Pre-Piercing Check List

17 December 2000 / 0 Comments

Below is the Axiom Body Piercing Studio Pre-Piercing Check List that covers what you should consider before getting a piercing. A shopping list of what you should buy to heal your piercing. What you should do to prepare for getting the piercing. What you should do the day of the piercing. You can download a printable copy of the brochure here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/10i-HeRqmXzWxJtQwaQhxuPDClPR7XqCh3uqf6hXuyjs/pub. You should also read DaVo's Piercing Blogs there is a lot of additional information there on when and when not to get pierced and how to prepare.

What to Consider

Many of us have a strong desire to get pierced and it’s easy to just give in and do it but there a number of risks that come with having a Body Piercing.

Work - If you are getting a piercing that will affect your appearance or ability to perform your job, you should talk with your employer before getting a piercing. Especially with facial, ear and oral piercings.
Sports and School Activities - If you are involved in an organized sport or activity they organization may prohibit the wearing of jewelry in a number of Body Piercing. Check with your coach or organization beforehand.
Vacation - If you are planning on going on vacation or will be travelling, it is best to delay the piercing until after. The main issue is how clean your environment will be on vacation.
Medical Conditions - If you have a preexisting medical condition that affects your body’s immune system or the body’s healing abilities, you should consult your doctor before getting a piercings. If you have HIV infection, Immune Deficiency Disorders, diabetes, hemophilia, blood, cancer, are or may become pregnant you are at a higher risk to infections, slow healing and other complications.
Swimming - Until the piercing is completely healed, submerging the piercing into waters that you can control the quality of will increase the likelihood of infection.
Medication -If you are on any medications that might affect bleeding or healing, you should talk to your Doctor about any side effects.
Lifestyle Changes - Healing a piercing may require changes in diet, clothing, sexual activities. All should be considered beforehand.

What to Buy for Every Piercing but the Tongue:

You will need to have some items to heal your piercing and it’s always best to have them on hand before getting your piercing

_____ Sea Salt. Can be found in the Bake Goods Aisle of your local food store.

_____ A mild, fragrance-free liquid soap anti-microbial or germicidal with an active ingredient of Chloroxylenol or Triclosan. Satin or Porvon are your best option however antibacterial soap that is mild and free of additives can be used.

_____Distilled water for soaks.

_____Disposable medicine or shot glass size cups or an easy to clean shot glass for soaking the piecing.

_____Paper Towels for compresses and for patting dry the piercing after cleaning.

_____With Nostril piercings done with a nostril screw you will need cotton tipped applicators like Q-Tips.

_____With Genital piercings where the piercing may bleed for up to 5 days, a Panty Liners or Sanitation Pads maybe need for the first week of healing.

Additional Items needed for Oral & Tongue Piercings

_____A non alcohol based antiseptic mouthwash. I suggest Biotene Antiseptic.

_____ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or other anti inflammatory

_____Stock up on Soft foods like Yogurt, baby food, applesauce, Ice Cream, popsicles, Smoothies, jell-O and soup broth.

______Crushed ice to suck on for the first day or two.

What to do in Preparation for Leading up to getting a Piercing:

Avoid taking any medications that may affect blood clotting several days before getting your piercing. This includes large amounts of caffeine, Vitamin E, Herbs like chamomile, licorice root, ginkgo bilobs, ginger, garlic, genseng, and goldenseal. All of which will thin the blood.
Avoid alcohol or other controlled and uncontrolled substances that might cause blood thinning or your ability to get the piercing for at least 24 hours before the piercing. Understand that if you come into the studio and you are intoxicated, I will not pierce you.
If you have any medical conditions or are taking any medication contact your doctor and discuss issues that your medication and/or condition may when getting and healing the piercing.
Stop by the studio or contact the piercer before hand to discuss any concerns you have and to get information on the risks of the piercing and the aftercare that will be needed.
Make sure that you have the proper identification. If you are a minor, you will needed to bring a legal guardian with you or obtain a notarized letter of consent.
Getting plenty of rest, reducing stress and eating a well balanced diet beforehand can help with healing.
If you are a parent with a small child or children, arrange someone to watch them. Small children are not allowed in the piercing area. This because of the distractions they cause and the risk of them coming in contact with contaminated items. It is best to leave them at home.
Clean bedding, clothing and buy all the items that you are going to need to buy beforehand. With a fresh piercing you are not going to be running around town picking up items.

What to do the day of the Piercing:

Have a light meal before coming in to insure that your blood sugar is balanced.
Wear clothing that will be easy to remove and comfortable after the piercing is done. With female nipples, wear a sports bra or other clothing that will add support but be easy to remove.
Bath before coming in and practise good hygiene.
If you are getting an oral piercing brush your teeth before hand.
Though shaving is not needed in most cases, if the area is overgrown with hair a good trim will make your piercer’s job easier.
Allow time to get the piercing which with consultation, filling out the paperwork, the piercing itself, aftercare instruction and allowing time for unseen events like lightheadedness should be around 20 to 30 minutes.
Having a friend come with you. Not only will it be nice to have a friendly face to give you moral support but it is helpful to have someone to drive if you are unable to.
Turn your mobile phone off. Distractions caused by text messages and phone calls can affect the outcome of your piercing and your ability to focus on the information you will need to heal your piercing.
Leave small children at home.
Clear the rest of your day. Though having a new piercing shouldn’t affect most low key activity, it is better to just relax, rest and take it easy.