Getting a piercing - What to consider

The choice of studio

• Check hygiene
  Clean studio, sterilized tools, gloves.
  
  
• Experience and qualifications
  Piercer should be trained.
  
  
• Reviews and recommendations
  Read experience reports or ask.
  
  
• Materials used
  Titanium (G23) or PTFE are ideal for initial piercings.

Preparation

• Be healthy
  No colds or infections.
  
  
• Eat and drink well
  Avoids circulatory problems.
  
  
• No alcohol and medication
  Do not take alcohol or blood-thinning medication (e.g. aspirin) beforehand.
  
  
• Discuss piercing location beforehand
  Clarify placement and choice of jewelry.

When pricking

• Piercing needle (not an ear piercing gun!).
  
  
• Stay calm and breathe evenly.
  
  
• Listen to the piercer's instructions.

After treatment - care and healing

• Do not touch the piercing (only with clean hands).
  
  
• Clean twice a day with disinfectant spray.
  
  
• No swimming pool, sauna or solarium in the first few weeks.
  
  
• No make-up or creams in the vicinity of the fresh piercing.
  
  
• Do not turn or remove until it has healed.

Healing time

The healing time varies depending on the piercing site, skin type and care. Cartilage piercings and navel piercings take the longest to heal, while tongue and lip piercings heal the fastest. Patience and proper care are the key!

Ear piercings

• Earlobes (Lobe)
  4 - 6 weeks
  
  
• Cartilage piercings (helix, tragus, conch, daith, rook)
  3 - 12 months

Facial piercings

• Nostril (nostril)
  3 - 6 months
  
  
• Septum (nasal septum)
  2 - 3 months
  
  
• Bridge and eyebrow
  2 - 3 months

Mouth and lip piercings

• Lip (Labret, Madonna, Medusa, Monroe, Ashley and Eskimo)
  4 - 8 weeks
  
  
• Tongue
  4 - 8 weeks
  
  
• Tongue and lip ligament
  2 - 3 weeks

Body piercings

• Belly button
  6 - 12 months
  
  
• Nipple
  6 - 12 months
  
  
• Surface piercings (e.g. neck, wrist)
  6 - 12 months
  
  
• Dermal Anchor
  3 - 6 months

Conclusion

A clean studio, professional piercer, proper care and patience are crucial for good healing. Titanium or PTFE are the best materials for initial piercings.