When to get a piercing and what to do before hand.

A lot should be considered when deciding to get a new piercing. There is selecting what piercing you want, considering the risks, and of course, finding the right piercer. However, one thing that many clients often overlook is what they can do to prepare for the piercing or when the ideal time to get it may be. In this installment, I thought I would offer a few suggestions on what to do before getting your piercing and when it is best to get one.

1. Work - If you work in an industry where you are in contact with the general public, where there is a dress code or health concerns, you should discuss the piercing with your employer beforehand. This is especially true if the piercing will be visible to clients or coworkers. You should also consider whether the piercing will affect your ability to perform your job. For example, a Tongue piercing may affect your speech for a few days, or a piercing in other areas may affect your movement. In most situations where work will be affected, I suggest doing it on a day with a couple of days, such as a three-day weekend, to give you time to adapt to the new piercing.
2. Sports and School Activities - You should consult with your coach beforehand to ensure that having the piercing won't prohibit you from participating in competitions. Over the past five or six years, I've seen an increase in the number of school athletic programs implementing rules against wearing jewelry. Many of these rules are more for uniformity than health risks. Still, the jewelry cannot be removed during the healing period, and even after healing, it shouldn't be removed for long periods. You may want to consider getting pierced during the off-season or after completing the activity.
3. Aftercare Products - Some studios offer aftercare products for sale, including the Axiom, while others do not. Contact your piercer beforehand and ask about the products you may need to purchase. With non-oral piercings, aftercare should begin the next morning, and with oral piercings, immediately after the piercing. Having these products on hand will be much easier than running around town looking for the right one to use. I suggest the following:
   • Piercings not inside the mouth - The only product you need is sterile saline spray. The best option is Neilmed's Piercing Aftercare that sprays a fine mist. Therefore, it can be applied directly to the piercing to remove the discharge.
   • Oral Piercing - Except for tongue piercings, you will need the above and a non-alcohol antiseptic mouthwash. I suggest Biotene, which is widely available at most drugstores and large department stores. Also, with tongue piercings, you will need sea salt. Since there are dietary restrictions associated with oral piercings, you may want to discuss these with your piercer beforehand and have the suggested foods on hand. Another thing to consider is swelling; having ice chips, ibuprofen, and cold items at home will be helpful.
   • Genital Piercings - You will need feminine pads. I would also suggest that if you are sexually active you pick up proper latex barriers like condoms, dental damns, latex gloves and finger clots.
4. Food, a good meal, and blood sugar - It's best to ensure you have a healthy meal before getting a piercing. This would be especially true for oral piercing, as you may be on a restricted diet for a few days after the procedure.  The most significant consideration is that low blood sugar resulting from fasting can increase the likelihood of becoming lightheaded or passing out during or after the piercing.
5. Vacation - If you are planning a trip, especially one that involves swimming, consider getting the piercing after you return. Not only will dealing with a healing piercing during vacation add additional stress and hassle to a relaxing vacation, but the differences in water quality and hardness can increase the chances of infection or other problems.
6. Leave the Kids at Home - A piercing and tattooing studio can be a fascinating place. Filled to the brim with exciting new experiences, new people, noise, and areas to explore, it can be overstimulating for younger children. Asking a toddler or grade school child to sit quietly in a corner with all this stimulation all around them can be pure torture and often dull. The focus of both the piercer and the person being pierced during the piercing is essential to ensure that the piercing is done safely and correctly. The Skin Kitchen may also have up to five or six artists tattooing clients, and a disruptive child can affect their focus and the outcome of their art as well. Although the piercing itself is rapid, the entire procedure involves three key steps: the pre-piercing consultation, an overview of the release form, and a post-piercing outline on aftercare. Although I try to make it as entertaining as possible, it can quickly become rather boring to a child, and a bored child can be very distracting, to say the least. Also, you need to consider that child are very apt at picking up on their parents' mental state. Often, they will pick up on your fears and anxieties, which can make the overall experience of being in the room when their caregiver is getting poked very frightening.  There is a sign on the door stating 'No Children.' We kindly ask that if you must bring your child, another adult be present to watch them in the car while you are getting pierced.
