Wednesday May 7th, 2008 @ 3:01 PM
I got my cheeks pierced on February 29, 2008. It is now May 6, 2008 and they are still not healed all the way. The piercer who did them told me after he pierced me that he had never done that kind of piercing and he was unsure what the healing process involved. If I would have known that before he stuck the needle in my cheek then he would have never been aloud to do so. So a week passed and the lebret balls sank on the outside and the the flat back on the inside was completely covered with swollen tissue. I therefore could not remove them the correct way so I used a tongue barbell to push the lebret ring through my cheek and out the inside of my mouth. The healing since then has gotten better but it is not complete and I also am unable to put the correct ring in yet. I have read a lot of the forums that people have wrote about with this piercing and I do understand that that this is a high volume area and healing can take some time. But how long and when can I put the appropriate ring , the one short enough to actually make dimples, in with out worrying about swelling or irritation? Thanks
Heather
Cheek piercings do tend to take awhile to fully heal, but the amount of time that takes should drop with proper jewelry installed for the initial healing period. High quality steel or titanium labret studs with extra length to accommodate swelling will aid in the healing of your piercings. Having disks and beads that are not too tiny may help as well.
Keep the piercings clean, drink lots of water, don’t cause undue stress by playing with the jewelry and try your best not to chomp down on them while eating!
+3 / 5 votes 
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Posted by Russ Foxx | Permalink | Comments
Wednesday May 7th, 2008 @ 2:48 PM
I got my VCH pierced about a month ago with a curved barbell and now I want to change it. Would it be ok to change to a straight barbell that is made from the bio flex material? Would it irritate the area in any way or raise the chance of rejection? Thanks!
I don’t personally like using bioflex unless it’s deemed necessary in certain situations. If we’re talking about a healed piercing, I’d consider it as an option; but only when it’s a last resort. There are much better materials available that meet high standards and specifications in quality.
Since your VCH piercing was pierced with a curved barbell, putting in a straight piece of jewelry may also instigate complications. If you try this jewelry out, keep an eye on it and switch back to your original jewelry if any irritation follows.
+2 / 8 votes
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Posted by Russ Foxx | Permalink | 1 Comment
Wednesday May 7th, 2008 @ 2:31 PM
Filed under: Nipple
Okay, So I had pierce my nipple like two years ago, and decided that I didn’t want it anymore because my boyfriend didn’t like it, but now we aren’t together and I want to pierce it again and the same nipple. one is that safe and is it okay to do that? and Two it still has some of that smelly discharge stuff coming out of it. Can I still Piece it?
The discharge is most likely dead cells and other excretia and is probably a good indication that your piercing is still open so there’s every chance that you could visit the piercers and have them taper it open for you rather than repierce it. This will avoid the lengthy healing time associated with nipple piercings and your nipple will be sore for a matter of a few days only, then it will be business as usual!
+4 / 4 votes 
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Posted by Tiff Badhairdo | Permalink | Comments
Tuesday May 6th, 2008 @ 3:08 AM
Hey guys!
I got my eyebrow pierced on my 15th birthday at the biggest, most reputable shop in our area. He did it with a (316L i think) 1/2inch, straight, externally threaded barbell. I cleaned it with H2Ocean & switched to a curved barbell after a couple of months to see if it would heal better. It never healed and just continually rejected until it was held on by a tiny flap of skin, at which point I retired it, being left with a funny looking scar.
Right before my 16th birthday I went to another smaller shop that my friends used and asked the piercer there why it didn’t work out. I told him that I had had stitches in the area about 7 years prior but he said that it was all healed and shouldn’t have made a difference. He said it was probably the jewelry used, the fact that it was not curved. He pierced me on the other eyebrow with a titanium CBR and I still have it 2 years later.
I know that the first shop is still using straight barbells because my friend got his eyebrow pierced there recently and they used the same jewelry as they did on me and his rejected as well.
In short my question is: do straight barbells increase the risk of rejection in an eyebrow piercing?
Thanks for all your help!
In short: Quite often yes.
