Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 2C--Unisex Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
Date: 4 Jan 1996 01:11:08 GMT
Expires: Mon, 05 February 1996 07:00:00 GMT
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/jewelry/partC
Posting-frequency: Monthly
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or wishes to read/post to rec.arts.bodyart
should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is broken up into 19 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Unisex Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Instruction, Misc. Suppliers
4B--Professional Piercers & Jewelry Manufacturers - United States - A-F
4C--Professional Piercers & Jewelry Manufacturers - United States - G-M
4D--Professional Piercers & Jewelry Manufacturers - United States - N-Z
4E--Professional Piercers & Jewelry Manufacturers - beyond the United States
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--Problems And Hazards
7--Healed Piercings
8--Misc. Info
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
What's in this section:
2C --Unisex Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2C.1 Facial Piercings
2C.2 Body Piercings
2C.3 Surface Piercings
All texts written and (c) 1995 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit nature.
2C. PIERCING TYPES AND THEIR SUGGESTED JEWELRY
The following contains brief descriptions of each piercing and suggested
jewelry, as well as references to publications available detailing the
history and origin of specific piercings.
Healing times offered are estimates, based on texts from Gauntlet, Inc., and
information provided by readers. Please keep in mind that piercing healing
and success rates vary from individual to individual.
Please see Part 8 of the Piercing FAQ for personal experiences provided by
readers of rec.arts.bodyart.
2C.1 FACIAL PIERCINGS
*Ear Lobe*
Initial healing: 6 to 10 weeks
Usually, the ear lobe is the least sensitive piercing, in terms of metals
that can
be worn after healing. Lobe piercings can be stretched quite easily. The
stretching process should, however, be a gradual one. Eyelets can be worn to
maintain a stretched piercing.
Ear lobe piercings heal better and faster if a ring is the initial
jewelry. Sleeper
studs installed with a piercing gun are collection sites for bacteria and are
difficult to clean. They are also of one size, and one size does not fit
all, especially
if the earlobes swell beyond the capacity of the stud. Studs also have a
tendency to
clog/twist with hair, embedding the hair in the piercing.
The action of the piercing gun is far more traumatic than the piercing needle
procedure - the studs are considerably duller than a single-use needle, thus
literally tearing a hole through the tissue, whereas the needle slices a clean
hole the gauge of the jewelry to be installed. A cleanly made hole is
especially
important in the case of cartilage piercings, notably upper ear and nostril
piercings, which many jewelry outlets are performing with the piercing gun.
More importantly, the cleanliness of the piercing gun method is questionable.
Although the piercing studs themselves may be sterile, the piercing gun is not
and cannot be properly sterilized in an autoclave. Even if no visible
contamination of the piercing gun is evident, it is exposed to blood and blood
plasma microspray due to the strong spring mechanism. The gun is also cross-
contaminated if the piercer touches the studs after they are installed,
and then
touches the piercing gun without changing gloves. Although many stores
performing piercings with the gun claim that their services are safe and
sterile,
simply wiping the gun with a surface disinfectant is not adequate. Please see
Part 3.4 of the FAQ for information on proper sterilization techniques.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, barbells, circular
barbells (in
the case of larger gauges, circular barbells may not be best initially, as the
weight of the jewelry may prolong healing and be uncomfortable); 3/8" to 1/2"
in diameter, from 20 to 10ga.
*Ear Cartilage*
Initial healing: 2 to 4 months, depending on location and gauge
Should be pierced using a needle at least one size larger than the jewelry
to be
worn (e.g. 18 gauge jewelry, 16 gauge needle) to allow for new skin to form
around the inside of the piercing and for easier cleaning.
It has been noted that piercings at 20ga, and sometimes 18ga, have a higher
instance of migration and rejection.
Cartilage piercings have a tendency to develop Keloids (scar tissue) in some
people. It has been noted that keloids tend to form more often around the exit
hole, due to the action of the needle, which slices a crescent-shaped opening.
