To most college students, getting a piercing seems like no big deal. Especially since most of us girls have had our fair share of lobe piercings since elementary school. And yet there are some very important things to know about getting a piercing and keeping it from getting infected or worse rejecting.
Unlike a tattoo, a piercing is not 100% permanent but it will leave some sort of a scar if you decide to remove it. Some piercings leave bigger and or more noticeable scars, so it is best to keep that in mind when deciding on a piercing. Scarring will also be determined on how well you take care of your piercings so remember this before you go and get your cheeks pierced.
The main types of body piercings include ear, facial, lip, genital, oral, and surface. Each requires strict aftercare, including sea-salt soaks two times per day until the healing process is complete. You can also clean out a piercing using warm soap and water but salt is best. Generally speaking, the more common piercings such as lobes and nostrils tend to heal quicker but every healing process is fairly individual.
There are many dos and don’t when it comes to taking care of a fresh piercing and tips to keep your fresh wound healthy and happy.
DO always touch a piercing with clean hands and as minimally as possible. Rotation of jewelry can open up the piercing and elongate the healing time.
DON’T insert acrylic or silicon jewelry into a fresh or healing piercing. Same goes for ear stretching, you will want to stick to surgical stainless steel or titanium jewelry.
DO consult a licensed and experienced piercer about your piercing. They will access your anatomy to determine whether or not your idea fits your body or is even physically possible.
DON’T DIY. Seriously paying for a professional is worth it and this isn’t our parent’s time period anymore.
DO go outside the box. Piercings are making their way into the mainstream and college is all about being an individual. Instead of one nose ring, get two hoops on one side. Try out a dermal piercing. Or stretch an existing piercing.Â