Ready to get a new face piercing? It's an exciting time, but if you're like most people, you've got a ton of questions. We're talking about everything from picking the perfect piercing to finding a trustworthy professional and navigating the sometimes-tricky healing process. It's easy to feel a little overwhelmed, which is why we've put together this comprehensive guide. Let's get into it!
5 Things to Know Before Getting a Face Piercing
Of course, before you get started, there are a few important things you have to learn and understand about facial piercing. After all, it is your face we are talking about! Facial skin is delicate, can be affected by different conditions, and can heal differently from the rest of your body. So, here are the top five crucial things you have to know.
- #1. Research is Everything (Especially for Your Piercer)
Just like with any other body modification, face piercing requires extensive research. This is the most critical step. Your piercing is only as good as the professional who does it (and the healing process afterwards). Don't just go to the cheapest place you find. Do your homework, you'll get an A+!
Look for a body modification studio that is squeaky clean, well-ventilated, and has great lighting. And, of course, uses single-use, sterile needles. If possible, consult your healthcare provider and dermatologist before the procedure. Make sure that your skin is healthy and you aren't prone to keloid scars.
Ask to see the studio's portfolio, check out their reviews online, and don't be afraid to ask questions about their sterilization process. A good piercer will be happy to show you their autoclave (the machine that sterilizes tools) and answer all your questions with confidence.
- #2. Healing Isn't Instant (and It's Not Always Pretty)
Unlike an earlobe piercing that seems to heal in a few weeks, face piercings can have longer and more complex healing periods. A nostril piercing can take 4-6 months to fully heal, while a bridge or cheek piercing might take even longer. During this time, you can expect some redness, swelling, and crusting. This is all normal! The key is to be patient and follow your piercer's aftercare instructions religiously. Avoid damaging, touching, twisting, or playing with the jewelry.
- #3. The Pain is Quick, but the Discomfort Lingers
Let's be honest, getting a needle pushed through your skin is going to hurt. The good news is that the piercing itself is over in a matter of seconds. The pain is a sharp, quick pinch. The real challenge is the lingering tenderness and swelling that follows for the next several days. While some piercings are more painful than others (a septum piercing, for example, can be surprisingly mild if done correctly, while a bridge piercing might feel more intense), being prepared for some discomfort will make the experience much less daunting.
- #4. Jewelry Matters!!!
Again, it is your face we are talking about, the delicate part of the body, so it is best not to be cheap about the jewelry. The first piece of jewelry you'll use won't be about the looks, but will be an essential tool for a smooth healing process. A good piercer will only use high-quality, biocompatible materials such as implant-grade titanium, surgical steel, or 14k gold. These materials are much less likely to cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
Be sure to avoid any "mystery metals" and, most importantly, don't change your jewelry until your piercing is completely healed. Removing it too soon can cause damage to the sensitive tissue and lead to complications.
- #5. Your Lifestyle Will Be Affected
Make sure to be ready for the lifestyle changes that come with a new facial piercing. For a lip piercing, you'll need to be mindful of what you eat and drink. For a nose piercing, you'll need to be careful when blowing your nose or washing your face. Think about your job, hobbies, and sports – will the piercing interfere? Be prepared to adjust your makeup, skincare routine, and even how you sleep to ensure your piercing heals properly.
Face Piercing Chart
What Type of Face Piercing to Choose?
"How much will this hurt?" This is probably the most popular question among body modders. The truth is, pain is subjective. What one person describes as a quick pinch, another might find intensely uncomfortable. The key factors influencing pain are location, the tool piercer uses, their skill, and, of course, your own level of pain tolerance.
- Nostril: This is a very popular piercing for a reason. While the needle does go through cartilage, the initial pinch is very quick. A common side effect is a watering eye, which is a natural nerve reflex and not a sign of intense pain.
- Labret: Pierced through the soft tissue of the lower lip, the labret piercing is often compared to a quick poke. The feeling of the needle is brief, though the swelling that follows can be a bit more noticeable.
- Septum: Surprisingly, but those classic punk septum piercings are one of the least painful! It's done through a small "sweet spot" of thin, soft tissue just below the cartilage. If the piercer goes through the cartilage, it will be significantly more painful, so finding a pro is essential.
- Eyebrow: The pain for an eyebrow piercing is often a mix of a sharp pinch and a feeling of pressure. Bodyartforms channel in a video What You Need to Know About Eyebrow Piercings explains that ''Most report the pain level for eyebrow piercing as being fairly low.'' The sensation varies depending on exactly where the piercing is placed, as some spots have more nerves than others.
- Bridge: This piercing goes through the skin and tissue at the top of the nose, between the eyes. While it doesn't pass through cartilage, the skin here can be quite thick. The pain is a sharp, brief sensation followed by a strong feeling of pressure.
- High Nostril: A high nostril piercing is placed higher up on the nose than a standard nostril piercing, which means it goes through a thicker layer of cartilage. This can result in more intense initial pain, and the healing process may be longer and more sensitive.
- Cheek Piercings: Cheek piercings go through a significant amount of muscle and tissue. The initial piercing is often intense, and the healing process can be quite lengthy.
- Dermal Anchors: Dermal anchors are single-point piercings that sit flush against the skin. The procedure is more invasive than a traditional piercing, as it involves creating a pocket under the skin for the jewelry's anchor. This can be a more painful process.
Photo: MUSA^
What Type of Face Piercing to Choose?
Before you book that appointment, consider these important factors:
- Your Anatomy: Not all piercings work for every person. A good piercer will assess your facial anatomy to determine if a specific piercing is a good fit for you. The same goes for the jewelry! Accessories, hoops, and other piercings of your choice may not all work on your anatomy.
- Your Lifestyle: Think about your job, hobbies, and social life. Will a piercing be a problem? For example, a professional might choose a nostril piercing that can be discreetly worn with a small stud, while an athlete might have to worry about a bridge piercing getting snagged.
- Your Pain Tolerance: While all piercings hurt to some degree, some are much less painful than others. If you have a low pain tolerance, start with a nostril or septum piercing before moving on to more intense options.
Concluding...
Now that you have the essential knowledge, you can approach your first face piercing with confidence. The next step is finding a reputable, experienced piercer in your area. They'll be your best resource for specific advice on placement, aftercare, and jewelry. Ready to take the next step?
