Things to consider before you get a body piercing

Things to consider before you get a body piercing

Body modifications have become a really popular form of self-expression in the United Kingdom. There are hundreds of different types of piercings to choose from, so choosing what type of body modification or body piercing to have done can take a lot of consideration.

If you are thinking about getting a new piercing done or have already decided but you need more information our website has various articles that will assist you. There are however some things you should always keep in mind before you commit to anything as explained below.

Self Reflection

Before you commit to a body piercing, you should undergo a period of self-reflection to decide whether a piercing is the right choice for you.

Start by considering your reasons for wanting to get a piercing. Unless you are being coerced into the piercing, there are no “invalid” reasons, but understanding your desires will help you to make an informed choice.

You should also take a moment to consider whether your new piercing will fit in with your other lifestyle choices. For example, if you are an active runner you will have to think carefully about what you would do with a nipple piercing whilst you were exercising. Leaving the piercing in could result in serious chafing and irritation, whereas taking the piercing in and out every time that you want to run could negatively affect the hole.

Understand the risks

Whatever type of piercing you decide to get, you should also know the risks that are associated with that piercing. Even simple piercings like standard ear lobe piercings can carry medical risks, and you should understand these risks to be able to give informed consent to get the procedure done.

All piercings carry the risk of infection, as an open wound is being created on the body. The risk of infection can be reduced by following certain steps, but it is not possible to remove the risk completely. In extreme cases, these infections can result in serious blood poisoning. More exotic types of piercing tend to carry unique risks of their own.

Ask your piercer to explain the risks to you before you agree to the piercing; however do not just rely on their knowledge. You are advised to do independent research before you commit to any type of body modification. Knowing the risks that are associated with your piercing of choice can help you to take adequate steps to mitigate these risks.

Picking a venue

When it comes to getting a new piercing, it is important that you carefully consider where you are going to have the work done. You should always use a licensed parlour for any type of piercing, because these parlours are expected to meet minimum hygiene standards. Good hygiene practices help to reduce the risk of infection. Never let an unlicensed body piercer perform the piercing for you, as you will have no recourse or support if a problem does occur.

You should meet the piercer before agreeing to go through with a piercing. Make sure that you feel comfortable with them and that you trust them to look after your body. If you are getting an exotic piercing performed, you should also make sure that they have a good understanding of the anatomy. Some piercings require the person that is performing them to be very precise, so it is important that the piercer knows what can and what cannot be pierced.

People who are considering getting a very unusual piercing done are recommended to thoroughly research their piercer before making a decision. Try to find a piercer who has performed that particular piercing before, as you do not want to be their guinea pig.

Understand the procedure

Although you are not going to be the person who performs the procedure, you should still develop a good understanding of what will occur during the piercing. Understanding what is involved in your piercing of choice will help you to decide whether you want to go through with the piercing. It will also help to prepare you for what is ahead. People tend to have a calmer, more pleasant experience when they know what to expect from a procedure. In general, being relaxed rather than tense will also help the piercer to perform their procedure more easily.

It is a good idea to ask the piercer for details of the way that they work before you agree to have anything done. They should be able to offer a step-by-step explanation of what they will do as part of the procedure. You should take this opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the piercing.

It is also a good idea to talk about aftercare procedures too. Aftercare is a very important part of any piercing because it reduces the risk of infection and increases the chances that the piercing will successfully take. Without adequate aftercare, your body may reject the piercing and you could be left with scarring that prevents another attempt from being made.