DISCLAIMER: By using this information you understand and agree that Black Sun Studio, its employees, agents, or assigns, will never offer medical advice or diagnosis, and that any information provided by printed, verbal or other means is purely anecdotal, and that any such information is never intended as substitution for professional medical advice or diagnosis. You are advised to seek professional medical attention should such become necessary in your opinion and at your sole discretion. The products described are not meant to treat or diagnose a disease. The following statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the FDA; they are based entirely on hands-on experience and observation at BLACK SUN Studio and the opinions and observations of numerous other reputable professional piercers.


BLACK SUN CLIENTS receive a detailed personalized aftercare information sheet based on the type of piercing as well as other health and lifestyle issues. The efficacy of BLACK SUN care recommendations depends on consistent treatment and your common sense response to any problems such as infection, allergic reaction, or unusual discomfort. If you have any problems, concerns, or are unsure about the information provided, BLACK SUN clients are welcome to call or drop by for assistance. BLACK SUN staff are willing and able to provide the best possible piercing aftercare to our valued clients. Most problems can be treated in-studio ­ so please, let us help you! If we are closed or not answering the phone, ALWAYS LEAVE A MESSAGE. The messages are frequently checked, and we will call you back.

NOT OUR CLIENT? GOT A PROBLEM? We'd love to help! Since jewelry quality and piercing technique is highly variable from source to source, it is much more difficult to determine the cause of any piercing problem. Non-BLACK SUN piercings can only be assessed in person at the studio, preferably with an appointment. If our staff is confident about safely maintaining your piercing through interventions such as jewelry change or treatment options, a $20 consultation fee applies. The fee includes a personalized written care plan and follow-up assistance if necessary, but does not include jewelry or aftercare products. Follow up assistance is always free of charge (you must have your caresheet from the paid consultation with you). In some cases we may suggest removal of the piercing or medical intervention, and in such cases will only charge $10 for the exam.

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TREATMENTS NEVER TO USE

• Polysporin, Bacitracin, Vaseline, A+D, Zinc Ointment or any greasy/creamy ointment. (Completely inappropriate for piercing aftercare, slows or prevents normal healing, may increase scarring.)

• Aspirin (crushed to powder) or any crushed tablet of any kind.

• Listerine, Scope, or any other alcohol based mouthwash.

• Rubbing Alcohol, Regular Drugstore Iodine, Mercurochrome, or any alcohol based treatment including all tinctures.

• Dettol, chlorine bleach solutions (Javex, La Parisienne, etc.)

• Bacti-Stat, Hibitane, Tersaseptic, any bar soap (not liquid), medical "green soap". (Very low success rate for piercing aftercare, usually too strong, often resulting in failure of the piercing.)

• Bactine, EarCare, or and product with Benzalkonium Chloride.

• Hydrogen Peroxide

• Vitamin E, Vit. E oil, Vit. E cream

• Witch Hazel

• Phisoderm, Phisohex, plain non-antibacterial liquid soap.

• Contact lens solutions, eye drops. (Limited success in piercing aftercare, longer healing time, greater risk of infection, lower overall success rate.)

TREATMENTS TO USE: Not all treatment options are listed here due to the potential for misuse. At BLACK SUN we personalize your aftercare with selected products from our arsenal of over 20 different aftercare products. The universally safe treatment for all piercings with no serious complications is SALTWATER. It can act as a maintenance treatment until you can see a qualified professional piercer or doctor. It is also an excellent non-irritating backup treatment in case of allergic reaction caused by another treatment. If you do not know the cause of your piercing difficulties, you are advised to eliminate all other treatments, and proceed with only SALTWATER, and seek professional assistance promptly. SALTWATER is made by adding 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon of Sea Salt to one cup (250ml) of warm water. Measurements provided are exact, do not use more or less salt. Do not use table salt. The piercing is then soaked in the solution using a cup or other container, or by wetting the piercing using saturated gauze or cotton balls. Keep the piercing soaked in the solution for about 5 minutes, then carefully move the jewelry within the piercing. Dry thoroughly with a clean tissue or paper towel.

