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Body Piercing Healing Times

Topic Overview

Each body piercing site has its own normal healing time.

Piercing site healing times
Piercing site Healing time

Ear

6 to 12 weeks

Face (this includes the earlobes, eyebrows, nose, and lips)

6 to 8 weeks

Inside of the mouth or the tongue

3 to 6 weeks

Nipple

2 to 4 months

Vagina or penis

Up to 9 months

Belly button (navel)

Up to 12 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

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised October 8, 2010

Last Revised: October 8, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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