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Body piercing healing times

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.

Author Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC
- Dermatology
Last Updated September 14, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 14, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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