REJECTION is a process in which the pierced skin slowly dies. Over a period of a few weeks or months, the jewelry may slowly be pushed to the surface of the skin, and may eventually grow out completely. This process may cause some scarring. If you notice the jewelry moving outward, you may wish to have the jewelry removed before complete rejection takes place. This will minimize any scarring. The jewelry may then be installed in a newly located piercing or re-installed at the previous site once the wound has totally healed. Some piercings are more prone to rejection than others. Low quality jewelry, non-implant grade metals, personal metabolism, ill health, bad diet, recurring infection, drug abuse, or inappropriate jewelry sizing are other contributing factors. Your piercer can inform you of risks and prevention of rejection for specific piercings. The most common cause of rejection is untreated infection or irritation; treat problems quickly to avoid scarring and possible loss of your piercing.

SLOW HEALING AND INTERMITTENT FLARE-UPS are often a result of low-grade infection or jewelry material sensitivities. Low-grade infections are difficult to identify because symptoms are minor, however they do slow or prevent complete healing. Many common piercing jewelry materials can eventually cause skin reactions, including all yellow gold alloys (10, 14, 18, 22k), white and rose gold, 316L Surgical Stainless Steel, Acrylic, Organic Materials, and Stone. See our jewelry standards for the best materials that are less likely to cause problems.



BLACK SUN CLIENTS experiencing difficulties should visit for a free checkup during regular opening hours. Be sure to have all the details about your piercing from the back of your aftercare sheet, and details of all the aftercare products you have used. We will usually suggest an aftercare product alternative and maybe a jewelry material change. (If you cannot visit the studio, it is important to call or email us for assistance.)

TIME TO SEE A DOCTOR? BLACK SUN CLIENTS are encouraged to call or visit the studio before rushing to the doctor. The vast majority of problems can be treated quickly and easily without medical intervention. Unfortunately most doctors will want to remove the piercing as part of their treatment. This is rarely necessary. So please, let us help. Our success rate is unmatched, and we will know how to treat most problems without giving up your piercing. If you are treated by a doctor for your BLACK SUN piercing, please let us know as soon as possible. PLEASE TELL YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT US AND REFER THEM TO THIS WEBSITE. BLACK SUN can provide referrals for "piercing friendly" doctors if necessary.

REAL EMERGENCIES are rare. In the following circumstances we recommend you see a BLACK SUN piercer OR your doctor immediately. While it is important not to over-react, the following symptoms may indicate a serious problem:

YOUR PIERCING IS INFECTED FOR MORE THAN 1 WEEK (with treatment); THE skin around the piercing is green, purple, or black; the skin in the piercing swells beyond the capacity of the jewelry (or the jewelry is cutting into the skin); you are in extreme pain; the area around the piercing is numb or the skin hardens; the pus from an infected piercing is dark green or mixed with blood; there is a lump, cyst, or abscess near the piercing. THESE CONDITIONS ARE HIGHLY UNUSUAL WHEN YOU ARE PIERCED BY A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL PIERCER, WHEN YOU FOLLOW THE CORRECT AFTERCARE GUIDELINES AND ARE IN GOOD GENERAL HEALTH. If unsure about the presence or seriousness of infection, contact your piercer promptly. If symptoms are severe or persistent, do not remove the jewelry, and contact your piercer or doctor immediately. If an infection is dealt with immediately, it can usually be cleared up easily with a simple treatment.

NOT PIERCED AT BLACK SUN? Your piercer should be responsible for providing complete, written aftercare instruction as well as prompt, competent follow-up assistance in case of trouble. If you are not confident in your piercers' ability to provide effective aftercare advice, see an expert. Don't wait until the problem becomes serious, see a reputable piercer or doctor immediately.

YOUR CONSULTATION AT BLACK SUN can last from five to thirty minutes depending on your needs. Making an appointment in advance will guarantee that we are able to provide all the help you require including jewelry sizing/change if necessary. Please try to have as much information as possible regarding treatments used in the past, for how long, where you bought the jewelry, exact jewelry material (if known), and any other information you think may be relevant. Medical conditions, illness, or injury may be relevant as well. Informing BLACK SUN staff of such issues is not required but will help provide the best possible assessment and all information is confidential.

EXCLUSIVE NATURAL CARE PRODUCTS BY MAIL: Some of our exclusive line of essential oil based piercing care products are available online. Our products are formulated by a qualified aromatherapist and have been in use for years with proven results. Use the checklist to be sure the products are safe and appropriate for you. All natural products have some risk of allergic reaction, however such reactions are rare. Discontinue use and contact us if any adverse reaction occurs. Not for internal use, or inside the mouth.


