Permanent body piercing is carried out by making an opening in the body using a sharp object into the place where the piercing is to be done. The instruments usually employed are either a hollow medical needle or a scalpel which is used to remove skin tissue.
In the United States, the “Standard needle method” is adopted whereby an opening is made using a hollow medical needle. While the needle is still in the body, the jewellery to be worn is pushed into the opening, on the back of the needle. The needle does not remove any flesh, but just creates a “C” shaped slit, which holds the jewellery.
In Europe, the “Indwelling cannula method” is generally used. This is a similar process to the standard method, except that the needle contains a hollow plastic tube (‘cannula’), and the jewellery is inserted on the back of the cannula, and then pulled through the piercing into position.
Some people carry out their own piercing at home by inserting a needle or safety pin into the desired area.
For ear piercing, a “dermal punch’ is often used, which removes a circular area of skin and cartilage in the upper ear lobe. The removal of the cartilage ensures pressure is removed on the area pierced to aid proper healing. Piercing guns are also used in retail jewellery shops for ear piercing, but are not considered satisfactory by many in the piercing trade due to the longer healing times involved and frequent complications and discomfort.
In the United States, the “Standard needle method” is adopted whereby an opening is made using a hollow medical needle. While the needle is still in the body, the jewellery to be worn is pushed into the opening, on the back of the needle. The needle does not remove any flesh, but just creates a “C” shaped slit, which holds the jewellery.
In Europe, the “Indwelling cannula method” is generally used. This is a similar process to the standard method, except that the needle contains a hollow plastic tube (‘cannula’), and the jewellery is inserted on the back of the cannula, and then pulled through the piercing into position.
Some people carry out their own piercing at home by inserting a needle or safety pin into the desired area.
For ear piercing, a “dermal punch’ is often used, which removes a circular area of skin and cartilage in the upper ear lobe. The removal of the cartilage ensures pressure is removed on the area pierced to aid proper healing. Piercing guns are also used in retail jewellery shops for ear piercing, but are not considered satisfactory by many in the piercing trade due to the longer healing times involved and frequent complications and discomfort.