If there are multiple parlors in your area, research several options to find the right one for you. Type the parlor’s name into your search engine to see if any news articles come up. This will help you find out about problems they may have had in the past.
If you see bad reviews, look at what the clients didn’t like to see if it might be a red flag. Multiple bad reviews may be a sign that you need to look into other options.
Make sure the parlor looks clean and well-lit. Check for an operating license from the local Health Department. Make sure the piercers are licensed if that’s required in your area. See if the piercers are trained or certified by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). Check that they are using a sterile piercing needle and not a piercing gun. Piercing guns can’t be sterilized, so they can lead to an infection. Make sure the tools are in single-use or sterile packaging.
If you prefer your piercer to be a particular gender, tell the parlor receptionist about your preference or talk to a piercer directly to arrange an appointment. Some piercers schedule the consultation on a different day from the piercing, but you might have your piercing done right after the consultation. Ask about this when you make your appointment.
Your parlor might accept your ID as proof. Ask them beforehand if you need to bring your birth certificate or if your ID will be sufficient.
It’s usually cheaper to pierce both nipples at the same time than to do them separately. Talk to your piercer to find out if they’ll charge you a lower fee to do both piercings in the same appointment.
You’ll likely need a gold or titanium nipple ring because they’re less likely to cause a reaction. It’s important that your first nipple ring doesn’t contain a metal that might irritate your skin, as the piercing won’t heal. Don’t use nipple rings that contain high amounts of nickel because they might cause an allergic reaction or an infection. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
If you’re not sure which you prefer, ask your piercer for advice or look at pictures of other nipple piercings.
The amount of pain you feel will depend on your threshold for pain. It might feel very painful if you don’t tolerate pain well, but you might think it’s just a minor discomfort if you have a high pain tolerance.
The pain will likely be over very quickly, so try not to worry.
When the needle is removed, the nipple ring will remain in place. You shouldn’t feel it in your nipple, but your nipple will likely feel tender and hot.
Keep in mind that over-the-counter NSAIDs can make you bleed a little more. Check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
Make sure the towel you use is clean and dry. A dirty towel may transfer germs back onto your hands.
If your piercer gives you other instructions, follow their advice.
If you prefer, soften the crusty material by soaking your nipple in a cup of warm water. Then, gently remove the crust with clean hands.
You don’t need to let the soap sit on your nipple. If you do this, it’ll dry out your skin and make it take longer for the piercing to heal.
Don’t leave the soap on the piercing for longer than 30 seconds.
Use a clean towel after each shower because dirty towels can harbor bacteria. It’s important to keep bacteria away from your piercing as it heals.
If you like, you can repeat the soak twice a day until your piercing heals. Do not use table salt, which has iodine. Iodine can irritate the wound, slowing the healing process. Instead of making your salt solution, you can buy a saline solution at a drugstore that will serve the same purpose.
You can buy surgical tape and sterile gauze at your local drugstore. Don’t leave your piercing covered during the day because exposing it to air helps it heal.
Rubbing alcohol or methylated spirits: these are very astringent and are too harsh to be used on sensitive nipple piercings. Hydrogen peroxide or iodine products: these prevent scar tissue from forming and prolong the healing process. Anti-bacterial creams and gels: creams such as Neosporin or Bacitracin should not be used on nipple piercings as they cause the piercing to become moist and prevent the piercing from healing quickly. You should also avoid putting products like sun tan lotion, baby oil or tea tree oil on the nipple, as they can cause the skin to become irritated.
You should avoid twisting or turning the ring in the piercing for the first couple of months, except when cleaning. Twisting the ring aggravates the piercing and slows down healing. You should also be careful when playing sports or during any physical activity, as the ring may be torn from the piercing if knocked against too roughly. You can cover the piercing with a bandage or some surgical tape to protect it during physical activity, but you must remove the tape immediately afterward and wash the piercing thoroughly. Do not remove the ring or barbell from the piercing until it has fully healed.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat your infection. Don’t try to remove your nipple ring because your piercing may close up. This can make the infection worse, as the piercing won’t be able to drain. If your doctor recommends removing the piercing, visit your piercer to have it done. Don’t do it yourself.
Keep in mind that some people may take up to a year to fully heal. Additionally, it’s possible that your nipple will reject the piercing. If your nipple keeps getting infected or has a red streak, it’s likely rejecting the piercing.
