When Not To Get Pierced

I've covered a lot of this in the other blogs, but I thought it might be helpful to have a list of things to consider before getting a piercing and cover some of the reasons why I wouldn't suggest getting a piercing. It is always challenging for me to refuse to pierce someone because I love the art of piercing, my income depends on it, and I really hate to disappoint someone who has a strong desire to get a piercing. Even though most of my clients have been thinking about getting a piercing for some time, several people get a piercing on an impulse. There's nothing wrong with that, but if the piercer is unwilling to take the time to provide the client with the necessary information to make an informed decision, then the results can be disastrous.

I bring up the education part because people are often surprised and, in some cases, annoyed by the fact that I conduct a consultation with every client. The part that surprises me is that those who seem most affected by this are the individuals with multiple piercings, and I was the first to undergo a consultation. When they say they have never had a piercer go through all that information beforehand, I always ask about their experiences at other studios. Time and time again, their telling of the piercing procedure is something like this: fill out the forms, pay for the piercing, set up and do the piercing, and then they are handed a piece of paper and sent on their merry way.

Something I learned early in my career is that it is an uneasy balance between flat-out refusing and providing the client with enough information to make an informed decision. Let's face it, though I greatly enjoy piercing, I'm in business to make a profit, and it would be a great deal more profitable to pierce anyone and everyone that comes through the door with cash in hand.  Often, my ethics and my need to make an income conflict. However, one thing I discovered early on is that talking to someone out of a piercing or flat refusing to do a piercing that I know there will be a bad outcome not only reduces the number of clients I see coming back with issues but also begins building a level of trust between piercer and his clientele. 

There are many reasons not to get a piercing on a personal level, but here are some suggestions that might affect the outcome of healing a piercing completely without issues, and in some cases, delaying the piercing may be in your best interest. We'll start with the reasons why you flat out shouldn't get a piercing.

Reasons that a piercing may not be in your best interest:

