Quick Answer
It is possible to get your first and second ear piercings done at the same time. Many piercing shops offer this service. However, there are some important factors to consider before getting two new piercings at once. The main concern is that healing two piercings simultaneously can be more difficult and lead to a higher risk of complications. Most piercers recommend waiting until the first piercings are fully healed before getting additional ones.
What are the risks of getting two new piercings at the same time?
Getting two new piercings at the same appointment does carry some additional risks compared to getting them done separately. Here are some of the potential issues:
Higher risk of infection
Having two open wounds so close together provides more opportunity for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. With good aftercare this risk can be minimized, but it is still higher than getting one piercing at a time.
Prolonged healing time
Healing two piercings at once often takes longer than healing them individually. Each piercing can take 6-9 months to fully heal. Doing two together means both will likely take closer to 9 months or longer.
Increased swelling and bleeding
Having two sites pierced increases overall trauma to the ear. This can lead to more significant swelling, bleeding, and tenderness during the initial healing phase.
Higher chance of irritation
With two new piercings, any pressure or disruption can irritate both sites and delay healing. Wearing eyeglasses, hats, earbuds, or sleeping on the piercings could cause issues.
Difficult to clean properly
Cleaning and caring for two fresh piercings in the same area can be tricky. The risk of accidentally disturbing one piercing while cleaning the other is high.
The potential benefits of getting two piercings together
While there are risks, some benefits exist too:
Only one healing period
Although it takes longer to heal two piercings, you only have to go through the healing process once instead of twice if getting them separately.
Save money on multiple sessions
Most shops charge per piercing, so having two done in one appointment can cost less than two separate sessions.
Perfectly spaced piercings
The piercer can ensure proper alignment and spacing when doing two ear piercings together.
One trip to the studio
You avoid having to take off work or find childcare for multiple appointments.
What factors determine if getting two piercings together is a good idea?
Whether getting simultaneous piercings is advisable depends on several factors:
Placement
Closer spacing between piercings increases potential for irritation and infection. Have ample room between new piercings.
Your health and healing
If you tend to heal slowly from wounds or get infections easily, go one at a time to be safe.
Your pain tolerance
Two piercing procedures hurts more than one. Make sure you can handle it.
Aftercare capability
Caring for two new piercings takes diligence. Know you can keep up with proper aftercare.
Your piercer’s advice
A reputable piercer won’t offer double piercings if they don’t think you can handle the added risks and aftercare. Listen to their guidance.
What do professional piercers recommend?
Most professional piercers caution against getting first and second piercings done simultaneously. Their suggestions include:
Get non-adjacent piercings together instead
If you want two new piercings, have one done in each ear rather than side-by-side. This minimizes irritation.
Wait 3-6 months between piercings
Let the first piercing fully heal before getting a second one. The longer you wait, the safer it is.
Only do lobes together if necessary
If getting both earlobes pierced, it’s fine to do at once. But avoid multiple cartilage piercings together.
Come back for a checkup 2-4 weeks after
This allows the piercer to assess healing and address any developing problems early.
Be committed to diligent aftercare
Proper cleaning, not touching piercings, avoiding irritation, and checkups are essential.
What should you do to prepare for two new piercings?
These tips will help you get ready for a successful dual piercing session:
Select a reputable studio and piercer
An experienced professional using proper sanitization procedures is vital. Don’t compromise here.
Ask questions at your consultation
Understand the risks and gauge the piercer’s comfort with doing two together. Make sure it’s right for you.
Choose jewelry and placements wisely
Well-fitted, high-quality metals and enough space between piercings supports healing.
Arrange your schedule for aftercare time
Plan for extra rest, frequent cleaning, and avoiding irritants during the recovery period.
Stock up on saline spray and gauze
Have ample wound care supplies on hand before your appointment.
Step-by-step guide to simultaneously piercing aftercare
Getting two new piercings means being diligent with aftercare. Follow these steps:
1. Let piercings heal for the initial 24-48 hours
Avoid touching or cleaning piercings during the first day or two. Let blood clots form undisturbed.
