Body piercing is when a needle is put through a part of the body and then a foreign object is placed as an ornament. Eventually, the skin heals around the jewelry and a hole remains. The hole is the piercing. It is perfectly safe when done by professionals who are careful.
Do not pierce your own navel. The piercing should be done with a sterilized needle, gloves and other sterilized pieces of equipment.
Navel piercings may migrate within about five to ten years, and they will fall.
Belly piercings take time to heal - approx 4 months to 1 year
Belly piercing is a big decision. The following information will help you decide which best suits you. Make sure you go to a reputable piercer and see your doctor if you develop symptoms of an infection!
Which piercing salon to use?
You have to ask friends and relatives with piercings where they went and when they found the place.
Is the salon clean and safe, as this can help you stay healthy after getting your piercing, and prevent you from contracting diseases? Is it well lit so the piercer can see well while working? You should feel safe.
Do they wash their hands and use sterile gloves and instruments? All instruments are either brand new and disposable (meant to be discarded after one use) or sterilized in bags. If disposable needles are used, give him / her open sealed packages of the needles! The piercer should throw away the needles in a biohazard container after using it. If disposable needles are used, the salon have sterilization equipment on the site, you should ask to see. If they refuse to show you, go somewhere else.
A piercing gun should not be used (except on ears) because it can not be properly sterilized. If the salon uses a piercing "gun" to do body piercings ... LEAVE!
Look for a salon with a large selection of jewelry. The salon should not tell you what kind of jewelry to have.
What kind of jewelry should you buy?
Only jewelry made from non-corrosive metal, such as surgical stainless steel is safe when you get your piercing done. It is least likely to be a foreign body reaction or an infection in the skin to produce. Other choices for when you get your piercing done are metals like solid gold (at least 18K), titanium or niobium. All these cost more than surgical steel. For people who are extremely sensitive to metal, Teflon or nylon piercings may be used. Gold plated jewelry should NOT be used.
Rules
Since the law is different in each country, you should know the law in your country says:
o Minimum age for belly piercing
o Whether you need parental permission to have a piercing
o What qualifications and regulations the salon should have and to display
How is it done and does it hurt?
Immediately before piercing, the piercer should wash and dry their hands and latex gloves. The gloves should be worn at all times during the procedure. If the piercer leaves the procedure and touches something or return later and you have not seen everything he or she has done, ask them to new gloves.
An experienced piercer uses a hollow needle to create a hole by passing the needle through the body you want pierced. The body jewelry is then inserted through the hole. Sometimes a small amount of bleeding will be. You should not take aspirin or pain medication that contains aspirin the week before any piercing is done since these drugs can cause you a bit more than normal bleeding.
As for the "pain" it. It will vary from person to person different people experience pain in different ways. Everyone has a different tolerance level, so you really only to yourself.
The piercer should give you instructions about cleaning, maintenance, etc., if they do not, ask questions (it's your body, you deserve to know how to care for them).
What are the risks?
The most common piercing problem is infection. Infection is quite common and is easily cured with proper care and attention. Another risk with a piercing is that your body could reject. If so, can cause swelling and pain. If your piercing is giving you a lot of pain or continually gets infected, you can remove your piercing and pierced again once it has healed to get. Infections can be caused by hepatitis, HIV, tetanus, bacteria and yeast. If the piercer washes their hands and uses gloves and sterile equipment and you take good care of your piercing, the risk of infection is reduced (but still exists).
As with other piercings, the piercing will be swollen, red, and pus. It would be painful. If the piercing does not improve in the next few days remove the piercing. Some bodies are not as piercing. It will not heal properly and it has nothing to do with the piercing itself or the piercer. It has to do with the body of that particular person. The navel piercing can be rejected by the body.
There is no real danger by the piercing itself, but it is important to ensure it. The dangers are once it is in. The reason is that it is on the front of the body with clothing constantly rubbing against the piercing. People tend to piercing and transfer germs from their fingers to touch the ring. Once it rotates into the piercing a couple of belly buttons can become infected.
