So You Want to Get Your Nipples Pierced?
Here’s a guide on what you need to know.
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So You Want to Get Your Nipples Pierced? - If you’re like us, you probably think they look kinda hot, amazing and may even consider getting yours pierced, too, but you have ample questions about the pain, upkeep and overall experience. Here’s a guide on what you need to know when you’ve finally mustered up the courage to do it! By LaToya Bowlah (Photo: Steve Prezant/Corbis)
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The Elephant in Your Way - Don’t let pain be the reason you don’t get your nipples pierced if it’s something you really want. Nipple piercings hurt, but so will a million other things you’ll encounter in your life. But if it makes you feel better, your endorphins can be a lifesaver in helping minimize this five-minute moment of pain. (Photo: Peathegee Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)
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The Bar vs. the Ring - Wearing a bar or ring jewelry is completely up to you. However, many piercers recommend first getting a bar because a ring can easily get hooked and tugged by movements you may not have paid attention to prior to getting your piercing. (Photo: Corbis)
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Post-Piercing Paranoia - During the first week after the piercing, you’ll experience tenderness and even pain. You may even notice puss and crust around the nipple area (yes, it sounds so gross!). Still, it’s all within the realm of what is expected. So while you may be momentarily grossed out, don’t be too alarmed. If you experience continued bleeding, however, you should contact your piercer. (Photo: Don Mason/Blend Images/Corbis)
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Keep It Clean, But Don’t Touch It - This is perhaps the most oxymoronic direction you’ll get from your piercer. Touching and playing with your piercing is the leading cause of infections within the first month, so minimize touching your piercing as much as possible to only when cleaning it. First and foremost, when cleaning, make sure your hands are clean. Then use a mild antibacterial soap to cleanse it daily by moving it very gently to remove the crusting. Finally, be sure to dry your nipples thoroughly. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Blend Images/Corbis)
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Recovery and Rejection - The full recovery process varies for each person, but on average it takes three to six months. During the first three to four weeks, if you experience soreness, using an ice pack (or a frozen pack of vegetables — the popular household substitute) will help. Also, giving your newly pierced nips a bit of sunshine can also help with recovery as it helps the body produce Vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in skin development and repair. During the recovery process, it’s quite possible for your body to reject the piercing if you have an allergy to metal or it can become infected from agitation, so patience and commitment is a must in the recovery process. (Photo: Corbis)
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Bra or Nah? - Wearing a bra surprisingly can be comforting as it helps restrict natural movements that could lead to irritation. If you tend to sweat, however, just be sure to change your bra frequently to prevent moisture from building up. (Photo: Anthony Redpath/CORBIS)
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What If It Gets Infected? - If you are dutiful and patient during your recovery, your piecing probably won’t get infected. If it does, piercers have recommended first soaking it in water and sea salt and cleaning it as usual. If your infection persists or worsens, contact your piercer. (Photo: Brian Hagiwara/Getty Images)