Face Piercing

There was a time when especially a man having an ear pierced brought forward terms of derision. Thankfully, we seem to have become much more tolerant of this practise in recent years.

Face piercing is a wide-ranging term which includes nose piercings, lip piercing, tongue piercing and eyebrow piercing, Face piercings have been widespread through out worldwide cultures and it is common amongst quite a few African tribes to pierce the lips of the bride to be just prior to the marriage ceremony. Nose piercings are thought to have originated from the Middle East around four thousand years ago. Tongue piercings were very common among the Mayans. Modern day face piercings are more like to be works of original art rather than stemming from some ancient tradition.

There are a great number of people with teh odd face piercing, and a good number with quite a few; there are a very small minority who choose to have a very large number of face piercings. This is quite unusual and tends to indicate a certain fanaticism perhaps. Of course, many people who are heavily into piercings also enjoy tattoos too.

This is not for everyone and it should be remembered that if you have a few piercings on your face and wish to remove them later in life, you are likely to be left with a few scars although too many piercings may mark the face heavily. Despite this, at least they can be easily removed, unlike a tattoo.

Although many people have their face pierced in order to improve their appearance, there are health risks that should be acknowledged.

It is crucial to only use new, sterilised needles for any piercings as old or unsterilized needles could be be contaminated with infected blood or may perhaps have body fluids from the last individual who used the needle.

It is possible to transmit viral infections such as AIDS or Herpes through a face piercing if the needle isn't correctly sterilized and new from the package.

Bacterial infections such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are also significant concerns.

Therefore, if you decide to have a face piercing, it is important to check the cleanliness of the environment where it will be done and you also may wish to consider that when or if you decide to remove the piercing permanently, it may leave you with a scar on your face.

Dermal Punch

Dermal (or biopsy) punches are surgical instruments that are becoming more and more accepted in the body modification community. While not every body part needs to be dermal punched (in fact, we recommend the use of piercing needles for most piercings), if a large gauge piercing is desired in the cartilage of the ear, dermal punches can’t be beat!

Dermal Punching on Ear Lobes: We do not recommend using dermal punching on ear lobes. (The list of pictures below shows the procedure on the ear lobes, this was only done for the purpose of being able to take better pictures. The Silicone Ear would not allow us to punch the cartilage without it destroying the ear.)

It is healthier to have a needle piercing performed, and then gradually stretch the piercing to the desired size. Dermal punches remove tissue, which, if used on earlobes, can cause thin lobes, which will be detrimental to further stretching. It is best to have as much tissue in your lobes as possible if you wish to stretch them--this will keep your ears and your piercings safe and happy.

Dermal Punching on Ear Cartilage: Since it is unhealthy to stretch cartilage piercings up more than a few gauges, dermal punching is a great alternative for people who would like large gauge piercings in the conch or outer conch. Small punches require that jewelry be worn throughout the entire healing time. Large punches can be healed without jewelry, once bleeding has stopped.

Risks: There is a severe risk of bleeding with any dermal punch, as it is a large wound in your body. Insertion of properly sized jewelry can help to put pressure on the wound. However, bleeding can still be severe and should be monitored closely during and after the procedure.

People with bleeding conditions such as hemophilia or people taking blood thinners should consult a doctor before performing this procedure. In the event that bleeding does not stop or a dangerous loss of blood occurs, seek immediate medical assistance.

There is also a risk of infection, as with any modification. By having a sterile environment, sterile tools, and sterile jewelry, this risk can be easily minimized. It can be further minimized by having this procedure done by a licensed professional.

Unlike needle piercing, this modification removes a round circle of tissue from the punched area, therefore this is a permanent modification.

Piercing Sterilization

Piercing sterilization is important to do when getting and taking care of a piercing. When you get a piercing, ask your piercer if all his equipment has been sterilized in an autoclave. While he does the piercing make sure he changes his gloves often and he opens package containing the sterilized needle in front of you. Make sure the jewelry is either surgical steel, titanium or gold. Keeping your piercing sterilized afterward is simple.

Instructions

Things You'll Need

Antimicrobial/germicidal medicated soap
Sea Salt
Distilled Water

1)Thoroughly wash your hands before cleaning your piercing. Piercings should be cleaned daily for the length of your healing time. This can also be added to your shower routine.

2)Wash your piercing with antimicrobial/germicidal medicated soap. Make sure your soap is mild and both fragrance and color-free. Rinse with warm water, making sure there is no soapy residue left behind.

3)Soak your piercing in a sea salt soak directly after cleaning. Sea salt soaks are recommended once a day to aid in faster healing. A sea salt soak can be made by dissolving 1/4 tsp. of sea salt in 8 oz. of distilled water and soaking the area directly for several minutes.

