| Body piercing is just what the name implies; a | | | | If you are thinking about getting a body part |
| puncture or piercing is made in some part of your | | | | pierced, for something as a belly or nose ring [ |
| body with a needle. Next, a piece of jewelry is | | | | first do some research. First of all, if you're under |
| inserted into the hole left by the puncture. The | | | | 18, many shops won't allow you to get a piercing |
| most popular pierced body parts are the belly | | | | without written consent from your parents. It's |
| button, nostrils, and ears. | | | | also a good idea to find out what the risks and |
| If the person who is performing the piercing | | | | how you can best protect yourself from |
| provides a professional, clean, and safe | | | | complications such as infections. |
| environment, this is what you can expect as a | | | | Certain body sites can cause more difficulties than |
| result of getting a body part pierced from a | | | | others. Infection is a usual complication of nose |
| reputable body piercing shop: | | | | and mouth piercings because bacteria by the |
| - The area you have chosen to be pierced (with | | | | millions live there. Also, over time, tongue piercings |
| the exception of the tongue) is cleaned with a | | | | can damage teeth. Lip, cheek, and tongue |
| germicidal soap. | | | | piercings can result in gum problems. |
| - Next, your skin is punctured with a very clean, | | | | If you have a medical problem such as infections, |
| sharp needle. | | | | a condition that affects you immune system, skin |
| - After having been sterilized, a piece of jewelry | | | | diseases or disorders, diabetes, allergies, or if you |
| is attached to the area. | | | | are pregnant you should ask your doctor if there |
| - The person performing the piercing will dispose | | | | are any special precautions that you should take |
| of the needle inside a special container such that | | | | prior to getting a piercing. Should you decide to go |
| there is no risk of the blood or needle touching | | | | ahead and get a body part pierced: |
| anyone else. | | | | - Make sure your immunizations are up to date |
| - The pierced area is then cleaned. | | | | (especially tetanus and hepatitis B). |
| - The person performing the piercing adjusts and | | | | - Decide ahead of time where you intend to get |
| checks the inserted jewelry. | | | | medical care if your piercing should become |
| - The person performing the piercing will provide | | | | infected |
| you with instructions on how to be sure your new | | | | Last but not least, if you plan to get your mouth |
| piercing heals correctly and what to do in case of | | | | or tongue pierced, make sure your gums and |
| a problem. | | | | teeth are healthy. |