2. Wash hands thoroughly before aftercare
Clean hands prevents bacteria transfer to tender piercing sites. Use antibacterial soap.
3. Spray saline solution 2-3 times daily
Gently spray both piercings to loosen and rinse away crust and debris. Avoid harsh soaps.
4. Use gauze soaked in saline to soften stubborn crust
For dried discharge that won’t rinse away with spray, dampen gauze and hold to piercings.
5. Dry piercings thoroughly after cleaning
Air dry or gently pat with clean paper towel or gauze. Moisture prolongs healing.
6. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen helps ease post-piercing discomfort.
7. Adjust activities to avoid irritation
Wear button-down shirts, don’t sleep on piercings, don’t use earbuds, and avoid helmets and hats.
What to expect during the healing process
Understand what’s normal and what requires medical attention as your piercings heal:
Initial swelling and redness
Swelling, soreness, and redness around the piercings is common the first few weeks. Apply ice if excessive. Seek help if swelling is severe.
Light drainage/crust
Some clear fluid or light crusting around the piercing hole is expected during healing. Gently clean it away.
Itchiness
As piercings heal, they may itch. Do not scratch them. Rinse with saline spray to relieve itching.
Bumps
Small bumps can develop due to irritation. Leave them alone and they’ll usually subside. If they grow, see your piercer.
Red streaks
Redness extending from piercings could signal infection. See a doctor promptly if this occurs.
How can you tell if your piercings are infected?
Signs of infection requiring medical treatment include:
Increasing pain/throbbing
Pain that steadily worsens, especially accompanied by throbbing, points to infection. Normal soreness improves daily.
Oozing green or yellow discharge
Thick green/yellow fluid signals likely infection. See a doctor promptly.
Expanding redness/heat
Redness and warmth spreading outward from piercing site indicates growing infection.
Fever/chills
These flu-like symptoms accompany widespread infection. Seek medical attention.
Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes around piercings swelling indicates body fighting infection. Time for antibiotics.
No improvement within a few days
If other symptoms like swelling or redness persist or worsen, an infection may be developing.
What should you do if your piercings get infected?
If your new piercings develop signs of infection:
See your doctor right away
Infection requires medical diagnosis and prescription antibiotic treatment. Seek attention promptly.
Continue cleaning piercings
While seeking medical care, continue saline soaks and gentle crust removal until you can be evaluated.
Take over-the-counter pain medication
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve infection discomfort until you receive antibiotics.
Apply warm compresses
Soak a clean washcloth in warm saltwater and hold it on infected piercings to draw out infection.
Avoid antibiotic ointment
Don’t use topical antibiotic cream on piercings unless prescribed by your doctor. It can slow healing.
Leave jewelry in place
Unless the doctor advises otherwise, keep jewelry in to allow drainage until infection clears.
What’s the average cost for two piercings?
Cost for two piercings in one session varies based on:
Piercer’s hourly rate
Reputable piercers charge $50-$100 per hour. Higher rates mean higher total cost.
Type of piercing
Earlobes are simplest, lowest cost. Cartilage, nostrils, septums cost more to pierce.
Jewelry chosen
From basic steel to platinum, gold, or gems, jewelry significantly impacts price.
Studio’s location/overhead
Shops in major cities or upscale neighborhoods may charge more.
Average cost estimates:
| Two earlobe piercings with basic studs | $30 – $70 |
| Earlobe + cartilage piercing with mid-range jewelry | $60 – $120 |
| Two cartilage piercings with high-end jewelry | $100 – $200 |
Conclusion
Getting first and second piercings together is possible, though not always advisable. Take into account healing risks, your pain tolerance, and piercer guidance. With reputable piercing shop handling, ample aftercare diligence, and patience through prolonged healing, two simultaneous piercings can be successful. But it’s smart to start with one new piercing, wait until fully healed, then get a second. Take your time and let each piercing heal optimally to avoid complications.