frequently asked questions
Here are some questions we are asked quite often. If you have any questions yourself, then feel free to drop us a message.
Why do i have to have long jewellery in a fresh piercing?
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When you have a piercing it will most likely swell. A longer bar gives it room to swell and go back down again. If the bar is too small it will swell and the jewellery will imbed in the skin. There will be no room for it to swell and go back down. Potentially this can lead to infection and the jewellery can heal inside which will require minor surgery/incisions to get it out.
why should you only use titanium jewellery?
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Other metals can cause allergic reactions in fresh piercings. It is very unlikely for you to be allergic to Titanium. After 6 weeks you can change your jewellery again. Only use titanium for 9-12 months while it’s healing. If you put surgical or stainless steel in, this can cause swelling, irritation, puss and an allergic reaction. Remember allergic reactions can happen at anytime. You can have 10 piercings which have been fine with stainless steel, but there is always a first – don’t risk it!
can piercings grow out?
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Yes, it’s a foreign object in your body. However some piercings are less likely and some are more likely to migrate. Generally ear and facial piercings don’t tend to grow out, as long as they are pierced at the right depth.
Surface piercings, skin divers and anchors are most common. Every one is different, some people can keep these in for years and years, but some may only last a few months. This is more than likely down to your skin, not the way it’s been pierced.
would you pierce eyelids?
No, I would never do anything that can be dangerous. It’s not worth harming my customer and my reputation. Eyelid piercing can damage your eye and if you get an infection it can cause you to lose your eyesight. Why risk it?
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do you numb piercings?
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Some, yes. Ear piercings, facial piercings and genital piercings cannot be numbed. If the spray gets in your ear it can perforate your ear drum. If breathed in, it can cause respitory problems and could result in you going to a&e.
Genitals – if these are numbed it can cause permanent numbing/damage to the area and cause problems during intercourse.
Surface/anchor/divers: These can be numbed using a surface anaesthetic. It can’t be used on the face but it can be used on the body, including nipples and the naval. It may not be completely numb, but will take away most of the pain.
how long does it take for a piercing to heal?
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This varies from person to person. Here is a quick general guide. Remember! It may not be the same for you.
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Cartilidge: 4-12 months
Nostril: 6-8 months
Nipples: 6-12 months
Navel: 4-12 months
Lip: 3-6 months
Septum: 8 weeks
Lobes: 6-8 weeks
Eyebrow: 6-8 weeks
Christina: 10-12 weeks
VCH: 4-6 weeks
can you pierce me if I am drunk or on drugs?
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Simple answer is NO! We will not knowingly pierce people who are on drugs or drunk. Alcohol and drugs thin your blood, so it can be dangerous. We have a consent form. This asks if you have had alcohol or drugs in 24 hours. A small glass of wine with tea last night is fine. However you must tell your piercer. This way if you do bleed more, they are prepared. If you had a substantial amount then we would have to refuse.
do piercings hurt?
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They can. Main ones that bleed are daith heart, tongue, belly, scaffold and nipples (over 10mm). This is because all these piercings are 1.6mm, so it’s a bigger needle used so it tends to bleed for a little while. All piercings done with a 1.2mm don’t tend to bleed, but – they can.
Sometimes bleeding is down to you. Something you ate, medication, something you drank – but one thing to know is, it will stop.
can i go swimming with a fresh piercing?
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Yes, generally, but I would avoid it for the first 24 hours.
A swimming pool is full of chemicals and bacteria. This means if it is not cleaned properly after you come out of the pool that you have a higher chance of infection. Once out of the pool, dry the piercing properly (if your belly button is pierced then you should dry inside there too) Once completely dry clean thoroughly with salt water. This should dramatically lower chances of cross contamination and infection.
do piercings bleed?
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They can. Main ones that bleed are daith heart, tongue, belly, scaffold and nipples (over 10mm). This is because all these piercings are 1.6mm, so it’s a bigger needle used so it tends to bleed for a little while. All piercings done with a 1.2mm don’t tend to bleed, but – they can.
Sometimes bleeding is down to you. Something you ate, medication, something you drank – but one thing to know is, it will stop.
can i breast feed when i have my nipples pierced?
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Yes! You can breast feed as normal. Having your nipple/s pierced doesn't affect the way you breast feed your baby. However, you must remove your jewellery before feeding the baby, it's the jewellery that is the problem, as it can be a choking hazard for the baby. Once you have finished breast feeding you can put it back in (Just remember to take it out each time).
can i have a piercing whilst pregnant?
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If you are pregnant it is advised you don't have any new piercings until the baby has arrived. All piercings pose a risk of infection (even when done in a professional studio, by a professional body piercer) Most body piercers will NOT consider piercing a pregnant women because of this reason.