Body Piercing Healing Times
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 timesPiercing site | Healing time |
|---|
Ear cartilage (curve of ear) | 2 to 4 months |
Nostril (nose) | 2 to 8 months |
Face (includes the earlobes, eyebrows, and lips) | 6 to 8 weeks |
Inside of the mouth or tongue | 3 to 6 weeks |
Nipple | 6 to 12 months |
Genitals (clitoral hood, labia, and penis) | 6 to 12 months |
Belly button (navel) | Up to 9 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 of: March 22, 2023
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: March 22, 2023
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
