Ear Cartiladge
Cartilage piercings have a greater tendency than other piercings to scar because of the nature of the tissue involved. Placing the piercing as perpendicular to the tissue as possible will reduce the mechanical stress that contributes to scarring. Scarring, as well as migration and rejection, can also result if the wearer sleeps on his/her piercings or if the ring is too small in diameter. A ring which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and the entrances of the piercing can migrate to conform to the tight curvature of the ring. Cartilage piercings resist stretching. Stretching a reluctant piercing can contribute to scarring.

• Initial Jewelry: Ring in 16 to 10 gauge, 3/8" - 1/2" in diameter. If a barbell is chosen it should be at least 1/4" wider than the thickness of the cartilage to allow for possible swelling and proper cleaning. A ring may not be advisable if the wearer sleeps on his/her ears.
• Average Healing Time: 2 - 8 mo

 

Ear Lobe

Ear piercings heal more quickly and more comfortably when body jewelry style ring is worn. Body jewelry is easier to clean and more comfortable than ear piercing studs, but not as inexpensive.

• Initial Jewelry: Captive bead ring, circular barbells in 18 to 10 gauge, 3/8" to 5/8" in diameter. In larger gauges circular barbell in stainless steel may be too heavy for comfortable healing. If a barbell is chosen, the length should be 1/8" wider than the width of the piercing to allow for swelling and cleaning.
• Average Healing Time: 6 - 8 wks

 

Eyebrow

The eyebrow piercing is usually between 5/16" and 3/8" wide. Placing the piercing through the outermost half of the brow will completely avoid the Supraorbital Nerve. Since the brow is usually relatively flat, eyebrow piercings have an increased risk of migrating or rejecting. If the brow is completely flat and cannot be easily pinched, the tension of the skin creates pressure on the jewelry which may cause the piercing to migrate towards the surface. In some cases the piercing will shift or migrate slightly while healing but will eventually settle. A ring which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and the entrances of the piercing will migrate. Straight barbells should only be used if the brow is very pronounced. A curved barbell might be a better choice. If a barbell is used it should be at least 1/8" longer than the width of the piercing to facilitate cleaning and allow for any swelling. Jewelry which is too thin is more easily rejected by the body and more likely to tear the piercing if the jewelry is accidentally pulled. Jewelry which is too heavy for the amount of tissue available can cause the piercing to migrate or reject. It is not uncommon for eyebrow piercings to swell or bruise very slightly after piercing.

• Initial Jewelry:  Captive bead ring, bead ring in 18 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 7/16" inside diameter; diameter should be approximately 1/8" wider than the width of the piercing. No more than 1/4 of the ring should be through the piercing. Straight or curved barbell in 3/8" or so, relative to width of piercing.
• Average Healing Time:  2 - 4 mo

 

Lip & Labret

The Labret piercing is usually made centrally approximately 3/8" below the edge of the lower lip, through or just above the cleft of the chin. Lip piercings can be made anywhere along the outside of the lips. Because of the nature of the tissue, the colored area of the lips should not be pierced. If a ring is chosen the piercing should be placed so that there is no pressure against the teeth; Tight initial jewelry will cause the piercing to migrate or not heal. Because of the nature of the mucous membrane tissue on the inside of the lip the piercing may close if it is left empty, even after the piercing has healed. Labret studs may cause deterioration of the inside of the lip; often a niche forms under the disc. Labret jewelry can cause gum erosion where the disc rubs the gums. Labret jewelry can also cause damage to tooth enamel if the jewelry rubs against the teeth. “Fishtail” labret jewelry might be a good alternative. Labret jewelry will collect plaque. Plaque traps bacteria and can cause the jewelry to have a bad odor.

• Initial Jewelry:  Captive bead ring in 16 to 12 gauge and 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter; ring should be large enough to allow for swelling and should not hug the lip; a smaller ring may be worn when healed. Labret stud in 16 to 12 gauge; at least 1/8" longer than the depth of the piercing, to allow for swelling, cleaning.
• Average Healing Time:  2 - 3 mo

 

Marilyn

A piercing made above the upper lip, usually to one side, using a Labret stud. Placement should be checked carefully to avoid the Facial Artery. The piercing should be placed so that the jewelry will not irritate or erode the gums or tooth enamel. Jewelry should be selected following the guidelines for Labret piercings.

• Initial Jewelry:  Stud in 16 to 12 gauge; at least 1/8" longer than the depth of the piercing, to allow for swelling, cleaning.
• Average Healing Time:  2 - 3 mo

 

Nipple

Nipple piercings can be positioned horizontally or vertically. Rings are usually chosen as the initial jewelry in horizontal piercings for ease of cleaning. No more than 1/4" or so of the ring should be through the piercing. A ring which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing, causing migration or preventing healing. It is not uncommon for the nipple to swell or actually grow in size during the healing process; the ring should be wide enough to accommodate expected growth.

