Monday May 26th, 2008 @ 12:59 AM
Filed under: Tongue
So I’m a big whimp. I really want a tongue piercing but I’m super not good with pain. I’m a bit of a schemer, however, and I am thinking of pairing my upcoming cavity filling session at the dentist with a trip immediately after to the piercing parlor.
My question: Are there dangers associated with getting my tongue pierced while it is numb from dental anesthetic? I”m aware that it will hurt after - i’m more concerned about the pain during the piercing. Can’t find anything online that addresses this. I don’t really know why there would be a danger but I want to be sure. Am I being a big baby about this piercing thing? How bad is the actual piercing moment (mind you I have a LOW pain threshhold). My other thought is to get drunk and then get pierced but I”ve heard that this is a bad idea. 
Thanks in advance for your time!
“Am I being a big baby about this piercing thing?”
So, I guess I’d stop short (just barely) of calling you a baby (hey, you asked), but I would say that you’re making a way bigger deal out of it than is necessary. Being nervous about the pain of any piercing is perfectly normal. However, when it comes down to it, the pain of most piercings is pretty minimal…and even if it does hurt a bit, the pain won’t last very long as the piercing is VERY fast.
Definitely don’t get it done while you are drunk. There are lots of reasons…but just don’t.
There probably aren’t going to be any serious side effects to having it done after you get your filling done. However, there is no guarantee that will have an affect. Having had various fillings myself, just how numb I’ve ended up being is different almost every time…anywhere from no numbness of my tongue to quite a bit. Even when my tongue has ended up being numb, however, it’s almost always just one side of my tongue, no the whole thing. Since the piercing is going to be done in the middle of your tongue, the anesthetic probably won’t do much, if any, good.
Also, if your tongue is numb, you may not be able to control it well, keeping you from manipulating it the way the piercer needs you to. Another consideration is that if your tongue is numb enough for you to not feel it, it’s likely going to affect your speech, which your piercer will likely notice. If they figure out you are trying ot be sneaky with your numb tongue, you may well end up with a piercer who won’t do your piercing.
+6 / 6 votes 
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | 3 Comments
Monday May 26th, 2008 @ 12:48 AM
Hey, so I work for the New Brunswick (Canada) provincial government and Im told that I have to remove all of my visible piercings, except for 2 on each ear. In my law class, my teacher told me that Im being unfairly discrimated against … and that Id be within my rights to refuse to remove them. Now, is she right ? or will I get fired if I dont remove them ? Any advice would be much appreciated.
~Hayley
I am not a lawyer, and I don’t believe any of the other AskBME staff members are either…so take these comments for what they are worth.
It has always been my understanding that employers can enact, and enforce, whatever sort of “dress code” they deem fit. As long as they apply the dress code to all of their employees consistently, you aren’t being discriminated against. While you may well have the right to do whatever you want to your own body, you don’t have an inalienable right to do whatever you want to your body and still be guaranteed a job. The only possible loophole you might have is to claim the piercings are part of your religion. However….be prepared to prove that.
From my perspective, if you refuse to remove your piercings, I think you should expect to lose your job, or at the very least, face some sort of disciplinary action. How far you want to push that is totally up to you.
Best of luck.
+1 / 5 votes 
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | 5 Comments
Monday May 26th, 2008 @ 12:13 AM
Filed under: Tongue
This is an odd angle but I figured to get someone else’s opinion.
I am about to turn 20 and I still live at home. There’s no reason to leave, I’m not in school yet and they love and feed me, no rent ? Since I turned 18 I have gotten my fair share of piercings ranging from miscellaneous ear to navel, all of which my parents are aware of, albeit they did fret but in the end it was alright. I even got a tattoo WITH my mom after her 50th birthday. I did get my nipples pierced without them knowing but that was and is still something I did for myself.
The dilemma I am facing right now is that I have wanted to get my tongue pierced since I could remember; I think it was around 7th grade when I was 12. I used to hold a straight barbell in my mouth and pretend it was really pierced. I think it somewhat alleviates an oral fixation I have had since I was small.
