Frequently Asked Questions
Body Piercing FAQ
Is it going to hurt?
Not nearly as much as you might think! In fact, the actual piercing is so brief that the worst part is the preceding mental anxiety and fear. And, no matter how the piercing felt, almost everyone who gets pierced can’t help but laugh or smile when it’s over. Don’t get me wrong, piercing is not a painless experience–but pain is completely relative to the individual and the pain incurred during a piercing is nothing that the average person can’t handle. Remember: the piercing process only lasts a split second, while the new addition to your body can be enjoyed as long as you like!
How long will it take to heal?
That depends. Each area of the body has its own unique healing period and process. Oral and oral/facial piercings tend to heal fastest, while others tend to heal a bit slower.
Cartilage: 3 months-1 year
Earlobe: 6-8 weeks
Eyebrow: 6-12 weeks
Labret: 6-12 weeks
Lip: 6-12 weeks
Navel: 4 months-over 1 year
Nipple: 3-6 months
Nostril: 3 months-1 year
Septum: 3-6 months
Tongue: 4-8 weeks
What if a shop doesn’t seem clean and my piercer isn’t wearing gloves, isn’t using sterilized needles and jewelry, or simply being unpleasant when I ask questions?
Get up and walk out! There’s no longer any reason to put up with inferior and unsafe shops and piercers. The APP states that there are between 7,000 to 10,000 shops in the United States that perform piercings–and the numbers are growing rapidly. For you, the piercee, this means that you have the decision to go many different places to get pierced. So, if a shop seems to appear unprofessional, there’s no reason to feel as though, “I guess I’m getting pierced here or nowhere.” Try and do some research before choosing a shop or piercer. Ask around and determine what shops have solid reputations for being sterile, good quality, and friendly.
What can and can’t I do during the healing period?
Basically, treat your piercing like what it is: a wound. Would you play rough sports or have rough sexual encounters if you were wounded? Would you irritate a wound that is trying to heal? You should treat your fresh piercings as gently as possible–at all times, at all costs. This will insure that your body is healing your new piercing at the fastest rate possible. And always remember to wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before touching your healing piercing.
How long before I can change the jewelry?
In accordance with healing, this time period can vary from person to person. There are two things to consider: the initial and full healing periods. The initial healing period is that time when the body creates a nice layer of skin between you and the jewelry. The full healing period is when the new piercing is entirely healed. Now, when deciding how long to wait before changing your jewelry you have to remember that you don’t want to reopen the wound. This will delay your healing process and require intense aftercare to prevent possible infection. And when you change your jewelry you are going to irritate your new piercing—no matter how gentle you are. So, our advice is to wait until the piercing is no longer tender (meaning, you can play with your piercing without experiencing ANY discomfort). At this point you can consider changing your jewelry. However, use as much care as possible when changing your jewelry for the first time!
Why do I have to start with implant grade stainless steel, titanium, or 14k+ gold jewelry?
These are the best materials to prevent adverse reactions to the new object in your body. There will be plenty of time for the fun involved with changing your jewelry to express yourself or reflect your personal style. But you don’t want to lose your piercing because you have no patience. So, try to enjoy each stage of your new piercing and understand that better you treat your new holes, the sooner you’ll be able to show-off your new piercing.
For how long can I keep out my jewelry?
This depends. Each piercing has a different lifespan without jewelry. Bottom line, if you have to remove your jewelry, contact your piercer about retainers. This will prevent any chance of losing the piercing. And retainers are made with clear lucite, flesh colored or clear acrylic ends, and other styles of “hideable” accessories. So hiding your piercing shouldn’t be an issue. And for athletes, a flexible material can be used such as Tygon.
I think my piercing is infected … what should I do?
There are several different things that can be wrong with your piercing. Most commonly, you may have an irritation or adverse reaction to the jewelry. Please contact the piercer at the shop in which you were pierced. If you are in a new location, contact your local professional piercer or shop. If you still don’t feel satisfied, or if the complications persist, please contact your personal physician or schedule to see a local doctor.
Is piercing some new “fad” or “trend”?
No!! Piercing has been around since early man. It has been practiced in nearly every culture all over the world for thousands of years. The reason why some journalists call piercing a “fad” or “trend” is either because they don’t get around much (non-ear piercings have officially been in the US since Gauntlet opened shop in the early 70’s) or they are uneducated about the myriad of cultures and societies that inhabit our planet. In my opinion, we are merely experiencing the Western Body Art Renaissance. Now that body art has spread beyond a select few subcultures in the US, our peoples have come to appreciate the beautification and joy that body art offers.
