When to Seek Professional Help: Signs of Piercing Complications

Getting a new piercing is exciting, but healing isn’t always straightforward. Even with perfect aftercare, sometimes things go sideways. Knowing when to ask for help can save you from bigger problems. Here’s a realistic guide to spotting trouble and what to do about it.

Excessive Redness

A slight pinkness around a fresh piercing is normal—your body’s just doing its thing. But it's time to pay attention if that redness starts spreading or stays neon-bright for days.

Watch for:

Redness creeping beyond the immediate area
Skin that looks angry rather than just irritated

What to do: Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. See us at LABRET. We’ll check if it’s normal inflammation or something needing extra care.

Swelling

Some puffiness is expected, especially with cartilage piercings. But if your ear blows up or swelling increases after day three, that’s not part of the plan.

Watch for:

Visible enlargement that makes jewelry feel tight
Pain that amps up instead of calming down

What to do: Try taking an appropriate anti-inflammatory and giving it a bit of time. If it doesn’t improve within 24 hours, swing by the studio. We might need to adjust your jewelry or recommend the next steps.

Weird Discharge

Clear fluid or occasional white “crusties”? Normal. Yellow/green gunk that smells like last week’s leftovers? Not normal.

Watch for:

Thick, opaque discharge
A funky odor that won’t quit

What to do: Leave the jewelry in (removing it can trap infection) and message us immediately. We’ll likely have you come in for a cleaning and assessment.

Persistent Pain

Initial tenderness? Sure. But something's up if your piercing still throbs after the first week.

Watch for:

Sharp pains when touching the area
Aches that keep you up at night

What to do: Pop in for a checkup. Sometimes it’s just an irritation bump, but better safe than sorry.

Heat Around the Piercing

The area might feel warm for a day or two after the piercing. If it stays hot to the touch, that’s your body's alarm.

Watch for:

Heat paired with redness/swelling
Skin that feels feverish

What to do: This often points to infection. Contact us the same day; early treatment prevents bigger issues.

Bumps or Texture Changes

Small bumps (hypertrophic scarring) happen sometimes. But if you notice hard lumps, keloids, or skin that feels like sandpaper, it’s not just “part of healing.”

Watch for:

Raised areas that don’t improve with saline
Skin thickening around the jewelry

What to do: Come in sooner rather than later. We can suggest treatment options like saline compresses or jewelry changes.

Allergic Reactions

If your piercing itches like a mosquito bite or develops a rash, you might be reacting to the jewelry metal, especially if it’s not implant-grade.

Watch for:

Itching that makes you want to scratch constantly
Blister-like bumps near the piercing

What to do: We’ll swap your jewelry for nickel-free titanium or niobium. Pro tip: Always check metal quality before getting pierced.

When in Doubt, Check It Out

Healing timelines vary wildly. Lobes might settle in 4-6 weeks, while cartilage can take 9-12 months. Trust your gut if something feels “off” after following our ear piercing aftercare guide. Our general guideline is to give it some time, and if things pop up unexpectedly (without an incident of bumping, snagging, or pulling on the piercing), then it's best to come into the studio to have our team take a look.

At LABRET, we are committed to your safety and well-being, offering free checkups for life. Recognizing complications before they become problems is crucial to ensuring a smooth piercing recovery. Even if you follow the proper aftercare guidelines (read: Expert Do’s and Don’ts for Piercing Aftercare), some discomfort is expected, and minor symptoms are still quite typical.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you notice any of these signs or have concerns about your piercing. Remember, it's better to ask a “silly” question than nurse a messed-up piercing. We’re here to help, not judge. Early intervention is key to preventing complications and ensuring that you can enjoy your new piercing for years to come!