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(Risks)
This page briefly describes safety concerns, describes a
typical piercing and suggests how to choose the right piercer.
Infection: most often occurs when a healing piercing is
improperly cleaned, touched with dirty hands or exposed to
another person's bodily fluids. Getting pierced by a
professional who uses proper sterile technique and diligent
aftercare are the best means of prevention and a
knowledgeable piercer can help eliminate an infection should
one occur.
Rejection is a natural reaction to a foreign object as the body
tries to expel it. Sometimes a ring will "walk" to another
position. At other times the ring will gradually grow out of
the body. This process often leaves a little scar in the wake of
the jewelry. If you so desire, a piercing can be re-done just
behind the scar tissue, reducing the chance of rejection
occurring again. Proper placement is essential to reducing
the chances of rejection. Common piercings prone to
rejection are the Madison, handweb and other "surface"
piercings.
Scarring, Marks & Keloids: Provided your piercing heals
nicely, scarring is negligible. Were you to remove a piercing
before it healed fully, there would be no trace left of it within
a few weeks. Removal of a fully-healed piercing often leaves
two small dots that fade to a small black-headesque mark.
Though not limited to them, keloids and granuloma most
often occur in blacks and those of Celtic descent: its a genetic
predisposition to excessive scarring. Another frequent cause
can be the use of hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or any other
extremely drying cleansing agent in the care of a fresh
piercing. There are various means of treatment for removal,
reduction, and prevention. Consult with your piercer for
more information if this is a concern.
Allergic Reaction: A sensitivity to nickel has become
associated with piercing fans with multiple piercings, but has
appeared in people before getting pierced. Surgical Stainless
Steel contains nickel, so if you believe yourself to be allergic
to steel or nickel (often shown by irritation wearing watches
with metal backings or cheap gold) your piercer can offer
alternatives. Sometimes piercees will exhibit allergies to their
cleaning solution. Your piercer should be able to detail
symptoms and offer suggestions to remedy the situation.
Sex: Irritation and infection are the primary concerns here.
Even if you trust your partner(s) completely about HIV and
Hepatitis, there are many other sources of infection. In
addition, the irritation from rubbing or tugging slows down
healing immensely and should be avoided for the critical first
two weeks of healing. For the duration of healing, no other
person's bodily fluids should touch your piercing- not even
sweat or saliva. Just remember to play safe and clean
afterwards and a fresh piercing interferes only minimally.
Travel: There are three main factors to consider when
travelling: time, water quality and metal detectors. If you
think you won't take the time to clean your fresh piercing at
least twice daily, then don't bother getting that navel piercing
for your trip to Cancun. If you're thinking of trekking in the
jungles or going swimming in Mooney's Bay, or being in
contact with water where the purity is questionable, be
prepared to pick up a couple of shiny happy parasites in your
fresh piercing. With relation to metal detectors, you'd need to
be wearing about half a pound of metal for any but the most
sensitive machinery to detect piercings.
Donating Blood: The Red Cross prohibits people who have
received a tattoo or piercing of any kind, including ear
piercings, from donating blood for one year, the incubation
period of Hepatitis C. Chances are if you take good care of
your piercings and go to a reputable piercer, this will never be
a concern, but they're playing it safe.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It is generally a bad idea to
get pierced whilst pregnant since it can overstress your
immune system and trigger some unpleasant side effects
including keloids. If you plan on getting pregnant anytime in
the next year, don't get your nipples or navel pierced. Navel
piercings often have to be removed in the final trimester, so a
fully-healed hole is important. If breastfeeding is important to
you, please be advised that although having your nipples
pierced shouldn't prevent you from breastfeeding, they can
cause considerable discomfort and be awkward (mothers
nurse frequently, thus removing and replacing your rings is a
real pain in the tit).
Certain Medical Conditions such as diabetes, low or high
blood-pressure, predisposition to fainting, and certain
medications and allergies can all affect the piercing process as
well as aftercare. Please be candid with your piercer and
honest when you fill out a consent form. If you are
seropositive, please be advised that it can stress your immune
system immensely to heal a piercing and take an unusual
amount of time to do so. Knowing this, if you still wish to get
pierced, it is considered a courtesy to inform your piercer so
he or she can tailor your aftercare. A responsible piercer
treats every client as though they carry HIV and Hepatitis and
takes the same precautions against contamination. There is
no risk of getting AIDS, Hepatitis or any other illness as a
result of a piercing done properly.
Alcohol, Aspirin, and Other Drugs: Please refrain from
using alcohol and aspirin for 48 hours prior to a piercing since
both have the effect of interfering with the ability of your
blood to clot. A responsible piercer will not knowingly pierce
an intoxicated person. If you need something to bolster your
courage, bring a friend or a teddy bear. We offer lollipops.
Please inform your piercer of any medication you are currently taking,
since they may affect your piercing and healing.
Preparation: First you fill out a release form and answer
some questions about your health, then you help choose your
piece of jewelry reflecting your personal preferences,
allergies, body type and piercing type. Ear piercing guns and
studs are NEVER appropriate for ANY piercing. Typically
we offer surgical steel or niobium body piercing rings. The
jewelry is then cleaned for 15 minutes while you are advised
to use the washroom, and while you are being prepared,
largely consisting of cleaning your skin around the area to be
pierced and marking the spot with a surgical skin marker or sterilized toothpick dipped in ink.
