According to BellaOnline, nipple piercings take from three to six months to heal for men and six to 12 months for women. They are technically considered a deep tissue wound.
Because these piercings take so long to heal, there is a higher potential for infection. Signs include swelling, redness and tenderness.
According to Pregnancy.org, there is no evidence that a pierced nipple will interfere with the ability to breast feed.
Sometimes an abscess or cyst may form behind the nipple. These are usually harmless but should be checked by a doctor.
Use cleaning products without perfumes or dyes and avoid over-cleaning the piercing. Also avoid hot tubs and pools because the chemicals can irritate the area.