Surface Piercing
Surface and dermal piercings sit just under the skin. Prone to migration and snagging.
Healing Time
3–9 months
Cleaning
Twice daily
Downsize
Usually not required
Jewellery
Implant-grade titanium
Step by step
Healing timeline
Day 1
- Tenderness and mild swelling is normal
- Protect from clothing, bag straps and seatbelts
- Do not press or fiddle with the disc
Week 1
- Spray with NeilMed Fine Mist twice a day and pat dry with clean gauze
- Cover with a breathable plaster if it's in a friction zone
- No pools, hot tubs or shared baths
Weeks 2–8
- Watch for signs of migration — skin thinning over the bar
- Send us a photo if anything changes
- Continue saline once a day; skip when calm
Months 3–9
- Heals slowly — patience gives the best long-term result
- Do not swap the top disc until a piercer says it's ready
After healing
- Long-term jewellery: implant-grade titanium tops
- Send us a photo any time it feels different
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
- Migration — jewellery moving toward the surface
- Clothing and bag-strap friction
- Snagging with towels
- Pressure from sleeping on it
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 surface piercing
Surface tips
- Protect from clothing, bag straps and towels
- Watch for migration. Send us a photo if the skin over the bar thins
- Avoid picking at the top disc
- Cover with a breathable plaster during workouts
- Sleep off the piercing where possible
FAQs
Healing Checker
Answer a few quick questions tailored to the treatment you're viewing. We'll help you understand whether your healing appears normal and what you should do next.
Takes less than 60 seconds
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