If you're considering getting a nipple piercing and are a little worried, you might want to know some weird facts about nipple piercings so you know more about your upcoming surgery. Especially because no one likes to be kept in the dark when it comes to body modification.
Like anything in life, there are pros and cons to nipple piercings. Of course, if you're a private person, the whole process of actually getting a piercing might make you a little nervous—considering that strangers will be able to see your cleavage. Sure, they're professionals, but I guess it's not quite the same as going to the doctor. Plus, having a piece of metal in your nipple can make everyday life a little tricky. Clothes that don't restrict yourself or don't wear a bra can be a problem. However, in my opinion, nipple piercings look badass and super sexy.
But of course, you should know what you're getting into before any work is done. While these piercings may look cool to some, there are definitely some important facts to keep in mind before, during, and after getting new jewelry. To learn more, Bustle spoke with Studio 28 piercer TJ Cantwell and September's Starr Ellis. Here’s what people should know about nipple piercings before getting one.
1. Nipple piercing pain can vary
"Nipple piercings have a higher pain rating, but the best thing for anyone thinking about getting a piercing is to not think about the pain," Cantwell says. With that in mind, it might be a good idea to bring a friend with you. If you feel nervous.
However, Ellis said her experience with clients has been exactly the opposite. "I would actually say the pain level for nipple piercings is closer to moderate," she explains. "If you look at our Yelp reviews, about a hundred of our nipple piercing customers reported minimal pain."
2. The piercing process is fast
"The piercing is so fast that the needle goes through it in less than a second. Take a deep breath, a deep breath, and you're done," explains Cantwell. Maybe try channeling your inner yogi and doing some deep breathing exercises.
3. Menstruation may make piercing more painful
"For clients who have menstrual cycles, there may be more tenderness before or during menstruation," says Ellis.
4. Nipple piercings can take about a year to heal
“I recommend that our clients have an initial exam approximately four to eight weeks after the piercing and again approximately six months after healing,” says Ellis. “During the exam, we can evaluate the jewelry for healing and possible resizing and discuss lifestyle issues that may be causing slow healing, such as sleep, clothing, exercise or other factors.”
5. Jewelry may make your nipples look bigger—but that’s rare
"Any perforation can cause a fistula (a hole in the skin around the jewelry) to form a little bit of tissue expansion, although few people notice this," Ellis details. "Another type of tissue expansion may come from temporary or unstable scar tissue - also rare. This is primarily caused by repeated trauma, touch, pressure perforation, or placement and size of jewelry. See a reputable Professionals, following aftercare instructions and scheduling checkups is important to avoid the latter! ”
6. Prices vary depending on where you go
"Pricing varies from store to store, but at Studio 28 we only use high-quality implant-grade materials for our jewelry to ensure our jewelry is hypoallergenic and of the highest quality to our customers," Cantwell explains.
Speaking of Studio 28, Cantwell said: "Individual pacifiers start at $60, which includes basic jewelry. If customers want to upgrade to other products, we have many other options to choose from."
7. There are tons of decorations to choose from
"There are a lot of different options for jewelry, but most people tend to wear barbells," Cantwell says. In fact, the world of nipple decorations is your sparkling oyster, as there are plenty of options to suit every taste.
“They can be as simple as a steel barbell, all the way up to solid gold studded with diamonds and real gemstones. Today, when it comes to body jewelry, the jewelry is only limited by the customer’s imagination, as we work with Anatometal, Industrial Strength and Body Gems to customize gemstones for jewelry Configuration and size,” he explains.
8. Nipple piercings do not affect sensitivity
"We can let everyone reading this know that if done and placed correctly, nipple piercings have no impact on nipple sensitivity," says Cantwell, which is certainly a good thing.
9. But the healing process may affect your sex life
Ellis says new piercings must be avoided during sex while the healing process is ongoing. "That may mean some creative stances to avoid them," she added.
10. Avoid piercings if you are about to have a medical procedure
"If clients knowingly have a medical procedure or imaging within six months of their piercing, we urge them to wait," Ellis advises. "Once they've healed, non-metallic retainers may be an option."
11. You can still breastfeed
"We get a lot of questions about future breastfed children," Cantwell explains, "and nipple piercings won't interfere with that."
Now that you know some weird and wonderful facts that might interest you, whether you're considering nipple piercings or are already rocking some Ladd nipple jewelry!
Additional reporting by Kayla Greaves.
