Frequently Asked Questions

How do I care for my piercing?

While there are several different tried and true methods for caring for a new piercing, here at Athena Body Adornment, we recommend a simple “less is more” approach. We also thought it would be helpful to an include a link to the APP’s official website on this topic.

There are several factors that can effect the healing process that your piercing goes through. Things like climate, humidity, diet, lifestyle, frequency of travel, stress, etc. These are just a few examples, and sometimes they can lead to unforeseen swelling or irritation, so maintaining a simple aftercare regime is what we, in our experience, have found to be best for our clients. This is not to say that what we suggest is the only method, or best method for your unique body. It is simply what we have found to yield the best and most consistent results. We encourage everyone to visit the APP website for more insight into aftercare.

For the vast majority of piercings (such as earlobe, cartilage, nostril, navel, etc) we suggest using a sterile saline solution for routine cleaning. We stock Neilmed here at Athena, but any sterile saline wound wash is sufficient. For application, we recommend liberally spraying your piercing with the saline, using an irrigation method for cleansing. As your piercing continues to heal, and “crusties” appear, saturating a non woven gauze pad with the saline and placing that gently over your piercing for a few minutes can soften them, and make them easy to wipe away without irritating the healing tissue. Also, simply taking a warm shower and allowing warm water to run over your piercing for a few minutes can have the same affect, allowing any crusty buildup on your jewelry to be removed by irrigating with your sterile saline solution afterward. We also suggest keeping freshly pierced areas dry, so using a one time use cloth (non woven gauze pad, paper towel) is recommended over a normal cotton towel which is typically used multiple times.

It is also very important not to touch or handle your jewelry, and to minimize trauma to freshly pierced areas by not sleeping on them, and being mindful of clothing and physical activity. Your body will let you know very quickly if any physical activity, piece of clothing, or sleeping position is causing your new piercing discomfort. Just listen to it, and remember that we are here to aid you in your healing process. We offer free checkups at any point, and like to encourage communication with our clients as they heal. If you have questions, or would like us to take a look at something, feel free to come by the shop. No appointment is necessary, and you can contact us via phone or email or through the Athena Body Adornment Instagram via direct message. We want our clients to feel comfortable through all of the stages of their piercing experience, and to have happy and healthy piercings!

What do I need to bring with me?

A state or government-issued photo ID is required for every client ages 18 and over.


What if I’m under 18?

  1. The State of Florida requires that we have a notarized parental consent form for any piercings performed on clients under the age of 18.  Parental consent forms can be picked up in person at the shop, or you can download and print your own form.

  2. Parent or legal guardian must be present for clients 15 years old and younger.

  3. An appointment is required for children under 12 (earlobe piercings only).

  4. If the client is a minor, and does not have this required form notarized, we will be unable to perform their new piercing service.

Why do I need a notarized parental consent form?

Performing a body piercing on somebody under the age of 18 without the required notarized parental consent form is a misdemeanor of the second degree in the state of Florida, as outlined in section 777.082 and section 775.083 Florida Statutes.

This is a state law, and not our personal policy.

Do I need a piercing check-up?

We suggest doing a four week check-up following all new piercing procedures. This service is provided by your piercer for no additional charge. (Please note this is pre Covid-19 and an appointment with a deposit is currently required)

What is a downsize?

The majority of fresh piercings will initially require jewelry that is longer in length or wider in diameter in order to accommodate for swelling. This is a necessary precaution to prevent jewelry from embedding into tissue once swelling begins. Everybody’s anatomy is unique and while we find that there are some initial jewelry sizes that we use more frequently than others, there is no universal “starter” size and your piercer will be sizing your jewelry specifically for you.

After a few weeks, your piercing will need to be downsized. It is important to have your initial longer jewelry shortened to a piece that is sitting more flush to the tissue after the swelling has passed. Jewelry that is not properly fitted to the area after the swelling has subsided is prone to catching or snagging on things, and can actually cause more swelling by causing injury and trauma to the area. The result of not coming in to have your jewelry downsized is often irritation bumps, swelling and discomfort in the piercing area, or piercings that become crooked over time and attempt to heal in diagonal positions versus their previous perpendicular placement. This can be unsightly, uncomfortable, or simply prevent the area from fully healing and lead to the piercing having to be removed altogether.

The price of a new titanium downsize post varies from $15 to $35 depending on the threading (gold posts available on request, priced depending on size and carat) and we can easily transfer your jewelry end onto the new post. There is no installation charge for this service. While downsizing your jewelry is not required, it is strongly suggested to keep your piercing healthy and happy.