Or, What to expect when you're expecting to get pierced

Q: How many piercings can I get at one time?

A: This will vary between piercers, but generally you'll want to not have more than 4 piercings healing at one time. The more things you have healing, generally the more difficult it is for them to heal. For this reason, it's also not advisable to get pierced while sick or recovering from major surgeries, etc.

Q: What are the pros and cons of [x] piercing?
A: Piercings don't really come with a pros and cons list. At best, the pros of most piercings are that you have the piercing. There aren't really cons outside of the risks inherent to getting pierced: there is potential for infection or scarring, and piercings in oral tissue may damage your teeth or gums.

Q: Can I get repierced in the same spot as an old piercing? Can a piercing be redone through scar tissue? Will it hurt more?

A: Most piercings can be redone through a small amount of scar tissue with no issues. If there is a lot of scar tissue in the area, it may not be a good idea to redo the piercing in the same spot. We can’t determine if your piercing can be redone by only seeing pictures. The area needs to be evaluated in-person by a knowledgeable piercer to see if re-piercing is a good idea. In some cases, healing may be a bit slower with a re-piercing. Pain is subjective and varies from person to person, but a small amount of scarring shouldn't have much impact on how the piercing feels.

Surface anchors/microdermals/dermals should usually not be re-pierced in the same location. Because scar tissue isn’t as stable as normal tissue, these types of piercings are more likely to reject when redone in the same location.
 

Q: Can I use numbing cream/spray before getting a piercing? Can I get a piercing right after dental work when I'm still numb? I'm afraid of the pain/needles/etc.

A: Most people tend to be a bit nervous before getting pierced; it's completely natural! The good news is that when done correctly by an experienced professional, your piercing will be quick and smooth, and relatively easy. Numbing agents are a poor idea, as they may have an impact on your piercing, and they don't offer much difference in sensation. Trust us, most people wouldn't have piercings if they were as painful or scary as we think they'll be!​

Q: Can I get pierced while pregnant? Is it normal for my piercing to act up while I'm pregnant?

A: No. In many areas it is illegal to perform a piercing on someone who is pregnant. Even healed piercings can become finicky during pregnancy as your hormones change and your body devotes its resources to the pregnancy. A new piercing  is more likely to have trouble healing during pregnancy. Additionally, while the risk is low, there is the possibility that infection or medication for infection may be passed on to the child if they are needed during the healing process.​

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Q: Can I get pierced while breastfeeding?

A: This will vary based on studio policy and local law. Though there isn't a formal industry standard, it's generally agreed that you'll want to wait at least 3 months postpartum before getting a new piercing. Note: This applies to piercings except nipples. For nipple piercings, you should wait until lactation has ceased.

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Q: How do I prepare for a piercing?

A: Do some research and be sure you’re choosing a reputable piercer and studio. This means more than just checking reviews! Take a look at Part 1 of the FAQ for info on picking a piercer. Get some rest, stay hydrated, and be sure to eat a few hours before getting pierced. The better you feel, the easier the process will be!​

Q: I haven’t had jewelry in an old piercing in a while. Will I need to get it repierced?

A: The answer to this will vary based on a few factors. The best advice we can give you is that if you have any difficulty getting jewelry in, do not force it. See a reputable piercer for assistance with either inserting the jewelry or repiercing

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Q: What is the process like to get pierced?

A: Each studio has its own flow, and each piercing is a bit different. However, you can generally expect the following (though not necessarily in this order):

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Release forms/paperwork of some sort

Jewelry selection

Consultation- this may be a quick chat, or may be more involved depending on the piercing. Some piercings like navels call for a more in-depth assessment.

Cleaning and marking the area to be pierced, followed by disinfecting​​ it.

The actual piercing

Cleaning up the area post piercing

Explanation of aftercare and a chance for you to ask any questions

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Q: Is it wrong for a piercer to use a clamp or other tool?

A: No. Clamps/tools and freehand are both valid techniques for doing a piercing when used correctly by trained professionals. It's up to the piercer's personal preference and experience which tools they use.

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Q: Is it weird to see a piercer for help changing my jewelry?

A: Not at all! Changing jewelry is a regular part of our job, and if your piercing isn't healed yet, we definitely would prefer you see us for help changing the jewelry so you don't irritate the piercing. . We love seeing our clients and also getting to check up on how your piercings are doing!

​Q: I’m having a problem with my piercing/I am concerned about my piercing but I don’t want to bother my piercer.

A: If you’re having trouble with your piercing, getting in touch with your piercer for assistance is the best first step. It is not a bother at all, and part of our job is assisting with troubleshooting

Q: I had my earlobes pierced as a child and never wear earrings anymore. Do I need to get them repierced?