Should I “spin” my jewelry when cleaning a new piercing, or will this drag bacteria into the wound and delay healing?
We believe that “spinning” the jewelry will drag dried matter and bacteria into the wound and possibly damage healing tissue. We really suggest minimal handling of the jewelry.
Should I use alcohol to clean my piercing?
DO NOT use any type of alcohol, peroxide, ointment, or ear care solution to clean your piercing. Alcohol or any of these is not meant for internal use, and will only irritate and further complicate the healing process.
My piercing is red and seems to be infected … what can I do?
First, make sure that you are NOT using Bactine, alcohol, or Neosporin. The largest amount of complaints come from those who use these products to heal their piercings. Second, make sure that you are only using antibacterial or antimicrobial soap and sea salt soaks to clean your piercing. Third make sure there is nothing causing tension or pressure on the piercing (i.e. sleeping on the piercing, tight pants, belts, hats, etc.) Fourth avoid any cosmetic products in or around the piercing site.
Remember, piercings such as the navel and nipple tend to get irritated easily because they are in active areas of the body. So be careful not to pull on your jewelry while the piercing is still healing.
How long should I wait before stretching my piercing?
It’s a good idea to wait at least 3 times as long as the healing period before attempting to stretch. This is only a General Rule, so sometimes you can go faster, sometimes slower. It’s always a good idea to let your piercer do the stretching as they have the right tools for the job make it a lot easier. Patience is a virtue, stretch at a normal pace…when your body wants you too. We also suggest 6-8 weeks in between each stretch.
Will I have a problem breast feeding if my nipples are pierced?
As long as the piercing are well healed one would not have a problem with breastfeeding. We do suggest removing the jewelry, though.
How do I insert new jewelry?
1) Wash both your hands and the piercing with antibacterial soap. Then lube the end of the jewelry with a water based lubricant.
2) Pinch the skin adjacent to the piercing and insert one end of the body jewelry into one hole of the piercing.
3) While inserting the body jewelry, massage the opposite hole with a finger from the hand that was originally pinching.
4) Continue inserting and massaging until you feel the body jewelry exiting the piercing
5) Stop massaging and gently finish inserting the body jewelry.
6) Either screw on or push in your accessory.
7) If you have a captive accessory, place one groove on one side of the ring and push the accessory toward the ring while pushing the ring toward the accessory.
8) Once your accessory is screwed on or snapped in, clean your body jewelry one more time to reduce chances for infection.
* Remember, your body is sensitive! So please be gentle during the entire procedure
** A hot shower or hot compress will help soften your skin before cleaning and inserting body jewelry.
My tongue is really white and there seems to be a whitish ring around my piercing … what should I do?
This is often caused by too much mouthwash. If you are using mouthwash too frequently and/or it contains alcohol E.G. Listerine, it can destroy the layer of healthy bacteria on the top of your tongue. Switch to an alcohol free mouthwash and limit rinsing 4-6 times a day max for 30 seconds.
My nipple piercings puss and end up crudding up and have to cleanse a couple times daily to keep clear of this crusting. It never seems to go away no matter how long I’ve had them or the cleanser I use. What should I do?
Please try this: Mix 1/8 teaspoons of Non Iodized Sea Salt to 8 oz. of distilled water. Pour 1 cup (8oz) into a disposable cup and heat it in a microwave until very warm. Soak your piercings for 5-10 minutes. Do this 2x a day and you should see a huge difference. Remember, NO TOUCHING. There is no need to rotate the rings if you’re soaking. The crusty matter will probably keep appearing for 2-6 months.
On the bottom of my tongue, right where the barbell comes out, there is a ring around the bar. and it’s hard, like the skin is hard, kinda like scar tissue.
The bump that appears to be scar tissue is just that, scar tissue. This is not too uncommon. It is usually caused from mechanical stress or too much movement. I would suggest that you get your barbell downsized and that alone should alleviate the irritation.
Can you please tell me about “migration”?
Migration or rejection is usually caused by “back pressure” often caused by mechanical stress, or simply the body refusing to accept the piercing. Rings can get knocked around quite a bit and that irritation can also cause rejection. In fact, any piercing, that received enough trauma, can be rejected. Infection and allergy/sensitivity are also types of irritation and can lead to rejection. Some piercing will “migrate” to a more comfortable setting without being rejected. Eyebrows that are pierced too deeply will often migrate to a more comfortable position and stop. You can tell a piercing is rejecting when the skin is pink (non infection) and sometimes tender. The holes begin to get closer together leaving a thin scar in their wake. This can happen extremely quickly or over a long period of time. And it can happen to a brand new piercing or one that is 5 years old.
