Medical Ear Piercing
Safe, sterile ear piercing performed by experienced pediatricians
Schedule an AppointmentProfessional Ear Piercing in a Medical Setting
At Hummingbird Pediatrics, we offer medical ear piercing services performed by our experienced pediatricians in a clean, sterile environment. Unlike piercing services at retail stores or jewelry shops, our medical approach prioritizes safety, proper technique, and aftercare guidance to ensure the best possible experience and outcome for your child.
Why Choose Medical Ear Piercing?
Having your child's ears pierced in a medical setting offers several important advantages:
- Sterile Environment - We maintain medical-grade cleanliness and hygiene standards to minimize infection risk
- Medical Expertise - Our pediatricians understand child anatomy and can place piercings optimally
- High-Quality Materials - We use sterile, nickel-free, medical-grade earrings to reduce allergic reactions
- Immediate Medical Attention - In the rare case of complications, medical help is immediately available
- Comprehensive Aftercare - Detailed instructions and follow-up support to ensure proper healing
Our Ear Piercing Process
Our medical ear piercing procedure is designed to be quick, safe, and as comfortable as possible:
- Consultation - We discuss the procedure, answer questions, and ensure your child is ready
- Marking - We carefully mark the piercing locations to ensure symmetry
- Cleaning - The earlobes are thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution
- Piercing - Using a sterile medical piercing system for quick, precise piercing
- Aftercare Education - Detailed instructions for caring for the new piercings
When Is the Right Age for Ear Piercing?
At this time, we offer ear piercing services for infants and toddlers up to 3 years of age. The decision about when to pierce your child's ears is personal and varies by family and cultural traditions.
Age Guidelines:
- Infants (2-12 months) - Many parents prefer early piercing when babies are less likely to touch or pull at their ears
- Toddlers (1-3 years) - May require more preparation and gentle distraction techniques during the procedure
We recommend that infants be at least 2 months old and have received their first set of vaccinations before ear piercing.
Aftercare for Newly Pierced Ears
Proper aftercare is essential for preventing infection and ensuring proper healing. We provide detailed aftercare instructions, including:
- Cleaning the piercing site twice daily with recommended solution
- Rotating earrings gently during cleaning
- Keeping starter earrings in place for 6-8 weeks
- Watching for signs of infection or allergic reaction
- When and how to change to different earrings after the initial healing period
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best age for ear piercing?
We recommend waiting until your child is at least 6 months old for ear piercing. At this age, babies have typically completed their primary vaccination series, which helps prevent infection. Many parents choose to wait until their child is older and can participate in aftercare. There's no single "best" age—the right time depends on your family's preferences and your child's readiness.
Does medical ear piercing hurt?
The procedure causes brief discomfort, but most children tolerate it well. We use a gentle, quick technique that minimizes pain. For infants, the procedure is typically over before they've fully reacted. Older children benefit from our calm, supportive approach and clear explanations that help them feel prepared and in control.
What kind of earrings do you use?
We use medical-grade stainless steel or titanium starter earrings designed specifically for initial piercings. These hypoallergenic metals minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Our starter earrings have secure backings and are specifically sized for safe healing. We offer several simple styles appropriate for children.
How long does healing take?
Ear piercings typically take 6-8 weeks to heal. During this time, the starter earrings must remain in place. After the initial healing period, we'll guide you on safely changing to different earrings and maintaining the piercings. Following proper aftercare instructions is essential for comfortable, complication-free healing.
How do I care for newly pierced ears?
Clean the piercing site twice daily with the recommended solution, gently rotate the earrings during cleaning, avoid touching the piercings with unwashed hands, and watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. We provide detailed written aftercare instructions and are available to answer questions throughout the healing process for families in West Windsor, Hamilton, Bordentown, and surrounding communities.
What if my child develops an infection?
While infections are uncommon with proper aftercare, contact us immediately if you notice increased pain, redness spreading beyond the piercing site, pus, swelling, or fever. We can evaluate the piercing and prescribe treatment if needed. Most minor irritations resolve quickly with enhanced cleaning and aren't true infections.
Schedule an Ear Piercing Appointment
Our medical ear piercing service is available by appointment. Contact us to schedule your child's ear piercing or to discuss any questions you may have about the procedure.
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