Encapsulation
Your body will heal around the implant and encapsulate it in collagen and fibrin. This takes about four weeks. During this time, do not push, move or play with the implant.
Implant incision care
Wash your hands before touching the incision.
The most important part of implant aftercare is keeping your hands and the incision clean. Do not touch the new implant incision unless you are cleaning it.
Daily care
Cleaning and bandaging
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Clean once a day
Use a non-scented antibacterial soap such as Hibiclens® or Provon®. Clean after showering. If the incision is cleaned in the shower, clean it last, immediately before getting out. Clean in the morning or just before bed.
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Remove the old bandage carefully
Make sure the bandage is not stuck to sutures or closure strips. Do not pull out sutures or tear off closure strips while changing the bandage.
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Use clean cotton swabs
Apply soap to a cotton swab and clean around the incision. Use a separate swab for each incision and never reuse a swab. Use a clean swab, dampened if needed, to remove all soap residue.
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Ointment after one week
After one week, a small amount of Neosporin® or similar antibiotic ointment may be applied along the incision. Remove excess with a lint-free paper towel. Do not use cloth towels near the incision.
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Apply a clean medical strip
Cover the incision with a new adhesive medical strip. Once a simple scab has formed, normal hand washing and bathing can resume, but continue trying to keep the incision dry.
Healing
What to expect
Normal sensations
Short periods of itching or twinges may occur randomly for up to a year as sensory nerves heal. Bruising, swelling and mild sensitivity around the installation site are also normal.
Complete healing
Complete healing for most implants is approximately 8–12 weeks. Healing times vary by person, placement and procedure.
Keep the area clear
Keep a one-inch area around the incision free of makeup, lotion, scented soaps and similar products. Use clean sheets and pillowcases, and avoid pools, ponds and hot tubs while healing.
During healing
Protect the implant site
Do
- Keep the incision clean and dry.
- Stay hydrated, eat well and maintain a healthy sleep schedule. The supplied aftercare sheet also suggests a high-zinc or prenatal multivitamin during healing.
- Follow instructions from your professional piercer and health care professional.
- Contact Skinlab or a health care professional when something does not feel right.
Do not
- Push, twist or play with the implant while it is locking down.
- Use alcohol, aspirin or drugs that have not been prescribed to you.
- Swim or soak the incision during healing.
- Attempt to remove the implant without professional assistance.
Consult a health care professional at the first sign of infection.
Possible symptoms include fever; redness that spreads or forms a red streak; swelling or heat; excessive pain or tenderness; or pus draining from the incision. Infection and metal-allergy symptoms may appear similar. Seek professional help if the implant remains uncomfortable, has discharge, stays red beyond the first week without an obvious cause, or simply does not feel right.
Device information
Materials, MRI and removal
Possible outer-shell materials
Silicone, 24k gold, SCHOTT’s Bioglass 8625, borosilicate glass or Grade 23 titanium.
Possible internal materials
Silicon, copper, silver, tin, various plastics and electronic components. Additional materials may be present inside the intact device without contacting tissue.
MRI information
Dangerous Things implants, except magnets, have been tested up to 3T. Magnets, implants of uncertain composition and devices from other sources require individual review. Contact Skinlab or your health care professional before an MRI.
Removal and documentation
Do not remove an implant yourself. Skinlab can assist with removal questions and can provide proof of safety testing for an implant installed by Skinlab when documentation is available.
Important device warning
Non-medical implantable devices have not been tested or certified by a regulatory agency for implantation or use inside the human body. Use of the device is at your own risk. These instructions do not replace or supersede instructions from your doctor or health care professional.