The Piercing Process: From Concept to Pierced

Body piercings are rapidly growing in popularity. But, when you’ve finally decided to make the plunge and get pierced, what does the process look like from start to finish? Below, we will break down the entire body piercing procedure, from the inception of the concept, through the healing process and aftercare, to give you a better understanding of what you are getting into when you get a piercing.

How to Choose the Perfect Piercing

Deciding to get a body piercing is easy; deciding where exactly you would like the piercing and what type of jewelry you would like to wear is a bit more challenging. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you make the right decision that you will be happy with:

1. Educate yourself. Learn about the different types of body piercings that are available, how they are done and what kind of jewelry is available to choose from. Educating yourself on piercing etiquette, the possible risks and aftercare instructions is also a must.

2. Determine where exactly you would like to get pierced. As already mentioned, there are many different locations you can choose from, including the ears, nose, eyebrows, tongue, and navel.

3. Select the jewelry that you would like to wear. The different types of body jewelry available are diverse and range from simple studs and rings to bars, barbells and more.

4. Research reputable body artists. It’s important to find a safe and reliable piercer who is experienced in the types of body piercings you are considering. Look for a body piercer who is trained and certified and speaks openly about the risks involved.

Preparing for Your Piercing

1. Arrive for your piercing either early or on time. During the piercing time, piercers will go through the necessary paperwork, including the aftercare instructions, so arriving on time is important.

2. Take extra measures to make sure that your body is clean. Prior to the piercing procedure, it’s always a good idea to take a shower and use a mild soap to clean the area that will be pierced.

3. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking unnecessary medications. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs before your piercing as they can negatively impact your body’s ability to fight infection and can make it harder for your body to heal.

The Piercing Procedure

1. Your piercer will clean the entry spot with a medical-grade disinfectant. Before the piercing procedure begins, your piercer will prepare the area using a medical-grade disinfectant. It is important to note that this will likely sting a bit.

2. The piercer uses a medical-grade piercing instrument to pierce the skin. After the piercing site has been cleansed and marked, a medical-grade piercing instrument is clamped onto your skin and the piercing is performed. Although this is likely the most painful step, it typically only lasts a few seconds.

3. Your body is properly cleaned and dressed with a bandage. After the piercing has been completed, the piercer will typically clean the site with a saline solution and then wrap a bandage around the area.

Post Piercing Aftercare

1. Clean the pierced area twice a day with a saline solution. It is important to keep the pierced area clean to avoid infection and promote healing. We recommend cleaning the piercing twice a day with a saline solution or with antibacterial soap and hot water.

2. Avoid changing or removing the jewelry. Unless instructed to do so by your piercer, it is best to avoid changing or removing the jewelry as this can injure the area and lead to infection.

3. Avoid playing with the piercing site. Playing with the piercing site can cause damage to the area and increase the risk of infection.

4. Attend the follow-up checkup. It is important to attend the follow-up checkup recommended by your piercer to ensure that the area is healing properly. Your piercer may offer advice regarding the jewelry (for example, to switch to a different size) or other aftercare instructions.

5. Finally, listen to your body. When you’re getting a piercing and the healing process, it is important to listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel quite right, notify your piercer as soon as possible.

Now that you have a better understanding of the entire piercing process and what’s involved, from start to finish, it’s time to decide if you’re ready to take the plunge and get pierced. Remember to do your research, find a reputable piercer who is experienced in the piercing that you are considering and pay attention to aftercare instructions. With the proper care and precautions, you can ensure that you have a safe and successful piercing experience.