The methods of body piercing have definitely evolved from the ancient conventional, perhaps unhygienic and unsafe ones, to the modern and much safer options.

If you plan on getting your body pierced, make sure that you're aware of the different techniques. This will keep you well informed about the pros and cons of each method.

Standard Needle vs. Piercing Guns

This method includes the use of needles that come in different sizes, lengths, thickness and shapes to suit individual requirements. Needle piercing is done by hand or with the help of a needle holder with which it is pierced into the body and left there. Then it is gently removed and the jewelry is forcefully pushed into the incision made.

A piercing gun, on the other hand, is similar to the working of a stapler. There’s been a debate about how this method, although popular, is not as safe as the standard needle method, because the needles used in this type of instrument are usually blunt, and punctures done can severely damage the nearby tissues. Also, many parts of the piercing gun are made up of plastic components that cannot be sterilized and could harbor microbes.

What is a Tapered Method?

This method can be used on the ears, nose, lip, tongue and cheek etc. but it is also used on those parts of the body which are considered to be elastic. The main purpose behind this technique is to make a large gap to fit the jewelry piece. Once the piercing is done with a thick needle, a tapered steel bar is passed through the hole followed by the piece of ornament.

How about a Dermal Punching?

The dermal punching method involves removal of a few initial layers of the skin to ease the piercing process. When a few layers of epidermis have been removed, a needle can be easily passed through the skin to make an opening.

But before anything else, keep in mind these factors

If you currently have an infection or an open wound, it's a good idea to put off the piercing until you are healthy because the risk of infection is higher. Also, if you have health problems, such as poorly controlled diabetes or other conditions that weaken your immune system, your chances of infection are higher.

Once you’re clear with these, and you decide on getting a piercing, you should be open to your piercer about any medical history, including allergies, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma so your health risks are known.

Finally, find out how long the wound typically takes to heal and how to keep it clean afterward. You must be aware of all possible side effects like pain or swelling, and what you can do to minimize them.

Want more tips about body piercings? Browse through the WildKlass website for more!