6 years ago I was diagnosed with a heart condition called W-P-W where extra nodes and nerves in my heart cause my heart to race excessively when doing things like running and working out. I had two minor surgeries the first year and had since had no real problems with it; they did say I would probably have problems later on since they were only able to get rid of 80% of the problem nerves. 6 years later is later on and I am having problems.
The issue is that my mother is concerned that having an “open wound” and possible infection in my mouth would stop a surgeon from performing another procedure for my heart, should I need one. She always refers back to a friend whose doctor refused to do a heart valve replacement due to bad oral and teeth health.
I just had my tragus pierced yesterday and she never had an issue with that having to do with another heart procedure, so why now?
I have assured her that if there were any problems they would be assessed in the beginning and by the time and procedures would me performed (months away) the piercing would be 100% infection free and fully healed, or removed due to my speech.
I guess my story bo
First question for me to bring up is, have you made your piercers aware of your health conditions? Have you gotten approval from your doctor to get these body piercings? Most consent forms in piercing & tattoo establishments should have a section advising you if you have any health issues, to notify us so we can do what’s best. Because the last thing our industry needs is another potential health concern issue spreading through the papers…Especially when its involving something like a tongue piercing, which ALWAYS gets bad press.
In terms of heart procedures I’m a bit baffled as to why your parents would be alright with you getting a tragus piercing and not ok with a tongue piercing. Personally if your mom is saying a tongue piercing is a health concern (which it can be, especially if you go in for another heart operation), a tragus can also be a health concern as well.
What I’d suggest for you to do is perhaps organize a visit to your doctor and sit down with them and discuss the matter and get an OFFICIAL statement from them on the subject…That way both you and your mother are on the same page when it comes to your medical situation and your desire to receive body piercings.
+6 / 6 votes
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Posted by Warren Hiller | Permalink | 6 Comments
Monday May 26th, 2008 @ 12:05 AM
what is the best type of barbell for a VCH
i know a curved barbell is best,
but what about perfered gauge and length?
im new at this all,
i just need an idea before i get it done.
This question is a very loaded one…It’s like asking everyone what their favourite fruit is.
The reality is there are two different types of jewelry often used in VCH’s. The first is of course a Curved Barbell, while the second is a Straight Barbell.
When you visit the studio to get a VCH piercing, the piercer should be experienced enough to know to analyze the area in question to determine what is the most ideal option. This of course means getting you up on the table and taking measurements and seeing the size and shape of the hood in relation to the rest of your anatomy.
As for the gauge size and length, again this is just like trying to determine if a curved bar or straight bar is ideal for your specific anatomy requirements. I’ve done hoods as small as 14ga and as large as 8ga in thickness and jewelry length anywhere from 3/8″ to 5/8″ in length.
Essentially if the piercer doesn’t have a proper conversation with you to try and figure out what exactly it is you’re trying to achieve by getting this piercing (just the looks? want it for function?) and analyzing the area, that’s a sign you might want to look for someone else to do this piercing. As there is absolutely zero standard size, length,etc for this piercing. Just like how there isn’t for most piercings really, since everyone’s bodies are always slightly different in some way shape and form.
+4 / 6 votes 
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Posted by Warren Hiller | Permalink | Comments
Sunday May 25th, 2008 @ 11:57 PM
HELP! About 6 months ago I purchased an 18 qauge 1/4 inch labret/monroe stainless steel piece on jewelry that was just perfect for my monroe. It has a micro gem (about 1mm to 1.5mm wide) and it was a “push in” jewel rather than an internal or external screw. I do remember it was at least $30 but my computer crashed and I no longer have the link. Can anyone help me? I’ve been searching for days and cannot find anyone who sells the. Painful Pleasures sells something similar but the interior flatback is much wider than the original one I purchased. My original is about 2.5mm wide while the Painful Pleasure piece is 4mm. Unfortunately I cannot wear bioplast so it has really become a problem to find a good piece of jewelry now. Thanks!
