Q: How does this group work?

A: This group is meant to help people who are having trouble with their piercings and don’t have access to a reputable piercer for assistance. If you need help, please make a post with the following info:

• Which piercing you need help with

• How old the piercing is

• How long the problem has been going on

• Any/all info on the jewelry you currently have in the piercing (size/material/style)

• Any/all info on your aftercare regimen (what are you using, how many times a day, how are you applying it)

• A clear, well lit photo of the piercing that has not been drawn on, and in which you are not touching or handling the piercing.
  The only exceptions to the requirement to post a photo are nipple and genital piercings. See below on how to handle these piercings

 

Q: Who can comment on posts?
A: There is a list of reputable piercers who have been vetted as being in keeping with the industry standard. Piercers on this list are the *ONLY* people, besides the original poster, who can comment on posts. Not all approved commenters are admins or moderators, so please check the list if you aren't sure.

 

Q: Can I comment on a post that isn’t mine?

A: No. This is a cardinal rule of the group and is not going to change. We have this rule to ensure members are getting accurate, safe information and so the group can run efficiently. There’s a myriad of other social spaces for conversation about piercings; we encourage you to use them. 

 

If you comment on someone else’s post,  you may be given a warning before being removed. However, because you agreed to this rule when you asked to join the group, that is considered your warning and you may be removed without any additional warning.

 

Q: Can I comment even if I’m not giving advice and just have a question?

A: The answer is still no. If you have your own question that needs help, please start your own post so we can help you. If you don’t need help and are just curious about something, again, make a post; or better yet, do some research in the group and look at previous posts. This group has been around for almost 7 years; your question has likely been answered.

 

Q: I have a question similar to one that’s been posted, can I comment on that post?
A: No. If you have a question, please make your own post so as not to derail the thread.

 

Q: I have a question about tongue splitting/subdermals/coin slots/heavy mods/tattoos

A: We only discuss body piercing in this group. Surgery is best left to surgeons and piercers are not tattooers.There are other groups you can join to discuss these topics.

 

Q: Someone is posting screenshots outside of the group!

A: This is super not okay. Please message one of the admins so we can remove this person.

 

Q: Someone from the group is messaging me privately

A: For your safety, our volunteers will not message you first. If someone from AAPP is messaging you, please contact one of the moderators or admins so this person can be removed.

 

Q: How do I bump my post? (Do not bump someone else’s post)
A: If, and only if it has been more than 24 hours, please leave another comment on your post in order to move it up in the feed. Keep in mind that we are a small team of volunteers and there are more than 70,000 members in this group. If your issue is time sensitive or you think it’s an emergency, please contact your piercer or emergency services for assistance.

 

Q: I have a question about my nipple or genital piercing.

A: If you are over 18, please make a post in the group letting us know you need assistance with one of these piercings and tag an approved piercer to ask them if you can send a message. Messages from people who aren’t our Facebook friends usually go into our Requests folder. Many of us may not check our requests folder often, so please tag the piercer you’re going to message so they know to look for it. Do not send any photos without the consent of the person you’re messaging. No one from this group will message you first. This is for your protection. Do not, under any circumstances, post a photo of a nipple or genital piercing in the group.

 

Q: Can you tell me if my piercing is infected?
A: Piercers are not medical professionals, and we cannot make a diagnosis of any kind. If you suspect an infection, please contact a medical professional. If we think the issue with your piercing is beyond the help we can provide, we will suggest you seek medical attention. At that point, we won’t be able to offer you any more help or advice. We understand that medical care is not always accessible; however, it is not ethical or legal for us to offer medical advice, including diagnosis or treatment of infections.

 

Q: I’m a medical professional, can I comment with my advice?
A: While we appreciate the willingness to help, we have allowed this in the past and it has resulted in a whole mess of issues. Please abide by the group rules and do not comment on someone else’s post.

 

Q: Can you tell me what piercings will look good on me?

A: We don’t answer that type of question. This group is intended for assistance with troubleshooting or helping people who may not have access to a professional. Your best bet is to ask your local reputable professional to help plan something with you; it’s part of what we do!

 

Q: Do I have the anatomy for the piercing that I want?

A: Anatomy consultations can really only be done in person, as your piercer can see the area in real life and go over any potential considerations or issues with you.

 

Q: I found this meme, thought y’all would appreciate it.
A: Hey thanks! This isn’t really what the group is for, however, and these posts will be declined.

 

Q: How do I settle this argument between people/How do I convince my friend to stop using peroxide/Piercing guns are terrible!

A: We totally understand wanting to help people make better choices. At a certain point, you have to let people make their own bad decisions. We love a good internet fight as much as the next person, but this group isn’t meant to be used to settle debates.

 

Q: I have a reputable piercer already, but I don’t want to bother them with my question

A: This group is intended as a resource for people who don’t already have access to a reputable professional. If you have access to one, please use them. We all love hearing from our own clients and we are sure your piercer would love to help you out! Please support your local reputable pro as much as possible; you aren’t a bother. That will also free us up to help those who don’t have access to a good piercer.

 

Q: I have a question about my piercing but don’t want to post in the group. Can I message someone instead?
A: We only use DMs/PMs for questions about nipple or genital piercings. Questions about all other piercings must be posted in the group. That’s the entire purpose of the group. We have volunteers from all over the world, and each of us has a different availability. Posting in the group allows multiple volunteers the opportunity to answer your question, which results in a faster answer for you.  If you don’t want to post in the group, you can also always seek out your local reputable professional for one-on-one assistance.

 

Q: Why are y’all so mean/short/not positive/critical of people’s piercings?
A: This comes up every few months. Please try to look at it from our perspective: We are here to help. We wouldn’t be doing this without a genuine love for piercing and a desire to help people. However, with the exponential growth of the group, and limited number of volunteers, we often need to keep our answers brief so we can help as many people as possible. Please don’t complain that the free, expert advice you are receiving, wasn’t as friendly or cuddly as you wanted it to be. 

Also,  people aren’t seeking our help when their piercings are doing well. Many of the problems we see are because of poorly-done piercings. If a piercing was done badly, we are going to say that. It is a disservice for us to  tell someone their piercing looks great when it was done poorly, or to say their jewelry is totally okay when it’s the cause of the problem they are having. Delivering bad news isn’t fun, but it is ultimately for your benefit. 

This means the answer to your question may not be what you want to hear. However, if we advise you to retire your piercing, change your jewelry or see a doctor, it’s because it is necessary. Arguing or being nasty to the volunteers, for any reason,  is grounds for  getting banned from the group.

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Piercers: . If you are interested in volunteering, you can submit a volunteer application at: https://forms.gle/KZvx942WQWAKeG148 If you are added, you will be expected to participate regularly.