How to Heal Your Reverse Prince Albert (RPA) Piercing
Most piercings will be successful when they are well rinsed daily, are not touched frequently, and not subjected to pressure on or around the site.
Reverse Prince Albert (RPA) piercings are no different.
We can expect your RPA piercing to take approximately 24 weeks to heal.
When to Downsize your RPA piercing?
RPA piercings are suggested to be downsized at approximately 24 weeks if needed. Downsizing your jewelry can have an effect on the end product. When we do an initial piercing we will size your jewelry to sit comfortably during the healing process. Some clients will find that they would prefer a different fit as they wear it. There are different styles of jewelry that can accommodate each client’s anatomy and purpose.
There are different styles of jewelry that can accommodate each client’s anatomy and purpose. To avoid potentially wasted trips for you please follow this link to complete the downsize form, be sure to view the example photos so that we can expedite this process.
Due to the nature of these piercings if you do not feel comfortable sending photos please call us at the studio so we can set you an appointment to check them out
Aftercare Process
Once Daily Routine:
Once daily, we suggest rinsing in your shower head continuously for 60 seconds. Find a cadence that works for you to be sure you are staying honest. We find it best to pick a portion of a song you can sing either out loud or in your head that measures out to 60 seconds. This should allow most dried matter to rinse away freely, and hopefully limit the use of gauze or cotton swabs. These items may be needed, but you must be certain to avoid leaving any fibers from these products behind as they can work their way into your piercing causing irritation.
Also keep in mind that some of that dried matter may be acting as a scab, and if it is prematurely pulled may cause some irritation to the skin. You can usually tell by where the dried matter is located. If it is completely on the jewelry it should be removed, but if it appears to be attached to the skin it would be best to leave it if it did not rinse away after your 60 second jam session.
Twice Daily Routine:
Twice daily, we suggest sterile saline wound wash (you may see it called sterile saline wound flush) to be used as a rinse. Pointing the nozzle toward your jewelry spray around the piercing site being sure to include the area where the jewelry enters and exits the skin. There are many brands and options that can be found in most stores that have a first aid/bandage aisle or through us. The biggest difference in our product is the way the tip expels the saline. Ours is a fine mist, but many store products will be labeled as full stream.
Be aware the full stream uses more saline per use based on the volume dispensed, and may have a surprising amount of pressure for use around the face.
Please be sure that the only active ingredient is .9% sodium chloride.
Twice daily, we suggest making sure the piercing site is dried thoroughly. After your shower, and after your final cleaning of the day are great times to do this.
Set your blow dryer on cool, and dry all sides of the piercing area. Don’t forget to be attentive to any folds, crevices, ridges, and other small areas that can trap moisture.
Reducing the opportunity for moisture to remain around your new piercing will help the initial healing period considerably.
Please do not use any other products on your piercing without consulting with us. Many products used in first aid will be too harsh and result in healing delays or complications, or possible damage to your jewelry.
Helpful Facts
Sleeping with a new piercing:
Avoid sleeping on or applying pressure that distorts the piercing site. This is one of the main causes of irritation and issues with piercings. This would also include snagging, bumping, or jarring the piercing. Be especially mindful when changing your clothing or using washrags to not catch or snag your jewelry.
When to touch your piercing:
Checking for end security or tightness is the only time touching your piercing is suggested. This would be when you get out of your shower or bath with clean hands and the piercing has been freshly rinsed. All jewelry has components that may come loose over time and should be checked occasionally for security or tightness. Please follow this link to view examples of how different styles of jewelry function.
Sexual Activity regarding new piercing:
Please refrain from unprotected sex while this piercing is healing. This would include oral and penetrative sex. Listen to your body, if something hurts it may be better to avoid that activity until you are further into your healing process.
When can you go swimming with new piercing:
As per the CDC guidelines, you should avoid swimming until any wound is considered closed. As we have previously described, that may vary from person to person, and from piercing to piercing.
Please keep in mind that submerging your piercing prior to it being closed may expose you to bacterial or viral infection. The more public the environment the higher the risk.
The CDC does offer the suggestion that wounds can be covered with waterproof bandages prior to them being closed, and while this may be possible with some piercings it is important that the bandage creates a good seal on the surrounding tissue to truly make it waterproof. Prior to applying a waterproof bandage be sure to rinse and dry the area well.
A good indication of your piercing being closed is that you are no longer seeing any discharge or buildup.
What can happen during the healing process:
Some things you may see during your healing period can include swelling, bruising, bleeding, redness, a small amount of discharge that may be clear to a yellowish white, and the “crust” or dried matter this discharge can leave behind.
These don’t necessarily denote an issue with the piercing, but are more than likely a result of the piercing process and subsequent healing.