Your piercer will mark the entry and exit points of the jewelry
to optimize healing and reduce the chances of rejection.
Please tell your piercer if you are not 100% satisfied with the
location of the dots: its much easier to erase the marks than to
move a piece of jewelry once you've been pierced!
Pain and Anaesthetic: It is at this time that your piercer
may offer you some anaesthetic: we prefer not to use it since
it is far too often used as a crutch by incompetent piercers to
cover their shortcomings. In addition, spray-on anaesthetics
are practically useless, can cause tissue trauma, and are not
guaranteed to be sterile. Xylocaine-based creams are only
effective and available for some genital and mouth piercings.
Most piercings hurt less than stubbing a toe, or popping a
pimple beside your nose: one second of discomfort, and then
a slight burning sensation that rapidly dissipates.
The Big Moment: Next, the piercing itself begins. For most
piercings, your skin is clamped, holding it in place. The
piercer then asks if you are ready and starts you on a simple
breathing exercise. The sterile needle passes quickly through
your skin and into a cork on the other side. The cork is
removed, as are the clamps. The jewelry is inserted into the
back of the hollow needle and pushes it out.
After: The jewelry is closed, your skin cleaned again, and
the needle is destroyed and disposed of in a biohazard sharps
container. Your piercer gives you an aftercare pamphlet and
details important points. If you are interested in herbal
remedies, vitamins, aromatherapy or other alternate healing
methods, please mention this to your piercer. They can best
advise as to which course to take. Sometimes people can feel
ill or even faint from the mild shock they receive as the needle
passes through the skin. If you feel queasy or faint, or if you
seem pale, your piercer may advise you to sit and relax for
awhile. When you have had all of your concerns addressed,
and you feel ready to leave, you can go enjoy your new
piercing!
Price should not be an issue. Saving a few dollars pales in
importance when you consider the consequences of an
improperly-performed piercing. On the other hand, high
prices do not assure quality.
Medical Qualifications: If a piercer claims to have medical
background, ask for them to elaborate on this and how it is
relevant to piercing. While a brilliant neurosurgeon might
have the knowledge of proper sterile technique, she probably
wouldn't have the experience necessary to place a piercing
properly with the proper depth and jewelry, nor offer
appropriate aftercare suggestions. Would you trust a nurse
who couldn't draw a stick-figure to tattoo you? Most piercers
should have current first aid and CPR certification in addition
to piercing experience.
Experience: This is acquired largely through years of
training and hands-on experience. Ask how your piercer
learned their craft and how long they've been working. Also
find out what steps they are taking to improve themselves to
this day.
References: This is the best way for you to gauge the quality
of a piercer. Ask friends, people on the street, and if you're
on the Internet, check out rec.arts.bodyart. Your local Health
Board should be inspecting the piercing establishment.
In Ottawa, calling the RMOC's Health Board (722-2242) can let you
know if an establishment has been inspected lately
or received any complaints. In any case, demand to see your
piercer's portfolio of healed piercings.
Cleanliness: An autoclave (or pressure cooker) is the only
accepted method of sterilization of used instruments(dry heat
is insufficient). All needles must be destroyed and properly
disposed of after each use. Gloves must be worn for each
piercing and disposed of after each piercing. All surfaces
must be scrubbable and kept scrupulously clean. Jewelry
should only be used once. These are but a few of the safety
and cleanliness guidelines to look out for. Ask to see your
piercer's work station and autoclave.
Comfort: Do you feel comfortable with your piercer? Do
they seem to be able to confidently answer all of your
questions and demonstrate good bedside manner? Please
note that Ambient boasts experienced piercers of both sexes
should this be of import to you. A few friends/hand-holders/cheerleaders
can be allowed in for support or total
privacy is offered at Ambient. We also encourage clients to
bring their favourite music on CD or cassette. Please inform
your piercer of your preference.
©1996-7 Ambient Inc. | Feedback
(Concerns)
(Procedure)
(Choosing a Piercer)
If you have any unanswered questions,
please feel free to contact us at Ambient Inc.
(613)678-3880.
Email us.
RISKS
A piercing performed by a competent professional and
followed-up with conscientious aftercare will reduce and
almost negate any detrimental side-effects. Occasionally
they manifest even in healed piercings when you are
stressed, overtired, malnourished, or sick. The following
conditions can actually serve as a barometer for your
health; mental, emotional, and physical. Diagnosed and
treated in their early stages they present little risk save
discomfort, and looking gross. There are some risks
associated with piercing, and there is always a small chance
of occurrence, though, so they must be addressed.OTHER CONCERNS
Piercings often require some compromise in your lifestyle.
Some will prevent you from horseback or bike riding for
awhile. If you have to sit at a desk all day, you may find a
navel piercing irritating. More so if you wear tight pants.
Swimming in a pool with any healing piercing is best
avoided and hot tubs are forbidden for at least 6-8 weeks.
Here are some more factors to take into consideration:
PROCEDURE
The following is how a typical piercing proceeds at
Ambient. At any time you feel uncomfortable feel free to ask
questions and/or back out. That is always your right.
HOW TO CHOOSE A PIERCER
When you get pierced you are placing your health into the
hands of someone else, hence there are many questions you
should be prepared to ask. If you can't get answers to them,
you should consider looking elsewhere.
Do not use the articles or images on the Ambient Inc. pages without permission and giving proper credit.