Industrial Piercing
Two cartilage piercings joined by a straight barbell across the ear.
Healing Time
9–12 months
Cleaning
Twice daily
Downsize
May need at 8–12 weeks
Jewellery
Implant-grade titanium
Step by step
Healing timeline
Day 1
- Some tenderness and swelling — a long bar is normal to allow for it
- Sleep on the opposite side from night one
- Wash your hands before touching the piercing
Week 1
- Spray twice daily with NeilMed Fine Mist and pat dry with clean gauze
- Keep hair, hats and helmets off the bar
- Take care getting dressed — the bar snags easily on jumpers
Weeks 2–8
- Swelling settles. Come in for a downsize between weeks 8–12
- Continue sleeping on the opposite side
- Expect one hole to feel slightly ahead of the other
Months 3–12
- Both holes must heal in perfect alignment — never remove the bar mid-heal
- Full healing usually 9–12 months
After healing
- Only swap the bar once both holes are fully settled
- Long-term jewellery: implant-grade titanium
Reassurance
Normal during healing
Everyday sensations you can expect during healing.
Watch out for
When to contact us
Know the difference between typical irritation and something that needs attention.
Common issues
- One hole angrier than the other
- Snagging on hair and jumpers
- Sleeping on that side
- Bar too long once swelling drops
Contact the studio
- Bump that isn't settling with a clean routine
- Persistent redness or tenderness beyond week 2–3
- Jewellery feeling tight against the skin
- Anything you're unsure about — send us a photo
Contact us urgently
If you notice any of these, contact us straight away. We'll advise whether to come in for a check-up or seek urgent medical care.
- Spreading redness or a red streak away from the piercing
- Hot skin with throbbing pain that worsens by the day
- Thick yellow or green discharge with a foul smell
- Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
Helpful tips
Extra advice for your industrial piercing
Industrial tips
- Both holes must heal in perfect alignment. Do not sleep on that ear
- Avoid snagging on jumpers, towels and hair
- Expect one side to heal slower than the other
- Come in for a downsize once swelling settles
FAQs
What's normal
💬 Need some reassurance?
What's normal
💬 Need some reassurance?
What's normal
💬 Need some reassurance?
Healing Checker
Answer a few quick questions tailored to the treatment you're viewing. We'll help you understand what is commonly seen while healing and what to do next. This is guidance, not a diagnosis.
Takes less than 60 seconds
Where to go for help
- Common healing signs
- Mild redness, tenderness, swelling, light flaking or a little clear fluid early on.
- Ask the studio
- Irritation that is not settling, snagging, jewellery questions or anything unclear.
- Seek medical advice today
- Increasing pain, heat, spreading redness, yellow or green discharge, fever or feeling unwell. Contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111, without waiting for our reply. Seek emergency care if you are seriously unwell.
Still need help?
Send us a clear photo and one of our experienced team members will review it and advise on the next steps. If appropriate, we'll recommend a studio check-up or seeking medical advice.
Studio Recommended · Aftercare
NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Spray
Professional aftercare recommended by our piercers. Sterile saline fine mist that keeps new piercings clean without burning or stinging.
- Sterile saline
- Drug free
- Any-angle mist
- 177ml bottle
Free UK delivery over £40