Infections caused by bacteria getting into the puncture of the piercing may also happen later, even after the piercing has healed.
Another cause of the problems is the wrong kind of piercing jewelry for the pierced area. If the jewelry is too small, it can actually cut the blood supply to the tissues, causing swelling and pain. If the jewelry is either too thin or too heavy or if you are allergic to the metal, your body can sometimes reject the jewelry (your body reacts against the jewelry because it is a "foreign object").
How to care for the piercing
Clean the piercing at least twice a day until healed. This is done by:
o Always wash your hands with soap and water (or antibacterial soap) to clean
o Removing and crusty skin from the piercing and the jewelry with warm water
o Gently washing the piercing with a saline (salt mixed with water) or antibacterial soap
o Gently rinsing the area to remove the solution or soap
o Gently drying the area with a paper towel (do not use cloth towels because they contain bacteria)
o No more than wash or scrub as this can irritate the piercing
Check your jewelry while cleaning to see if any parts have come loose
Do not use alcohol or peroxide or other strong solution as this will cause irritation and / or discoloration of the jewelry
Let no tough the piercing until it heals
If you are not cleaning the piercing then do not touch!
Avoid taking baths, take showers instead to avoid sitting in bacteria
Do not use hot tubs, pools, lakes, seas, because these are breeding grounds for bacteria
Clean the piercing after exercise or playing sport as bacteria love damp moist spots
Do not use antibacterial cream as these trap bacteria
Always wear clean loose clothing while the piercing is healed, so that air can circulate around the piercing. Clothing should be made of soft fabric and should not hold or rub the piercing. Avoid jeans, leotards, belts, body suits and tights until the piercing has healed
Change your bed sheets once a week to help prevent infections
DO NOT attempt to change the piercing during the healing process. If you pierced ask the piercer how long you wait before you can.
Always look out for signs of infection, foul odor, discharge, redness, pain, swelling, rash around the piercing. If you think you have an infection go see your doctor.
Be careful with your piercing - it will take time to heal and for you to get used to it.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Basic Piercing Aftercare
CONGRATULATIONS!
You've just received a body piercing by a skilled and knowledgeable professional who cleaned and disinfected the area pierced, and used sterile instruments, jewelry and a single-used needle.
Now it is up to you to take proper care of your piercing during the crucial healing period. How your piercing heals is up to you and your body.
It Is Important That Your New Piercing:
Be cleaned when you have your morning shower and that it is the last thing you wash in the shower. When cleaning, remove all of the discharge and crust that collects on and around the jewelry. Also, keep in mind that if you rotate your jewelry while it has crust on it, it will cause great PAIN so be sure to clean it first. Do not cover your piercing with band-aids and/or ointment. If you have any problems with your piercing, call a Perfect Image location nearest you.
Tongue, Lip, Labret, Monroe:
Swelling will normally occur during the first 3 to 7 days. It is important to drink plenty of cold liquids and you can suck on ice-cubes to help the swelling. We recommend that you use Oral B Anti-Bacterial Alcohol Free mouth wash. The best time to clean an oral piercing is right after you're done eating, smoking or drinking anything other than water. Also it is important to avoid hard kissing and oral sex.
Ears, Eyebrow, Septum, Nose, Nipple, Helix, Navel:
It should be the last thing you clean in the shower. We recommend using Spectro Jel. Before cleansing the piercing, be sure to thoroughly clean your hands with soap. For most effective cleansing of the piercing, apply cleanser while spinning the jewelry, up and down, to maximize exposure. Rinse the piercing well to ensure all of the soap, crust and discharge have been removed. In the evening, apply Dr. Piercing Aftercare, following instructions included in the kit.
Be Sure To Avoid:
* alcohol, as it will dry out your piercing
* swimming in chlorinated water
* Hydrogen Peroxide
* oil-based ointments, such as Vaseline, Polysporin, Tea Tree Oil, hand/body moisturizer
* frequent contact with unwashed hands (of your own or of friends/family)
You've just received a body piercing by a skilled and knowledgeable professional who cleaned and disinfected the area pierced, and used sterile instruments, jewelry and a single-used needle.
