Nocturne
Aftercare & Consent
Everything you need to know before and after your appointment, all in one place. From age requirements and consent information to comprehensive aftercare guides, this page is designed to help you prepare for your appointment and support your piercing throughout the healing process.
Consent
Before attending your appointment, please take a few moments to read the information below. By booking an appointment with Nocturne, you agree to comply with the studio's policies, which are in place to ensure a safe, hygienic and comfortable experience for every client.All clients are required to complete a consent form before their piercing. Valid photo identification may be requested to verify your age, and clients under the age of 18 must attend with a parent or legal guardian. The accompanying adult must provide valid photo ID and, where necessary, proof of their relationship to the minor. Minimum age requirements vary depending on the piercing requested.All appointments include a consultation and anatomy assessment. Not everybody has suitable anatomy for every piercing, and where this is the case, an alternative piercing or placement may be recommended, or the procedure may be declined. Your safety will always take priority over proceeding with an unsuitable piercing.Please arrive on time for your appointment, having eaten within the last few hours and well hydrated. If you are feeling unwell, have a fever or infection, are pregnant, have recently undergone surgery, have any medical conditions, allergies, or are taking medication that may affect the piercing or healing process, please inform me before your appointment. In some circumstances, your appointment may need to be postponed until it is safe to proceed.Nocturne reserves the right to refuse or postpone any piercing where it is considered unsafe or not in the client's best interests. This includes, but is not limited to, clients who appear unwell, are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are unable to provide informed consent, fail to provide appropriate identification, behave in a disruptive or abusive manner, or have medical or anatomical factors that make the piercing unsuitable.For clients under 18,** the wellbeing of the child always comes first.** If a child appears distressed, unwilling, uncertain or does not clearly wish to have the piercing, the appointment will not go ahead, even if a parent or legal guardian has provided consent. I will never perform a piercing on someone who does not freely wish to proceed.For hygiene and safety reasons, all initial piercings are performed using implant-grade titanium jewellery supplied or approved by Nocturne. Outside jewellery cannot be used for fresh piercings. Jewellery changes will only be carried out once the piercing has healed sufficiently and it is safe to do so.To maintain a safe and comfortable environment, only one accompanying person is permitted in the treatment room due to limited space. Children under the age of 8 are not permitted inside the treatment room. All clients and visitors are expected to behave respectfully throughout their appointment.Clinical photographs may be taken for your confidential client record where appropriate. Portfolio or social media photographs will only ever be taken and shared with your explicit consent. All personal information collected during your appointment is stored securely and handled in accordance with UK data protection legislation.If you have any questions before your appointment, please don't hesitate to get in touch. My aim is to provide every client with a safe, professional and welcoming experience from the moment they book until their piercing has fully healed.
Ear Piercing Aftercare
Ear Piercing AftercareCongratulations on your new piercing! Taking proper care of your piercing is essential for a smooth healing process and reducing the risk of complications. Please read the guidance below carefully and don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.---Healing TimesHealing times vary depending on the piercing and your individual body. These are general guidelines:• Lobe Piercings: 6–8 weeks• Helix, Flat, Forward Helix & Auricle: 6–12 months• Tragus, Conch, Daith & Rook: 6–12 monthsRemember that while your piercing may look healed on the outside, the inside can still be healing. Continue caring for your piercing until it has fully healed.---Cleaning Your PiercingClean your piercing twice daily using sterile saline solution.1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching your piercing.