1. Health - If you have any chronic health problems that affect healing, blood clotting, or where increased stress may cause a bad reaction:
   1. ​Diabetes, Ischemia, Venous stasis and other circulatory diseases  - Since an essential part of the healing of piercings involves a steady supply of blood to supply the growing tissue with oxygen and nutrients, those with diabetes and other diseases that affect the delivery of blood, will have an increased likelihood of prolonged healing and infection. Areas of the body with poor circulation and injection sites should be avoided. The most significant risk is the increased period during which the piercing is an open wound. Since, for example, an average healthy adult may take 8 to 12 weeks to heal an ear piercing, those with circulatory dysfunctions may take as much as twice as long, thus increasing the likelihood of contamination with foreign pathogens that could result in infections or other problems. However, in most cases, if the client is healthy, on medication, and follows the aftercare instructions, I've seen little or no problem with healing. However, with any prolonged health condition, you should consult your doctor before getting a piercing.
   2. Hemophilia, Anemia, and other blood clotting disorders - Since the act of piercing is puncturing the skin, the piercing will bleed. I know that some piercings seem not to bleed at all, but the reality is that if you cut or puncture the body, it will bleed. Some areas of the body are more prone to bleeding than others, like the genital areas and the mouth, which can, in some cases, bleed a small amount for a few days. They also heal faster due to increased blood flow. Unlike a routine skin puncture, piercing involves inserting a piece of material that keeps the wound open and prevents the body from closing it completely. Thus, bleeding can last longer. However, with those with blood clotting disorders, the blood cannot clot, which reduces the loss of blood. The danger is in prolonged and significant blood loss, which could lead to dangerous results if the bleeding doesn't stop. I can not stress enough that if you have a clotting disorder, you should consult with your doctor before getting a piercing.
   3. Anticoagulation Medication or other medications - Of course, the concern is the same as blood clotting disorders. With medications and other drugs, side effects and other problems can affect how the body heals a piercing. If you are unsure how the medication may affect your healing process, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
   4. Keloids, fibrosis, and other scarring disorders - Though in most cases there is not a health risk, if you are prone to scarring when healing wounds, there is an increased likelihood that the piercing will cause scarring. In the case of keloids, especially, it will likely require a medical procedure to remove the scarring.  Keloids have been a word that has been thrown at just about every bump that may form around a piercing, and often incorrectly. Keloids are fibrotic tumors that result from an overproduction of granulation tissue at the wound site and will frequently involve a needle-like pain and itching. Keloids are more common in those with dark skin. Hypertrophic scars are often mistaken for keloids. Although the cause is the same, Hypertrophic scarring will not increase if left untreated, unlike keloids. At any rate, if you are prone to producing raised scars from cuts and abrasions, then there is a high chance that a piercing will increase the risk of scarring.
   5. Immunocompromised conditions: cancer, radiation therapy, AIDS - If your body's immune system is already depleted, getting a piercing will only increase the possibility of infection and prolonged healing. It could also increase your chances of developing other infections or reduce your body's ability to fight off foreign pathogens. If you have a weakened immune system, I highly recommend consulting your doctor about the risks associated with a prolonged open wound on your body.
   6. Alcoholism, drug addiction, and smoking. Obesity, etc... - Since the act of getting a piercing involves not only fighting off infection but also your body's ability to heal, anything that may affect either will increase the chances of problems during healing, prolonged healing, or infection. If you are unhealthy, you will likely experience a longer healing time and an increased likelihood of infection.
   7. Pregnancy - I will refuse to pierce anyone who is pregnant. There are several reasons why I will not get my ears pierced during Pregnancy. The number one is that I'm unwilling to put the unborn child and the health of the mother at risk. Of course, the concern is that a healing piercing will put additional strain on the mother's immune system. Still, the stress that many may encounter during a piercing may cause unforeseen problems, including a miscarriage. It is a risk that I'm unwilling to take. Also, there is the concern that the changes in a woman's body during pregnancy may cause problems with the healing of a piercing. This would especially be true with navel, nipple, and genital piercings.
2. Employment, Sports, the Military, etc..
   1. Employment - This is especially true if the piercing will be visible at work.  Although many employers today don't outright ban visible piercings, it is best to discuss your plans with your employer beforehand to ensure a clear understanding of what they will accept in terms of piercings and jewelry. Some companies may allow a piercing but have restrictions on the type of jewelry worn or how many piercings you can have. There are also health or safety concerns that they may have. This is mainly in the food prep and manufacturing industries. You should also consider how the piercing may impair your ability to do your job. For example, if your job involves talking, a swollen tongue may not be the best thing to show up to work with.
   2. Sports - Many sports organizations have begun to ban or limit the number of piercings their athletes are allowed to wear when competing. In part, this is due to safety concerns, but often it may be more about uniformity than safety. Regardless of whether or not your piercing presents a health risk for you or your teammates isn't the issue. If there is a rule banning or restricting the wearing of jewelry, you may have to remove your jewelry to compete. If you are active in a sport, it is always best to consult your coach and/or study the league's regulations before getting a piercing.
   3. Military - I don't know how to stress this strongly than to state that removing jewelry for long periods during or after the healing period can most likely result in the piercing closing. If you are active in the Military, I would suggest waiting until you are out before getting a piercing. Each branch has different regulations, and, like any regulation, they are subject to interruption by those in command. When in doubt, ask. 
      1. U.S. Air Force AFI-36-2903 -
         1. In Uniform: Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, or any exposed body part (including visible through the uniform). EXCEPTION: Women are authorized to wear one small spherical, conservative, diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver pierced, or clip earring per earlobe, and the earring worn in each earlobe must match. Earrings should fit tightly without extending below the earlobe. (EXCEPTION: Connecting band on clip earrings.)
         2. Civilian Attire:
            1. ​Official duty: Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, or any exposed body part (including visible through clothing). EXCEPTION: Women are authorized to wear one small spherical, conservative, diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver pierced, or clip earring per earlobe, and the earring worn in each earlobe must match. Earrings should fit tightly without extending below the earlobe. (EXCEPTION: Connecting band on clip earrings)
            2. Off duty on a military installation: Members are prohibited from attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to or through the ear, nose, tongue, or any exposed body part (including visible through clothing). EXCEPTION: Piercing of earlobes by women is allowed, but should not be extreme or excessive. The type and style of earrings worn by women on a military installation should be conservative and kept within sensible limits.
      2. U.S. Army AR 670-1 - "No attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to or through the skin while in uniform, in civilian clothes, while on duty, or in civilian clothes off duty on any military installation or other places under Army control. This change supersedes the current policy regarding male earrings. This message does not change the current policy regarding the wearing of earrings by females. Female soldiers are authorized to wear earrings on Army installations while on duty in civilian attire and may also wear approved earrings while in uniform."
      3. U.S. Coast Guard -  "Our policy regarding body piercing is also changing significantly. No piercings, other than those for earrings as described below, shall be made through the ear, nose, tongue, chin, eyebrow, or any other body part that would be visible while in any uniform. This prohibition applies to both male and female members. It is specifically intended to limit the less-than-military appearance associated with vacant holes in the face and other exposed areas of the body. Other piercings concealed by the uniform, such as the navel or nipples, are strongly discouraged due to the potential for infection and medical complications. Under no circumstances shall such concealed piercings and accompanying jewelry be visible through, or interfere with, the professional appearance of the member in uniform. Piercings in the ear shall not exceed two per ear lobe and shall be small and inconspicuous. Additional piercings in the ear lobes and cartilage are prohibited. Guidance regarding the wearing of earrings by women while in uniform, can be found in Uniform Regulations, COMDTINST M1020.6 (series). All members are prohibited from wearing forms of facial jewelry (other than earrings for women) while in uniform, on board a military installation, or while attending a command-sponsored event. Those personnel with preexisting unauthorized piercings shall discontinue the use of those piercings to allow for eventual healing."
      4. U.S. Marine Corps -According to the uniform order for the Marine Corps, Male Marines are not authorized piercings or any form of body modification, including the attaching, affixing, or displaying of objects, articles, jewelry, or ornamentation to, through, or under their skin, tongue, or any other body part.  Female Marines, however, may wear earrings with service and dress uniforms at the individual's option, according to the following regulations:  Small, polished, yellow gold color, ball, or round stud earrings (post, screw-on, or clip), not to exceed 6 millimeters (about 1/4 inch) in diameter, may be worn with the service, blue dress, and blue-white dress.  Small white pearl or pearl-like earrings (post, screw-on, or clip), not to exceed 6 millimeters (about 1/4 inch) in diameter, may be worn with evening dress uniforms and with the blue dress "A" and blue-white dress "A" uniforms when worn for social events. When worn, earrings will fit tightly against, and will not extend below, the earlobe. Only one earring will be worn on or in each earlobe. Earrings will not be worn with the utility uniform, or while participating in a parade, ceremony, or other similar military functions.
      5. U.S. Navy -  "Intentional body mutilation, piercing, branding/intentional scarring that is excessive or eccentric are prohibited. Some examples are:
         1. ​ a split or forked tongue;
         2. foreign objects inserted under the skin to create a design or pattern;
         3. enlarged or stretched out holes in the ears (other than a regular piercing).
         4. Intentional scarring that appears on the neck, face, or scalp. Waivers may be requested for prior service and existing body mutilation, piercing, branding/deliberate scarring from the Chief of Naval Operations. 