In long: I will say I HAVE seen some individuals heal a straight barbell in their eyebrows, however its far and few between. Quite often it heals as a result of the actual brow ridge being of a specific shape. Most people I find don’t really have this type of brow ridge so a curved barbell is honestly the ideal jewelry option. As when we’re piercing we either elevate the brow area with our fingers (freehand) or use forceps. When we use these techniques and pass the needle through the tissue it makes a curved pathway. So when that’s done and when a straight bar is inserted pressure occurs as its a straight piece of metal through a curved pathway. This pressure often is chronically being applied until the pressure is released, which is often what we call migration and rejection.
Personally I wouldn’t even consider a CBR ideal for initial/fresh eyebrow piercing jewelry either. The only type of jewelry I’d say is the ideal type is a Implant Grade(Steel or Titanium) Internally Threaded Curved Barbell. Then after a good many months of the pathway being healed (everyone’s different but I usually say around 6 months or so) then you can most definitely switch it over to a CBR, Circular Barbell,etc.
+3 / 5 votes
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Posted by Warren Hiller | Permalink | 1 Comment
Tuesday May 6th, 2008 @ 2:39 AM
I have had the center of my lower labret pierced for almost a year now. I would really like to put something made of stone, horn, glass, or wood in it, but I don’t want to stretch. I am having a very difficult time finding labret jewelry made of organic materials in anything smaller than an 8, 6, and often even 0. The only things I have found in a 12 or 10 gauge are black and far too long, or white and not long enough. I’m looking for something that is long enough to not require a ball to stay in my face, and maybe with some color options.
I thought it couldnt be too difficult considering there are lots of photos of the Matses people with labret pins and other cultures too. Plus, its not like its a complex design or anything.
So the gist of my question is “Where is all the organic small gauge labret jewelry hiding?” and “is there a particular reason why its so hard to find?
In my searches I’ve found a couple companies that could offer what you’re looking for. One option would be to take a proper measurement of your labret piercing and purchase a single flared plug that is 12ga or 10ga (whatever size you’re at) and just make sure that the wearing surface is the matching length.
Another option would be to seek out one of the many jewelry manufacturers of Glass, Organic jewelry on the IAM Community and inquire about if its possible to do a custom request of that nature. However I’d say the best place to look for this type of jewelry is in the plugs sections, as there are quite a few companies that sell 12ga-10ga single flared plugs…Mostly in glass though, at least from what I noticed in my searches. But as I said if you’re looking for Organics (Stone, Wood, Bone,etc) I’d say try and contact one of the few Organic Jewelry manufacturers that are on the IAM Community and see if they can custom make you something.
+2 / 2 votes
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Posted by Warren Hiller | Permalink | 1 Comment
Tuesday May 6th, 2008 @ 2:30 AM
I recently had four microdermal anchors put in over my clavicles about four weeks ago, since then three have healed up fairly nicely but I’ve noticed that one of them has a bit of swelling under the skin. It’s not pussy and not red but noticeably swelling. I’m wondering if they’re scar tissue in the piercing causing it to swell. the skin itself over and the hole feels a bit tough and thick. Also, I’ve had the skin around all four piercings become flaky and not sure what I should use on them that’s safe for them.
If you could please reply with what form of aftercare protocols you are using, it’d be greatly appreciated. Also if you could please inform us how the procedure was done? Was it done with a needle or was it a biopsy/dermal punch?
Personally, and I know this is the unpopular opinion, but I’m a firm believer in that the whole claim that Microdermals heal within weeks, is completely and utterly false. 4 weeks old is still very fresh and still in the stages of healing. If anything there will be a superficial fistula of newly forming skin cells, but there is nothing I can potentially believe “scar tissue” related that could cause the swelling you’re suggesting.
If there is fluid collecting in the fistula and causing swelling, one suggestion is to do some hot damp saline compresses to try and draw the fluid up and out from the area. As for the flakey skin I’m honestly unable to troubleshoot the issue until the aftercare protocols are stated and some other troubleshooting situations like bandages, soaps/cleansers used,etc.