#3 USES: For treatment of minor infections in piercings without complications. Pus is present in the piercing (opaque sticky discharge, usually white, yellow, or green) but with no abscess, lump, bleeding, numbness, swelling, or pain. Apply immediately after regular cleansing of piercing with Sea Salt Solution or Antibacterial Soap. This step is essential. Dry piercing thoroughly with a clean tissue or paper towel. Apply oil sparingly and gently work into piercing twice daily for two weeks. For reduction of uncomplicated minor scar tissue around a piercing. Scar tissue is present around the piercing at the surface of the skin but without pain, abscess, major infection, numbness, swelling, bleeding. Apply once daily after your regular shower or bath. Use 1-2 drops and work gently into the piercing by carefully moving the jewelry. Can be used up to 8 weeks as needed. If scar tissue continues to grow, or symptoms of infection persist or become severe, consult a doctor immediately.

#3 CONTRAINDICATIONS: Not for internal use, for use inside the mouth, on very new piercings, or on severely infected piercings. Do not use if lump or abscess is present near piercing, if you have serious plant or food allergies, if the jewelry is cutting into the piercing or the balls on a barbell are pushing into the skin. Your jewelry should be made from 316LVM surgical steel, 6AL4V Titanium, 18/22kPalladium White Gold, or pure Platinum. Other materials may be the cause of your difficulties, including 10/14/18/22k Yellow Gold, 316L Stainless Steel, Acrylic, and White/Rose Gold alloys, as these are not considered implant grade. Rough or badly made jewelry causes scar tissue. Jewelry that is too heavy or badly sized or aggressive stretching of a piercing may also cause scarring. SYNERGIE #3 will be ineffective until other risk factors are eliminated.

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#2 USES: Use to stretch a piercing, to lubricate jewelry insertion, to condition dry or irritated skin around a piercing, to protect and lubricate a piercing during sports or "play", maintenance of piercings for those with dry skin, to help restore elasticity for stiff piercings or in preparation for stretching. Best to apply to a freshly washed piercing; after a shower, bath, or Saltwater soak.

#2 CONTRAINDICATIONS: Not for internal use, not for use on injured or broken skin, inside the mouth, on new/unhealed piercings, or on infected piercings. Do not use if lump or abscess is present near piercing, if you have serious plant or food allergies, if the jewelry is cutting into the piercing or the balls on a barbell are pushing into the skin. Your jewelry should be made from 316LVM surgical steel, 6AL4V Titanium, 18/22k Palladium White Gold, or pure Platinum. Other materials may be the cause of your difficulties, including 10/14/18/22k Yellow Gold, 316Land other Stainless Steel, Acrylic, and White/Rose Gold alloys, as these are not considered implant grade. Rough or badly made jewelry causes problems. Jewelry that is too heavy or poorly sized, or aggressive stretching of a piercing may also cause problems. SYNERGIE #2 will be less effective until other risk factors are eliminated. STRETCH YOUR PIERCING SLOWLY, GENTLY, AND WITH THE RIGHT JEWELRY! If a stretching tears or bleeds, treat it like a new piercing, and do not use SYNERGIE #2 for care. It is best to see a piercer for stretching and stretched piercing problems.

WHAT ABOUT SYNERGY #1, #4 AND #5?
The indications for Synergies #1, #4 and #5 are very specific and so are only sold in person at the studio after a thorough assessment of your piercing. Not all treatment options are listed here due to the potential for misuse. At BLACK SUN we personalize your aftercare with selected products from our arsenal of over 20 different aftercare products.

PRICES AND ORDERING
SYNERGIES are $13.00 (CDN) or $9.00 (US) each plus $6.00 express mail shipping and handling ($6 US to US address and $6 CDN to Canadian address)

PAY BY MAIL
Concealed cash or international postal money order sent to:
BLACK SUN STUDIO
3919 St. Denis
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H2W 2M4

PHONE ORDER with your VISA card;
Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon. Closed Tue and Wed.
(514) 286-5259

ONLINE ORDERING (PayPal) Use Pay Pal to send money for immediate shipping. Funds and orders should be sent to pierre9@blacksunstudio.com.

QUESTIONS
Call or email piercing@blacksunstudio.com

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