4)Check your jewelry after each cleaning to make sure the balls of threaded jewelry are firmly attached. Balls can be changed at any time, but you must keep the original jewelry in for the full healing time.

Keep your jewelry in for the full healing time. This is usually about 3 months.

Piercings should not be cleaned more than twice a day.

Clean your bathtub with a bleach product thoroughly before bathing during the initial healing time after getting a piercing.

Professional piercers do not support the use of a piercing gun because it cannot be sterilized in an autoclave and does not adequately protect against the transmission of blood-born pathogens.

In the event of pus drainage or infection, see your physician for treatment immediately. Leave the jewelry in during treatment to avoid the skin closing and sealing in bacteria.

Eyebrow Piercing

One of the common facial piercings, the attractive eyebrow piercings can work wonders for the overall facial appearance of a person. You would notice that the trends in eyebrow piercing are coming out well and many people love the styles of such eyebrow piercings. Out of all the new facial piercing types, this is the most common one and there are some interesting trends which have come up in this type.

Adjudged to be the best facial piercings for guys, eyebrow piercings have different advantages over other types of facial piercings and you would find that they are unmatched in terms of ease, care and style statement. Here are some popular advantages of this type of facial piercings and what makes them special in the world of facial piercings.

The unique facial piercings of eyebrows are meant to look good and are much lower on care and maintenance. The most important part about these types of facial piercings is that they are easier to perform and the healing period is not too long. You would find that your eyebrow piercings would heal quicker than any other piercing and you can carry off the complete eyebrow piercing without any problems of infection.

Simply put, you would not have to exercise too much care of your eyebrow piercings as this is one of those facial piercings which are protected from makeup, dirt, sweat and other factors which might lead to the onset of an infection. You can even have different types of eyebrow piercings which would make you look good and would be easier to carry.

Another advantage of such facial piercings is that they can be easily carried off by guys without looking feminine. This is one of the recommended facial piercings for guys and experimenting with different styles can get you a perfect eyebrow piercing look.

Apart from the eyebrow piercings, here is a list of facial piercings which would help you in deciding which trend to go for. Lip and cheek piercing is slowly getting popular and you can easily go for one of these trends.

Nose piercings have been around for quite some time now and you can experiment from the different styles that are available for these types of facial piercings. Apart from eyebrow piercings, other piercings around the eye are also getting popular and you might want to try them too.

Getting Tattooed - Quick Reminder - Do's and Dont's

Everywhere you look people have tattoos – from policemen to nannies, it seems like everyone’s got at least a couple. It wasn’t too long ago that only bikers and military people had tattoos, but nowadays, the first thing teenage girls do on their eighteenth birthday is hit up the tattoo parlor.

“More people have them than don’t today,” says Mike Maney, owner of True Tattoo on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. “I’d say about 80 percent of the population has tattoos, and about 60 percent of that is made up of women.”

Some people attribute this to the attitude of a generation.

“It’s no longer taboo,” says Cirena Bills, a young True Tattoo customer who currently has 14 tats of her own. “The younger generations were more rebels. Now that we all have tattoos, tattoos are no longer really seen as ‘rebellious.’”

Indeed, people don’t just get tattoos to be “rebellious” or to fit into a certain group anymore.

“Tattoos are great for marking a moment in your life, decorating your body with great artwork or marking the passing of a loved one,” says Bills, who has a tribal heart on the left side of her chest with her deceased grandmother’s initials on it. “They can also turn out to be not-so great, though, if you don’t take time to think it through or don’t go to the right place.”

Tattoos are like marriage – you have to know what you’re getting yourself into before you take that gigantic leap. Unfortunately, a tattoo is lot more difficult to “divorce” once you’ve decided it’s not for you. (Some might argue, but still.)

So how can you ensure that you don’t end up with something hideous that you will have to bear for the rest of your life, or something you might hate yourself for in ten years? Follow these seven tips to be safe, original and professional before making the decision to mark yourself for life.

1) Don’t ink on impulse

“Acting on impulse doesn’t always work,” Bills says, who knows from experience. While in the air force, Bills and her companions would go out almost every weekend to get a new tattoo. “It’s not a good idea. Think long and hard before going to a tattoo parlor. Remember that it’s a permanent thing, so it’s a big choice. You don’t want to wind up hating it eventually.”

2) Incorporate yourself into it

Don’t just choose something that you saw online or on someone else. Make it original. For example, Bills’ tribal heart was inspired by a heart she saw online, but she tweaked it a bit to make it different and her own.

“Don’t just get a butterfly tattoo because you think butterflies are cute,” Bills says. “Incorporate yourself by making the butterfly your birthstone colors. If you’re going to get a tattoo of a bracelet, make it a charm bracelet and put the initials of your children on each charm.” The more meaning the tattoo has to you, the less likely you are to hate it someday.