7. Scheduling and Time Needed - I usually suggest allowing yourself 15 to 20 minutes. Although the piercing may only take a minute or less, there are several steps involved, including the pre-piercing consultation, filling out the release form, setup, cleanup, and aftercare instructions, which make up the majority of the time I spend with a client. You should also understand that there may be time needed to answer any questions you have, and additional time if you become lightheaded or pass out, and dealing with any anxiety that you may have. The speed at which the piercing is performed depends on the client, who sets the pace. Since I'm dealing with a wide range of body shapes, jewelry, and piercings, some piercings become significantly more complex than others and require more time.
8. ​Time of the Day​ - Although I'm open until 9 pm, I often have requirements that dictate I leave at 9 pm. Although I frequently stay later if a client shows up late, I can't always do so. It's always best to arrive early in the day, but if you're unable to make it in until 8:45, please call ahead to ensure that I can stay late or schedule an appointment with me beforehand. I'm as flexible as possible, and I often can come in on my days off, early or even late, if my schedule conflicts with yours. To schedule an appointment, go to our booking page. My regular schedule can be found on the Hours page.
9. Alcohol, controlled and uncontrolled substances - Though you might feel more relaxed after a couple of drinks or whatever your stimulant of choice may be, chances are that it will increase your anxiety about getting the piercing, increase the chances of light-headedness and passing out, and, of course, prolong bleeding. Also, if I feel that you're intoxicated, I will refuse to pierce you.
10. Pregnancy - If you are expecting, I will not pierce you. If you are trying to get pregnant or trying to get pregnant in the next 6 months, it is best to wait until after the child is born to get the piercing. The primary concern is the strain on your immune system and your body's ability to heal. Combining pregnancy with a healing piercing may necessitate the removal of the jewelry.
11. Hygiene - This should go without saying, but it is greatly appreciated by piercers if their clients are clean and bathed.
12. Shaving and trimming body hair - In most cases, body hair is not a problem; however, when the body hair in the piercing area is cut, it becomes much easier to pierce. Also, it reduces the chances of hair being introduced into the piercing during the procedure.
13. Clothing - It depends on the piercing, but with most piercings below the neck, you want to wear clothing that allows the piercing area to be easily exposed. If you are modest, consider what would be best to wear that allows access to the area while limiting exposure. With genital piercing, the piercer may need to be positioned between your legs, meaning you may have to remove one pant leg and your underwear, too. Wear shoes that are easy to remove and put on, or clothing that can be easily taken off without removing your shoes. After the piercing, the area will be sensitive and you want to avoid clothing that is tight, restrictive, or rubes against the piercing. Bleeding is a common occurrence with all piercings, and although it is rare, bleeding can resume on the ride home or later in the day if the jewelry is shifted or the piercing is bumped. Therefore, it is a good idea to wear clothing that you are certain you can remove blood stains from or that you can discard.
14. ID, Consent, and Payment - It is always a good idea to call ahead and ask your piercer what they require. However, I need that if you are over the age of 18 but under 25, you present a government-issued photo ID. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have a parent present at the time of the piercing to sign a consent form or a notarized letter of consent. I accept payment by cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Vemmo.
15. Summer Vs. Winter - Hands down, the best time to get a piercing is during the period of the year when you are less likely to be swimming or doing activities in areas that you are likely to introduce contaminants to the piercing. If you are getting a piercing that will take 6 months or even 2 months and live at the beach, love camping, or live to fish or be on the boat, September is a much better choice than June. Environments and activities where you may not have access to a clean shower twice a day or are more likely to introduce dust, dirt, sand, sunscreen, or water from natural water bodies are likely to increase the chance of infection or other problems.
16. Moral Support - Getting a piercing can be a stressful experience, and having a friend accompany you can help you feel more at ease. Additionally, it's always helpful to have a second pair of ears during the aftercare instructions, and if you become lightheaded, to provide support and possibly drive you home.
17. Aftermath and Rest - Every piercing is unique, and the after-effects vary significantly from person to person. However, it's a good idea to set aside a day or so that is free of activity to recoup and rest after getting a piercing. Like any trauma to the body, a piercing will be sore and tender for a few days afterwards. Usually, pain is sparked by movement or contact with clothing and other objects. Allowing your body a day or two of rest is not only going to reduce discomfort but also aid in a faster healing time, especially in areas of the body that are affected by movement and exercise. Just put on the comfy pants, camp on the couch, and catch up on some TV.

There are some fundamental suggestions and concerns, but it is always best to consider a piercing by either calling or stopping by the studio beforehand.