Please see Part 6 of the FAQ for more information on keloids.
Cartilage piercings stretch very slowly, if at all. Stretching a reluctant
piercing may contribute to keloiding. Some piercers prefer to use a dermal
punch for larger-gauged cartilage piercings. The dermal punch cuts-out a
circle of cartilage rather than slicing a crescent-shaped opening through it.
Stainless Studios reports that they have the best luck using dermal punches
on all cartilage piercings larger than 18ga. Please see the Body Modification
Ezine for dermal punch procedural images (http://www.io.org/~bme).
Other piercers prefer to pierce with as large as a 10 gauge needle and stretch
the piercing by small increments after it has healed if a larger hole is
desired.
This piercing is often done with a gun; however, the stud installed can be too
short for the piercing, and both sides of the stud are collection sites for
bacteria. An ear cartilage piercing should be treated as a body piercing.
The specific piercings of the ear are:
Conch: Piercings made straight through the shell of the ear
cartilage. The Conch piercings are divided between lower, the
bowl-shaped area below the Daith ridge surrounding the opening
of the ear canal, and upper, above the Rook ridge.
Helix: Piercings made through or around the upper, curled edge
of the ear, including the curled edge towards the face. If the curl
is extreme or wide, a piercing made parallel to the plane of the
head closer to the apex of the curl. In this instance, a piercing
made perpendicular to the plane of the head would require a
large diameter ring to allow for proper healing which would
be too large to comfortably fit between the ear and head.
Tragus: The prominence of cartilage in front of the opening of
the ear canal. Ear cartilage suggestions follow here. Care
must be taken when cleaning this and other interior
cartilage piercings such as the Rook, Daith, and Conch -
cleaning solutions must not be allowed to drip into the ear
canal, as this could lead to permanent loss of hearing.
Please see "Pierce with a Pro", PFIQ #44.
Anti-Tragus: A piercing is made through the extrusive ridge of
cartilage opposite the tragus. In some cases, a straight or curved
barbell is advisable over a ring.
Daith: A piercing made through the inner-most ridge of cartilage,
immediately above the Tragus. Of the interior ear cartilage
piercings, the Daith is usually the most successful, as it is not
subject to pressure from sleeping and irritation from daily
activities.
Rook or Anti-Helix: A piercng made through the ridge (relatively
horizontal on most people) above the Daith ridge. Rook piercings
have been noted to be more prone to rejection/migration.
*Nostril*
Initial healing: 2 to 4 months, depending on location and gauge
Placement is usually somewhere along the groove in the nostril, where
the cartilage is thinnest.
Nostril Screws are the optimum jewelry choice for those wishing the look
of a stud. They feature a small curved "tail" at a right angle to the stud
that holds the jewelry in place without the need for a clasp on the inside of
the nose. Because nostril screws are more difficult to clean and may not
accommodate swelling associated with a fresh piercing, it is recommended
that the piercing be well-healed before a screw is worn. Otherwise opt
for a screw with a longer shaft, between 5/16" and 3/8".
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings in 20 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to
1/2" inside diameter, occasionally as small as 5/16�. As with ear cartilage
piercings, nostril piercings should be done with a piercing needle a gauge
larger than that of the jewelry to be worn.
*Septum*
Initial healing: 6 to 10 weeks.
The piercing should pass through the thin layer of tissue between the alar
cartilage (outer) and the quadrangular cartilage (separating the nostrils).
This area is usually at its roomiest towards the tip of the nose. This
piercing
can be stretched a good deal after healing to accommodate eyelets.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells, septum
retainers in 20 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,
however, easier to clean during healing.
*Eyebrow*
Initial healing: 8 to 10 weeks; healing can be extended if the piercing
migrates towards the surface.
Since this piercing is essentially a surface piercing, chances of migration
or rejection are higher than with a piercing through parallel surfaces.
