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.

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofNovember 20, 2017