3) Think about placement

If your job/career path is professional, having tattoos out in the open isn’t usually a good idea. Most professional businesses don’t hire people who have ink that can’t easily be covered.

“Even Starbucks still requires employees to have all tattoos covered, and they’re supposed to be hip,” says Saratoga resident Jon Faulkner.

Places that are easy to hide are the torso, legs, back of the neck (if you have long hair) and feet.

“I really feel like businesses are going to have to start changing their tattoo policies, though,” Bills says. “If they continue to keep those policies, I feel like they won’t have anyone to work for them because everyone has tattoos. Plus, as I said, tattoos are no longer taboo, anyway.”

4) Try to keep it respectable

“In the military they would tell you, ‘If your mom wouldn’t approve, don’t get it,’” Bills says. “You don’t want to be offensive.”

Be very careful about obscenities. Would you want a little kid passing you on the street to read what you’re thinking about having written on your knuckles? Would you want your mom or daughter to ask you about it?

5) Avoid infection before getting inked

When choosing a tattoo parlor, first and foremost take a look at the cleanliness of the establishment. Most places will have established infection control policies that they are completely willing to discuss. If the employees are reluctant to discuss the policies, leave. Non-sterile needles can carry countless diseases, including HIV.

Also, look over the tattoo after-care sheet before getting your tattoo to make sure you’ll be able to comply with all the after-tattooing rules. For example, submerging your tattoo in water is not advised for weeks afterward you first get it. Do you enjoy dips in the pool in summer? If so, you might want to wait until fall to get your tattoo.

6) Look at portfolios

Before choosing a specific artist to do your tattoo, find out how many years of experience he or she has. Ask to see the artist’s hard-copy portfolio. Look through it. Do you like what you see? Do you like their style and ability? If not, politely ask for someone else. Remember, this is something you’re going to have forever.

7) Take time to discuss your tattoo with a tattoo artist

“Most artists will take time to discuss your idea with you ahead of time to make sure you get what you want,” Maney says.

If you plan on adding on to the tattoo over time, tell the artist your plan and take into consideration the placement. If you want the artist to draw something original for you, be very specific and work with them. Ask the artist you’re working with to do a stencil with you before actually doing the tattoo.

Everyone knows at least one person with a tattoo that they’ve grown to hate over time, whether it’s because they’ve outgrown it, it’s ugly or it makes it even more difficult to get a job in these tough economic times. Don’t become one of those people. Be responsible and put time and thought into your body art so that you’ll continue to love it for the rest of your life.

Things to Remember After Getting Tattooed

It will break your heart if your tattoo doesn't look as good as it used to be when you had it done. You may even end up spending an equal sum of money on re-touching it. It's essential for a tattoo to look nice once it heals and if you don't want that that to happen to you, here are some tattoo after care tips suggested by tattoo artist Al Alva:

Cleaning and moisturising
A newly done tattoo is as good as a wound. The epidermis of the skin reacts to the wound and secrets a transparent fluid to protect germs from entering the body. The surface of the tattooed skin must be cleaned regularly without wetting it in water. You can take a piece of cloth, wet it in water and dab it on the tattoo to clear it of germs. Moisturises it with a body lotion afterwards.

Apply ointment
Calendula is a herbal remedy which heals wounds and soothes the skin. Apply a very thin layer of the cream on the tattoo thrice a day. Continue the treatment for the first 15 days.

Don't go for a swim, or the jacuzzi
Take short showers when you bathe. But going for a swim or taking a steam bath will lead your skin to form scabs as a reaction to chlorine and heat respectively and spoil the texture of tattoo. The thicker the scabs the lighter will be the colour of your tattoo when it heals.

Avoid sweating
If you are a health freak, don't exercise for 15 days after you get a tattoo. The salt in your sweat causes the same damage to the tattoo as chlorine or sea water by forming scabs.

Keep away from the sun
Long exposure to the sun could cause the tattoo to discolour. Avoid applying sunscreen and wear long sleeves to protect the area.

Don't shave
If you have got a tattoo on a spot where you need to shave regularly, avoid doing so till the tattoo is completely healed. Shaving may cause your skin to peel and erode the ink within.

No scratching
Your tattoo will start itching within first five-six days. Itching is a sign that your skin has started to heal but do not scratch, rub or press it against your body. It is possible that by doing so you may be scratching the ink out of the tattoo even before it can settle down in your body.


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Avoiding Tattoo Infection

TATTOOS are becoming popular, especially among young people who do not balk at having symbols or letters printed on various body parts.

