Pre-Piercing Check List
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 on the day of the piercing. You should also read DaVo's Piercing Blogs, as there is a lot of additional information available on when and when not to get pierced, as well as how to prepare.
What to Consider
Many of us have a strong desire to get pierced, and it’s easy to give in and do it, but some risks 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, the organization may prohibit the wearing of jewelry or body piercing. Check with your coach or organization beforehand.
Vacation - If you plan to go on vacation or travel, 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 piercing. If you have an HIV infection, Immune Deficiency Disorders, diabetes, hemophilia, blood cancer, or are or may become pregnant, you are at a higher risk of infections, slow healing, and other complications.
Swimming - Until the piercing is completely healed, submerging the piercing in waters of unknown quality will increase the likelihood of infection.
Medication - If you are taking any medications that might affect bleeding or healing, you should discuss this with your doctor to determine any potential side effects.
- Lifestyle Changes - Healing a piercing may require changes in diet, clothing, and 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
_____ Sterile Saline Spray. The Axiom stocks Neilmed Piercing Aftercare; however, there are several other products on the market. It should be marked on the product "Sterile." It should be in a pressurized metal can, not a squirt bottle. Lastly, the ingredients should only be purified water and sodium chloride, with no other additives.
_____With Genital piercings where the piercing may bleed for up to 5 days, a Panty Liner or Sanitation Pads may be needed 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.
_____Sea Salt for warm salt water rinses
______Crushed ice to suck on for the first day or two.
What to do in Preparation for getting a Piercing:
Avoid taking any medications that may affect blood clotting for several days before getting your piercing. This includes large amounts of caffeine, Vitamin E, and herbs such as chamomile, licorice root, ginkgo biloba, ginger, garlic, ginseng, and goldenseal. All of which will thin the blood.
Avoid alcohol or other controlled and uncontrolled substances that might cause blood thinning or affect 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, don't hesitate to get in touch with your doctor to discuss potential interactions between your medication and/or condition and the piercing process and healing.
Stop by the studio or contact the piercer beforehand to discuss any concerns you have and to obtain information on the risks associated with the piercing and the necessary aftercare.
Make sure that you have the proper identification. If you are a minor, you will need 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 aid in the healing process.
If you are a parent with a small child or children, arrange for someone to watch them. Children under the age of 18 may not be permitted in the piercing area. This is due to the distractions they cause and the risk of them coming into contact with contaminated items. It is best to leave them at home.
- Clean your bedding and clothing, and buy all the necessary items beforehand. With a fresh piercing, you are not going to be running around town picking up items.
What to do on the day of the Piercing:
Have a light meal before coming in to ensure 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 practice good hygiene.
If you are getting an oral piercing, brush your teeth beforehand.
Although shaving is not necessary in most cases, a good trim will make your piercer’s job easier if the area is overgrown with hair.
Allow time for the piercing, which includes consultation, filling out the paperwork, the piercing itself, aftercare instruction, and allowing time for unforeseen events like lightheadedness, to be around 20 to 30 minutes.
Having a friend come with you. Not only will it be nice to have a friendly face to offer moral support, but it is also 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. Although having a new piercing shouldn’t affect most low-key activities, it's best to relax, rest, and take it easy.