2. Spray sterile saline directly onto the front and back of the piercing.
3. Allow the saline to soak for a few moments.
4. Gently pat dry with clean disposable gauze or paper towel if required.---What To AvoidDuring healing, please avoid:• Touching your piercing unless cleaning it.• Twisting, spinning or moving the jewellery.• Removing the jewellery before it has fully healed.• Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, surgical spirit or other harsh products.• Swimming in lakes, rivers or hot tubs during early healing.• Sleeping directly on your piercing.• Allowing hair products, makeup or cosmetics to come into contact with the piercing.• Excessive pressure from headphones, helmets or tight clothing.If you swim in a chlorinated pool or the sea, rinse the piercing with sterile saline afterwards.---General Care• Wash your hands before and after touching your piercing.• Keep the piercing clean and dry.• Be careful when brushing your hair or getting dressed.• Avoid sleeping on the pierced ear where possible. A piercing pillow or travel pillow may help reduce pressure.• Attend your downsizing appointment if advised.---What's Normal?It is completely normal to experience:✔ Mild swelling✔ Tenderness✔ Slight redness✔ Itching during healing✔ Clear or pale yellow fluid drying into small crustsThese are all normal signs that your body is healing.---When To Contact NocturnePlease get in touch if you notice:• Jewellery feeling too tight.• Jewellery embedding into the skin.• Excessive swelling that doesn't improve.• A piercing bump that you're unsure about.• Trauma to the piercing.• Any concerns about healing.I'm always happy to check your piercing and offer advice.---When To Seek Medical AdviceSeek advice from a healthcare professional if you experience:• Thick green or foul-smelling discharge.• Severe or worsening pain.• Rapidly spreading redness or excessive heat.• Fever or feeling generally unwell.• Persistent bleeding that will not stop.Do not remove your jewellery if you suspect an infection unless instructed to do so by a medical professional, as this may trap the infection beneath the skin.
Facial piercing aftercare
Congratulations on your new facial piercing! Proper aftercare is essential for healthy healing and reducing the risk of complications. Healing times vary depending on the piercing, your anatomy and your body's natural healing process. Please read the guidance below carefully and contact Nocturne if you have any questions or concerns.Healing TimesHealing times vary depending on the piercing and your individual body. Typical healing times are:• Nostril: 2–6 months• Septum: 2–4 months• Eyebrow: 6–8 weeks• Bridge: 8–12 weeksThese are general healing times and may vary from person to person.Cleaning Your PiercingClean your piercing twice daily using sterile saline solution.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching your piercing.
Spray sterile saline directly onto both sides of the piercing.
Allow the saline to soak for a few moments.
Allow the area to air dry or gently pat dry using clean disposable gauze or paper towel.Avoid over-cleaning, as this may slow the healing process.What To AvoidDuring healing, please avoid:• Touching your piercing unless cleaning it.• Twisting, spinning or moving the jewellery.• Removing the jewellery before it has fully healed.• Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil or other harsh cleaning products.• Applying makeup, foundation, skincare products or fake tan directly onto the piercing.• Swimming in lakes, rivers or hot tubs during early healing.• Sleeping directly on facial piercings where possible.• Unnecessary pressure, knocks or snagging.If you swim in a chlorinated pool or the sea, rinse the piercing with sterile saline afterwards.General Care• Always wash your hands before and after touching your piercing.• Keep the area clean and dry.• Be careful when washing your face or drying with towels.• Keep hair and hair products away from the piercing.• Be cautious when changing clothes or using headphones, helmets or glasses where applicable.DownsizingSome facial piercings, particularly bridge and eyebrow piercings, are fitted with slightly longer jewellery to allow room for swelling.Once the swelling has settled (usually within 2–8 weeks), you may be advised to return for a shorter piece of jewellery.Downsizing helps reduce movement, irritation and the risk of piercing bumps or migration.What's Normal?During healing you may experience:✔ Mild swelling✔ Redness✔ Tenderness✔ Slight bruising✔ Clear or pale yellow fluid forming small crusts✔ Mild itching as the piercing healsThese are all normal signs of healing.When To Contact NocturnePlease get in touch if you notice:• Jewellery feeling too tight.• Jewellery embedding into the skin.• Persistent swelling.• A piercing bump that you're unsure about.• Trauma or snagging.• Any concerns about healing.I'm always happy to assess your piercing and offer advice.When To Seek Medical AdviceSeek advice from a healthcare professional if you experience:• Thick green or foul-smelling discharge.• Rapidly spreading redness or excessive heat.• Severe or worsening pain.• Fever or feeling generally unwell.• Excessive swelling that continues to worsen.Do not remove your jewellery if you suspect an infection unless instructed by a medical professional.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear makeup?Avoid applying makeup, foundation or skincare products directly onto the piercing until it has fully healed.Can I blow my nose with a nostril piercing?Yes, but be gentle. Take extra care when wiping or blowing your nose to avoid catching the jewellery.Can I wear glasses with a bridge piercing?If your glasses rest on or rub against the jewellery, they may cause irritation. Speak to your piercer if you're concerned.Can I change my jewellery?Only once your piercing has fully healed or when advised by your piercer.Why is my jewellery longer than expected?Longer jewellery is often fitted initially to allow room for swelling. Once the swelling has reduced, your piercer may recommend downsizing to a shorter piece for improved comfort and healing.
