Things to Know Before Getting a Piercing
Your first piercing is like a rite of passage
28 July 2019
We all have one – a memory of our first piercing from our childhood or teenage years.
Whether you went to Claire’s with your mum, or you headed to the nearest piercing place in Dubai with your BFF, getting a piercing is always an experience.
But while your first piercing – often on the lobe – is relatively pain (and risk) free, exploring other areas of the body for a piercing makes it a little bit more complicated. Piercing is an art, after all, and getting one is also a huge change for your body and so any piercing should be completed with absolute care.
SEE ALSO: Where to get your ears pierced in Dubai
All great piercing experiences should be comfortable, clean and hygienic. You should always be given the proper aftercare instructions, and some clinics may even numb the area for you prior to the piercing itself.
If you’re planning on getting a piercing in Dubai, here are ten important things to know…
1) Always do your research
Before scheduling an appointment, get an idea of what you like and be prepared to be flexible – as personal dimensions may not suit your ideal piercing. You’ll also want to make sure that you research the piercing clinic you’ve chosen, and always read reviews.
2) Pick the right piercing for you
Like we said, piercing is an art – and so you should carefully consider what kind of jewellery you’d like to adorn. From metal colour, to shape and size, have a look at different piercing styles and positions ot make sure you find one that you feel will suit your look and style.
3) Plan ahead
If your plan is to curate your piercings, then you should consider your long term ‘ear goals’ and plan accordingly; it is advised you don’t have more than 3 or 4 piercings in one sitting, and take into consideration things like what side you sleep on. You may want to do one side and allow it to heal, before piercing the other side to allow your piercings to heal properly.
4) Prepare for the healing process
When you get a new piercing, you should be fully prepared for the healing process, as it may take longer than you initially thought.
Recommended healing times for different piercings are as follows:
- Lobes: 2 to 3 months
- Cartilage: 6 to 12 months
- Nostril: 6 to 12 months
- Nipple: 8 to 12 months
- Septum: 3 to 5 months
- Belly-button: 6 to 9 months
- Dermal: 2 to 3 months
5) Know your piercing methods
You wouldn’t be wrong to assume that using a gun is a popular piercing method – but it’s only ever suitable for lobes. Bear in mind though, that professional pierces will only ever use a needle as it’s cleaner, less painful and is easier to insert the jewellery.
6) Pick your metal
Choosing the right metal is something you should consider. Not only should you choose a colour that best resonates with your skin tone, but you should also take into consideration whether you have an allergy to any metal. Hypoallergenic metals are nickel-free or medical grade and help to minimise the chance of reaction and speed-up your healing time.
7) Pick your piercing back, too
Most earrings come with a standard butterfly back, like cartilage and lobe piercings. However, a threaded backing may be more comfortable and does not contain nickel. You may also opt for a flat back for comfort, too.
8) Sterilisation is key
This is the most important step to preventing infection. If your piercing isn’t properly sterilized, it will get infected. You new piercing should be opened right in front of you, and your piercer should be wearing sterilised gloves. The area to be pierced should also be cleaned and sterilised, too.
9) Aftercare is a MUST
The last thing you need post-piercing is an infection. Make sure you avoid touching your new piercing with dirty hands and remember that your phone is also a breeding ground for bacteria. Be aware of cleanliness and use clean bedding and towels.
You should clean your piercing twice a day with a mild cleaning solution, like sterile saline so your skin isn’t irritated.
10) How to spot and treat an infection
If you see that your new piercing starts to show signs of redness, heat and distended tissue, you should consult with a piercer to rule out irritation or begin treating the infection.
Redness and swelling are most often a result of a tight fit of jewellery and can be easily fixed but in more severe cases, a course of antibiotics may be needed.