The chance of the piercing growing out or migrating may be reduced by
reshaping the ring into an oval. Also, too thin a gauge and/or too small a
diameter and the piercing will tear, however slight, when pulled
accidentally and will contribute to migration or rejection. Too heavy and
the ring will fall victim to gravity which may very well contribute to
migration. This piercing is usually made vertically, so that the ring
encircles the eyebrow.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings in 18 to 16 gauge, 3/8" to
7/16" inside diameter; barbells 3/8" to 7/16" post length. Rings should
be at least 1/16" larger in diameter than the length of the piercing. 14ga
can be used if there is enough tissue to support it. Eyebrow retainers are
not recommended for fresh piercings, as they are not secure.
It is not uncommon for eyebrow piercings to swell or bruise immediately
after piercing. Apply ice for the first 6 hours. Any swelling or bruising
occurring later during healing could be a sign of infection, which should
be treated immediately by a physician.
*Niebuhr or Erle or Bridge*
Initial healing: 2 to 4 months.
This piercing is made through the tissue between the eyes (bridge of the
nose). This piercing can be both difficult to both perform and heal. This
piercing cannot be made too deep but must be deep enough that the
piercing does not migrate out/reject. Also, there are large veins and
arteries present to either side of the bridge of the nose.
Initial jewelry: Barbell studs or curved barbells in 14 - 12 gauge, 3/8"
to 5/8" in length, depending on the length of the piercing.
*Lip & Labret*
Initial healing: 6 to 8 weeks; healing time can be extended if there is any
damage to the tissue inside the lip from the presence of the jewelry
(ie. �nesting�).
Traditionally, the Labret piercing is usually made about 3/8" to 1/2"
below the middle of the lower lip, through or just above the cleft of the
chin, although lip piercings can be made anywhere along the outside of the
lip. A labret stud should be used to heal the piercing to avoid tearing, and
a ring can be worn after healing. A thinner gauge of ring may have a
tendency to tear the inside of the lip, especially on new piercings.
Labret studs and barbells tend to cause deterioration of the inside of the
lip and of the gumline; this deterioration is, in most cases, minimal, and
will only continue until a niche has been formed for the ball or disc.
Fishtail Labrets were invented to counter this problem. Some piercers
prefer to angle the Labret piercing so that the disc is above the teeth line.
This placement will avoid gum/lip deterioration, but may present
problems with biting down on the jewelry inadvertently.Please see Body
Play, Vol. 2 #4, for a very good feature on the Labret; PFIQ "Pierce with
a Pro, Part 19".
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, barbell studs, Labret studs
- a ball which screws into the front end of the bar, a disc which either
screws in or is fixed to the back; internally threaded jewelry is strongly
advised for this piercing, as external threads can reopen even a healed
piercing; Fishtail Labrets - a stud with a "tail" at a right-angle to the stud
which has a slight curve to follow the curve of the gumline; in gold and
surgical steel in 16 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter and post
length. The initial stud should be at least 1/16" longer than the width of the
area to be pierced to accommodate swelling. Gauntlet has 14ga titanium
Labret studs available.
One should pay particular attention to the method by which the ball or disc
is affixed to the stud - some manufacturers use soldering/brazing
compounds of a silver or gold alloy which may not be suitable for fresh or
genital piercings. Other manufacturers thread the bead and ring, using a
thread-locking compound to fix the bead: these compounds may not be
autoclave-safe or heat/corrosion-resistant. A heat-cured (~400 degrees
F) epoxy, in combination with threading, has been used successfully by
other manufacturers.
Labret jewelry will collect plaque, especially in the crevice between ball
and bar. Wear on the jewelry (scratches incurred from contact with the
teeth) can contribute to plaque accumulation. Use of an anti-plaque rinse
twice a day, as well as cleaning the barbell reqularly, will minimize
accumulation.
