The Piercing Bible, Revised and Expanded

The Piercing Bible, Revised and Expanded

Introduction

Whether it fascinates or repels, something is captivating about hard metal worn through tender flesh. Piercing is thrilling. Literally. The word thrill originates from the Middle English word thrillen, “To perforate by a pointed instrument. Hence, to cause a shivering, throbbing, tingling, or exquisite sensation; to pierce; to penetrate.” By that account, piercing sounds quite exciting. And so it is! Piercing is among the most ancient and current practices for ornamenting and customizing the human form.

THE ART OF MODERN PIERCING

Except for traditional earrings and a rare nostril stud or hoop, piercing was virtu- ally unheard of just a few decades ago. As body piercing initially came into the light from the far-flung fringes of society, people perceived it as radical, deviant, and even disgusting. Over time it has fully blossomed as a mode of personal expression nearly anyone may use to enhance their appearance, self-image, and quality of life. Professional piercing has come into its own, and it has been accepted as a part of our modern culture.

In some areas, it seems more people have visible piercings than don’t! In con- junction with talented and creative body jewelry designers and manufacturers, piercing has been elevated to a legitimate art form. We’re now in the second generation, with Millennial and Gen X parents bringing their children to studios for safe ear piercings, instead of the mall to be pierced by a gun.

The practice of piercing is one of the activities grouped under the term body modification. These pursuits include tattooing, scarification, branding, and other body art. The number of possible placements on the body; the array of jewelry styles, sizes, and materials; and the necessary aftercare all distinguish piercing from other types of body modification. Because piercing breaks the protective barrier of the skin and leaves a foreign object in the tissue, there are risks of infection and other potential dangers. If all aspects are not handled appropriately, complications are more likely.

The spectacular rise in the popularity of piercing has resulted in a proliferation of piercers and jewelry. Some of the products and services are excellent, but unfortunately, many are of inferior quality. Piercing establishments range from inexpensive jewelry kiosks at shopping malls to high-end specialty studios staffed with expert practitioners, the latest equipment, and top-quality jewelry. There is a big difference between them! You significantly increase your chance of unevent- ful healing by choosing the right piercer and jewelry. The relative newness of professional piercing—it has been widely practiced only since the 1990s—has many ramifications for consumers. There are still no standardized regulations, piercer training, or competency requirements in the United States. A few states now require practical exams for piercers, but many laws merely mandate hygiene requirements or restrict the piercing of minors. In some areas, however, basic regulations do not exist; in others, local laws are not enforced.

Even the most egregious cases of piercer negligence and malpractice seldom result in litigation, fines, or other consequences.

The art of piercing is continuing to evolve, and its practitioners are still experi- menting with its limits and possibilities. The information in this book is intended to distill the most sensible piercing advice available. By educating yourself, you can get a flawless first—or twentieth—piercing or find the information you need to deal with a bungled job.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

The Piercing Bible is directed primarily toward piercees. However, it also contains a wealth of information for the parents of children who want to get pierced or are already pierced, teachers who work with pierced students, and health care professionals dealing with pierced patients (whether treating problem piercings or performing unrelated medical procedures). Apprentices and piercers will also find an authoritative reference work containing plenty of hints and tips, and an educa- tional tool for clients.

Part 1 touches on the ancient and modern history of this art form and contains general information about who is getting pierced and what commonly motivates them. The novice piercee should carefully read parts 2 and 3, which provide a rundown on everything that should be taken into consideration when deciding to get pierced. Part 4 delves into each of the most common piercings in detail. Piercees can use it as a reference, and apprentices and piercers will also find point- ers here. This portion includes information about jewelry sizes, styles, and piercing placements, as well as the techniques that are commonly used to perform each piercing. Next, part 5 offers in-depth aftercare advice and provides practical information on troubleshooting healing complications. Part 6 explains the main- tenance of healed piercings, discusses special situations encountered when living with piercings, and explores advanced practices for healed piercings, including stretching. Finally, part 7 takes a look at the future of piercing and includes a sec- tion on becoming a piercer.

The appendices include a table with jewelry size conversions (gauge, inch, and millimeter), and a chart of minimum healing time ranges for popular piercings. You’ll find a summary of data gathered in the first major survey of US body piercers in Appendix C, page 334, and a sprinkling of stats from it throughout the chapters. There’s also a handy glossary of piercing-related terms.

WHY THIS BOOK?

Piercing can be dangerous, and it is far more complicated than most people realize. The hazards range from tearing, scarring, migration, and rejection to localized bacterial invasions and, though rare, severe infections. Consumers need facts about the risks, choices, and best practices involved. People who interact with piercees also need to be informed about various aspects of piercing. Many myths have persisted, including in academic and medical literature; they are finally dispelled here too.

Piercing and tattooing are often linked, as they are frequently performed in the same establishments. However, tattoos are comparatively straightforward; healing is rapid, and there are seldom complications. The same is not true of piercings. They require aftercare throughout the healing period, plus regular maintenance once healed. The array of options can be confusing: where to pierce, what jewelry to wear, and how to care for the wound. Many people get the bulk of their “facts” about piercing online. Unfortunately, the web can be unreliable, offering contradictory ideas from questionable sources. Countless piercees have experienced needless pain, avoidable healing problems, and undesirable outcomes from a lack of sound information.

Will your pierced body part turn green and fall off if you don’t follow every rule and guideline in the book? Probably not, but by educating yourself and being conscientious, you will have a much higher chance of having a healthy piercing that heals well, gives you a minimum of trouble, and provides maximum enjoyment. Admittedly, not every piercee who fails to adhere to sound practices has a terrible catastrophe—but some do. This book takes a cautionary tone because the risks are real.