Now it is up to you to take proper care of your piercing during the crucial healing period. How your piercing heals is up to you and your body.
It Is Important That Your New Piercing:
Be cleaned when you have your morning shower and that it is the last thing you wash in the shower. When cleaning, remove all of the discharge and crust that collects on and around the jewelry. Also, keep in mind that if you rotate your jewelry while it has crust on it, it will cause great PAIN so be sure to clean it first. Do not cover your piercing with band-aids and/or ointment. If you have any problems with your piercing, call a Perfect Image location nearest you.
Tongue, Lip, Labret, Monroe:
Swelling will normally occur during the first 3 to 7 days. It is important to drink plenty of cold liquids and you can suck on ice-cubes to help the swelling. We recommend that you use Oral B Anti-Bacterial Alcohol Free mouth wash. The best time to clean an oral piercing is right after you're done eating, smoking or drinking anything other than water. Also it is important to avoid hard kissing and oral sex.
Ears, Eyebrow, Septum, Nose, Nipple, Helix, Navel:
It should be the last thing you clean in the shower. We recommend using Spectro Jel. Before cleansing the piercing, be sure to thoroughly clean your hands with soap. For most effective cleansing of the piercing, apply cleanser while spinning the jewelry, up and down, to maximize exposure. Rinse the piercing well to ensure all of the soap, crust and discharge have been removed. In the evening, apply Dr. Piercing Aftercare, following instructions included in the kit.
Be Sure To Avoid:
* alcohol, as it will dry out your piercing
* swimming in chlorinated water
* Hydrogen Peroxide
* oil-based ointments, such as Vaseline, Polysporin, Tea Tree Oil, hand/body moisturizer
* frequent contact with unwashed hands (of your own or of friends/family)
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Basic Tattoo Aftercare
CONGRATULATIONS!
You've just received a tattoo by a skilled and knowledgeable professional who cleaned and disinfected the area, and used sterile instruments.
It Is Important That You:
* Keep the bandage on for approximately 2 hours.
* Use only cleansed hands to wash your tattoo, thoroughly but gently, with warm water and Spectro Jel.
* If in the shower, wash hair and everything else BEFORE washing tattoo and do not let direct water-pressure hit the tattoo.
* Do not soak your tattoo (avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, baths) until the tattoo is completely healed.
* After washing, pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel and let it air dry for 20-30 minutes.
* If the tattoo is oozing or if dried blood, ink or dead skin remains, re-wash gently and air dry.
* Once the tattoo is totally dry and smooth, apply the recommended Tattoo Majik or After Inked. These products are great for both healing and moisturizing. Any water-based, non-scented moisturizers can also be used (Vaseline Intensive Care, Lubriderm, Curel), but will require more frequent applications. Whatever your choice of moisturizer, apply it in very think coats and blot off the excess. If your clothing sticks to it, it indicates there is too much.
* If excessive moisturizer is applied, it will draw out the color from the tattoo, and create a sticky surface for foreign matter to attach itself to, encouraging infection.
* Antibiotic ointments are really only necessary when there is a risk of infection. If you are cleaning your tattoo thoroughly with a mild soap, and if a light layer of scab is formed, you shouldn't be prone to infection.
* If the tattoo is in an area where sweat drains such as the stomach, the back of the neck, or the ankle, it may be beneficial to use an antibiotic such as Betadine H for healing. This ointment is cholesterol-based instead of petroleum-based, making it less sticky and of a better spreading consistency. Once again, be sure to apply only a thin coat.
* Do not re-bandage.
* Apply the lotion as needed for the first day then 4-5 times a day for the next two weeks.
* Do not expose your tattoo to the sun until it has healed. Once healed, you should apply sunscreen to protect it from the sun (SPF 30 is a minimum).
* Keep your tattoo away from dust, sand and pet hair for the first few days. Try to sleep in clean sheets and wear clean clothes.