Decades ago, tattoos could only be seen on outlaws, convicts, sailors or members of notorious gangs. Today, tattoos are part of body decoration.

However, you have to know first some safeguards for your protection. Remember, putting tattoo is like wounding yourself even if it is the henna type. Like any  puncture or cut,  having or  tattoo puts you at risk for infections and disease.

Make sure you're up to date with your immunizations especially hepatitis and tetanus shots and plan where you'll get medical care if your tattoo becomes infected. To avoid problems, choose a trusted artist.

Signs of infection include excessive redness or tenderness around the tattoo, prolonged bleeding, pus, or changes in your skin color around the tattoo.

If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin disorders, a condition that affects your immune system, or infections or if you are pregnant, ask your doctor if there are any special concerns you should have or precautions you should take beforehand. Also, if you're prone to getting keloids, it's probably best to avoid getting a tattoo altogether.

To make sure your tattoo heals properly:

* Keep a bandage on the area for up to 24 hours.

* Avoid touching the tattooed area and don't pick at any scabs that may form.

* Wash the tattoo with an antibacterial soap. Do not use alcohol or peroxide. They will dry out the tattoo. Use a soft towel to dry the tattoo. Just pat it dry and be sure not to rub it.

* If you don't have an allergy to antibiotic ointment, rub some into the tattoo. Don't use petroleum jelly — it may cause the tattoo to fade.

* Put an ice pack on the tattooed area if you see any redness or swelling.

* Try not to get the tattoo wet until it fully heals. Stay away from pools, hot tubs, or long, hot baths.

* Keep your tattoo away from the sun until it's fully healed.

Even after it's fully healed, a tattoo is more susceptible to the sun's rays, so it's a good idea to always keep it protected from direct sunlight. If you're outside often or hang out at the beach, it's recommended that you always wear a sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 30 on the tattoo. This not only protects your skin, but keeps the tattoo from fading.

Before you get Inked remember this.

If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo but have some doubts about it, remember that before adventuring you should keep in mind certain basic aspects:
1) Choose the best combination between the design and size of the tattoo: there are endless images to put in your skin: drawings, letters, symbols, tribals… however, not all of them will look good in just any size. The rule is, the smaller you want your tattoo to be, the simpler the chosen image should be. This is simply because complicated drawings will become less clear as more reduced is the size of the surface dedicated to them; that is, if a drawing has many lines and the tattooist has to make it at a very small scale, two lines could become one, or a dot could come to occupy much more proportional space than it did in the original picture. So, the design will probably lose virtue and the result won’t be the best.
2) Choose the most adequate part of the body: there are certain “risk zones” that is better to avoid, the most common being the thighs, the abdomen, the breasts, and in some cases the biceps. Why? Because these areas tend to vary in size: if you gain weight, if you lose it, and the same with muscular tissue… when these parts change their size and the skin tightens or loosens, the design can lose its original shape. If you choose these types of areas, the most convenient is to get a simple drawing, for example a tribal, and avoid above all pictures of faces or bodies. Also keep in mind the hair matter; because to tattoo you they will shave you, and when the hair grows back it could ruin your design.
3) Always remember that a tattoo is a permanent mark: tough as we know there are many methods to remove a tattoo (later on we will examine some of them), when getting rid of a tattoo the zone in question can suffer changes such as hypo or hyperpigmentation, or the ink may not disappear totally and leave unwanted and unsightly markings. It is extremely difficult that the area remains as if the tattoo had never existed.
4) Don’t choose the design lightly: very often this is the reason by which after a certain time people decide to eliminate them. In general, you will be more satisfied if the tattoo has some personal meaning, if it expresses some aspect of its bearer’s personality, or his ideas, goals, likes, convictions.
5) Don’t drink alcohol before getting your tattoo: this could provoke excessive bleeding.
6) Always check out the sanitary aspect very carefully: this is probably the most important thing to have in mind before getting tattooed, you must make sure BEFORE any needles touch you that the place’s and the personnel’s hygiene and the instruments they use are appropriate. The syringes must always be taken out of their hermetic wrapping right in front of the customer’s eyes, the personnel must wear latex gloves, the place must be totally clean and it should inspire total trust. Remember that you could get very serious diseases if the conditions aren’t adequate: hepatitis b, hepatitis c, bacterial infections and mycosis, allergic reactions, malignant lesions such as melanoma and skin cancer, leprosy, psoriasis and even AIDS. It is chiefly important not to take these precautions lightly, for your health and your life are at stake.
Lastly , remember that if you’re not completely sure, there’s no need to hurry… and if you are, be sure to clear any doubts before deciding, and, once more, as our most important piece of advice, take a very good look at all the correspondent hygiene measures.
Good luck!