A: This answer will vary based on a few factors, and the only way to tell for sure is to see a piercer in-person. However, if you had the piercing for a long time, it has likely only shrunk a bit, and may be able to be gently tapered open by a professional.​

Q: Will nipple piercings impact my ability to breastfeed?

A: Generally, nipple piercings are not known to interfere with breastfeeding. However, you'll ideally want your piercings to be healed before you conceive, as the changes your body undergoes during pregnancy may make it next to impossible for these piercings to heal, and may cause issues with healing piercings. La Leche League suggests that best practices are to remove your jewelry for the entire time you plan to breastfeed. Jewelry will need to be removed during actual feedings, and nipple piercings tend to close up relatively quickly when jewelry is removed.

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Q: Can I keep my navel jewelry in during pregnancy?

A: You may be able to keep jewelry in your navel while pregnant, although many people find that it is uncomfortable to do so. Wearing jewelry throughout your pregnancy may cause your piercing to stretch out a bit as your navel stretches. Additionally, some people experience discoloration and scarring as a result of leaving jewelry in place during pregnancy. The good thing about navel piercings is that they tend to stick around once healed, so a piercer can likely reinsert the jewelry for you postpartum without much issue.​

Q: I found this piercing but I am wondering if it’s safe?

A: We get asked about a few piercings pretty regularly that are more unique or infamous:

• Snake eyes, frog eyes, horizontal tongue piercings, and surface piercings on the tongue are not safe. Tongues are composed of two different muscle groups, and pinning them together can be unsafe. Additionally, when placed at the tip of the tongue, these piercings almost guarantee damage to teeth and gums. A piercer offering these is a bad sign.

• Corset piercings are temporary and usually seen at tattoo conventions and photoshoots, and then they are removed immediately after. They are not intended to be worn long-term and they are virtually impossible to heal. 

• Smiley piercings are safe and viable, though many reputable piercers choose not to offer them as the jewelry is constantly in contact with teeth and gums, increasing the chance of doing damage. These piercings can also tear easily.

• Microdermals/dermals/surface anchors/single point piercings are all terms for the same thing. These are considered long term temporary, and often only last a few years at most. They tend to last longer on areas with low movement and that get little contact, such as cheekbones and sideburn placements.Once removed, scarring can vary from very little to quite prominent depending on the placement and the health/condition of the piercing when the jewelry is removed.

• A piercing on an arm, hand, or leg will be prone to snagging and a bad idea.

• Achilles, mandible, and Uvula piercings are dangerous, which is why you generally do not see them around.

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Q: Will getting my nipples pierced make them more sensitive? What about a Vertical Clitoral Hood (VCH) piercing? Can I lose sensitivity from a piercing?

A: Any piercing is sore for a bit after being pierced. In nipples and genitals, this can make the general area more sensitive temporarily. With a VCH piercing, the jewelry coming in contact with the clitoris is a new sensation. However, once your body adjusts to this and begins to heal, you'll notice you feel less sensitive as your body returns to its normal level of sensitivity. Some people interpret this as losing sensitivity, though that's not what has happened.​

Q: Can a daith piercing cure my migraines? What about a shen men for anxiety?

A: There is no clinical evidence to suggest that a piercing can treat any medical condition. As piercers, we are not trained in any kind of medical treatment, and if a piercer claims to be able to treat any medical condition with a piercing, this is a red flag.​

Q: Can a plus-size person get a navel piercing?

A: When looking at someone's navel to determine if they can be pierced, we are looking for a defined lip or shelf through which to place a piercing, as well as how much room is in the navel itself for jewelry, as well as how your navel changes shape while you move. People of all body types can get their navel pierced, as it depends more on the shape and structure of the navel than someone's size. Additionally, there are people of all body types who may not have the anatomy to support a navel piercing.

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Q: How long do I need to wait before having a piercing redone after I remove it or the jewelry falls out?

A: A VERY GENERAL rule-of-thumb is that you will need to wait 3 months before having a piercing redone. In some situations it could be less time and in other situations it may need to be longer. 

A piercer will need to see the area in-person to say for sure if the piercing is ready to be redone. Keep in mind that piercers have different opinions on this subject. So, while we suggest 3 months as general rule, your piercer might be want you to wait even longer, or they may tell you that it can be redone sooner.

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Q: Will oral piercings damage my teeth or gums?

We can’t say if a piercing will cause damage or not, but damage to teeth and gums is a very real possibility with any piercing that sits inside your mouth. Tongue, labret, lip, beauty mark, philtrum, cheek, Ashley, smiley and tongue web piercings all have the potential to cause damage. Vertical lip/labret and vertical upper lip/philtrum piercings are unlikely to damage teeth or gums because the jewelry sits outside of the mouth.

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Downsizing jewelry as soon as possible, and wearing properly-fitted jewelry in oral piercings, will reduce the likelihood of damage to teeth and gums, but it still not a guarantee it won’t happen.