How long does it take to heal?

Healing isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on things like your overall health, sleep, and how consistent you are with aftercare.

As a general rule, earlobe piercings typically take 4–6 months to heal fully. Cartilage piercings: helix, conch, or tragus usually take longer, often anywhere from 6–12+ months.

You’ll know your piercing is healed when there’s no more swelling, redness, discharge, flaking, or soreness. It should feel comfortable and continue to improve with proper care over time.

Here are typical healing time ranges to keep in mind:

Estimated Healing Times

Lobe: 4–6+ months

Stacked Lobes: 4–6+ months

Upper Lobe: 4–6+ months

Helix: 6–9+ months

Conch: 6–9+ months

Tragus: 6–9+ months

Anti-Tragus: 8–12+ months

Rook: 8–12+ months

Daith: 8–12+ months

Industrial: 8–12+ months

Once your piercing is fully healed, both inside and out, you can switch to hoops or different styles of jewelry. If you’re ever unsure, stop in, and we’ll take a look.

What are the age requirements for piercings at Silver Safari?

Lobe with Cartridge: 3 months and older.

Lobe with Needle: 4 years and older.

Helix and All Other Ear Piercings: 13+

Lip and Smiley: 13+

Tongue: 13+

Nipple: 18+

Bridge 18+

Any Piercings not listed above is 13+

VCH: 18+

Dermal Anchor: 18+

(Micro-Dermal and VCH are done only by trained specialists. Call ahead to check for availability)

Why is my initial piercing jewelry long?

It is important to have some extra length on a fresh piercing to ensure there is room for swelling, so the jewelry does not embed in the skin. Having some extra length also ensures you can effectively clean your new piercing! Long jewelry is only temporary and should be downsized after a few months. You can refer to the estimated healing times on the aftercare forms we send you home with!

Do I need to downsize my jewelry?

Yes, it is important to downsize your body jewelry. Downsizing your jewelry can help prevent your piercing from snagging and irritation from excessive movement. Downsizing the length of your jewelry can be extra important for ear piercings, especially if you are a side-sleeper! While sleeping on your new and healing piercing is not recommended, if you do find yourself doing so while the jewelry is still long, it can shift the angle at which it was pierced! Downsizing jewelry helps keep your piercings happy and healthy!

Why can’t I change my jewelry early?

Different piercings have various healing times. Some have longer healing times than others. It is important not to change your body jewelry too early, as this can lead to increased swelling and irritation. If we downsize your jewelry too soon, it can overswell the shorter jewelry. You can refer to our estimated healing times on our aftercare sheet, which we send you home with!

Do I need to twist and rotate my jewelry?

We do not recommend twisting, turning, or removing your body jewelry for cleaning. Less is more! The less you touch and move your piercing, the quicker and better it should heal! Extra movement can often lead to more swelling and irritation, potentially slowing your body’s healing process! Your piercing can be gently moved during the clean routine itself, but should not be touched or moved throughout the day.

Why do you have a line outside your store?

To keep things organized and fair, we check customers in one at a time and help everyone in the order they arrive. This allows us to give each person our full attention during jewelry selection, paperwork, and their piercing.

Once you’re checked in, you’re welcome to shop the store or step away. We’ll call you when it’s your turn.