​When you should consider delaying getting a piercing:

1. Vacation and travel - Time and time again, I have clients come in to get a piercing and leave without one because they are planning on taking a vacation where they will be submerging the piercing area in natural waters. Before getting a piercing, you should consider if you will be traveling, not only because of swimming, but also because you will not be able to control how clean the environment you will be staying in will be. Another thing you should consider is if you really want to be dealing with a healing piercing the whole time you are on vacation.
2. Drinking and other controlled or uncontrolled substances - First off and foremost, I will not knowingly pierce anyone who is intoxicated. The reasons are not only that the person's judgment is often impaired, but also due to the increased risk involved. It is a misconception that if you are intoxicated, the piercing is going to hurt less and the client will be more relaxed. The reality is that most substances are amplifiers, increasing the person's mental state and sensations they experience. So, if you are stressed and nervous about the piercing, it will only worsen if you are drunk. It can also increase a person's susceptibility to lightheadedness and fainting. There is also the concern that alcohol and other substances thin the blood, which would cause the blood not to clot. Then there is the issue of memory loss and the ability to focus, which affects what the client retains from the instruction on care for their piercing. Even if you are sober at the time, you should consider any plans you have for the near future that might involve drinking or other intoxicating substances. This would especially be the case with healing oral piercings, where your diet would need to be constricted to reduce swelling and other problems during healing.
3. Trying to conceive or planning on getting pregnant in the future - This should be of special concern if you want to pierce your navel, nipples, or genitals. In some cases, the changes that occur during pregnancy may require the removal of the jewelry and abandonment of the piercing. This is especially true of navel piercings. If you are planning on breastfeeding, it may require that you remove your nipple piercing jewelry while feeding.
4. Medical Treatment - If you are undergoing surgery, an MRI scan, or another medical procedure that may require removing your jewelry, it is best to wait until after the procedure is completed. Removing the jewelry, especially during the healing period, can result in prolonged healing, loss of the piercing, infection, or other problems.
5. Summer time activities - If you spend a majority of the summer in or on the water, you might want to consider waiting until fall to get pierced. Additionally, if you camp, access to clean running water for cleaning the piercing and hygiene may be an issue.
6. Sexual activity - Mainly with genital piercings and other sexual piercings, if you are in a relationship, you should talk with your partner beforehand about the precautions that will need to be taken to avoid infection and to allow the piercing to heal.  Understand that getting a genital piercing or other piercing will involve a period where sexual activity will be limited and, in some cases, painful. If you are planning a romantic weekend getaway with your partner, it would be best to delay the piercing until afterwards.
7. Holidays and special events - I think one of the worst piercing experiences I had personally was getting my tongue pierced right before Thanksgiving. It is a good idea to consider what activities and functions you may have in your future. For example, if you are planning on spending a day at an amusement park or playing football at the family picnic, having a tender healing piercing being subjected to abuse all day will not only be uncomfortable but may cause problems with the healing. Is there an event in your near future where the piercing may not be appropriate? If so, this is something to consider, as the jewelry should not be removed during the healing period.
8. Sports - I covered this above, but even if there isn't an issue of regulations against piercings, you may want to consider waiting until after the season is over before getting the piercing. Mainly because with sports, there is an increased contact with the piercing or the likelihood of damage to the piercing. It really depends on the location of the piercing and the sport, but it should be considered.

I'm sure I haven't covered every single situation that might delay or prohibit you from getting pierced, and as always, if you don't see your concern listed here, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. The key to any decision that may have a lifelong impact is to make an informed decision. Often, I've dodged the bullet of having an unhappy client with a problematic piercing by simply spending the time to explain the care needed to heal the piercing and the risks that might be involved. I have designed my consent and release form to address most of these concerns, not only because it is the ethical thing to do, but also because it limits the problems I would have to deal with later. However, some of this responsibility should fall on the person getting the piercing. Whenever in doubt, ask.