After the piercing has completely healed a smaller diameter ring can usually be worn. Straight and curved barbells can be used for vertical or horizontal piercings. The barbell should be at least 1/4" longer than the width of the piercing to facilitate cleaning and allow for swelling. The barbell balls should be small enough in diameter so that they do not create pressure against the areola, which can cause the piercing to migrate forward. Piercings of flat or inverted nipples may be more successful with curved barbells. While in some cases piercing inverted or flat nipples causes the nipples to develop and enlarge, such results are not guaranteed. Piercings in flat or inverted nipples have an increased risk of migration or rejection. Jewelry which is too thin is more easily rejected by the body and more likely to tear the piercing if pulled.

Menstrual cycle may cause piercings to become irritated or more sensitive, especially during the healing period. No studies regarding nipple piercings and breast feeding have been conducted, though some women have reported success.

• Initial Jewelry:  Captive bead ring, circular barbell, in 16 to 12 gauge, 1/2" to 3/4" inside diameter. The inside diameter of the ring should be at least 1/4" wider than the width of the piercing. 16 to 12 gauge straight or curved barbell with enough leeway in length to allow for cleaning grate to conform to the tight curvature of the ring. Curved barbell in 14 to 12 gauge and 7/16" to 1/2" in length.
• Average Healing Time:  3 - 6 mo

 

Nostril

Placement is usually somewhere along the groove in the nostril where the cartilage is thinnest. A nostril screw is the optimum jewelry choice for those who prefer the look of a stud. Nostril screws have a small semicircle "tail" at a right angle to the stud that holds the jewelry in place without the need for a clasp.

• Initial Jewelry:  Captive bead ring, circular barbell, in 16 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 7/16". The ring should not hug the edge of the nose. If the ring is too small in diameter the curvature of the ring will be too tight, resulting in scarring or migration. A nostril screw is usually 18 or 16 gauge.
• Average Healing Time:  3 - 6 mo

 

Septum

The septum piercing is made through the thin layer of tissue between the alar cartilage (outer) and the quadrangular cartilage (separating the nostrils). This site is sometimes largest towards the end of the nose. The jewelry should be no thicker than what the space can comfortably accommodate. Jewelry that is too thick can painfully pinch the cartilage. If the space is small but the wearer desires a thicker gauge, the piercing should be performed at a thinner gauge and can be stretched easily later. If the wearer must hide the piercing occasionally a septum retainer or smaller circular barbell may be able to flip up into nostrils for concealment. Wearing a circular barbell as a retainer is limited by the size of the nostrils.

• Initial Jewelry:  Captive bead ring or circular barbell in 16 to 10 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter. U-shaped septum retainers are available for those who need to hide the piercing. Rings are easier than retainers to clean during healing.
• Average Healing Time:  6 - 8 wks

 

Tongue

Tongue piercings are usually placed in the center of the tongue as this reduces the risk of nerve and blood vessel damage. The Deep Lingual Veins are usually visible to either side, on the underside of the tongue. Tongue piercings are not known to affect the sense of taste; the papillae (tastebuds) are too numerous.

 

While there is some latitude as to how far forward or back the piercing can be placed, a piercing made through or just behind the natural bend in the tongue is usually most comfortable for speaking and eating. A piercing placed too far back may be uncomfortable and can irritate the frenulum. If the piercing is placed too far forward the bottom ball can irritate the gums.

The bottom or roof of the mouth or lower gums may become irritated from pressure and friction exerted by the barbell ball. Irritation is usually eliminated by shortening the barbell. If the piercing is too close to the tip of the tongue, the ball can rub against the gums regardless of the ball size. Over the long term, continued pressure can cause tissue loss. Chipped and cracked teeth and enamel erosion are also risks. Wearing smaller balls, in addition to downsizing the bar length, is advised if the wearer tends to bite the balls while eating.

The frenulum is the web of tissue which runs lengthwise along the underside of the tongue, usually present in most people to some degree. Piercing through the frenulum can lead to scarring. The piercing should be made in front or to the side of frenulum. If the frenulum is large or extrudes it may become irritated by the jewelry enough to create scar tissue. A smaller bottom ball can reduce irritation.

A slight indentation under the top ball is not unusual. If the indentation covers half or more of the ball or forms a pocket around the ball the barbell is too short to accommodate swelling. Occasionally a protrusion of soft, white hypertrophic scar tissue will form around one or both entrances during the healing period. Often, scar tissue recedes into the piercing as the piercing heals or after the barbell is shortened.

Continue cleaning the piercing as suggested by your piercer for the remainder of the healing period. Mouthwash diluted with water or reduced-alcohol mouth rinse such as Biotene or Oral-B are best, as too much alcohol can irritate. Check the tightness of tongue barbell balls occasionally, to prevent losing or swallowing the jewelry.

• Initial Jewelry:  Barbell in 14 to 12 gauge, 3/4" to 1". During the first 24 to 48 hours the tongue can swell to almost twice its normal size. The initial stud should be at least 1/4" to 3/8" longer than the tongue at its thickest to accommodate swelling. The barbell may be shortened after the swelling around the piercing has gone down, at least 3 weeks. Shortening the jewelry usually corrects any speech or eating impediment. Some people choose to keep the longer "starter" barbell in place, though it may be changed 3-4 wks later.
• Average Healing Time:  6 - 8 wks