What it sounds like, is that you have a NeoMetal Threadless Labret. To make the statement a bit more accurate it should be Titanium not Stainless Steel, as NeoMetal strictly deals with Implant Grade Titanium (ASTM F136 6Al-4V ELI Titanium).
There are only a small handful of online jewelry retailers that offer this type of jewelry, however my suggestion is to perhaps visit your local piercing studio and request a custom order of the NeoMetal jewelry. There are a lot of reputable studios that carry that type of jewelry or if for some reason they don’t, it shouldn’t be hard for them to order it in for you. As realistically the price shouldn’t really be more than $30 for the jewelry, if anything you might pay a couple extra dollars for the shipping.
Perhaps if you let us know where you’re located we can help you track down a studio that carries the jewelry or will be willing to get it for you.
+2 / 2 votes
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Posted by Warren Hiller | Permalink | 7 Comments
Friday May 23rd, 2008 @ 10:07 PM
I got a fore-tragus surface piercing about a year ago. It healed perfectly and I’ve had no problems with it. The only problem I have is that I start a job on Tuesday and they have a no visible piercing policy in place. I e-mailed HR, and they said that if it was fairly invisible it wouldn’t be a problem. However, I can’t find anything to screw into it to make it fairly invisible. Are there any places that sell ends to a normal surface bar that would be less visible? Or, alternately, is there any makeup or putty out there that is flesh colored that I could put on after removing the ends of the piercing? It’s hard to see as it is because of my sideburns, but I can’t have the metal visible. Two bumps would probably be acceptable.
Thanks,
Matt
I would be really hesitant to suggest trying to keep it in place without any ends on it. It might work, but it’s also quite possible it will work it’s way out. The other issue is that even if it doesn’t come out, it’s possible for the edges of the bar to slide against the edge of the piercing hold and irritate it…even if it’s well healed.
I obviously don’t know what you are wearing in terms of the brand/company of your surface bar. However, you might be able to get some 3mm (possibly smaller) disks to put on the end of it. These could then possible be covered with make-up such as Derma Blend. There may also be clear, dome-shaped pierces that could screw into your surface bars. Those will likely be less visible than something metal, but they may still not be invisible enough.
+2 / 2 votes
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | 1 Comment
Thursday May 22nd, 2008 @ 8:42 PM
I am keen to have my webbed toes pierced but want to kmow if the stud at the top wont be a problem when I wear closed shoes.Also will the bottom stud not cause a problem when walking.Should I have them pierced seperately to make walking easier during the healing process? also, will I be able to take out and insert the jewellery at will? Any info will be appreciated.Thanks,Mandy9
First just to point out the constant complications that can occur from having your webbed toes pierced (ie: irritation, potential infections,etc) in an open or closed shoe.
If you absolutely want this piercing and are gun-ho and willing to accept the potential issues of delayed healing, potential infection,etc. Then I would suggest it be done at a minimum 12ga in thickness (if not bigger) and use internally threaded flat discs on both the top and bottom. With the flat discs it means you won’t have to worry about the balls as the discs should rest comfortably against the top and bottom of the webbing.
I would also personally try and find a time in your life, when you have the availability to take a few weeks off, before you get this piercing. That way you can essentially just sit around your house and not do a single thing, so you can give it a good chance of healing. The more you exit out into the outside world the more chance you have of introducing various harmful bacteria,etc to the fresh piercing. Not to mention when wearing closed shoes with socks your feet sweat and can and usually essentially suffocate and swell after certain amounts of time.
+1 / 3 votes
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Posted by Warren Hiller | Permalink | Comments
Thursday May 22nd, 2008 @ 2:09 PM
Hallo, simply put: if a vertical labret was pierced with a retainer or allowed to heal then the jewelry replaced with a retainer would it effect a person’s ability to play clarint? I know that no part of the retainer could stick out otherwise it might damage the reed, but would the piercing itself interfer with playing the instrument? Thank you for taking the time to read this, any input is appreciated.
Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone is going to be able to give you a guarantee that the jewelry won’t interfere with playing the clarinet. A retainer, or a barbell with a flat disk on the top, should reduce the chances of it causing a problem…but you won’t truly know until you try.
Based upon what you’ve said, I’m assuming you are planning on not playing while your piercing is healing. If you were planning on playing, keep in mind that any excess pressure put on your piercing while it is healing is going to slow your healing as well as increase the chance of excess scar tissue formation.
+2 / 2 votes
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | 4 Comments
Thursday May 22nd, 2008 @ 2:06 PM
Filed under: Nipple
My nipples are like eraser heads. If I pierce them will they get larger.
Eraser heads, huh? I’m gonna leave that alone.
It is not uncommon for nipple piercing to result in some increase in size after being pierced. In my experience, the “growth” is more noticeable in nipples that are smaller and flatter to begin with…for example, most male nipple piercings. That isn’t to say that increased nipple size doesn’t happen in women…it just tends to be a bit less noticeable.
0 / 0 votes
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | 1 Comment
Thursday May 22nd, 2008 @ 1:07 AM
Filed under: Nose
Dear AskBME Staff,
I am so totally not joking with this one. I just stepped outside, coughed (someone’s mowing, and I’m allergic to lawn grass), and spat out an 8g O-ring.
To back up: I have a septum piercing that was needled at 8g at least a year ago; stretched itself to 6g; and will accept an 8g clear glass plug as a retainer without shrinking. This plug has no flares, so I’ve been using O-rings to keep it in place. Sometimes one falls off and stays in my nose such that I can, um, reach up and extract them. Sometimes one falls off into my lap. But both occurrences are fairly rare. I’ve been wearing this plug as a retainer to bed these last few days, since I currently share that bed, and kissing, etc. is more comfortable for me without jewelry that protrudes.
How did I SNORT an O-RING during the night and then retain it until just before 10 am (I’ve been up since 7:30)? If I can find the staple-shaped Ti retainer I was pierced with, I can switch to that, but do my amazing powers of snoring mean I’ll snort that, too? Worse, I’ve had this piercing for at least 18 months. How many O-rings may STILL be living in my lungs that I may have just assumed fell out on the pillowcase?
Please forgive my emphasis caps, but I’m just a little disturbed. Is this a sign from the universe to switch to the smallest-diameter segment ring I can find in that gauge? Snorting O-rings really can’t be good for my asthma.
It is allergy season in my part of the world, and I have got a goodly number of allergies, so if there were a time of year I would be snoring harder, this would be it. (Yes, I can ask the other person in the bed about this.)
Please, y’all, tell me I’m not injuring myself with O-rings routinely as I sleep. I’m a hypochondriac and I watch House (how about that season finale?), so please put my mind at rest if you can.
Frantically,
LadyCrow
………
Sorry, I had to take a moment to have a good chuckle, c’mon this is QUITE hilarious in the grand scheme of things if you think about it 
For starters I’d suggest obtaining a slightly smaller diameter o-ring so its a bit more snugger on your plug. By having it a bit more tightly on the plug it means it’d have less chance of slipping off so easily.
Also sure there is the chance you inhaled a o-ring, but there’s also the chance you simply swallowed it into your stomach, much like how you can inhale or swallow mucous(snot) from your nose that is lodged in your sinus cavity. Now let be make sure I am able to calm you down by saying if you had an actual o-ring in your sinus cavity, when awake, chances are you’d know. Personally I’ve had a the occasional o-ring and other stuff enter into my sinus cavity and it feels very noticeable pressure. It’s not enough pressure that you’d wake instantly up freakin out, but if you were awake and had it in your sinus, you’d know.
So relax and breath and put that Hypochondriac mind to rest ok, you’ll be fine. All you need to do is get a smaller diameter o-ring so it is snugger/tighter on your plug and will not fall off as easily.
+15 / 15 votes
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Posted by Warren Hiller | Permalink | 5 Comments