I want to get my cartilage pierced but don’t want a huge hole in my ear forever. If I wear jewelry in it for a year or longer and then decided to take it out, will the hole close back up?
As long as there is no complications during the healing process, and/or obscene amounts of scar tissue, the piercing will close. It may leave the remnants of discoloration, but that too will fade over time.
Where can I get sea salt?
The best places to look are:
a professional piercing studio
a drugstore/pharmacy
an organic food store
a health food store
HELP! HELP! I have an emergency! What should I do?
No matter how much valuable information you may find on the Internet, there is no substitute for a visual diagnosis — which can be given best by your local piercer. If you are uncomfortable with your piercer’s opinion in any way, please consider visiting another piercer in your area (ideally, someone with a good reputation). If you still feel uncomfortable, please visit your physician. Keep in mind, though: some doctors are knowledgeable about piercings and some are not.
I just removed the jewelry in one of my piercings and I want the hole to close up as best as possible … what should I do?
You should: Massage the tissue while you’re in the shower letting very hot water run over it and help break up the scar tissue, stimulating new skin growth.
I’m using a bottled saline solution for my sea salt soaks and I want to make sure the product is the right one …
The proper mix of saline creates a .9% saline solution…very close to your body’s natural make-up. But the difference is that the saline PH is slightly lower than your body. The body always wants to balance PH, so the body “pushes” into the soaking cup, actively cleaning the piercing. So, not only does the warm saline soften the tissue, draw out the debris, draw blood to the area, but the body is actively pushing as well.
I’m thinking about stretching my piercings. How do I do it?
See your piercer for this. Going to fast or just shoving jewelry in could cause a lot of damage and possibly make it harder, or impossible, to stretch again.
Can’t I just get pierced with a gun at the mall?
Getting pierced with a piercing-gun is very unhealthy for your body. A piercing-gun inflicts blunt trauma force to the body, which increases the chance for infection and an unpleasant healing process. ALL piercings should be performed with a hollow, surgical steel tri bevel needle. This will alleviate the problem of “blowout” (having a volcano-like build-up of flesh around the exit hole of you piercing) and decrease chances for infection.
The first such problem is the risk of contracting disease. Most guns have plastic parts which cannot be properly sterilized, giving rise to the possibility of spreading bacterial infections.
The second problem has to do with the shape and composition of the jewelry itself and the force applied by it to the earlobe (or any body part), making healing difficult. These guns were first manufactured to tag livestock, and inflict unnecessary blunt trauma to the tissue. The studs used by the guns have clasps which trap bacteria and which, when combined with the too-short post used by the jewelry, compress the tissue. This does not allow for any swelling, makes cleaning the site difficult. In addition, the metal used for most of the gunned jewelry is of inferior quality and may inhibit healing by causing contact dermatitis or nickel allergies.
The best and safest option for any piercing, including earlobes, is to patronize a professional body piercer. These individuals have the proper training to perform safe piercings, certainly unlike the poorly trained clerks piercing people in malls. Professional piercers observe proper sterile procedures, use a single-use, sharp needle which does not damage tissue, and good quality body jewelry made specifically for safe and speedy healing.
Do you see puss? (thick, white, liquid, sometimes tinted pink, yellow and even green) Is it swollen? Is it warm to the touch? Is it red and inflamed? Does it hurt?
“Yes” to these could indicate infection. Bacteria or another irritant has caused an infection or a response from you body that resembles an infection. See your doctor if your piercers instructions don’t help within 3-5 days.
Is there a hard knot under the piercing? (like a marble under the skin) Is it warm to the touch? Does it hurt? Is it red and inflamed? Does puss sometimes ooze out?
“Yes” to these could indicate an abscess. An infection is trapped and could burst. Don’t squeeze it and don’t remove the jewelry until your doctor tells you to. See a doctor immediately, this could become very serious!
Is there a bump next to the piercing? (like a pimple) Is it red and inflamed? Does puss sometimes ooze out? Is it tender near the bump?
“Yes” to these could indicate a follicular cyst. Something is stuck inside the piercing or a pore or follicle near the piercing is blocked. Hot soaks should take care of it very quickly.
Is the skin tight and shiny? Is there a rash? Does the rash seem to “flow” downward? Does the piercing seem moist or wet constantly? (clear moisture)
“Yes” to these could indicate a chemical reaction. Simply stop using your cleaning agent and try sea salt soaks. Results should be almost instant.
Is the skin tight and shiny? Do the holes seem to be enlarged? Does it itch? Does the piercing seem moist or wet constantly? (clear moisture) Is the skin tender?