While smoking may be irritating to a new piercing but not necessarily
damaging, the use of chewed tobacco products is highly discouraged in the
case of any oral piercing, as the use of chewed tobacco has been attributed
to oral cancers, lesions and breakdown of tissue.
*Madonna or Chrome Crawford*
A piercing made above the upper lip, usually to either side, using a
Labret stud.
So-named because of the resemblance to the aforementioned idol's natural beauty
marks.
*Cheek*
Initial healing: 2 to 4 months, depending on location.
Initial jewelry: Labret studs; gold and surgical steel in 16 - 10 gauge,
usually at least 3/8" in length. Precise measurements are necessary to
prevent nesting. Piercings of the cheek are rare, as they are deemed too
risky by most piercers (possible nerve damage).
*Tongue*
Initial healing: 3 to 6 weeks.
Initial jewelry: Barbell studs; gold and surgical steel in 14 to 10 gauge.
The initial stud should be at least 1/4" to 3/8" longer than the tongue at
its thickest to accommodate swelling. Too short a barbell can lead to
"nesting" of the balls. Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 11" and
PFIQ #38 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 25: Update".
The jewelry may be downsized in length after the swelling immediately
around the piercing has gone down, usually after 3 to 4 weeks. Downsizing
the jewelry, both in length and in ball diameter, will usually correct any
eating or movement impediments.
If a large frenulum is present (web of tissue which runs lengthwise along
the underside of the tongue, usually present in most people to some degree),
the piercing should be made in front of it. If the frenulum is small, the
piercing can be made to one side of it. If the frenulum is large or extrudes,
it may become irritated by the jewelry.
The placement should be decided with the tongue in its normal resting
position in the mouth as well as when extended. Too far back, and the
bottom ball will irritate the frenulum (if there is one), or the base of
the tongue.
Any irritation to the bottom palate will usually subside or callous.
Otherwise, smaller balls are advised. Smaller balls (in addition to
downsizing the bar length) are also advised if one bites down on the balls
frequently or has chipped teeth. Standard ball sizes for 14 and 12ga are
7/32" or 1/4"; for 10ga, 1/4". 3/16" balls are available from most
manufacturers for 14 and 12ga; 7/32" for 10ga. Jewelry which is
internally threaded at both ends allows for easy removal, insertion and
cleaning. They are also easier to insert upon piercing, by way of the wire-
connector method.
Tongue barbells will collect plaque, usually on the bottom ball, especially in
the crevice between ball and bar. Wear on the jewelry (scratches incurred
from contact with the teeth) can contribute to plaque accumulation. Use of an
anti-plaque rinse twice a day, as well as cleaning the barbell reqularly, will
minimize accumulation.
Occasionally a ring of scar tissue (hard and/or white) or a protrusion/ring of
soft tissue will form around a hole, usually at the bottom entrance. A
contributing factor in both cases may be jewelry size - too long or too short.
Use of Gly-oxide or another peroxide-based oral disinfectant during healing is
said to minimize excess tissue growth, but in extreme cases surgical removal is
the best solution. Some people successfully use an aspirin and water paste to
dissolve the excess growth. If you choose to follow their example, please
keep in
mind that you will run the risk of seriously damaging your oral tissue if the
solution is left in place too long or if you are allergic to aspirin.
Tongue piercings made through the front and side edges of the tongue using
rings
have been successful for some people, but for most the presence of a ring
impedes
eating and speaking. If such a piercing is desired it is important to use
an initial
ring large enough to allow for swelling and that the placement avoids
severing any
large blood vessels which may be present.
*Tongue Frenulum*
A relativelly new piercing gaining popularity among experienced piercing
enthusiasts.
Reported to be quick and easy to heal. Rings and barbells of at least
14ga have been used.
With all oral piercings the accumulation of plaque must be attended to.
See the BME - <http://www.io.org/~bme> - for pictures.
2C.2 BODY PIERCINGS
*Navel*
Initial healing: 3 to 8 months; healing time can be extended if the area
pierced is
subject to changes in shape during body movements or is irritated by clothing.
