The Ultimate Guide to Safe Piercing Practices: What You Need To Know Before Visiting our Shop in Abbotsford

Did you know that the art of piercing is thousands of years old, well documented in historical records and a commonly widespread practice throughout the world? So, if you or your friends/family in Abbotsford are looking to get a body piercing, then we aren’t surprised, since our ancestors have embraced this art form for more than 5,000 years. 

No matter if you’re looking for a trendy earlobe piercing or a unique body piercing, it's important to prioritize safety & minimize any potential risks. Therefore, in this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the best practices to ensure a risk free piercing experience. 

From selecting a professional and reputable piercer (like Tristin) to a few aftercare tips and poultimate-guide-to-safe-piercing-practices-in-abbotsfordtential risks to watch out for; Black Brew Tattoo & Piercing has got you covered. We'll briefly delve into the importance of proper sterilization techniques, the types of jewelry and the kinds of materials that are safest for your body. 

Let's dive in and ensure that your piercing experience is enjoyable, risk-free, and memorable - something that you can cherish for a lifetime.

Choose a Professional Piercer

As easy as this one sounds, when it comes to getting a piercing, the single most important factor for a safe and successful experience is choosing the right piercer. Countless times, people, in order to save a few bucks end up going to an untrained or unlicensed piercer which can put your health and safety at serious risk. 

Inexperienced piercers may use unsterile equipment, lack the necessary skills, and increase the chances of complications such as infections, scarring, or in some cases, even nerve damage. Again, it’s possible that nothing will go wrong, but would you be willing to take such a risk with your body? It’s almost like seeking medical advice from someone who isn’t a doctor. 

Luckily, at Black Brew Tattoo & Piercing Shop, our piercer in chief, Tristin Allaire has been dedicated to the art of piercing for more than 11 years in the Fraser Valley area.

Here’s what he has to say about his love for piercing:

You can read more about him by clicking here. 

Opting for a professional piercer ensures that your art will be created by someone who has undergone extensive training and adheres to strict sterilization protocols. These professionals are well-versed in human anatomy, piercing techniques, and the diligent use of sterile equipment. 

To find a professional piercer, do thorough research on local piercing studios and piercers. Check out their reviews on websites such as Google, verify their credentials, and make sure that they are licensed/certified. 

Every reputable piercer should be willing to patiently provide answers to all your questions and walk you through the entire process, hence ensuring that you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way. 

Remember, your safety and well-being should always be the top priority, so don't hesitate to choose a piercer who prioritizes professionalism and safety above all else.

Sterilization & Hygiene Practices in Piercing Studios

Once you’ve cherry picked a professional piercer for yourself, the 2nd step is to verify the cleanliness and sterilization practices of the piercing shop. A professional and reputable studio should have strict protocols in place to provide a sterile environment so that the risk of infection can be minimized. Here are some things that can help you verify if the piercing shop can be deemed safe, clean, and sterilized: 

• The studio should be clean, well-organized, and void of any clutter or debris.
  

• The work area where the piercing takes place should be thoroughly disinfected and sanitized before and after every client.
  

• The piercer should wear clean, disposable gloves and use single-use, sterile needles and jewelry. All equipment, including forceps, clamps, and needles, should be properly sterilized using an autoclave (it is a specialized machine that uses high-pressure steam to kill any harmful bacteria or pathogens).
  

• The piercer should also adhere to proper hand-washing techniques, using antibacterial soap and warm water, before and after each piercing.
  

• Additionally, the studio should have a designated, separate area for the sterilization of equipment, ensuring that the work area remains clean and uncontaminated.
  

• Reputable studios like Black Brew Tattoo & Piercing, oftentimes, will also have a visible display of their sterilization certificates and licenses, giving you the assurance that they prioritize safety and hygiene.

Types of Piercings and the Risks that Come With them

The world of body piercings in 2024, offers a plethora of options - the classic earlobe piercings, nose piercings, face piercings, and more unique and adventurous genital piercings; just to name a few. 

