I used saline solution on mine throughout the day when I got them pierced. And antibacterial soap in the shower. I have had mine done for a long time so I don't remember how long everything took to heal or how intense it was. I did take them out for 4 years while I was pg with my girls (age 5 and 3 now) and nursing.... put them back in as soon as I was done nursing and they went right in My favorite piercing by far! I would love to have the vch piercing but don't know if I ever will.
Kim had hers done a couple of years ago. The best thing is the sea salt soaks at least once a day for a few weeks. Take a couple of the little dixie cups, mix up some sea salt and warm water, put 'em on the girls and lay on the couch for a bit. I think it was about 3 months before she was able to change them, but what really helps is SurgiLube. Get a tube and put a little on the end before you pull them out and also put some on the new ones before inserting and they go in and out like nothing. We love them and she has not had a bit of trouble!
We use surgilube too! It makes a world of difference in being able to change jewelry fairly often. We love our piercings and the variety of jewelry we can wear!
Sea salt soaks are the key...all my piercings love it. Has to be sea salt though, not table salt. Can get in grocery aisle with other salt. I also use a lube, but it's called (don't laugh) Smelly Gelly...cuz sometimes piercings can get a funky smell like rotting corpse LOL...it makes them easy to change...and keeps some of the "funk" away...that's mainly my nipples though. Nose or navel don't funk at all
When we were there last May, Joann got her belly button pierced at the sexy pool. Going out into the ocean through out the day helped the healing process.