Will it hurt?

Not nearly as much as you might think! In fact, the actual piercing is so brief that usually the worst part is the  worrying beforehand. And, no matter how the piercing felt, almost everyone who gets pierced can't help but laugh or smile when it's over. Don't get me wrong, piercing is not a painless experience--but pain is completely relative to the individual and the pain incurred during a piercing is nothing that the average person can't handle. Remember: the piercing process only lasts a split second, while the new addition to your body can be enjoyed as long as you like!

 

How long will it take to heal?

That depends. Each area of the body has its own unique healing period and process. Oral and oral/facial piercings tend to heal fastest, while others tend to heal a bit slower. Also, every individual body heals and reacts to piercings in an individualised manner.A general guideline for approximate healing times is as follows:

                        Cheek: 2-3 months
                        Cartilage: 2-6 months
                        Earlobe: 4-8 weeks
                        Eyebrow: 6-12 weeks
                        Labret: 6-8 weeks
                        Lip: 1-3 months
                        Navel: 3-9 months
                        Nipple: 3-9 months
                        Nostril: 1-2 months
                        Septum: 6-8 weeks
                        Tongue: 4-8 weeks

 

Is piercing some new fad or trend?

No.Piercing has been around a long time and has been practiced in nearly every culture all over the world for thousands of years.

 

Why do I have to start with titanium?

This is the best material to prevent adverse reactions to the new jewellery in your body. There will be plenty of time for the fun involved with changing your jewelry to express yourself or reflect your personal style.

 

How long before I can change the starter jewellery?

In accordance with healing, this time period can vary from person to person. There are two things to consider: the initial and full healing periods. The initial healing period is that time when the body creates a nice layer of skin between you and the starter jewelry. The full healing period is when the new piercing is entirely healed. Now, when deciding how long to wait before changing your jewelry you have to remember that you don't want to reopen the wound. This will delay your healing process and require intense aftercare to prevent possible infection. And when you change your jewelry you are going to irritate your new piercing—no matter how gentle you are. So, my advice is to wait until the piercing is no longer tender (meaning, you can play with your piercing without experiencing ANY discomfort). At this point you can consider changing your jewelry. However, use as much care as possible when changing your jewelry for the first time.

 

What should I do during the healing period?

Basically, treat your piercing like what it is: a wound. You should treat your piercing as carefully as possible--at all times, at all costs. This will insure that your body is healing your new piercing at the fastest rate possible. And always remember to wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap before touching your new piercing.

 

What if a shop doesn't seem clean?

Do not get pierced there. Try and do some research before choosing a shop or piercer. Ask around and find a shop that has a reputations for being clean, sterile and friendly.

 

For how long can I keep out my jewellery?

This depends. Each piercing has a different lifespan without jewelry. For example, I removed my second tongue barbell to go to the dentist and after an hour and a half the hole closed up. On the other hand, I've kept my earlobe jewelry out for days without having my holes shrink or close-up. Bottom line, if you have to remove your jewelry, get a retainer. This will prevent any chance of losing the piercing. And retainers are made with clear lucite, flesh colored or clear acrylic ends, and other styles of "hideable" accessories. So hiding your piercing shouldn't be an issue. And for athletes, a PTFE tongue retainer, monofilament nylon, or other types of inert metallic substances may serve to keep your piercing open while engaging in activity.