Getting a piercing can be an exciting rite of passage or a stylish self-expression. Like many, my first piercing experience as a child involved a trip to a mall kiosk and the dreaded piercing gun. Unfortunately, this common method can lead to discomfort and complications down the line. Years later, I learned firsthand the difference between a quick, gun-inflicted piercing and a professional, needle-administered one. To help you avoid similar pitfalls and ensure a positive piercing journey, I’ve compiled essential advice from industry experts on getting pierced the right way.
The Problem with Piercing Guns
Piercing guns are often favored for their speed and affordability, but these advantages come at a significant cost. As Adrian Castillo from New York Adorned aptly states, “Any professional piercer who suggests a gun is probably not a professional piercer.” The core issue lies in how guns create a piercing. Instead of cleanly slicing through tissue, they force blunt studs through the skin, essentially tearing it open. This traumatic action can result in significant tissue damage, sometimes leading to persistent irritation and even scar tissue, which explained my own lingering discomfort years after my initial ear piercing.
Why Needles are the Professional Choice
In stark contrast to guns, needles offer a much cleaner and safer approach. Rob Milian of West 4 piercer explains that needles are “sharp and hollow, so they can cleanly move through cartilage and skin.” This precision minimizes trauma to the tissue, promoting smoother healing and reducing the risk of complications. Furthermore, hygiene is paramount in piercing, and needles excel in this area. Professional piercers use single-use, sterilized needles, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination. Piercing guns, even when cleaned, cannot be effectively sterilized due to their plastic components, posing a potential infection risk.
Pain, Trust, and the Piercer’s Expertise
While the speed of a piercing gun might seem appealing, a skilled piercer using a needle is just as swift and far more accurate. Interestingly, many find needle piercings to be less painful than gun piercings due to the cleaner tissue separation. However, pain perception is subjective. Castillo notes, “If you’re mentally prepared and mentally ready to accept pain, it’s nothing.” The key is to be relaxed, trust your piercer, and understand that any discomfort is temporary.
J. Colby Smith, a professional piercer with studios in both L.A. and Brooklyn, emphasizes the importance of trust and patience. Your piercer is an expert, and trusting their guidance is crucial. This includes heeding their advice if a particular piercing idea isn’t suitable for your anatomy or lifestyle, and being patient with the healing process.
The Crucial Healing Process for Your Piercing
Proper aftercare is non-negotiable for successful piercing healing, especially for piercings in areas like the nose, cartilage, or belly button, which typically take longer to heal than earlobes. Colby frankly states, “I’m a realist, and I don’t think most people clean their piercings. You definitely should, but sleeping on it is the main thing that messes your piercing up.” He recommends using a neck pillow to avoid putting pressure on a new piercing while sleeping. Cleaning is also essential. Soap and water during your daily shower or a saline solution are effective for keeping the piercing site clean, minimizing irritation and infection risk.
Understanding Infection vs. Irritation
It’s common to mistake irritation for infection, but true infections from professional piercings are relatively rare. TJ Cantwell, owner and piercer at Studio 28 Tattoos NYC, explains that intense heat, severe pain, and green discharge are signs of infection. However, white or yellow discharge and a small bump are usually normal signs of irritation as your body adjusts to the piercing. Patience is key during healing, and jumping to conclusions about infection can be premature.
If you experience persistent irritation or are concerned, Cantwell advises returning to your piercer. They can assess the situation and offer simple solutions, often without needing medical intervention. A good piercer values aftercare and encourages follow-up questions as part of the piercing experience.
Choosing a Reputable Piercer and Studio, Perhaps Like Black Hole Body Piercing and Tattoo
The aesthetic appeal of a new piercing is exciting, but laying a solid foundation for a safe and healthy piercing is paramount. Building a rapport with your piercer is essential. Castillo emphasizes the importance of comfort and open communication with your piercer, as a negative interaction can taint your piercing experience. Trust your instincts and choose a piercer you connect with.
Researching studios and piercers beforehand is vital. Milian points out that many people prioritize getting pierced quickly without considering the piercer’s skill and the studio’s quality. Just like choosing a tattoo artist, selecting a reputable piercer is an investment in your well-being and the piercing’s outcome. While gold jewelry might be a splurge, implant-grade titanium and steel are excellent, affordable options available at reputable studios like Black Hole Body Piercing and Tattoo in Portland, OR. Choosing a studio like Black Hole, known for its professional environment and skilled artists, ensures you’re in capable hands.
By prioritizing professional piercing practices, choosing needles over guns, understanding aftercare, and selecting a reputable studio like Black Hole Body Piercing and Tattoo, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and stylish piercing experience.
