How long does a tongue piercing take to heal?

Usually 4 to 6 weeks, which makes it one of the fastest oral piercings to heal. It feels normal within a week or two, but do not change the bar until it is fully settled.

Why is the first barbell so long?

The tongue swells after piercing. A longer bar accommodates that swelling without the ends pressing into the tissue. Come back for your free downsize appointment and we fit a shorter bar to your healed tongue.

Can I get frog eyes instead of a center tongue piercing?

Yes, we pierce frog eyes: a paired horizontal piercing across the tongue tip. It is a different look and a different healing experience. Talk it through at your free consultation so you know what to expect.

How much does a tongue piercing cost?

Piercings start at $40, with jewelry priced separately. Tongue piercings include an initial longer bar, and the downsize appointment is free.

Lip & Oral piercing

Tongue Piercing in Riverside, CA

The classic tongue piercing passes vertically through the center of the tongue, with a barbell that sits on top and underneath. We also pierce frog eyes, a paired horizontal piercing across the tongue tip. Both are done with a single-use needle and an extra-long implant-grade titanium barbell that accommodates swelling, then swapped for a shorter bar once the swelling drops. Tongue piercings are among the fastest oral piercings to heal, usually 4 to 6 weeks.

Quick facts

Price from: $40 + jewelry
Healing time: 4–6 weeks
Pain level: Medium
Piercer: Brandon Medina

Healing & aftercare

What healing looks like

A tongue piercing typically takes 4–6 weeks to heal. Keep it clean with sterile saline spray twice a day, do not touch or twist it, keep it dry after showers, and avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean until it is fully settled.

Full aftercare for tongue piercings

Come back for a free downsize check once the swelling drops. Changing jewelry early is the most common cause of irritation, so let your piercer do it.

Jewelry