Piercing Aftercare
Maybe you have just gotten a new piercing with us, or you need a refresh on piercing aftercare. Piercing healing times vary by location, typically ranging from 2-8 months. Lobe piercings may heal in 3 to 6 months, while cartilage can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, but everyone heals differently.
If you have any special concerns you would like to address with our team regarding aftercare, please email us at hello@charmcitylinks.com.
Our Aftercare Guide
Our official guide to best aftercare practices.
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Keep it clean
Always wash your hands before touching your piercing. Clean the area morning and night using sterile saline. Gently spray the piercing with the sterile solution. Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh soaps—they can dry out and damage healing skin.
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Let it be
Keep your starter jewelry in place during the entire healing period. Removing or changing it too early can cause the hole to close, trap bacteria, or tear the skin. Earlobes typically heal in 6–8 weeks, while cartilage piercings may take 3–6 months or longer. Only switch jewelry once healing is complete and swelling has fully gone down.
Do not twist, spin, or “play with” the jewelry. This can introduce bacteria and reopen healing tissue, causing irritation or bumps. Only touch the piercing when cleaning, and always with clean hands. The piercing will heal best when it’s left alone.
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Keep it dry & protected
Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, oceans, or lakes until healed, as these environments contain bacteria. Be cautious with hair products, makeup, and skincare around the piercing. Try not to sleep directly on new piercings, and avoid pressure from tight hats, helmets, or over-ear headphones—especially for cartilage piercings.
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Watch for irritation
Some redness, tenderness, mild swelling, and clear or pale discharge are normal during healing. However, seek professional advice if you notice increasing pain, excessive swelling, thick yellow or green discharge, warmth, or spreading redness. Early attention can prevent complications.
The CCL Piercing Studio
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Piercing FAQ
What does my appointment include?
The cost of your appointment includes the piercing service, as well as the earrings you choose. Simple studs are included with upgrades available at a higher cost.
We exclusively pierce with surgical-grade titanium, ideal for sensitive ears and designed to support proper healing from day one. Each piercing is performed with sterile, single-use equipment in a calm, elevated environment you can trust.
How do I book an appointment?
If you already know you want a piercing, book an appointment. Still thinking about it or have more questions? No worries, walk in, and we’ll be happy to chat with you, or give us a call at (410) 204-4624.
As we build out our piercing schedule with our on-site piercer and nurse practitioner, appointments will be required for our piercing service.
How do your piercing appointments work?
Here's what to expect...
When you arrive, our team will help you choose from our curated selection of titanium studs, crafted for both safety and style. Our piercer will guide you through the process, ensuring you're comfortable every step of the way. Whether you're getting one piercing or up to four in a session, the entire appointment can take up to 45 minutes. We recommend arriving up to 10 minutes early to allow time for check-in, and completing any additional forms.
For those ages of 10-17, a parent or guardian must be present, complete the waiver, and both must provide the required documentation, such as a valid ID.
How do I care for my piercing?
Visit our Piercing After Care Guide for a full overview of our recommended guidelines after you get your piercing.
For more detailed concerns or further questions, contact us directly at hello@charmcitylinks.com.
What piercings do you offer?
We currently offering piercings for ear lobes and select cartilage areas. We exclusively pierce with our CCL titanium studs.
Refer to our image on our Piercing page for a detailed shot of available piercing options.
Can I get an old piercing re-pierced?
Yes. If your old piercing has closed up, we can re-pierce it for you. Just let us know during or before your appointment.
Does the piercing studio accept gratuity?
Yes! Though it is not required, tips are always appreciated and accepted by your piercer.
What are the aftercare suggestions for my piercing?
For best healing results, we recommend using a Sterile Saline Spray up to twice a day. We also encourage cleaning your piercing in the shower, and gently rinsing with warm water.
Avoid touching or twisting the jewelry, swimming or submerging in water and let your piercing heal naturally. For more detailed aftercare tips, be sure to reference our full Piercing After Care Guide.
If you notice excessive swelling or have concerns you would like to address with our team, please reach out to us at hello@charmcitylinks.com. If you experience any signs of infection, please consult a healthcare professional.
What health and safety measures are taken at the store?
Our piercing tools are single-use and sterilized, and we follow strict hygiene protocols in-store, maintaining a clean and sanitized environment to ensure the best possible experience for you.
What are the age restrictions for piercings?
We pierce customers 10 years and older, with specific guidelines depending on age.
For Ages 18 and Older:
No parental consent is needed. Just bring a valid government-issued photo ID and be prepared to sign a waiver at your appointment.
For Ages 10–17:
Parental or legal guardian consent is required. Both the minor and the parent/guardian must sign a waiver, and the parent or guardian must be present during the appointment. Both the minor and the parent/guardian need to provide valid photo IDs, such as driver’s license.
