The tongue piercing uses a 14 or 12 gauge barbell, a downsizing of the barbell generally takes place no sooner than 4 weeks . A longer bar , 3/4 or 5/8 of an inch is initially used to accomodate swelling- the downsizing barbell is usually 5/8 or 1/2 inch long.

Tongues heal in 4 to 8 weeks, swelling will last from 3 to 7 days and can be lessened with ice and cold liquids. Oral contact with other people is not recommended for the healing period as is alcohol for two weeks after the piercing. Chamomile tea is great to bring down swelling and promote healing.

Tongues can be pierced on the outside edges, but is generally recommended to only be pierced in the center infront of the webbing or frenum of the tongue. Shorter tongues or tongue tied tongues may not be suitable for this piercing.