Everything you need to know about nipple piercings before you get one yourself

As someone who usually prefers getting a piercing over dealing with emotional issues, one type in particular has been calling out to me since I was 14: nipple piercings. It’s true, like any other piece of anatomy, metal bars (or rings) can go in your breasts for fashion, and I think that’s one of the few things I’d bet on the “pain is beauty” spell. Nipple piercings are the ultimate fashion accessory, but you’ve probably wondered, do they hurt? Do they ever heal? Will they fall off if infected? Let me give you the truth.

Prevention is better than cure

Although you may have seen many celebrities, forever icon Rihanna to the mysterious muse Bella Hadid-show off their pierced prized possessions, how exactly does it work and are they safe? Well, a nipple piercing is just that: a piercing in your nipples. Specifically, piercing the sensitive tissue connected to the milk ducts, or your areola, the darker ring around it.

WebMD lists a number of possible problems you might encounter if you get your nipples pierced in a hurry and without research. In the UK and USA, the legal age to have a nipple piercing is 18, with ID required. Studios that jump at the chance to drill you at a younger age or without proof of age are a big red flag since it is literally illegal. Of the risks of rampant infections that hurt like hell with all poorly healed piercings – I should know, I’m currently praying that my salt water will miraculously fix my keloids, big chance– there are other problems you may encounter in getting girls pierced.

First of all, go to a professional. This means that any sign of unsanitary practice is your green light to get out immediately. WebMD advises finding a reputable piercer through the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), which is a worldwide network of reliable and safe piercers. Through his portalyou will find ‘Commercial Members’ – those working full-time as piercers, with over a year’s professional experience – and ‘Associate Members’ who also work as professional piercers but have less than a year’s experience (like apprentices, for example).

Also, being aware of what your body can handle when it comes to piercings will likely help you a lot when inquiring about them. Find out if you have a certain allergy to the metals that are used in bars is a must because the last thing you want is the already painful process of being prolonged by an infection.

How can I do them?

In an interview with Seduceprofessional piercer and owner of Workshop 28a piercing studio in New York, TJ Cantwell describes the exit process. “Your piercer will wash up, put on gloves, and prepare sterile equipment. Any reputable piercer will also act as a meditation teacher, helping you stay calm and asking you to breathe while they pierce you. The actual piercing happens very quickly.

Cantwell pointed out that if there’s one thing to watch out for, it’s that all the tools are pre-sterilized and opened in front of you before use.

To circle or not to circle?

Generally speaking, a straight barbell for the piercing is your best bet. Curved dumbbells are usually reserved for inverted nipples. Rings and hoops often move too much and can significantly disrupt the healing process. Not funny.

And don’t forget, always, always go with implant-grade metal, folks.

Double problem or one and it’s done?

Some choose to have one of their nipples pierced to get a feel for the level of pain before having the second pierced. Initially, that was my game plan. According to GraceMany studios offer a two-for-one price on nipple piercings anyway, so there’s a greater incentive to get them together. They can cost between £25 and £50. On average, the price to get your nipples pierced is around £40, but this can change depending on the jewelry chosen on top. While I’m a person with multiple holes in my ears and all of a sudden superficial tragus to the belly bars in my body, I think I would still need my piercer to charge me up front just in case I chickened out.

TMI bits

Before I get to the cons, let me answer any final questions you may have. First of all, do they make your nipples hard all the time? Well, getting your pinches pierced can make them look slightly more pronounced, but, never fear, it won’t stay that way in the long run. Do they crust? As with any piercing (i.e. a sore in your body), they can scab, yes, but if you’re worried it will look abnormal or be too painful, consider talking about it. to your GP or doctor. If I remove the ring, will there be any scars? Unfortunately, it probably will, especially if it’s removed before it heals properly, and it might be left a little different from its pre-drilled state, according to Grazia. Will I be able to breastfeed? Yes, but it’s not OK for everyone. You may have to ditch the hoops for some bars and take them out when it’s the little one’s dinner time. And before you ask, no, they probably won’t explode in an airport metal detector, Grazia noted that a lot of metal body jewelry is non-ferromagnetic — the scientific term that basically means if your jewelry is gold. , silver or platinum, it won’t go out. Thank God.

Another thing to note is that many women report that their piercings significantly increase the sensitivity of their nipple, i.e. they have healed properly.

The feared drawbacks

Besides looking great and adding a little sparkle to a no-bra look, nipple piercings are high maintenance. And that makes sense because they have a longer healing time than other piercings.

Among the bad, nipple piercings can cause a number of problems: abscess (big ones filled with very painful pus, yuck), rejection (where the piercing is literally pushed out by your body), and localized infection, although a study suggests that the risks of systemic infections are very low.

Nipple piercings usually take up to six months to fully heal, which can really put a damper on your plans. If you want to show off your new studs at the beach, now is the time to do them, folks. In the beginning, your priority should be to keep them covered at all times, at least for the first two weeks. You may also be advised not to pry or touch them except to clean pus and goo, and to avoid soaking them in water when bathing as well. Twice daily cleansing is also an absolute must and the safest and most recommended way to do this is with a saline solution. Believe me, jumping on it isn’t worth the headache – think of it as if you were sleeping drunk with makeup on but waking up with a horrible leaky hole in your body, no thanks.

So, with all the pros and cons of getting your nipples pierced safely in your back pocket, will you decide to do it?