercings

• Risks: High risk of irritation and infections due to clothing friction.

• Healing Time: 6–12 months.

7. Eyebrow Piercings

• Risks: Snagging and migration.

• Healing Time: 6-8 weeks (up to 2-3 months).

PIERCING AFTERCARE

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Seek medical attention if:

• Persistent swelling, redness or pain

• Recurring discharge should not be ignored.

• Fever, foul odor, breathing issues, excessive bleeding

• Severe swelling

• Spreading redness around the piercing

• Throbbing pain

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

NOT ALL "PUS" MEANS INFECTION

• Clear/whitish fluid → usually normal healing fluid (lymph)

• Thick yellow/green discharge with pain or bad smell → possible infection

If it keeps recurring, it is usually due to:

• Chronic irritation

• Friction from clothing

• Jewellery metal not suiting your skin

• Jewellery being too tight/short

HOMECARE SUGGESTIONS

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DO NOT REMOVE THE JEWELLERY

• Removing/changing jewellery can trap infection inside and make it worse.

• Use sterile saline wash only

• Clean 1–2 times daily. Do not over-clean

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Never use:

• Alcohol

• Dettol

• Savlon

• Betadine

• Soframycin

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Coconut oil

Using harsh products can delay healing.

Reduce Friction:

This is very important, especially for navel, cartilage, and nipple piercings.

• Avoid tight clothing

• Avoid high-waisted jeans

• Avoid pressure while sleeping (use piercing pillows)

• Avoid touching or playing with the piercing/jewellery

• Recurring discharge is often caused by irritation, not infection.

Always keep an eye on your piercings. If you see any of the symptoms mentioned above, see a doctor or dermatologist and get medical help as soon as possible.

STAY VIGILANT AND TAKE CARE.