You've just received a tattoo by a skilled and knowledgeable professional who cleaned and disinfected the area, and used sterile instruments.
It Is Important That You:
* Keep the bandage on for approximately 2 hours.
* Use only cleansed hands to wash your tattoo, thoroughly but gently, with warm water and Spectro Jel.
* If in the shower, wash hair and everything else BEFORE washing tattoo and do not let direct water-pressure hit the tattoo.
* Do not soak your tattoo (avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, baths) until the tattoo is completely healed.
* After washing, pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel and let it air dry for 20-30 minutes.
* If the tattoo is oozing or if dried blood, ink or dead skin remains, re-wash gently and air dry.
* Once the tattoo is totally dry and smooth, apply the recommended Tattoo Majik or After Inked. These products are great for both healing and moisturizing. Any water-based, non-scented moisturizers can also be used (Vaseline Intensive Care, Lubriderm, Curel), but will require more frequent applications. Whatever your choice of moisturizer, apply it in very think coats and blot off the excess. If your clothing sticks to it, it indicates there is too much.
* If excessive moisturizer is applied, it will draw out the color from the tattoo, and create a sticky surface for foreign matter to attach itself to, encouraging infection.
* Antibiotic ointments are really only necessary when there is a risk of infection. If you are cleaning your tattoo thoroughly with a mild soap, and if a light layer of scab is formed, you shouldn't be prone to infection.
* If the tattoo is in an area where sweat drains such as the stomach, the back of the neck, or the ankle, it may be beneficial to use an antibiotic such as Betadine H for healing. This ointment is cholesterol-based instead of petroleum-based, making it less sticky and of a better spreading consistency. Once again, be sure to apply only a thin coat.
* Do not re-bandage.
* Apply the lotion as needed for the first day then 4-5 times a day for the next two weeks.
* Do not expose your tattoo to the sun until it has healed. Once healed, you should apply sunscreen to protect it from the sun (SPF 30 is a minimum).
* Keep your tattoo away from dust, sand and pet hair for the first few days. Try to sleep in clean sheets and wear clean clothes.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Piercing Health Risks
Body piercing is an invasive procedure and is not without risks. When properly performed, these risks are minimized, and individuals who take care of their new piercing as recommended by their piercer, will enjoy a safe and healthy piercing experience.
Some of the risks you should be aware of include allergic reactions to the ingredients of products used to clean the new piercing, or of ancillary products used in proximity to the piercing (e.g., soap, hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, antibacterial products, antiseptic medicines, makeup, hairspray, swimming pool chlorine, etc.). This risk can be minimized by cleaning the piercing as recommended by your piercer. Stay away from swimming pools. The chlorine may cause the pierced area to dry out, which can lead to the piercing being torn out very easily. You may also have allergic reactions to the metals in the piercing jewelry, particularly nickel. This risk is minimized by using high quality jewelry manufactured from materials such as surgical steel or titanium. Bacterial infections are also possible if you don't follow the recommended aftercare procedures. And take care to prevent trauma to a fresh piercing. This is associated with unintended entanglement of the piercing jewelry with another object. This risk is always present, but can be reduced by using jewelry appropriate for the piercing, and covering or taping over jewelry during sports activities.
Some of the risks you should be aware of include allergic reactions to the ingredients of products used to clean the new piercing, or of ancillary products used in proximity to the piercing (e.g., soap, hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, antibacterial products, antiseptic medicines, makeup, hairspray, swimming pool chlorine, etc.). This risk can be minimized by cleaning the piercing as recommended by your piercer. Stay away from swimming pools. The chlorine may cause the pierced area to dry out, which can lead to the piercing being torn out very easily. You may also have allergic reactions to the metals in the piercing jewelry, particularly nickel. This risk is minimized by using high quality jewelry manufactured from materials such as surgical steel or titanium. Bacterial infections are also possible if you don't follow the recommended aftercare procedures. And take care to prevent trauma to a fresh piercing. This is associated with unintended entanglement of the piercing jewelry with another object. This risk is always present, but can be reduced by using jewelry appropriate for the piercing, and covering or taping over jewelry during sports activities.
