Ah,nipple piercings.
So cute, yet so intimidating.
The know-how of a trained professional and proper aftercare techniques will make the process as smooth as possible.
Channing Smith / Allure
How do I find the right nipple piercer for me?
“We always want our clients to feel comfortable in our shop.
Obviously, any legit piercer will be nothing but professional.
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This is someone who will be performing a body modification on your boobs, so pick someone you like.
What is getting a nipple piercing like?
Your piercer will wash up, put on gloves, and have sterile materials ready.
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The actual piercing happens very quickly.
“We tell our clients to take adeep breathin and let it out.
What key in of jewelry is best for new nipple piercings?
As for the metal, you’ll want to confirm that whatever you use is implant-grade.
“Gold rarely causes a reaction in the skin.
What nipple piercing risks should I know about?
If you suspect you have any complications, you should see a medical professional straight away.
Nipple piercings do introduce a slight risk of developingscar tissue, which could potentially affect breastfeeding.
“It is difficult to predict how the nipple will react.
It isrecommendedto remove your jewelry before breastfeeding, although that won’t remove scar tissue.
What’s the deal with nipple piercing aftercare?
“I usually tell people, just don’t touch it at all.
Nipples do tend to get crusty.
They get a lot of build-up on them,” Lopez says.
“One of the most important things is to not pick that.
It’ll create that barrier, helpabsorb sweat, and help with friction.”
Just verify to change the liner a couple times a day, she adds.
What happens if I take my jewelry out?
It depends on how long you’ve had them in for.
How much do nipple piercings cost?
It varies per studio.
Their steel jewelry starts at $35 per piece, while gold starts at $75 per piece.
It’s also standard to tip at least 20 percent of the service charge.
Is there anything I need to know about hooking up?
If you’re in a relationship, consider bringing your partner with you to your piercing appointment.
“I always say, honestly, you’re not even going to want to go near them.
It’s going to get crusty,” Lopez says.
And regardless of your relationship status, double-check any partners know to be careful with your newly pierced nipples.
How do people who’ve gotten their nipples pierced feel about the experience?
I figured if I could handle those, I could probably handle getting my nipples pierced.
I thought if they could do those, they could do nipple piercings.
It was kind of a spontaneous decision.
I tried to stand up afterward, and I was really dizzy.
It was a lot of sensations.
And I check that to wear a clean bra every day while they’re healing.
Plus, I wanted to be a badass.
Professional piercerKirsten Leeat Studio 28 demonstrates a nipple piercing.
“I knew I was in good hands at Studio 28.
I sat back in the cold leather chair and was told to take a deep breath.
Next thing you know, the word ‘fuck’ came out of my mouth.
The pain lasted about 20 seconds total, as [Kirsten] pushed the needle and jewelry through.
She was so calming and was constantly checking on me.
I sat up and jumped in front of the mirror to check out my new champagne-color studded nipple.
I instantly fell in love and I even hugged Kirsten afterward.
I have had little to no pain since my piercing 24 hours ago.
It has been so nice.
I actually can’t believe it.
“And then it literally never healed.
The post-traumatic nipple injury had a huge impact on my relationship with my husband.
They were always sore.
I think it’s because I have big boobs, and they’re always changing size and swelling.
I feel like the girls with tiny boobs and piercings have it easy.
At one point one of them was rejecting, so I eventually took them both out.
They looked good, but it wasn’t worth the hassle.
“I got mine done in 2012, around the time I started dating my now-boyfriend.
He was so excited and enthusiastic.
I think my original inspiration was Lisbeth Salander fromGirl With the Dragon Tattoo.
I had just seen the movie and thought it was so badass.
It’s also one of those things you’re able to cover up.
No one knows I have my single nipple piercing except for a few close friends and my boyfriend.
“I did a lot of research and found this place on the Lower East Side.
It didn’t really hurt.
I thought my nose ring was more painful.
It was just really weird.
If I moved it at all it would bleed.
And now I still check it and clean it every day.
But I love it.
My boyfriend loves it.
It’s our little secret.
It means a lot to me.
I’m going to keep it forever.”
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