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In recent years there has been an upsurge in demand for exotic piercing and related services and products. In response to this trend, many businesses and individuals have seen fit to offer exotic piercing services without the necessary expertise required to achieve healthy, comfortable, and attractive results. This information is intended to clear up some myths and misconceptions about piercing and to inform you about the current state of the art.  Myth: Ear Piercing Guns are fine for body piercing. No. Piercing Guns are designed for ear piercing only and should never be used on other parts of the body or face. Serious bruising, infection, and scarring may result. (They are not the best option for your ears either!) Myth: Silver or Sterling Silver jewelry can be used in piercings. Never. Silver is a reactive metal that will corrode or tarnish if used in a piercing. In many cases Silver may actually prevent healing, and in some people will cause a severe allergic reaction. Pewter, copper, and brass should also never be used. Myth: Alcohol is the best care for a new piercing. Wrong. Not only will alcohol cause unnecessary pain and irritation to a new piercing, but it actually damages new cell growth and slows healing. Many other traditional treatment choices, such as Hydrogen Peroxide and Antibiotic Ointments or Creams, are not always appropriate for piercings. Although these treatments may work sometimes - a professional piercer can suggest the most effective and up-to-date treatment options for your piercing. Myth: "I can only wear gold." Most people who believe this have only worn regular earrings provided by regular jewelers. The problems experienced are often a result of bad construction and bad jewelry finishing NOT necessarily the type of metal used. Cheaper metals are often more porous and less attention is paid to polishing and finishing during manufacturing. The best body piercing jewelry (also good for ears) eliminates these concerns; using superior, implant grade metals and alloys combined with flawless construction and finishing. Myth: Bleeding and extreme pain are part of being pierced. Most piercings produce little or no blood if performed correctly. Pain is a relative term; everyone has a different pain tolerance and will therefore react differently. The pain felt during a piercing is over quickly, and is tolerable for most people. If the piercing is performed by a skilled, professional piercer, any discomfort is minimized. Myth: Regular earrings or studs can be used for body piercing. Ear jewelry is designed for ears. It is too thin and usually made from cheap, unsuitable metals that cause allergic reactions, infections, rejection, or other problems. Ear jewelry should never be used anywhere else on the body or face. Individuals who suffer from chronic pierced ear problems can usually find a simple and permanent solution by applying the completely different jewelry standards offered by a professional piercing specialist. Myth: Exotic piercing is dangerous. When the procedure is performed correctly by an experienced, professional piercer, and the piercing is properly and regularly cared for, there is no risk of disease transmission and very little risk of infection or other complications. Proper jewelry sizing and placement are also essential for the longterm health of your piercing. Myth: Oral piercings (tongue or lip) cause tooth and gum damage. With precision placement, the highest quality jewelry, and the ongoing support of a professional piercer, these risks are almost unheard of. For longterm maintenance, replace or repair jewelry at the first sign of damage or deterioration, and always be sure to have the jewelry professionally fitted.