Please see Parts 6.2 and 6.3 of the FAQ for more information on problems
commonly encountered with navel piercings.
The upper ridge of the navel is usually pierced, unless the lower is more
prominent. The ideal navel to pierce is one in which the ridge is deep and well-
formed; thus the entrance and exit of the piercing will be through parallel
surfaces opposite one another (like an earlobe piercing). Often there is a
natural indentation or slight wrinkle at or slightly below the desired
placement.
It has been noted that people with a high amount of body fat in the navel area
experience lengthier healing times and an increased rate of piercing rejection/
migration. The navel should always be examined for suitability BEFORE the
jewelry is selected - one size does not fit all, and this especially
applies to navel
piercings. The placement and jewelry size should also be decided with
regard to
where the natural fold in the waist is and how far the tissue stretches
when the
piercee is reclined.
The navel piercing is one of the most difficult to heal, but also one of
the most
popular. Tight waistbands, belts, and a high level of activity involving
bending at
the waist can lengthen healing time.
In some cases, the piercing will remain red and discharge considerably during
the entirety of the healing process. Occasionally, a ring of soft tissue (red,
inflamed) will form around the entrance or exit, usually during the second or
third month of healing, most likely due to irritation from sweat, clothing
and/or
daily activities rather than an infection. If this occurs, do not over-clean.
Usually the "growth" will diminish on its own. Soaking the piercing in
warm salt
water after a morning or evening cleaning and applications of hot compresses
often helps. In the case of a keloid scar (hard and white) application of
a small
amount of cortisone ointment for no more than 5 days at a time may help, or
application of a peroxide gel 3 times a week may diminish the tissue.
Please see
PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 18".
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells 14ga
usually
7/16� to 1/2�, rarely as thin as 16ga and as small in diameter as 3/8�;
curved (1/4 of a circle) or "L" bars in 14ga, 3/8" to 1/2� length. Teardrop
or oval rings are also popular choices for a less extrusive piece of jewelry.
Michaela Grey of Gauntlet, Inc. offers:
�Most women's navels do indeed pop out during the eighth month of pregnancy.
If your piercing is very well healed (2+ yrs), this shouldn't be a problem.
During the final month, a piece of monofilament nylon or a barbell or
curved (L)
barbell will retain the piercing. Of course, if any discomfort arises, let
it go.
After the baby is born, the jewelry (14 or 12 ga) can probably be gently
reinserted with the aid of an insertion taper.�
*Nipple*
Initial healing: 4 to 8 months; nipple piercings can be problematic for
some people, both women and men. Please see Parts 6.2 and 6.3 for more
information on problems commonly encountered with nipple piercings.
Nipple piercings can be made horizontally or vertically. Rings are usually
the initial jewelry in horizontal piercings. Some piercers prefer to install
a barbell initially, as this may decrease the chance of the piercing migrating
downwards due to the weight and curve of a ring. If a barbell is to be used, it
should be at least 1/8" longer than the length of the piercing to facilitate
thorough cleaning. Barbells of the same length as the piercing can be worn
after the piercing is healed.
The effect of gravity on a nipple ring while healing can be countered by
wearing the ring flipped up for 12 hours a day, when the piercing is healed
enough that it is not painful (usually after 2 to 3 weeks). Be sure to remove
any discharge and lubricate the piercing thoroughly before altering its
position.
Barbells are used for vertical piercings, as a ring will tend to stick out,
and, if taped to one side or the other, can cause the piercing to migrate
diagonally. For heavy play (chains, pendants, weights, etc.) captive bead
rings smaller than 14 gauge should not be worn, as the bead may pop off.
Also, the larger the gauge, the less likely the piercing is to tear.