“Yes” to these could indicate a metal reaction. Simply change to a different metal. Results will be almost instant.
Is the skin darkening around the piercing? Does the ring stand at “attention” constantly? Does it hurt? Are the ends of the jewelry tight against the piercing?
“Yes” to these could indicate constriction, that your jewelry is too tight. A larger diameter should fix the problem. See your Piercer.
Is there a “volcano” of skin forming around the jewelry? (this extra skin isn’t tender) Is the piercing tender? Is the piercing inflamed? Is the skin darkening around the piercing?
“Yes” to these could indicate a irritation bump due to irritation or friction. Is the jewelry to long? Are your clothes rubbing a lot? Are you physically active? See your Piercer to find a solution…it may take time to find a comfortable solution.
Tattoo FAQ
Q. How do I Overcome my Fear of Needles?
A. It’s all in the mind, and how badly you really want the tattoo.
I wouldn’t really describe the pain as feeling like a needle. it doesn’t go very far into the skin at all. It feels more like a hot vibrating sensation than anything else. And yes…if you have a fear of needles, watching can make it worse. But I will tell you that some areas of the body hurt more than others, thankfully, the pain is only temporary, though.
Q. How Much Do They Really Hurt?
A. The Pain Factor and the Fear Factor
The question has been posed time and time again, and I never seem to read a satisfying answer – How much does getting a tattoo hurt? Professional tattooists and long-time collectors sometimes tend to forget what it was like to be on the other side of the chair for the first time. Although there is no way for me to tell each individual what it will feel like for them, I will do my best to offer some encouragement.
Comparisons
It’s true that everyone has a different threshold of pain. What one person considers not painful at all could be devastating to another. Some people describe the feeling as a “hot scratch”. Some have said it was “annoying”. Most say it was not nearly as bad as they feared. But there is a little more than pain alone to consider when getting a tattoo.
Fainting and Tears
You may have heard horror stories about people passing out or crying from the intense pain. First of all, people pass out because their blood sugar drops from not eating or they just allow themselves to get too worked up and their own fear knocks them out. Pain is usually not the culprit when someone faints during a tattoo. As far as crying goes, there are some that find the pain too much to bear. These people are few and far between – don’t assume you’re going to be one of them. So don’t give in to the horror stories – moms love to share labor and birth horror stories, but that doesn’t stop women from having babies!
Fear of Needles or Blood
If you have a fear of needles or blood, getting a tattoo isn’t going to be easy. However, I would like to point out that tattoo needles do not enter the skin very far as many fear – actually, it only goes in about 1/16 of an inch. Take a look at a ruler and you’ll see just how insignificant that is. Another thing you can do is get your tattoo somewhere on your body where you will not be able to watch the work going on. This helps some to overcome the apprehension, by not actually seeing the needle.
The needles move in an up-and-down motion, carefully pushing the ink just below the surface of the skin. The damage to your skin is so minimal that many people don’t bleed at all – or very little. The tattoo artist will also be constantly wiping up your skin to clean off any traces of blood, so it’s done in a very clean and professional manner. Excessive bleeding usually only results when the patron has been drinking alcohol or taking some kind of blood thinner (like aspirin).
I do not consider myself real tolerant of pain. But certain things hurt more than others. I think the end result and the reason you are experiencing the pain can affect how much it hurts. Getting a tattoo is one that I consider worth the discomfort because of the outcome. I know that I’m going to have this beautiful piece of artwork on me that I can be proud of when it’s all said and done.
You’re Not Alone
Another thing to consider is the fact that nearly everyone is nervous when they go to get a tattoo. I don’t care how many you already have, there is always a feeling of apprehension when you sit in the chair. This is your body’s natural defense – endorphins. Your own endorphins will kick in and help to ease any pain or discomfort you are about to deal with. The first 60 seconds is usually the worst, and then when you realize it’s just not that bad, you calm down and the rest is smooth sailing.
Learn As Much As You Can
And the number one thing that I find helps me to deal with any situation of feeling anxious is being 100% educated and informed about what I’m getting into. When I wanted to get my first tattoo, I did so much research about the whole process and exactly what to expect that I fell in love with the art. When I finally made the decision to get my first tattoo, I knew exactly what to expect and was not nearly as nervous as I thought I would be.
If you truly want a tattoo, and you take the time to be educated about the process and how to choose the right artist that you can have complete confidence in, I promise you that you will not run out the door screaming due to the pain. You will walk out of that studio with a smile on your face, and your permanent “rite of passage” that is well deserved for overcoming your obstacle of fear.
