Ear Piercing

If your child is ready to have their ears pierced, turn to Merritt Pediatrics in San Antonio, Texas. Board-certified pediatrician Christina Merritt, MD, offers safe, nearly painless ear piercing services in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Schedule an ear piercing with Dr. Merritt by phone or request a visit online today to take advantage of this convenient service with a low risk of complications.

What is ear piercing?

Ear piercing at Merritt Pediatrics involves making tiny holes in your child’s ears and placing earrings in them at the same time. Dr. Merritt offers this service at an additional charge, as it’s not covered by concierge medicine memberships. The membership covers healthcare services for your child. You pay a monthly fee rather than having to bill an insurance company.

Dr. Merritt can pierce the ears of children of all ages, from babies to teenagers. She lets you know what to expect before, during, and after the ear piercing so that you can make an informed decision for your child.

What happens during ear piercing?

Before ear piercing at Merritt Pediatrics, Dr. Merritt places a mark on your child’s ears to determine where the earrings will go. She numbs the area for your child’s comfort. She then uses a device to make tiny holes in your child’s ears and insert earrings of their choice.

This process lasts just a second; it’s fast and almost painless. Dr. Merritt can pierce just one ear or both during the same visit.

What are the side effects of ear piercing?

Side effects after ear piercing include tenderness, swelling, and redness after the first 24 hours. If your child experiences these symptoms within 24 hours or develops a fever, contact Dr. Merritt.

How do I care for my child’s newly pierced ears at home?

It’s important to follow your ear piercing aftercare instructions exactly as directed by Dr. Merritt. Most healing typically takes about six weeks, but complete healing can take up to six months.

Encourage your child to keep their ears clean, spin the earrings twice a day to prevent them from sticking, and make sure they always wash their hands before touching their ears.

Use hydrogen peroxide (applied to a cotton swab) to clean the front and back of the ears three times daily. Keep the earrings in place during healing; cover them with band-aids during sports activities.

Contact Dr. Merritt if your child develops bruising, pain, fever, diarrhea, nausea, a rash, bleeding, a headache, or worsening redness and swelling. Call her if you notice green or yellow drainage at the piercing site. She’s available during and after office hours.

Schedule an ear piercing at Merritt Pediatrics by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.