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Body Piercing Healing Times

Overview

Each body piercing site has its own normal healing time. Common sites usually heal within the time frames listed below. Healing depends on many things. It can depend on how big the piercing is and how thick the tissue is at the site. Your own ability to heal can also affect healing time.

Piercing site healing times
Piercing site	Healing time
Ear cartilage (curve of ear)	2 to 4 months
Nostril (nose)	2 to 8 months
Face (includes the earlobes, eyebrows, and lips)	6 to 8 weeks
Inside of the mouth or tongue	3 to 6 weeks
Nipple	6 to 12 months
Genitals (clitoral hood, labia, and penis)	6 to 12 months
Belly button (navel)	Up to 9 months

A piercing may not heal as fast if it gets infected or irritated or if scar tissue forms. You may need to see your doctor if your piercing does not seem to be healing.

Related Information

Body Piercing Problems

Credits

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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Related Information

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.