There are thousands of reasons to get piercing, from coming of age, enhancing the style to the self-expression. Whatever your reason is, make sure to get piercing after considering the factors given here.
Nose piercing is the second most loved piercing by the Americans? And the next on the list is ear piercing with approximately 13% of all female pierced in the US alone.
However, that’s not all! Gone are the days when piercing was limited to earlobes and nose. From multiple piercings on earlobes to tongue piercing, facial piercings are ruling the world of fashion. Piercing is also done on the chin. If you want to get the one, make sure to keep the below-given things in the mind.
Where You Want to Get Piercing At?
Ask yourself if you really want to get a piercing. Many times you just get influenced by your friends or a celebrity and decide to go for it. But you might regret the decision later. So, you need to ensure that it suits your style and isn’t such a big deal in your choice of profession.
Choosing a Right Piercing Studio
Have you checked the studio where you’re planning to get the piercing done? If not, then you need to work on it at the earliest. Be sure that the place is hygienic. An unhygienic place would make you vulnerable to deadly infections like HIV, and Hepatitis. Start your research by talking with local people and you can then call up some of the reputed studios in your locality. Make sure you have thoroughly checked for their reviews online before you make any bookings.
Piercing Does Hurt
Piercings involve insertion of jewelry into your skin part. Hence, it will be painful. But don’t worry! You can use a topical anesthetic cream which desensitizes the skin for a few hours. You can go for TKTX Numb ® which comes with 5% lidocaine. It has to be applied 45 minutes before you step into the parlor.
A proper aftercare is must
Remember, it takes a few weeks, (or more in some cases) for piercing to heal. While oral piercings heal quickly, there are others which might take months to heal. So if you want a smooth piercing experience, make sure you follow the instructions given by the artist carefully.
Metals to consider
There is a wide range of metals to choose when you think of getting a piercing done. Here you need to know that you might be allergic to some metal. Hence, it is good to consult your physician before you hit the studio. Here is brief information about some metals which you can use;
Titanium is especially best for sensitive skin and doesn’t infect the pierced skin. It is safe and enhances the beauty of the wearer.
Stainless Steel is a popular choice because it is cheaper than titanium. Although it is not biocompatible and chances of getting minor reactions are there.
Gold must not be used for new piercings, especially gold plated jewelry. It might irritate the skin if used in the newly pierced part. The suitable one would be 14 carat or 18 carat. Once the piercing has healed, one can safely opt for gold jewelry.
Silver and Nickel cause allergic reactions because of their tendency to tarnish and damage easily, so are careful while choosing them.
With these you are good to go with facial piercings! But your job is not simply over with getting your piercing done.
After getting your facial piercing done, make sure to stick with your aftercare plan given below…
- Clean your piercing to remove crusting and dust/debris accumulated over there. Use a saline solution to clean your piercing. Though it is available at most drug stores, you can prepare it at home by mixing ¼ tbsp. of iodine free salt into one cup of warm water. Soak a cotton ball into this solution and gently apply to the piercing spot. You can use the lather of antibacterial soap to clean the piercing.
- Wear loose garments so that your new piercing can breathe. It is also important to minimize the sweating over there. Wearing tight clothes not only cut off air supply but also snuggle with the jewelry while taking off or wearing them.
- Avoid sleeping on the side of your piercing (in case of ear piercing) as the excessive pressure can hurt it and may lead to various complications as well. Try to sleep on the other side or on the back.
- Avoid swimming for a few weeks as chlorine or bacteria in pool water can infect your fresh piercing. Use waterproof bandage if it is essential for you to swim. Later, use antibacterial soap when you out of the pool.
- Watch for the signs of infection. If you notice redness, swelling or pain in the affected area for longer, consult your doctor immediately as these may be symptoms of infection.
- Don’t apply heavy ointments to the fresh piercing as it cut off the air supply. Use the balm given by your piercing artist or physician.
- Don’t take your jewelry before 6 months as body healing reaction can close the hole which makes it difficult to reinsert the jewelry.
Bottom Line:
So these are some tips you should follow before and after a piercing. It will not only help you get a great piercing but also ensure safety and healing later on.