While each type of piercing can be a distinctive form of self-expression, it's important to understand the potential risks and considerations associated with different body piercing locations.

Earlobe piercings are actually one of the most common and relatively low-risk forms of piercings. With that said, even a simple earlobe piercing always carries the risk of infection, scarring, or keloid formation if not properly cared for. These piercings can also cause allergic reactions, traumatic tears, perichondrial abscess, etc.

Cartilage piercings, such as those in the helix, tragus, or industrial areas, tend to have a longer healing process. These areas are a bit more prone to complications due to the thicker, less vascular nature of the cartilage tissue.

Facial piercings, including the nose, lip, and eyebrow, can be more challenging to heal and may require more specialized care. These piercings are also in close proximity to the mouth and nasal passages, therefore making them more susceptible to irritation and infection. Potential complications include airway compromise, altered eating habits, gingival trauma, hematoma formation, etc.

Body piercings, such as those in the navel, nipple, or genital area, also carry some unique risks and considerations. These piercings may be more sensitive, have a longer healing time, and require extra attention during the aftercare process. Some potential complications include abscess formation, bacterial endocarditis, breastfeeding impairment, frictional irritation, infection, jewelry migration and rejection, etc. 

For a more detailed understanding of the potential complications that might be involved with piercings, please refer to this article published in the AFP Journal by Dr. Donna I. Meltzer, M.D.

The examples given above, for complications related to piercings, aren’t mentioned to scare you away from getting a piercing. These are just a poignant reminder that piercing requires skill, experience, diligence, and care, and therefore, you should really think twice before deciding where to get a piercing from. 

If you’re located near the Abbotsford area, and want a safe piercing experience,  then contact us and book your appointment as soon as possible.

Quick Tips for Maintaining a Risk-Free Piercing

Maintaining a risk-free piercing goes well beyond the initial piercing process. 

Piercing is a lifelong commitment that requires a proactive approach to your body's health and well-being. 

Given below are some basic tips that will help you maintain a healthy, complication-free and good-looking piercing: 

• Avoid touching your piercing with dirty hands: as a general rule of thumb, you should try to keep your hands clean and avoid touching the piercing.
  

• Opt for high-quality jewelry: Choose high quality metals that can help minimize the risk of allergic reactions or irritation. Understandably, these metals can hurt your pocket a little more than the cheap metals; however, the complications that you might get when using cheap metals can hurt you a lot more in the long run.
  

• Maintain a consistent aftercare routine: Strictly follow the piercer's instructions for cleaning and caring for your piercing during the healing process. The aftercare instructions might vary from one piercing to another, so keep in mind that the best practices that applied for one piercing might not necessarily work for the other. On another note, we also wrote a detailed article for tattoo aftercare instructions which can come handy for you and your friends/family.
  

• Protect your piercing during activities: Another easy tip to maintain a risk-free piercing is to be mindful of your piercing and take steps to protect it while engaging in sports or adventure activities. A good example would be wearing a sports guard or avoiding certain rigorous activities until the piercing is fully healed.
  

• Avoid changing jewelry too soon: It’s a good decision to wait until the piercing is fully healed before attempting to change the jewelry. Moreover, you should always have a professional piercer do it.
  

• Keep an eye out for any changes: Regularly inspect your piercing for any signs of infection or complications, and don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you have any concerns. Remember, you know your body the best, and if you have a hunch that something isn’t right, then it’s always best to visit a nearby clinic.
  

For a more robust list of things to avoid after getting a piercing, visit this page. 

Finally, remember, the key to a safe piercing experience lies in choosing a professional and reputable piercer, understanding the specific risks and aftercare requirements for your chosen piercing, and being proactive in maintaining the health and well-being of your body modification. With the right knowledge and a commitment to safety, you can confidently embark on your piercing journey and showcase your personal style while prioritizing your overall health and safety.

The entire Black Brew Tattoo & Piercing staff wishes you a happy and safe piercing!