+2 / 2 votes
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Posted by Warren Hiller | Permalink | 2 Comments
Monday May 5th, 2008 @ 9:11 PM
Filed under: Tongue
Basically, I got my web pierced, I’m still underage, and my mom doesn’t know about it, and I don’t plan on letting her know about it. I’m bound to have a dentist appointment eventually. I know I can hide it for cleaning and whatnot, and the people who do that the the clinic I go to are pretty hip, and they either won’t say anything, or won’t think anything of it. But then, my actual dentist, is not exactly modern, and made quite the scene when he noticed my industiral, “What is that, a nail through your ear? That’s so weird, I’d never let my daughter get that.” And I’m sure he’d mention something when he sees a web piercing in my xrays.
So, do they have the right, I suppose, but that probably isn’t the right thing to say, to tell them about something like a web piercing? Unless I’ve got receeding gums, which I don’t, I can’t see any reason that they’d need to tell them. I’m in Nova Scotia, Canada if that helps.
Thank You! (:
I was unable to find a specific guideline deeming whether or not a dental practitioner in Nova Scotia has the right to inform your legal guardians of your piercings. If you are the age of majority, they definitely wouldn’t have the right to do so.
I’ll say that if this is your concern, mention it to your dentist in a mature straight-forward manner that you have this piercing for your own personal reasons and that you would prefer that it not be mentioned or brought up to others. Your dentist will be more likely to respect your wishes if you can give a solid and positive explanation of why you have chosen to wear this piercing.
+4 / 4 votes
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Posted by Russ Foxx | Permalink | 2 Comments
Monday May 5th, 2008 @ 8:59 PM
I haven’t any piercings except ears and a scarred over belly button…So I’m pretty new at this but have in mind what I want when I am able to get it. I was looking at the hip piercings and pocketings and I was wondering three things..How exactly do they do the piercings? What are the chances of them falling out or pulling out? And… I read a story about a girl who got the balls implanted (basically the bar was backwards), what are the chances of that pulling out?
Thanks,
Kyla
You’ve got three questions, so here’s three answers for you…
1.) These piercings can be done a few ways, but the two most common methods are by needle or punch & taper. Different piercers will use different methods, so be sure to check out their portfolio to see what kind of experience they have and what outcomes are achieved.
2.) The likelihood of the jewelry “pulling out” will mainly depend on how you adapt to having your new jewelry in place. One issue that comes to mind with this specific hip placement will be clothing rubbing and putting pressure on your jewelry. I’m sure that healing any jewelry in this location will not be easy, so take this into consideration when choosing the location. If the work is done well and you are very careful through your healing, these could have the potential to heal well and last.
3.) As for your last question, I’m unsure of exactly what the girl you are referring to has had done. It could be implants, it could be staples. If you’d care to elaborate further in the comment forum, we’ll gladly assist you further.
+3 / 3 votes
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Posted by Russ Foxx | Permalink | 3 Comments
Monday May 5th, 2008 @ 9:55 AM
Giday guys.
I was wondering how many countries have National Piercing Day and if you know which countries ?
Uhhhhh….pretty sure National Piercing Day is totally made up.
I don’t think there are any countries that “have” it, as it’s not a recognized holiday.. So, no countries have it. Yet, all countries have it…if someone there decides to “celebrate” it.
And if it isn’t totally made up, I think all piercer should get that day off. 
0 / 4 votes 
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Posted by Derek Lowe | Permalink | 7 Comments
Monday May 5th, 2008 @ 2:11 AM
I have a new tattoo where it is impossible to wear a bra without it touching the piece. I am wondering how long it is wise to wait before I can wear a bra. Any signs to know when it is ready? I would rather wait too long than not long enough, but the weather is warming up and I don’t want to wear heavier clothes to hide my lack of underwear if I don’t have to.
I answered this in the previous incarnation of QOD- I’m wracking my brain to think of what I said last time- that said, it IS 2am, so I’ll just wing it and stand behind whatever answer I come up with right this second:
Your big danger is the strap rubbing any flaking/scabbing, so you’d want to avoid the bra strap directly rubbing on it for as long as there’s anything there to rub off. I usually advise people to wear a sports bra and it tends to be taken care of.
+1 / 1 votes
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Posted by Shawn Porter | Permalink | 2 Comments
