|
Almost any part of the body can be pierced, although not always with complete success. The more common piercings are popular for a reason they have been performed and worn successfully by many people. Most are fairly easy to heal and care for, attractive, and fun.
The old cliché "if you can pinch it, you can pierce it" is largely true. The exceptions are those few locations where you can't reasonably protect the piercing during healing (such as the sole of a foot), or where the tissue is delicate and likely to be damaged during normal wear (like the eyelid). You will see people with these piercings but they are taking a dangerous chance.
Even common piercings aren't suitable for everyone. Some depend on the individual, a willingness to make concessions on activities/ clothing during the healing period, or health concerns. If you have allergies, a condition which affects your immune system or ability to heal, or if you are (or are planning to become) pregnant, you should always tell the piercer. Virtually any problem can be resolved by alternative methods, timing, or materials.
There are three basic types of piercings: soft tissue, cartilage, and surface-to-surface. Soft tissue piercings are the most common. They generally span the thickness of the body segment, with the jewelry appearing on opposite sides (e.g., an earlobe). Most heal relatively quickly and easily. Initial piercings are usually done with a ring, but healed piercings can accommodate any form of jewelry. Minimum gauge: head, 20g.; body, 14g.; genitals, 16g. to 8g. depending on piercing. Maximum gauge: None.
Cartilage piercings include the nose and the ear above the lobe. While the skin over the piercing may close if the jewelry is removed, the hole in the cartilage remains. Septum piercings are not actually located in the cartilage, but through a small area of skin between the front and back cartilage sections. Septums are usually done with a retainer which fits inside the nose. Other cartilage piercings use a ring initially. Minimum gauge: nostril, ear, 20g.; septum 14g. Maximum: depends on piercing. Cartilage does not stretch.
Surface-to-surface piercings are generally located on the same plane, such as the throat. They require extra care and longer healing, often a year or more. They are the most likely piercings to "heal out" (be rejected by the body), although repeated piercings improve the chances of success. Most surface piercings allow a choice of a ring or bar. Minimum gauge: head, 20g.; others 16-14g. Maximum: depends on location and piercing, but usually 14-10g.
Thimbles are available in 12g. and larger (the piercing must be one gauge larger to accommodate the flared ends of the thimble).
There are as many reasons to get piercings as there are people. Some find body jewelry particularly attractive in its own right. Traditional piercings and styles may reconnect or reinforce an individual with his ethnic roots. Others use piercings to make a statement about themselves and their attitude towards society's conservative rules, or to indicate membership in a particular group. For many people, body piercings are used to celebrate or mark a special moment in their lives, such as a birthday, the birth or death of someone important to them, or the beginning or end of a stage of life.
Whatever the reason, body adornment has a long and colorful history. Modern society is only now rediscovering the beauty and joy of piercings. As a result of this new interest, unique forms of piercing have been added to the traditional ones.
The one drawback to this increased interest is that people desiring piercings cannot always find a trained, experienced piercer. For your safety and health, always ask about your intended piercer's training, methods, and sterile procedures. Never allow anyone to use an ear-piercing gun on you not even to pierce your ears. It is far better to wait for that desired piercing until you can find someone you can trust to use the proper equipment, procedures, and jewelry, than to suffer the effects of a poor piercing.
To be sure you are safe, follow the guidelines below.
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.
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.
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.
DO obtain and read complete, written aftercare instructions. Ask questions about caring for your specific piercing, if general instructions are given.
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.
DON'T remove or replace jewelry earlier than specified..
DO call or visit the piercer if you have any questions or concerns about your piercing.
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).
| 