Q. Is my Tattoo Infected?
A. If you think your tattoo (or piercing) might be infected, don’t sit around waiting for it to get worse! Signs of infection are severe pain, hot redness, swelling and/or a puss discharge (with or without the presence of blood), or a foul odor emanating from the area. Infection that is not properly tended to can result in serious health consequences and even death. It is not something to be taken lightly. See your doctor immediately. We are all susceptible to Staph infections – the bacteria that causes it resides on our bodies and just waits for an opportunity to take hold, like in a fresh new tattoo or piercing wound.
Incidentally, if you believe any tattoo or piercing infection is a result of poor sanitary conditions during the procedure, please let your doctor know and have yourself tested for blood disease such as Hepatitis.
Q. Does a Tattoo Restrict Physical Activity?
A. Physical activity (non-contact sports) is usually OK to continue when you get a new tattoo as long as you take extra good care of it. If you get sweaty, take a shower and clean it as soon as you can. If you’re a body builder, just avoid lifting weights with that particular muscle for a few days so you don’t stretch it too much. Keep it covered if it has to come in contact with any tight clothing that may rub during movement, but remove any covering as soon as your workout is completed.
Contact sports like football and wrestling, however, are much more potentially damaging for a new tattoo. In this case, a tattoo would really not be a wise choice unless it was possible to avoid the sport for at least a couple of weeks.
Q. Why is my Tattoo Peeling and Flaking Off?
A. Peeling and flaking of a new tattoo is perfectly normal. Before it actually begins to peel, the tattoo will look like it’s covered with a whitish, cracking film. Then you’ll see white or translucent flakes of old, dead skin start to peel off and some of the flakes may even contain some ink. Sometimes you can actually see a duplicate image of part of your tattoo peeling off – it’s rather disconcerting, but it is also perfectly normal and there is no need to panic. It’s a lot like a snake shedding its skin. Just add a little lotion (a LITTLE) to the tattoo to help keep it moist and encourage those flakes to come off. Do NOT scratch, pick or peel them. It will all be done in a few days and the color of your tattoo will start to return to normal.
Q. Can a Mole be Tattooed Over?
A. Although moles are usually benign and we go through life ignoring them, there is always the possibility that a mole could serve as an indicator of cancer. This makes the preservation of a mole important. One of the ways a mole can indicate a problem is by changing color. If it has been tattooed over with pigment, it may hinder your ability to spot any color differences. For your safety, it is best that a mole not be tattooed over.
However, a mole can be tattooed around. Sometimes moles are even incorporated purposely into the design to serve an artistic purpose. Be sure to keep an eye on your mole for any changes in size or color, and see a doctor immediately if it does.
Q. Can I Still Get a Tattoo if I’m Sick?
A. Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn’t at 100% isn’t a good idea. You’re going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body won’t be able to do if it’s already doing battle against virus’s and bacteria. Not to mention the fact that it’s very inconsiderate to bring your illness into the tattoo studio and risk passing the germs onto others, particularly your artist. If you have an appointment, call and reschedule for when you’re feeling well again.
Q. What Tattoo Should I Get and Where Should I Put it?
A. This is all a matter of personal taste. You can get whatever you want, and whatever your artist is willing to do. You can choose a picture off the wall, or you can have them create a custom piece just for you. Your only limit is your own imagination. As far as where you should get it goes, just keep in mind what you do for work and the type of social circles you are in. You might want to consider placing your tattoo where it can be easily covered up with normal clothing.
Q. How Much do Tattoos Cost?
A. When it comes to tattoos, you get what you pay for. Yes, there are plenty of people tattooing out there that will ink you cheap, and you’ll be crying to a real artist to have it covered up. Look for quality, and be willing to pay for it. NEVER haggle over the price of a tattoo. It is disrespectful to the artist. If you can’t pay for quality, don’t bother. This is not a bargain bin. It is a piece of art you will wear for life.
Q. How Can I Find Pictures of a Specific Tattoo?
A. If you’re getting a tattoo, especially as an expression of your individuality, why would you want a tattoo just like someone else’s? Instead, find other pictures of what you’re looking for and have your artist draw up a custom design for you. Example: If you are wanting a tattoo of a penguin standing on a glacier, find real photos of penguins and glaciers. If you want a tattoo of a blue rose wrapped around a cross, find pictures of real roses and crosses that you like. If the pictures don’t show exactly what you want, just take them to your artist to use them as guidelines and tell them what changes you want made to the original pictures. A real artist will welcome the challenge of a custom piece. Copying someone else’s tattoo is not acceptable.