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| It is important to remember that getting a piercing is not like buying a piece of clothing or getting a haircut. It should be a cautious, informed decision. An uninformed choice could be hazardous to your health, not to mention a waste of time and money. Getting pierced should be a positive experience, not an ordeal. Do-it-yourself piercing is not recommended as it requires specialized equipment, as well as technical and anatomical knowledge which only a professional can provide. If cost is your main concern, consider that a bad piercing may end up costing you a lot more in the longrun, and may even cause some permanent damage. Do it right the first time - go to an expert. A correctly performed piercing involves a specially designed disposable pre-sterilized needle, and other specialized tools (A piercing gun is never used !!!). All tools and jewelry must be sterilized, and needles are never reused for any reason. First, the skin is cleansed and the precise placement is chosen and approved by the client. The area is then stabilized, often using forceps or other specialized tools, and the needle passed quickly through the skin. The jewelry is then slipped smoothly into place as the needle is withdrawn. When this procedure is performed correctly, pain is minimized and there is no risk of procedural infection. (A device known as a "body piercing gun" is used by some "piercers" - This is simply a modified ear piercing gun with longer studs. These appliances hold the same flaws as normal ear piercing guns, and are not recommended.) Jewelry for body piercing is very different from that used in ear piercings. The jewelry must be smooth, seamless and made from implant grade steel, titanium, or gold of no less than 14K (a few other materials are sometimes used). The jewelry should come from a supplier who specializes in piercing jewelry, not from a regular jeweler. Good jewelry will last many years. Cheap jewelry will only cause problems. Anesthetic is best avoided for most types of piercing. Topical anesthetics (creams or sprays) may reduce the pain of the procedure slightly, but may cause much more pain, bleeding, and swelling when it wears off. A properly performed piercing takes only a few seconds, and will not usually hurt or bleed much when the procedure is complete. In most caseshe extra time, hassle, and possible risks of anesthetic far outweigh the benefit. Ice applied to a piercing site before the procedure will increase the pain felt and may cause bruising. Injected anesthetics hold the same risks as topicals and are illegal (in Canada) unless administered by a physician. Rejection is the term used to describe the body's non-acceptance of a piercing. This is more likely to occur with certain piercings, and is rare with others. A professional piercer can advise you on the risks and prevention of rejection for specific piercings. Proper care of a new piercing is just as important as having it done the right way. A strict care regimen must be followed to ensure problem-free healing and long-term enjoyment of your piercing. |
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| Choosing a Professional Piercer When choosing a professional piercer, many factors must be considered in order to avoid careless, inexperienced, or unqualified individuals. Piercing is much more than just "clean needles and stainless steel" - it is a very specialized trade that requires training, experience, and commitment. Keep in mind that almost any amature piercer will know what to say in order to sell you a piercing. The real question is: Are they actually doing it? Your money and more importantly your health may be at risk. Take your time, get informed, and choose the right professional for you. (This is a very basic outline how to choose a reliable piercer and is by no means foolproof. Be patient, be picky, know exactly why you are at the studio you have chosen before the needle goes in.)  Ask about the method used. Remember that piercing guns are unacceptable! If a piercing shop uses a piercing gun, even for ear-lobes, this is a good indication that they don’t know enough to do any piercing safely. Ask about sterilization. The the most reliable method of sterilization for instruments and jewelry is the autoclave; a device used in hospitals for sterilization of surgical tools. Needles should be disposable sterile hypodermics and never re-used. Sterilization equipment must be tested and regularly maintained. Documentation should be available. Ask about jewelry. Jewelry should be new, made from implant grade steel, appropriate gold alloys, implant grade titanium or other inert material. Earrings or studs are unacceptable. The piercer should be knowledgeable about metals, gauges, and types of jewelry. Knowledge of proper placement and jewelry size are essential. Ask for references. Any reliable piercer will have numerous happy customers, as well as professional references. Ask around and see who comes recommended. A portfolio is also a reasonable request. A photo portfolio should contain fully healed piercings only, as unhealed work does not represent the true finished product. Ask About Hygiene Standards. The person piercing you should be able to prove that they have some real knowledge regarding safe sterilization and hygiene practices as they relate to piercing. Proof of sterilization equipment maintenance such as the results of biological testing or a maintenance log is also a reasonable demand. “New needles” are not adequate proof of a safe procedure or a qualified piercer!  Is the shop or work area suitable? The area should be clean, well lit, neatly organized, and comfortable. Dust, dirt, bad lighting, or a cluttered, disorganized work area are obvious signs of a careless piercer. Complete privacy should also be available at your request. Is the piercer knowledgeable, open, and candid? Does the piercer seem confident and well trained? Is the piercer candid about sterilization techniques, and willing to explain all aspects of the procedure? Is the piercer honest about risks such as rejection, and knowledgeable about reducing or preventing any such risks? Remember that you are putting your body in someone else's hands. Are you comfortable with the piercer? The piercer and piercee should both be relaxed and confident. A good piercer will be concerned about making your piercing a positive experience. Aftercare? Any reliable piercer will provide detailed written instructions on the best care and maintenance for your specific piercing, including how to deal with infection, jewelry maintenance, etc. A good piercer will also be prepared to address any concerns you may have during and after the healing process.
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