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Body Piercing Do’s and Don’ts

While you won’t see any body piercing done at our showroom in Scottsdale, AZ, we’re aware that body jewelry is part of our fashion culture. So here’s a few pointers from experts:

DON’T get any piercing done with a ear-piercing gun or cheap ear studs.

DO verify the piercer uses one-use-only hollow needles, sterilized forceps, latex gloves, and other procedures to prevent infection or disease transmission.

DON’T get a piercing at a convention of any sort. It’s the worst possible situation for the piercer, you, and your piercing.

DO select a time when you are healthy, well-rested, and mentally ready for the piercing. If you aren’t sure, you aren’t ready. Eat a balanced meal 2-4 hours before the piercing. (If you can’t get a meal, tell the piercer so you can be given a soda or juice to boost your blood sugar before the piercing.)

DON’T accept “temporary” or “starter” jewelry. A professional piercer will be honest; if what you need isn’t in stock, he/she will say so. You’ll be happier waiting for the right jewelry than if you “make do.”

DO ask to have each step explained to you. (Before the piercing, if you’d rather not know exactly what’s happening when.)

DON’T fail to tell the piercer if you have any medical conditions, medications, or other health concerns which may affect the piercing procedure or healing. They may make a difference in placement, timing, or aftercare. If you don’t trust the piercer enough to tell him/her the truth, you haven’t found the right piercer. (A professional will keep the information confidential.)

DO obtain and read complete, written aftercare instructions. Ask questions about caring for your specific piercing, if general instructions are given.

DON’T accept the myth that “all piercings get infected.” Piercings shouldn’t get infected. And won’t, if the piercing was done correctly and you take proper care of it.

DO follow the aftercare instructions. If you are instructed to clean the piercing twice a day for six months, do it. Even if the piercing appears fully healed and in good condition. (Navel and nipple piercings, especially, are notorious for “flaring up” if you stop early.)

DON’T remove or replace jewelry earlier than specified. If you must remove it temporarily, use nylon monofilament in the same size as the jewelry gauge to keep the piercing open; replace the original jewelry as soon as possible.

DO call or visit the piercer if you have any questions or concerns about your piercing. If you aren’t comfortable with the quality of the piercer, consider visiting another studio for a “second opinion.”

DON’T hesitate to seek medical help if:

  1. The jewelry is pulled out (splitting the skin).

  2. The piercing gets seriously infected and doesn’t clear up within a few days of proper care.

  3. A nostril or septum piercing becomes infected. (It’s true nose infections can be very serious or even fatal.)

DO replace original jewelry (if desired after fully healed) with body jewelry of equal quality (surgical grade stainless steel, 14K or higher yellow gold, or niobium/titanium). If you absolutely have to wear non-body jewelry, wear it through an “ear thimble” (a.k.a “eyelet”). These are specially made tubes of surgical stainless steel or niobium which will protect your body from the “whatever” you want to wear. Thimbles are available in 12g. and larger (the piercing must be one gauge larger to accommodate the flared ends of the thimble).

And finally,

DO be proud of your body piercing. It’s as special as you are!

Source: Expert Body Piercing