Ear Piercings
Child Ear Piercing
At Manhattan Valley Pediatrics, our pediatric providers offer professional ear piercing services using sterile, medical-grade equipment designed specifically for children. From infants receiving their first earrings to older children excited for this milestone, ear piercing should be performed in a safe, hygienic, and child-centered environment.
We are pleased to offer this service to patients who receive their well-child care at MVP.
How Old Should My Child Be?
Babies
4 to 9 months
We'll soon offer piercing for infants 4–9 months old, provided they:
Children & Teens
6 years and older
For older children, ear piercing should be a decision they are excited about and prepared to care for afterward. We offer ear piercing for children 6 years and older who:
What Happens During the Appointment?
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1
We review the procedure and answer any questions.
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2
Older children may choose from several earring options.
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3
The earlobes are cleaned and carefully marked to ensure symmetrical placement.
-
4
Parents and patients confirm the placement before piercing.
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5
A sterile, single-use piercing device is used to pierce each earlobe.
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6
Aftercare instructions are reviewed in detail.
The piercing itself takes only a few seconds.
The Piercing System We Use
We use the Blomdahl Medical Ear Piercing System, a sterile, closed-system designed to minimize the risk of infection. All earrings are made from medical-grade titanium or medical plastic, which helps reduce the risk of nickel allergy and skin irritation.
Risks & how to reduce them
As with any piercing there are some risks, including infection, allergic reactions to jewelry materials, or irritation if earrings are accidentally pulled. To reduce them:
- Keep the piercing sites clean
- Avoid unnecessary touching or handling
- Watch for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, pain, or drainage
- Contact our office if any concerns arise
Aftercare At Home
We'll review all of this with you in person. Here's what to keep handy.
Daily Care
- Wash hands before touching the earrings or piercing sites.
- Clean front & back of each piercing twice daily—mild soap, saline solution, OR Blomdahl alcohol-free cleansing swabs.
- During bathing or showering, gently cleanse the area with mild liquid soap and dry carefully with a clean tissue or cotton swab.
What to Avoid
- Don't clean the piercing with alcohol.
- Don't rotate or twist the earrings as this can introduce bacteria and delay healing.
- Avoid snagging the earrings on clothing, hair, brushes, hats, or towels.
- Be cautious with hairspray, perfume, makeup, or hair dye near the piercing sites.
Swimming
- Avoid swimming and prolonged water exposure for as long as possible during the initial healing period.
- If swimming happens, clean the piercings afterward.
The healing journey
The First 6 weeks
Leave the starter earrings in place for at least 6 weeks.
After 6–10 weeks
Earlobe piercings typically heal within 6–10 weeks. Once you replace the starter earrings with your own pair, do not put the starter earrings back in as the size is larger than standard earring posts.
Ongoing care through the first year
Continue monitoring and keeping the piercing sites clean throughout the first year.
Throughout the first year, wear the earrings continuously whenever possible—newly healed piercings can close surprisingly quickly, so try not to leave them out for more than 12 hours at a time.
Cost and Appointments
Please call the front desk for the most up to date information on the procedure cost and appointment availability.
Appointments are at our Columbus Circle office only with Dr. Falcon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is ear piercing?
Most children feel only brief discomfort. Babies may cry for a few moments, while older children often describe it as a quick pinch.
How long does healing take?
Most earlobe piercings heal within 6–10 weeks. Starter earrings should remain in place throughout the healing period.
Can my child return to school or daycare afterward?
Yes. Most children can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. We do recommend avoiding swimming during the early healing period.
What do I do if the backing falls out?
We have extra backings for purchase in the office, and in a pinch at home you can use the back of a new pencil eraser.
What are signs of infection?
Some mild tenderness and redness are normal in the first few days. Contact your healthcare provider if your child develops:
Can my child get a second earlobe piercing?
Yes. Second earlobe piercings can be considered once the original piercings have fully healed and the child is old enough to participate safely in the procedure and aftercare.
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