Nipple piercing is a type of body medication that involves inserting a post through the nipple tissue. Is it for everyone? What are the risks? Find out more today.
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How is Nipple Piercing Done?
Nipple piercing has been around for decades, but it’s not exactly the most common type of piercing, so it is still considered taboo in some cultures. Since the nipples are natural erogenous zones, some people frown upon the idea of getting piercings here.
Despite the misgivings of some people, we still think that nipple piercings are an excellent way to express yourself whether you are men or women. You can’t put a premium on art, especially if it is about self-expression.
Find an experienced piercer
Search for a piercer with good reviews
If you want to get nipple piercings yourself, the first step is to find a parlor or studio specializing in body modifications and piercings. Take note that not every piercer or tattoo artist is capable of doing a good job.
We mentioned body modification studios because they are more used to piercing different body points, not just the ears or lips. If nipple piercing were that easy, it would be a more common form of piercing. But no, it isn’t. The nipples are sensitive, and in women, they’re part of an organ that’s supposed to be used for breastfeeding another human being. So it’s essential to be careful with nipple piercing, especially if you are a lady.
Visit to the studio/parlor
After finding a studio or parlor with good reviews, it’s time for the initial visit. The initial visit is necessary to ascertain with the piercer what you want to do. During the first visit to the studio or parlor, be sure to ask the piercer all your questions about what will be done on the appointed date.
It would be best to talk to the piercer directly, and not a receptionist or secretary. If the piercer is too busy, then perhaps it’s best to reschedule so you can talk to the piercer before anything is done. There should also be a sizeable duration for consultation after the actual piercing. This is to ensure that you know what you should do during the aftercare period.
Get the nipple piercing
Nipple piercing is one of the restricted piercing methods because of the health risks and involves a sensitive part of the body. You may have to show your ID or a birth certificate to show how old you are. Think hard also of which nipple you want to have pierced. Should it be the left side or the right side? Or perhaps you want both nipples pierced? Also, decide the direction of piercing, horizontal or vertical piercing? This would be up to you.
On the appointed date, the procedure will take place. The procedure only needs a few seconds. A hollow needle will be expertly inserted through your nipple at the correct angle. This will create enough space for the post to go in. A “post” is the barbell or piercing jewelry used to maintain the hollow needle’s space.
Be sure to take a deep breath as the needle is inserted so there won’t be so much pain. Avoid flinching as it may make your nipple more taught, and it might grip the hollow needle as it goes in. This might make the experience slightly more painful than what you imagined.
How Long Does It Take for a Nipple Piercing to Heal?
Unbeknownst to many people, the healing time for nipple piercing is about 12 months. This is why some people say “it takes forever to heal” because it takes 3-4 times longer to heal than other piercings.
How Painful is Nipple Piercing?
Nipple piercing pain is up there – at about six or seven. The reason for this is that the nipples have thousands of nerve bundles. The high concentration of nerves makes it more sensitive to all kinds of pleasurable touch – and pain. It is as capable of making your swoon with pleasure as it can make you flinch with intense pain.
Prepare yourself for pain when getting this piercing. Also, it is nothing like getting an ear piercing because ear piercings only last for a second with the proper tools. The earlobe also has fewer nerve endings, so the pain is much more tolerable. There is no comparison.
Who Should Not Have a Nipple Piercing?
The biggest issue with nipple piercing is personal anatomy. Some people naturally have smaller nipples, and if there isn’t sufficient nipple tissue there, it may not be a viable form of piercing.
Diabetics and other folks who have trouble with open wounds and healing will also have trouble with this type of piercing, as it hits specialized tissue. To be sure, ask your physician and ascertain if the risks counterbalance the aesthetic benefits.
What to Expect from Nipple Piercing?
Pain
On the pain scale, nipple piercing ranks a solid six or seven. However, note that some people naturally have high pain tolerance, so some people might say that it is not so painful at all.
Risk of Infection
Like other kinds of piercings, there is a moderate risk for developing infections because piercings are open wounds. You have to learn how to wash the area with saline solution and regularly watch for signs of infection.
Signs of possibly infected nipple piercings include intense swelling, discomfort around the breast area, excessive bleeding, and discharges. Crusting around the area is fine, though. The lymph nodes cause the crusting.
Conclusion: Think Twice Before Getting This Piercing
Nipple piercing is no longer a regular piercing. It already falls into the realm of body modification. There is nothing wrong with body modification, but it is not for everyone.
Do it only if you are mentally, emotionally, and physically ready to take care of the piercing once it has been done. Even if you have a sudden change of mind after getting a nipple piercing, you still need to tend to the wound as best as possible, so you don’t end up getting infected.