Healing time for piercing and tattooing varies from person-to-person. The rate of infection is minimal if the aftercare is followed appropriately. It is very important to remember not to touch the pierced or tattooed site without first washing your hands.
Normal body reactions to piercing and/or tattooing may include: redness, swelling, and/or minor discomfort at the site. If after 48 hours more severe complications occur (increased redness, swelling or hardness at the site, pus-like drainage, onset of fever, and/or prolonged pain at the site or respiratory difficulty following tongue piercing), contact your personal physician or dentist (following oral piercing).