Friday, June 24, 2011
What is Piercing Procedure?
Before any piercing begins, you are required to fill out a questionaire form. This is for legal purposes and to inform us of any medical problems we should be aware of such as allergies (refer to "Health Risks"). Proof of age will also be required. Any persons under the age of 16 (with the exception of genitals, 18) will be refused if they are not accompanied by their legal guardian. Any persons that are intoxicated, that are pregnant or nursing, or are incapable of consent due to mental incapacity will also be refused.
After the paperwork is in order, you will then sit down with your piercer and they will go over the procedure with you to help you feel more comfortable and at ease with the process. They will also discuss your piercing and any details to ensure that you are satisfied before beginning.
There are a number of different methods used today that depend entirely upon which type of piercing you will be getting. These are a few of the common methods.
The Standard method involves making an opening using a hollow medical needle. The needle is inserted into the body part being pierced. While still in the body, the initial jewelry to be worn in the piercing is pushed through the opening, following the back of the needle. Piercing using hollow medical needles does not actually remove any flesh, the method cuts a slit and holds it open in the shape of the cross section of the needle, in this case, a circle. In this method, the needle is the same gauge or larger than the initial jewelry to be worn.
Dermal Punching is a method which is used to remove a circular area of tissue, into which jewelry is placed. This method is usually used to remove both skin and cartilage in upper ear piercings, where cartilage must be removed to relieve pressure on the piercing to ensure proper healing and long term viability of the piercing. The healed fistulas created or enlarged using a dermal punch will usually not shrink over time.
The Pierce and Taper method is similar to the standard method. It is a more advanced technique though, sometimes used to pierce where large gauge initial jewelry is desired. In this method, after the needle is inserted and the opening is created, a tapered steel bar (usually one gauge larger than that of the needle at the large end) is inserted instead of initial jewelry. Then the jewelry is pushed through the opening, following the tapered bar. The success of this method is dependent on the elasticity of the skin in the area being pierced, the skill of the piercer and the type of piercing being done.
After the paperwork is in order, you will then sit down with your piercer and they will go over the procedure with you to help you feel more comfortable and at ease with the process. They will also discuss your piercing and any details to ensure that you are satisfied before beginning.
There are a number of different methods used today that depend entirely upon which type of piercing you will be getting. These are a few of the common methods.
The Standard method involves making an opening using a hollow medical needle. The needle is inserted into the body part being pierced. While still in the body, the initial jewelry to be worn in the piercing is pushed through the opening, following the back of the needle. Piercing using hollow medical needles does not actually remove any flesh, the method cuts a slit and holds it open in the shape of the cross section of the needle, in this case, a circle. In this method, the needle is the same gauge or larger than the initial jewelry to be worn.
Dermal Punching is a method which is used to remove a circular area of tissue, into which jewelry is placed. This method is usually used to remove both skin and cartilage in upper ear piercings, where cartilage must be removed to relieve pressure on the piercing to ensure proper healing and long term viability of the piercing. The healed fistulas created or enlarged using a dermal punch will usually not shrink over time.
The Pierce and Taper method is similar to the standard method. It is a more advanced technique though, sometimes used to pierce where large gauge initial jewelry is desired. In this method, after the needle is inserted and the opening is created, a tapered steel bar (usually one gauge larger than that of the needle at the large end) is inserted instead of initial jewelry. Then the jewelry is pushed through the opening, following the tapered bar. The success of this method is dependent on the elasticity of the skin in the area being pierced, the skill of the piercer and the type of piercing being done.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Piercing History
Evidence suggests that body piercing (including ear piercing) has been practiced all over the world since ancient times. Mummified bodies with piercings have been discovered, nose piercing and ear piercing are mentioned in the bible and tongue piercing was popular with the elite of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. The most common reasons for piercings throughout these times were for religious or cultural significance. Although it is speculated that piercing for ornamental or sexual reasoning was being practiced as early as 14th century Europe, these are the most common reasons for piercings in today's modern world, primarily dating back to the late 19th century Europe.
