Body Piercings 101: What to Know Before You Get Pierced

Getting a body piercing can be an exciting, simple way to show off your style or artistic expression. There’s a wide variety of body locations that can be pierced, and about 14% of Americans had areas other than their ear lobes pierced in 2015. However, it’s important that they’re done correctly and cared for properly, otherwise, you might end up with a painful, ugly bump or scar. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some things you should know before heading to a tattoo shop to get a piercing.

1. 1. You need to find a reputable piercer
      Just like with finding an experienced tattoo artist to give you some ink, you want to make sure your piercer is reputable and can give you a nice, clean piercing. While it may be tempting to have your friend pierce your ear with a needle and an apple, this is not the way you want to go. With that in mind, it’s important to find an artist at a tattoo shop. Piercers who work at a tattoo shop have had the proper training and are qualified to pierce. Having someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing stick a needle through your body could lead to permanent and disfiguring scarring, and you don’t want that, do you?

1. 1. It will hurt, but probably not as much as you think it will
      Since there is going to be a needle going through your skin, it’s most likely going to hurt. Luckily, it will really only hurt for a second. If you’re nervous about the pain, let your piercer know! An experienced piercer will understand and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. While the actual piercing won’t hurt for long, it will probably be sore for a few days. Soreness, redness, and swelling are normal for the few following days, but it’s important to speak with a doctor if it doesn’t seem to be getting better or feels like it’s getting worse.

1. 1. It’s okay to ask questions and express your concerns
      While a piercing may not be as permanent as tattoo ink, getting a piercing is still a big decision to make. Your piercer should walk you through the entire process before you begin, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ask additional questions. This could involve questions about their past experiences, what kind of equipment they’ll be using, and any associated risks with your piercing.

1. Aftercare is not optional
   When your piercer is explaining the aftercare instructions, it’s very important that you listen and understand them. Proper aftercare is required in order to ensure your piercing heals quickly and efficiently. In order to prevent infection, scarring, or your piercing healing incorrectly, you need to keep the piercing clean and dry. Depending on the body part that is pierced, aftercare instructions may vary, but they are all important.

If you find a reputable, clean place to get pierced at, do your research, and understand the importance of taking good care of your new piercing, you should be all set to go off and get some new body bling!