Multiple nipple piercings are not uncommon. These can be crisscross
(alternating horizontal and vertical piercings) or all be in the same
direction. Before attempting a second piercing the first piercing should
be allowed to completely heal. There should be at least 1/8" of tissue
(depth) between the piercings to prevent pressure from the innermost
piercing from causing the outermost piercing to migrate out.
*Female Nipple Piercings*
The ideal nipple for piercing is one which extrudes from the areola. The
piercing is made slightly above center, at the base of the nipple - never
behind the nipple or through the areola. Piercings made behind the nipple
tend to migrate or reject downwards.
Some women with larger-sized breasts have found barbells much more
comfortable than rings during healing.
In the case of fresh/healing women's nipple piercings, applying halved-
panty liners to the inside of the bra cups will keep the piercing clean and
the bra free from discharge and/or blood. Most women find wearing a bra
during daily activities more comfortable than not, as a fresh piercing is
very sensitive.
In some cases, wearing a bra may contribute to the piercing migrating
downwards, as the bra puts pressure on the ring. Wearing the ring flipped
up will counter this effect. Be sure to remove any discharge and lubricate
the piercing thoroughly before altering its position.
Some women may experience irritation or a delay in healing before and
during their period, or if they are subject to PMS. Water retention may
cause the nerves in the nipple to become pinched against the jewelry. Also, it
is not uncommon for the discharge released during healing to seep from the
front of the nipple via the penetrated milk ducts.
Please see Part 6.5 of the FAQ for information on nipple piercings and breast-
feeding.
*Male Nipple Piercings*
Because most men do not have sufficient nipple development, the piercing is
usually made behind the actual nipple, through the areola.
Men, on average, have more difficulty than women with nipple piercings
migrating or rejecting. If a nipple is to be repierced after the initial
piercing
has rejected, the first wound should be allowed to heal completely. If a large
amount of scar tissue is present, it may be advisable to wait at least 6 months
to allow the area to recover. The repierce should be made behind the scar
tissue
from the initial piercing. Piercing through the scar tissue is usually
difficult,
painful, and can lead to more scar tissue growth. Keep in mind that repiercing
behind scar tissue will not insure a successful piercing. Some people have
experienced rejection/migration of second, even third, attempts at a nipple
piercing.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to
12 gauge; men - 1/2" inside diameter or larger, women - 5/8" inside
diameter or larger. The inside diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8"
wider than the length of the piercing, especially in initial jewelry.
*Handweb*
Initial healing: 4 to 6 months.
Most piercers consider this piercing to be rather a novelty. The piercing is
usually made through the web of skin between the thumb and forefinger (it
must not intersect the muscle tissue).
Rate of infection is extremely high, due to the exposure to bacteria during
daily activities. Rate of rejection and migration is also high, due to the
nature of the tissue and hand movements. Please see PFIQ #23 for "Pierce
with a Pro, Part 13".
Initial jewelry: Barbells in 14-12 gauge, at least 1/2" in length to
accommodate swelling.
2C.3 SURFACE PIERCINGS
Also known as surface-to-surface piercings, these piercings are temporary in
all but the rarest instances. A few of the "standard" piercings discussed above
could be considered surface piercings in some or most cases, including the
eyebrow, Guiche, and Lorum.
Various types of jewelry have been used in attempts to get the piercing to stay.
Some piercers feel that only larger-gauged (10ga +) jewelry is safe and will
maintain the piercing longer. Others have tried nylon and teflon, citing that
the flexibility of the material will reduce stress on the piercing.
The majority of surface piercings do migrate and/or reject. Often there is
resulting tell-tale scarring.
Areas most commonly attempted include the Madison (piercing made at the base
of the neck, between the collarbones); the loose skin under the neck; along the
forearms or wrist; in the male pubic area.
Please see the Body Modification Ezine (http://www.io.org/~bme) for images
of various surface piercings.
--
* Ardvark *
Anne Greenblatt
Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart
Proprietor - Piercing Exquisite, Richmond, Va.
COMING SOON IN THE NEW YEAR * THE WEBPAGE!