In North America, piercing really began to gain popularity in the 1960s by woman and was quickly adopted soon there after by men within the hippie and free love movements, and later the punk subculture. Today, body piercing has become part of mainstream culture as attitudes and values within society have changed. While it hasn't been completely accepted, piercing (much like the tattoo culture) has become more tolerable.
In North America, piercing really began to gain popularity in the 1960s by woman and was quickly adopted soon there after by men within the hippie and free love movements, and later the punk subculture. Today, body piercing has become part of mainstream culture as attitudes and values within society have changed. While it hasn't been completely accepted, piercing (much like the tattoo culture) has become more tolerable.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
About Piercing Labret
Labret piercing brings a smile spark of charm. The drill lasted only a few minutes but healing requires patience of several months. And like any self-respecting piercing, labret piercing is the darling of the girls.
Labret piercing: a gem of a coquette
Called lip or labret piercing jewelry set by the hole in the skin around the lips, cheeks and chin. This ornament is the pride of men (too little) and girls today do not date from yesterday, far from it.
It is true that men too often reluctant to put a labret done on the upper lip. Generally, they are quirky, very low to the chin. The girls, they are more willing and more fun to travel with piercings labrets attractive shapes. A jewel that hems the lip is nice. Two jewels on a smile, is fun.
The seduction of a smile with a labret piercing does not stem as it does not show. These are the bits that adorn that make all the difference. Labret piercings are so trendy now that the stars they are appropriate to the rival them. There are now a wide choice of shapes in various materials at very low prices. It is increasingly easy to be admired and seduce with such jewels.
Labret piercing: the charm of the stars!
Before you can seduce the piercing requires a pose: drilling. It can be done:
* Vertical: This is the Monroe or Madona piercing is pointing toward the upper lip, the most popular.
* Or delayed: This is the famous labret piercing usually centered under the lower lip, chin.
Then follow the care of rigor so that there is no infection during healing. This is the basics of any drilling, the same lobe of the ear that you had when you were a child. The key is to observe the hygiene conditions and to be vigilant in case of rejection.
After the installation and healing, you can finally replace the rod with a temporary labret more fancy and change the way you want. It is strongly recommended to use the arcade or nose piercings horseshoe or with a very pronounced lower tip bounced too. Labrets must necessarily have a flat tip to one side. It is the health of the gums and teeth.
You already have one? Smile, you're a star!
Labret piercing: a gem of a coquette
Called lip or labret piercing jewelry set by the hole in the skin around the lips, cheeks and chin. This ornament is the pride of men (too little) and girls today do not date from yesterday, far from it.
It is true that men too often reluctant to put a labret done on the upper lip. Generally, they are quirky, very low to the chin. The girls, they are more willing and more fun to travel with piercings labrets attractive shapes. A jewel that hems the lip is nice. Two jewels on a smile, is fun.
The seduction of a smile with a labret piercing does not stem as it does not show. These are the bits that adorn that make all the difference. Labret piercings are so trendy now that the stars they are appropriate to the rival them. There are now a wide choice of shapes in various materials at very low prices. It is increasingly easy to be admired and seduce with such jewels.
Labret piercing: the charm of the stars!
Before you can seduce the piercing requires a pose: drilling. It can be done:
* Vertical: This is the Monroe or Madona piercing is pointing toward the upper lip, the most popular.
* Or delayed: This is the famous labret piercing usually centered under the lower lip, chin.
Then follow the care of rigor so that there is no infection during healing. This is the basics of any drilling, the same lobe of the ear that you had when you were a child. The key is to observe the hygiene conditions and to be vigilant in case of rejection.
After the installation and healing, you can finally replace the rod with a temporary labret more fancy and change the way you want. It is strongly recommended to use the arcade or nose piercings horseshoe or with a very pronounced lower tip bounced too. Labrets must necessarily have a flat tip to one side. It is the health of the gums and teeth.
You already have one? Smile, you're a star!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)