Is My Body Piercing Safe?

Dec 27, 2006

Lots of peeps, from your older sister to Hollywood celebrities, may have a body piercing of some sort, but that doesn't mean you should run right out to the nearest salon and get pierced! One Kidzworld member wanted to know if her navel piercing was safe, so we're here to fill you in on the basics of body piercing.

Body Piercings - The Perils of Piercings

It could be your ears, nose, eyebrows, belly button or tongue, but before you pierce that part, you're going to have to put your detective skills to good use. Finding a safe, clean and professional piercing shop is really, very, totally, extremely important - we can't stress that enough! Improper piercing techniques, like using dirty needles, can lead to viral infections like hepatitis B and C. And if you don't take care of your piercing afterwards, it'll get infected, ooze not-so-cool stuff and leave you with a not-so-pretty scar.

Body Piercings - Don't Believe the Hype

Now that you're down with the dangers, it's time to separate the myths from the facts!

Myth #1 - It's impossible to blow your nose if you have a nose piercing.

Peeps with nose rings are just as capable of blowing their noses as peeps without the jewelry. It just takes a little getting used to.

Myth #2 - Half of your face will go numb if an eyebrow is pierced incorrectly.

An eyebrow piercing should never be so deep that this becomes a concern.

Myth #3 - You'll bleed to death from a botched tongue ring.

Although there are major blood vessels in your tongue, you won't bleed to death. Excessive bleeding can happen, but piercers should always pull back the tongue and check the vein structure before piercing.

Myth #4 - Getting your navel pierced will damage your stomach, uterus, or some veins.

This isn't possible cuz your stomach and uterus are protected by your abdominal muscles. Also, your navel isn't a vascular area, so it doesn't contain blood vessels.

Myth #5 - Turning jewelry randomly throughout the day during the healing process is a must.

Doing this will only break the tissue, forcing the healing process to start all over again!

Body Piercings - After the Piercing

Healing times vary depending on what body part is pierced. Whatever you do, don't sleep on your piercing or remove the jewelry until it's completely healed.

Tongue - 4-6 weeks to heal.
Ear lobe - 6-8 weeks to heal.
Ear cartilage - 4-12 months to heal.
Eyebrow - 6-8 weeks to heal.
Lip - 3-4 months to heal.
Nose - 3-6 months to heal.
Navel - 6-12 months to heal.

The piercing will be sore and swollen for several days, so make sure you take good care of it. Keep it clean by gently washing the area with warm water and antibacterial soap twice a day, and resist the urge to touch or pick at it! For navel piercings, avoid belts, pantyhose, tight jeans or skirts cuz they'll rub up against the jewelry. For tongue and lip piercings, rinse with salt water after every meal. If you're concerned about how your piercing is healing or any discomfort it's causing, talk to the person who you were pierced by or your family doctor for advice on how to deal with it.

Body Piercings - Did U Know?

Navels and ear cartilage are the most difficult piercings to heal.
Tongue piercings can damage teeth over time, and tongue, cheek and lip piercings can cause gum problems.
Elaine Davidson from Brazil is the world's most pierced woman with 1,903 piercings in her body!

To find a safe and licensed body piercing salon near you, head to the Association of Professional Piercers.