Oral/Lip piercing aftercare
Congratulations on your new oral piercing! Proper aftercare is essential for healthy healing and reducing the risk of complications. Oral piercings often heal quickly due to the mouth's excellent blood supply, but good hygiene is extremely important during the healing process. Please read the guidance below carefully and contact Nocturne if you have any questions or concerns.Healing TimesHealing times vary depending on the piercing and your individual body. Typical healing times are:• Labret: 2–3 months• Vertical Labret: 6–8 weeks• Medusa (Philtrum): 2–3 months• Monroe / Madonna: 2–3 months• Smiley: 4–12 weeks• Snake Bites: 2–3 months• Spider Bites: 2–3 months• Dolphin Bites: 2–3 monthsThese are general healing times and may vary between individuals.Cleaning Your Piercing
Outside of the PiercingFor piercings with an external entry point (such as labret, medusa, monroe and snake bites):Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your piercing.
Clean the outside of the piercing twice daily using sterile saline solution.
Spray saline directly onto the piercing.
Allow it to air dry or gently pat dry using clean disposable gauze or paper towel.
Inside of the Mouth• Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after eating, drinking anything other than water, smoking or vaping.What To AvoidDuring healing, please avoid:• Touching or playing with the jewellery.• Twisting or moving the jewellery unnecessarily.• Removing the jewellery before it has fully healed.• Smoking or vaping where possible, particularly during the first few weeks.• Drinking alcohol during the initial healing period.• Spicy, acidic or very hot foods if they cause irritation.• Chewing on jewellery, pens, fingernails or other objects.• Kissing or oral sexual contact during the initial healing period.• Sharing drinks, cutlery, lip products or cigarettes/vapes.Eating & DrinkingDuring the first few days:• Choose soft foods where possible.• Eat slowly and chew carefully.• Avoid biting directly onto jewellery.• Drink plenty of water.Cold drinks or sucking on clean ice chips may help reduce swelling during the first 24–48 hours.General Care• Always wash your hands before touching your piercing.• Keep up excellent oral hygiene.• Avoid unnecessary pressure or trauma to the piercing.• Attend your downsizing appointment if advised.
DownsizingMany lip piercings are fitted with a longer bar to allow room for swelling.Once the swelling has reduced (usually 2–4 weeks), you'll need to return for a shorter piece of jewellery.Downsizing is important because it:✔ Reduces irritation✔ Prevents accidental biting✔ Minimises tooth and gum contact✔ Encourages healthier healingDo not continue wearing an excessively long bar once swelling has gone down.What's Normal?During healing you may experience:✔ Mild to moderate swelling✔ Tenderness✔ Redness✔ Increased saliva✔ Minor bleeding during the first 24–48 hours✔ Slight bruising✔ Clear or pale yellow fluid forming small crusts✔ Temporary changes to eating or speakingThese are all normal signs of healing and should gradually improve.When To Contact NocturnePlease get in touch if you notice:• Jewellery becoming too tight due to swelling.• Jewellery embedding into the skin or lip.• Persistent swelling that isn't improving.• Excessive irritation.• Damage caused by catching or biting the jewellery.• Any concerns about healing.I'm always happy to assess your piercing and offer advice.When To Seek Medical AdviceSeek advice from a healthcare professional if you experience:• Thick green or foul-smelling discharge.• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling.• Severe or worsening pain.• Fever or feeling generally unwell.• Swelling that affects your ability to breathe or swallow.Do not remove your jewellery if you suspect an infection unless instructed to do so by a medical professional, as removing it may trap the infection beneath the skin.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my lip bar so long?Longer jewellery is fitted initially to allow room for swelling. Once the swelling has reduced, you'll need to return for a shorter bar.Can I smoke or vape?Smoking and vaping may slow healing and increase irritation. Reducing or avoiding them during healing is strongly recommended.Can I kiss someone?It's best to avoid kissing and oral contact during the initial healing period to reduce the risk of irritation and infection.Can I eat normally?Yes, but softer foods are often more comfortable during the first few days. Eat slowly and avoid biting directly onto the jewellery.Can I change my jewellery myself?Only once your piercing has fully healed or when advised by your piercer.Is swelling normal?Yes. Swelling is expected during the first few days and should gradually improve. If the jewellery becomes too tight or the swelling continues to worsen, please contact Nocturne.
