Our Commitment to Quality and Service is something
that the Westcoast Piercing Team takes pride in.

Our piercing practitioners are fully qualified and offer an abundance of information on piercing do's and don'ts. Our goal is to ensure that consumers be well informed about piercing and piercing products. We provide a safe and sanitary environment with the most extensive quality jewellery lines in Canada. All products are manufactured in accordance to theASTM: F -138 (American Society of Testing and Materials) ISO: - 5832-1 (International Organization of Standardization) ED: 94/27/EC (European Directive).

WestcoastPiercing.com
Basic Aftercare 101

1. During the healing process, secretions from the piercing often dry on the jewellery and around the entrance and exit points of the piercing. Cleanse and use aftercare 1 to 3 times daily. We recommend using an all natural aftercare product, such as “SUNSHINE MIST”, available at Westcoast Piercing & Ink Den. The benefit of using this natural product is that it absorbs quickly into the pores to enhance the skin cells to heal from the inside out.

2. Spray Sunshine Mist directly on the piercing site after cleansing with warm water. DO NOT WASH OFF. If water is not available, spray Sunshine Mist on the site to assist in softening the secretions (crusties) and then remove them with a Q-tip. Spray again if necessary and air dry. SUNSHINE MIST may be used on all NON-ORAL PIERCINGS and other types of abrasions such as cuts, bites, facial blemishes, friction burns or chaffing.

3. You may also soften secretions by using a surgical scrub such as Hibitane or Spectrogram (both consist of a 2%-4% chlorohexadine solution), which can be purchased at most drug stores, or a basic glycerine soap such as Pears, Soft Soap or Neutrogena. If using the soap or surgical scrub, lather the piercing, and rinse after one minute, gently moving the jewellery to ensure the soap residue is rinsed off. The easiest way to use the scrub is to fill a spray bottle half full, top up with water, which creates a foamy spray rather than a thick, soapy liquid.

DO NOT USE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, BACTINE, RUBBING ALCOHOL, IODINE OR POLYSPORINE ON BODY PIERCINGS! Soaps containing deodorants, cold creams, strong perfumes or other additives may also cause irritation and slow down the healing process.

4. ORAL PIERCINGS such as lip, tongue, and cheek: Rinse with Tech 2000, Oral B or Listerine (the nasty yellow original works best) antiseptic mouthwash twice a day - morning and evening. For added oral hygiene: dissolve one teaspoon of sea salt in warm water and gargle a couple of times a day. Rinse your mouth with bottled water after everything you eat or smoke. Yogurt, beer and oral sex should be avoided for the first week as they may promote yeast infections in the mouth. It is also a good idea to use a new toothbrush as bacteria is often retained in old bristles.

5. Handling or oral contact with new piercings may cause infection. Although genital piercings do not prohibit sex during the healing process, men may decrease the risk by wearing a condom during intercourse.

6. Minor soreness may be experienced when some piercings are new and healing. With proper aftercare, infections in piercings are rare, however, should you show signs of infection (such as the piercing site becomes very sore and/or excessive redness or discharge occurs for an extended period of time) we suggest you consult your piercing practitioner or a physician as soon as possible. DO come in for a consultation prior to removing the jewellery. Removal may cause the site to heal, trapping bacteria inside.

7. HEALING TIMES: Ear lobes, tongue, nostril and genital membranes require approximately two months healing - with jewellery in at all times. All other piercings require up to six months and occasionally longer.

8. CAUTION: Wait until the piercing site is healed before removing jewellery, as the inner membrane of the piercing may tear easily when the jewellery is re-inserted. If for some reason you must remove your jewellery before the piercing is healed (eg. surgery, job interview, family function), insert a piece of nylon monofilament fishing line cut slightly longer than the length of the piercing may be inserted. This will keep the piercing open until the jewellery is re-inserted.

9. ONCE THE PIERCING IS HEALED: body jewellery can be removed and changed anytime. Soften the surrounding tissue with warm, soapy water and slide the jewellery back and forth before removing. This thoroughly cleans and lubricates the site for insertion of the new piece of jewellery. Clean new jewellery with rubbing alcohol or antibacterial soap to ensure it is germ-free. For easier insertion, you may wish to further lubricate the jewellery with warm, soapy water.

If you have any further questions call (604) 584-BODY (2639)
or email Sales@WestcoastPiercing.com

Every person being pierced has the right ...

1. To be pierced in a scrupulously hygienic, open environment, by a clean, conscientious piercer wearing a fresh pair of latex or non-latex medical gloves.

2. To a sober, friendly, calm and knowledgeable piercer, who will guide them through their piercing experience with confidence and assurance.

3. To the peace of mind which comes from knowing that their piercer knows and practices the very highest standards of sterilization and hygiene.

4. To be pierced with a brand-new, completely sterilized needle which is immediately disposed of in a biohazard sharps container after use on the piercee alone.

5. To be touched only with freshly sterilized, appropriate instruments, properly used and disposed of or sterilized in an autoclave prior to use on anyone else.

6. To know that ear piercing guns are NEVER appropriate, and are often dangerous, when used on anything, including ear lobes.

7. To be only fitted with jewellery which is appropriately sized, safe in material design and construction, and which best promotes healing. Gold-plated, gold-filled, and sterling silver jewellery are NEVER appropriate for any new or unhealed piercing.

8. To be fully informed about proper aftercare, and to have continuing access to their piercer for consultation and assistance with all their piercing-related questions.