I got one done in Feb...hurt for a few hours then has been fine ever since. I don't get weeping or crusts, in fact I forget its there unless I snag it on my sponge in the shower. I have never needed to do a salt soak as I've never had oozing, but I have sea salt on standby. I wash it daily with a disinfectant soap.
I was told it takes about 9 months to heal if taken care of properly. I think the size of your nipple plays a part too, my friend with massive boobs said hers was hell for the 18 months it took to heal while mine has been fine.
You're not meant to swim till its fully healed though, no idea what some of these people are on about... Why would you want to anyway lol.
It differs from person to person, so some people may have easier times healing than others.