Body Piercing aftercare
Congratulations on your new body piercing! Proper aftercare is essential for healthy healing and reducing the risk of complications. Healing times vary depending on the piercing, your anatomy and your body's natural healing process. Please read the guidance below carefully and don't hesitate to contact Nocturne if you have any questions or concerns during healing.Healing TimesHealing times vary depending on the piercing and your individual body. Typical healing times are:• Standard Navel: 6–12 months• Floating Navel: 6–12 months• Bottom Navel: 6–12 months• Nipple: 6–12 months (sometimes longer)These are general healing times and may vary between individuals.Cleaning Your PiercingClean your piercing twice daily using sterile saline solution.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching your piercing.
Spray sterile saline directly onto both sides of the piercing.
Allow the saline to soak for a few moments.
Allow the area to air dry or gently pat dry using clean disposable gauze or paper towel.
What To AvoidDuring healing, please avoid:• Touching your piercing unless cleaning it.• Twisting, spinning or moving the jewellery.• Removing jewellery before it has fully healed.• Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil or other harsh cleaning products.• Swimming in lakes, rivers or hot tubs during the early stages of healing.• Tight or restrictive clothing that causes rubbing or pressure.• Catching the jewellery on clothing, towels or seatbelts.• Sleeping directly on nipple piercings where possible.If you swim in a chlorinated pool or the sea, rinse your piercing thoroughly with sterile saline afterwards.General Care• Always wash your hands before touching your piercing.• Keep the piercing clean and dry.• Wear loose, comfortable clothing where possible.• Avoid unnecessary pressure or friction.• Attend your downsizing appointment if advised.DownsizingSome body piercings, particularly navel piercings, may be fitted with slightly longer jewellery to allow room for swelling.Once the swelling has reduced (usually within 4–8 weeks), your jewellery may need to be downsized.Downsizing helps reduce movement, irritation and the risk of piercing bumps while promoting healthy healing.Nipple Piercing AdviceNipple piercings require a little extra care during healing.• Wear clean, supportive but comfortable clothing or bras if they feel more comfortable.• Avoid unnecessary friction from clothing where possible.• Be cautious when drying with towels or changing clothes.• Avoid sleeping directly on fresh nipple piercings if possible.• Avoid oral contact with nipple piercings until they have fully healed.Navel Piercing AdviceNavel piercings can easily become irritated by pressure or friction.• Avoid high-waisted or tight clothing that rubs against the jewellery.• Take care when exercising or bending.• Be cautious with belts, waistbands and seatbelts.• Avoid excessive stretching of the area during early healing.What's Normal?During healing you may experience:✔ Mild swelling✔ Tenderness✔ Redness✔ Slight bruising✔ Clear or pale yellow fluid forming small crusts✔ Mild itching as the piercing healsThese are all normal signs of healing.When To Contact NocturnePlease get in touch if you notice:• Jewellery feeling too tight.• Jewellery embedding into the skin.• Persistent swelling.• A piercing bump or irritation.• Trauma or snagging.• Any concerns about healing.I'm always happy to assess your piercing and offer advice.When To Seek Medical AdviceSeek advice from a healthcare professional if you experience:• Thick green or foul-smelling discharge.• Rapidly spreading redness or excessive heat.• Severe or worsening pain.• Fever or feeling generally unwell.• Excessive swelling that continues to worsen.Do not remove your jewellery if you suspect an infection unless instructed by a medical professional.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep on my nipple piercing?It's best to avoid sleeping directly on fresh nipple piercings if possible, especially during the first few weeks.Can I wear tight clothing?Loose-fitting clothing is recommended during healing to reduce pressure and irritation.Can I swim?It's best to avoid swimming during the early healing period. If you do swim, rinse the piercing thoroughly with sterile saline afterwards.Can I change my jewellery?Only once your piercing has fully healed or when advised by your piercer.Why is my jewellery longer than expected?Longer jewellery may be fitted initially to allow room for swelling. Once the swelling has settled, your piercer may recommend downsizing for improved comfort and healing.
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