Body Piercing Healing Times
Topic 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)
|
4 to 6 months
|
|
Face (This includes the earlobes, eyebrows, and lips.)
|
6 to 8 weeks
|
|
Inside of the mouth or the tongue
|
3 to 6 weeks
|
|
Nipple
|
3 to 6 months
|
|
Vagina or penis
|
2 to 6 months
|
|
Belly button (navel)
|
Up to 6 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.
Credits
Current as ofJune 26, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine
H. Michael O’Connor MD – Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine
Current as of: June 26, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine & H. Michael O’Connor MD – Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine
