Piercing FAQ
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From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 1--Introduction
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 04:11:52 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 03 August 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0907980411520001@dynamic9.pm01.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 899982572 4488 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/introduction
Last-modified: July 08, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This FAQ has been rated by Magellan as a Four Star Site!
This is Part 1 of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ. This FAQ is updated
and posted on the first Monday of each month.
If you would like to know what rec.arts.bodyart is as a newsgroup please
visit
The RABbit Hole http://www.eskimo.com/~rab
Queen Spako's Slug Patch http://www.achilles.net/~dextra/spako/
All texts written by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
The Piercing FAQ is maintained on a voluntary basis and is produced for free
distribution. No funds are generated by the circulation of the
rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ and the author and contributors are not
remunerated in any way.
This FAQ was originally compiled by Paul Davies aka Synthetic Man
<pdavies@alchemy.chem.utoronto.ca> with contributions from various people.
The rights and responsibilities to maintain this FAQ was passed on to me
in July 1993.
COPYRIGHT AND DISSEMINATION
Under the Berne Convention, this document is Copyright (c) 1998 by Anne
Greenblatt, all rights reserved. Permission is granted for it to be
reproduced electronically on any system connected to the various networks
which make up the Internet, USENET, and FidoNet so long as it is
reproduced in its entirety, unedited, and with this copyright notice
intact. Web sites are included. Individual copies may also be printed.
All of the Piercing FAQs may be cited as:
Greenblatt, Anne (1998) "rec.arts.bodyart Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)"
Usenet rec.arts.bodyart,
available via anonymous FTP: rtfm.mit.edu:/pub/faqs/bodyart/
While you are allowed individual copies of the Piercing FAQ, this does not
mean the FAQ is in the public domain.
Part of the value of the Piercing FAQ is that it is a living document; it is
updated monthly to include the most current information available. For this
reason you are explicitly requested to include a notice of how to obtain the
most recent edition of the FAQs.
You must obtain prior permission from me before you make the FAQs available
commercially.
If you are a media reporter or journalist, you are explicitly requested to
contact me prior to using material in or quoting from the Piercing FAQ.
Additionally, I would appreciate a copy of the article or publication in
which the FAQ is cited.
You need not obtain special permission to quote parts of this FAQ for
academic research purposes, although you must cite this FAQ. Additionally, I
would appreciate a copy of the article or publication in which the FAQ is
cited.
If you are not sure how to cite electronic information please refer to
_Electronic Style: A Guide to Citing Electronic Information_ by Xia Li and
Nancy B. Crane (Westport, 1993).
SHARING THE FILES ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS:
You may copy and disseminate the entire set of FAQs electronically and in
print on an individual, non-commercial basis. If you must break up the
files, use the sectional format provided. Do not create your own sections.
Do not add your own information in the FAQ.
SHARING THE FILES THROUGH A BBS:
If you maintain a BBS and wish to have these files available please include
a notice of how to obtain the most recent edition of the FAQs.
CREATING YOUR OWN HTML PAGES FOR WWW:
If you would like to include the FAQ on your webpage, you are encouraged
to provide a link to the FAQ archives in order to provide your visitors
with the most recent edition.
The FAQ is archived at:
http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet-faqs/bygroup/rec/arts/bodyart/top.html
http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/
http://www.landfield.com/faqs/bodyart/piercing-faq/
Please look at the "Last-Posted" line in the headers for the current
month's edition.
Please remember that body piercing is an inexact science. The content of the
FAQ reflects the continual advances made in the field of body piercing. The
information contained in the FAQ is culled from group knowledge and
experience. Each person's experiences regarding piercing viability, healing,
and longevity may be different.
I would like to recognize and thank the following piercers, jewelery
manufacturers, and enthusiasts for their contributions:
The Association of Professional Piercers
http://www.piercing.org/app/
Keith Alexander of Modern American Body Arts, NY <keitha2@mail.idt.net>
http://www.cybercondo.com/pub/bodyart
Elayne Angel of Rings of Desire, LA <angel@ringsofdesire.com>
http://www.ringsofdesire.com
Dave Anthony of Body Work Productions, OH <bodyworkprod@earthlink.net>
http://www.bodyworkprod.com
Eerin Atkinson of Sine Qua Non, NM <Eerin@worldnet.att.net>
Barry Blanchard of Anatometal, CA <barry@anatometal.com>
http://www.anatometal.com
Sean Christian of Revolution Body Jewelry, CA
http://www.captivebead.com
Kevin Cook, Manager of the Piercing Links List <kevincook@worldnet.att.net>
http://www.geocities.com/soho/cafe/8816/list.html
Tom Brazda of Stainless Studios, Toronto, Ontario Canada <bodyart@io.org>
http://www.stainless-studios.com/
Michaela Grey formerly of Gauntlet, CA and the Association of Professional
Piercers <mgrey@sfo.com>
Michael Hare, The Exotic Body, CA <mike@exoticbody.com>
http://www.exoticbody.com
Karen Hurt of Future Primitives, CA <karen@fprimitive.com>
Shannon Larratt of the Body Modification Ezine <glider54@pobox.com>
http://www.bme.freeq.com
Derek Lowe of Steve's Tattoo & Piercing, WI <piercer@ns1.inxpress.net>
http://www.inxpress.net/~piercer
Denise Robinson of Ambient, Ottawa, ONT Canada <ambient@ambient.on.ca>
http://www.ambient.on.ca
Brian Skellie of Piercing Experience, GA <bskellie@pop.mindspring.com>
Jim Ward of Gauntlet
John Ward, MD aka "Dr. Jack" <bones@softdisc.com>
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
Table of Contents of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ:
1--Introduction
2A --Jewelry Materials
2A.1 Metals
2A.1a Report on Stainless Steel by Sean Christian
2A.2 Non Metal Materials
2A.2a Report on FDA Approved Acrylic by Michael Hare
2A.3 Organic Materials
2A.3a Hardwoods
2A.3b Bamboo
2A.3c Ivory, Horn, Antler
2B --Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2B.1 Jewelry Sizes
2B.1a Gauges And Equivalents
2B.2 Jewelry Designs
2B.2a Basic Designs
2B.2b Piercing-Specific Designs
2C --Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D --Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D.1 Navel Piercings
2D.1a "The Navel Piercing - A Better Alternative"
2D.2 Nipple Piercings
2D.2a Female Nipple Piercings
2D.2b Male Nipple Piercings
2D.2c Nipple Piercings and Breast Feeding
2D.3 Surface & Unusual Piercings
2E -- Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E.1 Female Genital Piercings
2E.2 Male Genital Piercings
2E.3 Genital Piercings and Sexual Activity
2E.4 Genital Piercings and Pregnancy
3--Getting A New Piercing
3.1 Assessing Anatomy and Jewelry Selection
3.2 What to Look for in a Piercer
3.3 Piercing Needle or Gun?
3.4 Basic Piercing Procedure
3.5 Methods of Sterilization and Disinfection
3.5a Autoclave
3.5b Dry Heat
3.5c Pressure Cookers
3.5d Ultrasonic Cleaners
3.5e Sterilizer Monitoring and Testing
3.5f Bagging Instruments for Sterilization
3.5g Disinfectants
3.6 Anesthetics
3.7 Are You Under 18?
3.8 Does It Hurt?
3.9 Making Your Experience More Comfortable
3.10 Piercing Kits and Doing It Yourself
4A --Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4A.1 Professional Organizations
4A.2 Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
5.1 Antiseptics and Antibacterial Soaps
5.1a Chlorohexidine Gluconate Solutions
5.1b Liquid Antibacterial Soaps
5.1c Other Soaps and Cleansers
5.1d Products to Avoid
5.2 Medicated Ointments
5.3 Essential Oils
5.4 Treating Facial Piercings
5.5 Treating Oral Piercings
5.6 Treating Body Piercings
5.7 Treating Genital Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
6.1 The Healing Process
6.1a Abandoning a Piercing
6.2 Scars
6.3 Irritations & Infections
6.4 Piercing Migration / Rejection
6.5 Metal Sensitivities
7 --Healed Piercings
7.1 Changing Jewelry
7.2 Stretching Piercings
7.3 Piercing Adornments
7.4 BDSM Play and Chasity
7.5 Play Piercing
7.6 Hiding And Retaining Piercings
7.7 "Piercings and Surgery", by Scott Dorsey
7.8 Piercings and Common Medical Procedures
7.8a Dentistry
7.8b Surgical Procedures / In-Patient Treatment
7.8c Ultrasound / X-Ray / MRI / CT Scan
7.9 Body Jewelry and Metal Detectors
7.10 Piercings and Employment
7.11 Oral Piercings and Wind Instruments
8 --Historical Information
8.1 History Of The Nipple Piercing
8.1a "History of the Nipple Piercing"
8.1b "Titrings, A Bit of History"
8.2 The Apadravya in the Kama Sutra
8.3 History of Late 20th C. Piercing and Why?
9 --Resource List
9.1 Books and Magazines
9.2 Videos
9.3 Online Sites
9.3a Chat Rooms and Online Clubs
9.4 Software and CDs
9.5 Calendars and Posters
9.6 Places of Interest
10A -- Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10A.1 Tongue Pierce
10A.2 Labret Piercing
10A.3 Hand Web Piercing
10A.4 Eyelet Piercings
10A.5 Nipple Piercing - Male
10A.6 Niehbuhr, or Erle
10A.7 Piercing Inverted Nipples (Male)
10B -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10B.1 Triangle Piercing
10B.2 Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing
10B.3 Ampallang Piercing #1
10B.4 Foreskin & Septum Piercings
10B.5 Frenum Placement with Intact Foreskin
10B.6 Ampallang Piercing #2
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10C.1 Reverse Prince Albert
10C.2 Apadravya
10C.3 Bead Implants
10C.4 Prince Albert with Intact Foreskin
10C.5 Camilla's Custom Nipple Studs
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D.1 Inner Labia
10D.2 Fourchette Piercing
10D.3 Dolphin Piercing
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11A.1 Jewelry in All Metals & Materials
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
11B.1 Jewelry in 316L/LVM Steel Only
11B.2 Jewelry in Other Steel Grades
11B.3 Jewelry in Niobium and Titanium Only
11B.4 Jewelry in Gold and Platinum Only
11B.5 Jewelry in Acrylic Only
11B.6 Piercing Accessories for Healed Piercings
11B.7 Piercing Supplies / Needles
11B.8 Niobium and 316L Surgical Suppliers
11B.9 Medical Suppliers / Sterilization Services
11B.10 Insurance Brokers
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
/\*/\
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 2A--Jewelry Materials
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 04:12:25 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 03 August 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0907980412260001@dynamic9.pm01.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 899982611 4488 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/jewelry/partA
Last-modified: July 08, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
2A --Jewelry Materials
2A.1 Metals
2A.1a Report on Stainless Steel by Sean Christian
2A.2 Non Metal Materials
2A.2a Report on FDA Approved Acrylic by Michael Hare
2A.3 Organic Materials
2A.3a Hardwoods
2A.3b Bamboo
2A.3c Ivory, Horn, Antler
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
2A.1 METALS
The metals used for body jewelry are chosen because of their "body friendly"
qualities. However, some metals are more biologically inert and considered
more hypoallergenic than others. People who are nickel-sensitive or
metal-sensitive can often wear niobium or titanium. Niobium and titanium
are elemental metals. Sensitivities to niobium are rare but not unheard of.
Please see Part 6 for more information about metal sensitivities.
Gold
1 karat = 1/24th of the alloy is pure gold
Solid gold of at least 14 karat (58.3% gold). Some piercers prefer to
use only 18k gold (75% gold) in fresh piercings.
Gold-filled and gold-plated or jewelry is not appropriate. The gold plate is
very thin and can wear away quickly with the friction to which body jewelry
is exposed.
Some people are sensitive to the alloys present in karat gold (namely
nickel, silver, zinc and copper) and cannot tolerate wearing gold jewelry.
Some people's pH (in oral and genital tissues, perspiration) is acidic
enough to corrode the alloys in karat gold, evident by blackening of the
jewelry and discoloration of the surrounding skin.
White gold often causes more adverse reactions than yellow gold of the same
karat because a higher concentration of nickel is used to yield the white
color. White gold alloyed with palladium, an inert metal of the platinum
group, instead of nickel is preferable for wear in new piercings. Some
people who cannot wear steel alloys can wear 18k white gold palladium
alloys.
Green or pink gold should not be worn because of the higher concentration of
copper and zinc used to produce the color.
Gold jewelry may acquire a surface discoloration when exposed to iodine
(Betadine) and when autoclaved. Use of heat indicator packaging or tape
often results in discoloration. This discoloration is not true oxidation,
which only takes place at the melting point of the alloys present. Jewelry
discolored by iodine or heating can be repolished to its previous shine.
Over a long period of time gold jewelry exposed to urine may acquire a
rough, dull surface. The acids found in urine leach into the surface and
dries to form a hard crust. Buffing or polishing the jewelry will remove
this build- up. Daily cleaning of the jewelry will prevent this build-up.
Niobium
An elemental metal, strong yet flexible; slightly heavier than 316L
stainless. Niobium is non-reactive chemically; few people are sensitive to
niobium. The wide array of colors achieved through anodizing (not dyeing),
in which the jewelry is submerged in an electrolite solution. Anodizing
forms an oxide layer on the jewelry. The color seen is light refracted
through this layer; the thickness of the layer determines the particular
color produced. The voltage applied during anodizing determines the
thickness of the oxide layer and hence the resulting color. The anodized
layer of oxide will eventually wear away; how long the process will take
depends on how thick the oxide layer is and the amount of friction and wear
on the jewelry. Some colors will start to fade within 6 months.
Matte black is achieved by heating the niobium until it is red-hot and
cooling it. After blackening, the jewelry can be polished to a certain
degree. Black niobium will not fade; rather, it will deepen and grow
smoother with age and wear.
Niobium jewelry is available in matte ("satin") or high-polish ("mirror")
finishes. Very rough-finished niobium should not be used for fresh/unhealed
piecings, as the pores present in the matte finish can trap bacteria as well
as retain polishing-compound residue which can be toxic. The rough finish
will also have a tendency to "stick" to new piercings via dried discharge,
which can cause the newly-formed tissue to rupture, extending healing time.
Platinum
Platinum and metals in the platinum group such as Palladium are completely
inert, making them excellent choices for body jewelry (barring alloys).
However, platinum is economically impractical for most manufacturers and
consumers. Platinum is also very heavy which may make it an inappropriate
choice for some piercings.
Palladium gold alloys is similar to 18k gold in cost.
Stainless Steel
0.03 C, 2.00 Mn, 0.045 P, 0.030 S, 1.00 Si, 16.00/18.00 Cr, 10.00/14.00 Ni,
2.00/3.00 Mo, Bal. Fe (1)
Of the many stainless steels available, only 316L or LVM is suitable for use
as body jewelry. 316L is a low-carbon variety of 316. 316LVM is 316L,
Vacuum Melted when manufactured. The low pressure prevents any air /
airborne contaminants to attach to the molecules in the metal, resulting in
a more consistent steel. For most people, however, that the steel be 316LVM
is not a necessity to heal and maintain a healthy piercing.
The jewelry should be polished to a reflective shine (mirror-finish), free
from rough edges, tool marks, wire-drawing lines and pitting which is
present in the surface of the steel when it arrives from the mill. When
polished, true 316L is a white, not grey, metal. Under-polishing will be
most evident along the inside of the ring, where polishing is most
difficult.
316L arrives from the steel manufacturer at specified degrees of hardness.
Most jewelry manufacturers use the least-hard (1/4 hard) steel available for
rings. Working the steel and forming the steel into rings hardens it to some
degree. Annealing, a controlled heating and cooling process performed in a
vacuum, yields a more flexible steel, resistant to metal fatigue. Most
piercers and jewelry manufacturers agree that steel rings should be annealed
to some degree after forming or formed from annealed wire, as an annealed
ring is easier to safely and quickly manipulate for insertion; in the
thinner gauges, pliers are often unnecessary.
On the other hand, some manufacturers feel that annealing the thinner gauges
(18 through 14ga) makes the ring too malleable to maintain its shape and
retain the bead. However, for most applications annealed rings are safe.
For piercings subject to enough pressure to reshape the ring, a thicker
gauge is advised. Depending on the gauge and diameter, annealing limits the
minimum bead size which can be used (eg. a soft 14ga 5/8" ring would not
securely hold a bead smaller than 7/32").
The more a ring is annealed, the easier the finish is scratched from tools
or simply from daily wear. The trade-off is that the harder rings require
tools to manipulate, which increases the chance of damage during insertion.
A non- annealed or close to full-hard ring will break under stress, when the
ring is torqued open. Fractures invisible to the unaided eye may be
created. These breaks can trap bacteria and lymph discharge and complicate
the healing process.
The importance of manufacturing the barbell balls, their threads and ring
beads of 316L has been questioned by some manufacturers and piercers, but it
is the author9s opinion that any part of the jewelry in contact with the
openings of the piercing or with bodily secretions should be of 316L or of
one of the other metals suitable for use in piercings.
316L is classified as an austenitic steel. Austenitic steels are generally
non magenetic when annealed, although some may become slightly magnetic by
cold working.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver should never be worn in a fresh or unhealed piercing or in
a piercing that is located in a moist area of the body (mouth, lip, navel,
genital). Silver oxidizes very easily when exposed to moisture. When worn
in a fresh piercing the skin often absorbs the oxide and the piercing
darkens or turns grey, usually permanently. Silver causes chemical
irritation which can result in scarring. Silver is very soft and is easily
scratched; scratches in the jewelry surface irritate the piercing and trap
bacteria.
Silver captive beads should not be worn on new piercings.
Titanium
Titanium is an extremely lightweight elemental metal similar to Niobium.
The specific alloy used for body jewelry is 6AL4V (60 parts aluminum, 40
parts vanadium), specifically 136 grade with extra low interstitial
elements. (4)
"[Titanium's] substantially inert surface oxide has high integrity and
tenacity. The oxide will, if scratched or damaged, immediately restore
itself in the presence of air or water. The film is stable over a wide range
of pH, electro-potentials and temperature, particularly in neutral and
oxidising environments." (2)
While the titanium alloy contains aluminum and vanadium, the oxide layer
does not contain any traces of either element. (4)
"Titanium is the most bio-compatible of all metals due to its total
resistance to attack by body fluids." (2) Titanium is often used in
permanent surgical implants where the tissue is encouraged to assimilate the
implant. The body will readily accept titanium because of its non-reactive
quality; in the case of implants, the pores allow for the tissue to attach.
Titanium jewelry is available in a range of colors through anodizing.
Unanodized, titanium is medium grey in color and polishes to a smooth
finish. Titanium and its oxide are harder than niobium; hence the color of
anodized titanium usually lasts longer than that of niobium.
Titanium is extremely porous. Thus it is very difficult to achieve a
smooth finish.
References:
(1) Carpenter Technology Corporation, http://www.cartech.com/
(2) Internation Titanium Association, http://www.titanium.net
(3) Reactive Metals Studio Inc., http://www.callamer.com/~ezecho/rms/rms.html
(4) TI Specialties, http://www.callamer.com/~ezecho/tispec.html
(4) Gilliam, Brian, Anatometal, Inc. http://www.anatometal.com
Report presented at the Association of Professional Piercings Open Meeting,
May 1998.
2A.1a Report on Stainless Steel
by Sean Christian
Revolution Body Jewelry, Sacramento, California
http://www.captivebead.com
Presented at the Association o Professional Piercers Open Meeting
May 1998
edited by Anne Greenblatt
Terminology
Surgical Stainless Steel: The term "surgical stainless steel" is not a
technical term. It is a term that was originally coined by knife and
cookware manufactures. It brought more marketable value to the material that
they used. "Surgical stainless steel" is a generic term for a variety of
different grades of steel and is not commonly found in any medical or
metallurgical reports. There are no standards set for this type of metal.
Implant Grade Stainless Steel: "Implant grade stainless steel" is a more
accurate term for the steel used in body jewelry. There are standards set
for what materials can be called implant grade. There are currently only two
different types of stainless steel that commonly match these standards: 316L
and 316LVM. These materials have been employed successfully in human
implants that are in contact with soft tissue and bone for more than a
decade.
316L and 316LVM: Designations for types of steel that meet the standards for
"implant grade." 316 is the designation number. The "L" in these two
designations stands for low carbon. The "VM" stands for vacuum melted. Both
of these materials meet the ASTM designation F138 for "Implant Grade
Stainless steel" and the ISO standard 5832-1 and 6892 for "Surgical Implant
Material" and "Requirements Against Nickel Allergies."
The ASTM and ISO
American Society of Testing and Materials: The ASTM is a non-governmental
organization that compiles information and makes standards for
manufacturing, materials, and methods for just about everything. These
standards are considered to be of the highest qualities.
International Organization for Standards: The ISO (which is not an
acronym, it is short for the Greek word isos meaning equal) is the European
equivalent of the ASTM. The ISO is trying to standardize all European trade
and manufacturing methods.
ASTM "F" Series: The "F" series of the ASTM designations concern "medical
grade materials" and are the guidelines for FDA approval of materials used
in medical products. Responsible manufactures of any medical product comply
with these standards.
ASTM F138 Grade 1 & 2: F138 is the designation number for the "Standard
Specification for Stainless Steel Bar and Wire for Surgical Implants." This
standard characterizes composition and properties to insure consistency for
medical implant devices. 316L adheres to grade 1 and 316LVM adheres to
grades 1 and 2. Implant Grade Stainless Steel is chemically inert and
atraumatic to the body so as not to react with the surrounding tissues or
the immune system.
Annealing
The milling of stainless steel wire used in captive bead rings (not to be
confused with bar stock that is used in barbells) work-hardens the wire to
a point that it loses some of its corrosion resistance properties. It
requires these properties to be considered implant grade.
Annealing is a process of heat treating metal. It involves heating steel to
about one half of its melting point and cooling it in a controlled
environment. Annealing stainless steel serves to produce changes in the
physical condition, mechanical properties and residual stress levels of the
metal. Specifically, the annealing process serves to reduce the corrosive
tendencies of the work-hardened metal. During annealing, chromium carbides,
which markedly decrease resistance to inter-granular corrosion, are
dissolved. Annealing literally cleans up the metal.
We all know that annealed jewelry is easier to work with, and what we need
to understand is that non-annealed jewelry might not be safe to use in
piercings.
Polish
There are purposes for polishing the surface of bead rings other than
aesthetics. A mirror finish is required for implant devices; the metal
cannot be gray, blurred, or dull. When finished properly, stainless steel
is resistant to degradation by the body's internal environment. Having a
mirror finish will improve impact strength, decrease corrosion, and
produce a non-porous surface that will not harbor bacteria.
Individuals do not have problems with the material content. Rather, they
have problems if the material is not finished properly and breaks apart due
to wear, fatigue, and material fragment build ups. The surface of the metal
must be free of any nicks, scratches, or burrs that increase surface area
and allow for bacterial colonization which interferes with the body's
healing process.
2A.2 NON METAL MATERIALS
Acrylic
Acrylic jewelry is most often worn in enlarged piercings when light-weight
jewelry is desired. Acrylic is not intended to be worn in fresh or unhealed
piercings. There is some debate among piercers regarding the safety of long
term wear. Acrylic has not been clinically proven to be safe for wear in
the body. Jewelry should be inspected frequently for scratches which can
irritate the piercing and trap bacteria.
Acrylic is very brittle and will shatter under stress. For releasing beads
in captive bead rings, first warm the ring in the palm of your hand; do not
use ring-expanding pliers. Acrylic cannot be autoclaved. Extended exposure
to any type of alcohol will degrade acrylic jewelry.
Nylon / Teflon
Monofilament nylon and teflon are used where a more flexible piece of
jewelry is desired or if the wearer is senstive to metals. Both can be
autoclaved.
Securing monofilament is often difficult. Appropriately bored threaded
metal balls can be screwed onto the ends; the metal threads will cut
threads in the monofilament. The ends may be flattened into a disc shape
using a hot knife but the results may not be smooth or comfortable.
2A.2a Report on FDA Approved Acrylic
by Michael Hare
The Exotic Body, Sacramento, California
http://www.exoticbody.com
mike@exoticbody.com
Presented at the Association o Professional Piercers Open Meeting
May 1998
edited by Anne Greenblatt
We have found a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acrylic
styrene copolymer (hereby referred to as "our acrylic"). Our acrylic
provides superior resistance to stress hazing and surface grazing when
compared to straight acrylic. The FDA has approved our acrylic for
applications in which it is in contact with the body. Our acrylic meets
USP XXI Class VI plastics guidelines for medical devices.
The USP XXI Class VI testing is done by United States Pharmacopoeia which
conducts biological tests for Class VI plastics. It has been determined
that our acrylic meets USP XXI Class VI specifications and therefore is
acceptable for use in medical applications. Cytotoxicity as well as
Hemolysis tests were also done. The cytotoxicity test determine the degree
of cell destruction caused by exposing certain cell cultures to an extract
of the polymer. The Hemolysis test determines the degree of destruction of
blood cells that occurs when specific extracts of the polymer are
introduced into the blood. The results of these tests show that our
acrylic is non-toxic as well as non-hemolytic.
Glow-in-the-dark Acrylic
It is our position that no glow-in-the-dark acrylic can be safe for the
body. The phosphorescent material is carcinogenic. It should not be in
contact with the body for any time. The alternative is UV or Black Lite
acrylic which is reactive under a black light and appears to glow. This UV
material is not carcinogenic.
Sterilization and Disinfection of Acrylic
At this time no known acrylic jewelry can be sterilized by autoclave. We
have tested our acrylic in the most frequently used cold sterilization
solutions.
MadaCide: After soaking for 72 hours there was no cracking or
discoloration of the jewelry.
Isopropyl alcohol (91%): Soaking for 48 hours yielded the same result.
We are in the process of looking into Gamma Ray Radiation sterilization.
2A.3 ORGANIC MATERIALS
Thanks to Erica Skadsen / Organic for the information contained in this
article. Please visit her webpage for photos and more information, at
<http://www.spiritone.com/~organic>
2A.3a Hardwoods
Hardwoods are most often used to make plugs for enlarged piercings, such as
ear lobe, labret, and septum piercings. Hardwoods are natural materials that
work in harmony with the body. They can "breathe" with a piercing and allows
an interchange of oils. Wood stays warmer than metals. Wood does not develop
the bad odor plastics can develop.
Hardwoods are broad-leafed, deciduous trees (angiospermous). The term
"hardwood" does not actually refer to hardness: for example, balsa is a
hardwood. The part of the tree normally used is the center heartwood,
normally darker and denser than the surrounding sapwood.
A few species of wood commonly used for jewelry, furniture and inlays are
endangered or threatened. These species are regulated by CITES, the Center
for International Trade of Endangered Species. Endangered species include
Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra). Threatened species include Mexican
mahogany (Swietenia humilis) and Carribean mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni),
Commoner (Guaiacum officinale), and Holywood lignum vitae aka "Tree of Life"
(Guaiacum sanctum), Bigleaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), and American
mahogany (Swietenia meliaceae). In some cases, wood from threatened species
is acquired by salvage or through sustainable harvesting.
Grain (fibers within the wood) is considered either open or closed.
Open-grained woods may collect bacteria, shed skin tissue, and dirt and
hence generally should not be used for jewelry.
The overall shape and dimensions of the piece should be consistent and
appropriate for the particular piercing with room to allow for possible
swelling. The finish should be free from scratches, pits or tool marks. The
piece should be free of raised grain (wood fibers), even when wet. Luster
varies from species to species and the wood may or may not shine. An oiled
plug will appear dull.
Because hardwoods are porous and readily absorb and release moisture, oil,
and bacteria, hardwood plugs are best worn in healed piercings and dry areas
of the body. Because hardwood jewelry cannot be sterilized it should always
be handled by clean hands and only worn by one person. Autoclaving hardwood
jewelry may cause it to crack, split, and warp. Hardwood jewelry should be
cleaned regularly with a non-chemical soap that is safe for the body. Tea
Tree oil can also be used; prior to use a patch test is recommended to test
for allergy. Hardwood jewelry should be oiled after cleaning to benefit the
skin and aid insertion.
The type of finish applied is usually an oil and sometimes a sealant. Many
finishing oils and sealing products contain chemicals, toxins, solvents,
petroleum or animal products, or pigments. Using a finish that entirely
seals a hardwood plug eliminates the purpose of wearing wood. I usually
recommend a non-toxic oil or wax. Food grade oils such as olive and peanut
are generally safe but may break down (turn rancid) with heat and time;
pieces finished using food grade oils should be washed and re-oiled
periodically to avoid turning rancid. Waxes can be animal or vegetable
based; waxes may come off with heat or be rubbed off while cleaning. I do
not recommend using pigment as most are chemical or solvent based and can
fade or enter the bloodstream.
Some people are allergic to certain hardwoods. A sensitivity to hardwoods
can also be acquired with exposure. The risk of developing a sensitivity to
certain hardwoods is increased for those who work with the woods by way of
the dust which is produced in the production process. The hardwoods likely
to cause allergic reactions include all woods within the Dalbergia genera,
or the rosewoods: African blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon), Brazilian
rosewood (Dalbergia nigra), Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa), Indian rosewood,
aka Bombay blackwood (Dalbergia latifolia), Kingwood aka Violetwood
(Dalbergia cearensis), Tulipwood (Dalbergia frutescus), Teak (Tectona
grandis), Purpleheart aka Amaranth (Peltogyne spp.); and possibly Greenheart
and Satinwood (Chloroxylon swietenia). Some woods may be very hard to
identify; for example, African blackwood can masquerade as ebony.
2A.3b Bamboo
Bamboo is not a wood but a grass. Several thousand different species exist,
ranging from tiny plants to huge towering trees. Many species are light
yellow, tan, or green; some can be purplish or black. Most species are
solid in color; some can be striped or spotted.
Bamboo stalks are hollow and segmented with solid portions of culm. Bamboo
is lightweight; its cross-section may be round, oval, or slightly cardioid
(heart-shaped). The outside of the bamboo is naturally smmoth and protective
and should not be removed to make plugs. The inside is normally whitish and
may have a papery lining which is usually removed or is shed over time.
2A.3c Ivory, Horn, Antler
Thanks to Jesse Jarrell <gjarrell@polarnet.com> for the information
contained in this article. Please visit his webpage for photos and more
information, at <http://www2.polarnet.com/~gjarrell/>
Stabilizing Treatments
All of these materials are somewhat porous and readily absorb moisture and
skin oils. This can lead to cracking in a few of these materials.
Absorption of moisture can be avoided by coating or pressure impregnating
the material with a substance such as bee's wax or a hypoallergenic
sealant. I would not recommend oiling ivory or horn jewelry as it will
tend to promote cracking rather than deter it.
Skin oils make these materials more flexible. With designs such as the
captive bead ring, this can result in lost beads if the carver does not
adjust for expansion. I recommend using a coating or some type of pressure
treatment to prevent the ring from becoming flexible. Untreated captive bead
rings should be very tight before they have been worn. If you are afraid of
breaking an untreated ring you should wear the ring without the bead for
about a day to soften the ring.
Mammoth Ivory
Mammoth ivory is easily acquired in Alaska, Siberia and other places where
it has been preserved underground in permafrost for thousands of years. Gold
miners often find it during erosion mining in glacial silt. Because of it's
age mammoth ivory is difficult to acquire in large solid pieces. Ivory is
softer than most stone and is flexible which makes it ideal for intricate
and delicate carvings. The foremost disadvantage of using aged or fossilized
ivory for body jewelry is that it absorbs skin oils which causes it crack.
Mammoth ivory ranges in color from a cream white to a medium brown. Darker
ivory is more fragile and will crack with moisture much more easily, making
it unsuitable for delicate work.
Fresh Ivory
Most sources of fresh ivory such as elephant tusks are subject to legal
restrictions. Two sources of unrestricted ivory are warthog and hippopatumus
tusks. Fresh ivory does not have the same problems with cracking that aged
ivory has.
Dall Sheep Horn
Dall sheep horn is semi-transparent material with an opaque white grain. The
advantage of sheep horn is its superior flexibility over other organic
materials. Sheep horn tends to distort or bend when exposed to moisture or
skin oils. Body jewelry that must to hold a precise shape or is dependent on
tension, like a captive bead ring, must be stabilized.
Water Buffalo Horn
When polished, water buffalo horn looks similar to ebony. It is not as
flexible as sheep horn and has a much stronger grain, which makes delicate
or detailed work more difficult. Because of the grain it will crack with
exposure to skin oils and thus cannot be used for body jewelry unless
stabilized.
Moose, Elk and Deer Antler
Antler varies in color from ivory white to shades of brown and gray and
sometimes has a purplish hue near the surface. White antler can be nearly
indistinguishable from ivory in appearance. Antler will almost never crack
with exposure to moisture or skin oils. It is an excellent substitute for
ivory because of its comparative cost, availability, and durability.
However, it is a bit softer and more porous than ivory, resulting in less
strength against fractures.
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
/\*/\
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 04:12:48 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 03 August 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0907980412490001@dynamic9.pm01.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 899982631 4488 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/jewelry/partB
Last-modified: May 10, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
2B --Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2B.1 Jewelry Sizes
2B.1a Gauges And Equivalents
2B.2 Jewelry Designs
2B.2a Basic Designs
2B.2b Piercing-Specific Designs
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
2B.1 JEWELRY SIZES
Jewelry is measured by gauge (thickness) and inside diameter in the case of
rings or length from ball to ball in the case of barbell studs. The higher
the gauge number, the thinner the jewelry.
Most jewelry manufactured in the US is gauged according to the Brown &
Sharpe system. Jewelry from the UK and Europe are manufactured by metric
gauge.
2B.1a Gauges and Equivalents
A visual representation of gauges and diameters is available at
http://www.cf.ac.uk/uwcc/psych/stevensonwc/gauge.html
Maintained by Will Stevenson <stevensonwc@cf.ac.uk>.
Brown and Sharpe Gauges (used by most American manufacturers)
--------------------------------
gauge inches millimeters
--------------------------------
20 0.032 0.812
18 0.040 1.024
16 0.051 1.291
14 0.064 1.628
12 0.081 2.053
10 0.102 2.588
8 0.128 3.264
6 0.162 4.115
4 0.204 5.189
2 0.258 6.544
0 0.325 8.251
00 0.365 9.266
000 0.410 10.405
0000 0.460 11.684
Silver Anchor Gauges (through 1994)
---------------------------------
gauge inches millimeters
---------------------------------
20 1/32 = 0.03125
16 3/64 = 0.046875 1.19
14 1/16 = 0.0625 1.59
12 3/32 = 0.09375 2.38
8 1/8 = 0.125 3.18
6 5/32 = 0.15625 3.97
4 3/16 = 0.1875 4.76
2 1/4 = 0.25 6.35
0 5/16 = 0.3125 7.94
2B.2 JEWELRY DESIGNS
Jewelry designed for ear piercings is not appropriate for wear in body
piercings. Ear jewelry is designed to fit the thickness of the average
earlobe; most body piercings are wider than the thickness of the earlobe.
Ear jewelry is too thin to be safely worn in body piercings. Rings and
hoops designed for ear piercings often have hinges, hooked ends or
overlapping hollow tubes with rough edges which easily irritate the
piercing. Ear piercing studs are difficult to
clean. The butterfly clip backing can become clogged with discharge, dirt,
and bacteria. Ear jewelry is usually made of silver or of an inferior
grade of steel or is plated, all unsuitable materials for wear in body
piercings.
2B.2a Basic Designs
Captive Bead Ring
The basic ring design is the captive bead ring, or ball closure ring. The
bead is not attached to the ring; the tension of the ring holds the bead
captive. Factors which affect how tightly the bead is held in place are
how annealed (soft) the ring is, how deeply the bead is bored, and the
relationship between the gauge and diameter of the ring. In the case of
captive bead rings in small diameters or thicker gauges ring expanding
pliers may be required to release the bead. The ends should be well-rounded
for easier insertion. Captive Bead Rings (CBR) are referred to as Bead
Closure Rings in the UK.
Variations on the standard captive bead ring include:
Flat-Tipped: The ends are flattened horizontally, making the ends tapered
and pointed. The ring appears to be able to stand-up when the bead is
removed. While this design makes insertion and stretching easier (no
taper needed), it is not suitable for most new piercings where the
thinner section cannot be prevented from rotating into the piercing.
Flat-tipped rings may also be uncomfortable in some areas, depending on
the cut and angle of the horizontal edge.
Asymmetrical Teardrop / Navel Ring: Designed specifically as a less
extruding piece of jewelry for the navel piercing; a teardrop-shaped ring
in which the opening is on one side rather than at the bottom. This
design takes some practice to manipulate.
Teardrop Ring: A symmetrical upside-down teardrop, where the opening is
at the narrowest point. When sizing, the width of the ring is most
significant, and standard sizing guidelines should be followed using this
measurement.
Ball and Socket Ring: The same appearance as a standard CBR, with the
convex/concave orientations reversed; the ring ends are concave to hold a
solid bead. This design only works with rings of 8ga and larger.
Large gauge ring (10ga +) with bevelled ends: The ends bevelled vertically
to fit perfectly into the bore of the bead; the bead is bored or dimpled
to match the gauge of the ring. The ring has the appearance of passing
through a hole in the bead; the rings ends are not visible with no gaps.
Bevelling the ends in this way also reduces how far the ring must be
opened to release and replace the bead. This design does not prevent smooth
insertion.
Other designs include tapered teardrops (the upper half of the ring is the
full gauge), symmetrical oval, and rings in various shapes.
Counter-bored and dimpled beads are best suited for most gauges. Stone
beads are usually drilled all the way through; the entrances should be
bored a bit wider to accommodate the gauge of the ring. Steel beads are
often dimpled to
the appropriate depth for the gauge of the ring rather than drilled all the
way through.
Rings can be fitted with a wide assortment of beads. Cubes, skulls, hearts,
coils, and tubes in a variety of metals are just a few of the options.
Decorative sterling silver beads are usually too heavy to be worn on a new
piercing. Silver beads can irritate a piercing if the bead is in contact
with the piercing. Silver beads should not be worn with genital piercings;
urine will oxidize the metal.
Soft stones such as tigers eye, malachite, lapis, turquoise, or jaspers
should not be worn in genital piercings or new piercings because urine and
piercing secretions can erode the stone. Malachite, turquoise, and lapis can
leach copper in these envoronments. Porous stones trap bacteria. Lesser
grades of brittle stones which are easily chipped should be avoided.
-------------------------------------------------
ball size fits gauges in diameters
-------------------------------------------------
1/8", 5/322 18 - 16ga 5/16" - 3/8"
5/32" 18 - 14ga 5/16" - 7/16"
3/162 16 - 14ga 7/16" - 5/8"
3/162 12ga 3/8" - 1/2"
7/32" 14 - 12ga 5/8" - 7/8"
1/4" 12 - 8ga 1/2" - 1"
5/16" 10 - 6ga 1/2" - 1" +
3/8" 6 - 4ga 5/8" - 1" +
7/16" 4 - 0ga 5/8" - 1" +
Bead Ring or Attached Bead Ring
Another basic ring design is the bead ring. The bead is fixed to one end of
the ring with a hole drilled into the other side of the bead to receive the
other end of the ring. The disadvantage of the bead ring is that it must be
torqued / twisted sideways to open and close. If the ring is opened and
closed frequently it can eventually acquire a warped shape or break,
particularly if the ring is not annealed.
Gold rings are often made as bead rings to prevent losing the expensive
gold bead.
Attention should be paid to the method by which the bead is affixed to the
ring (also applicable to nostril screw construction). At the present time,
there is no guaranteed permanent method of bonding steel to steel for body
jewelry applications. Some manufacturers use soldering/brazing compounds of
a gold alloy which may not be suitable for people sensitive to the high
amount of alloys found in the solder, especially if solder residues are
present beyond the joint. A soldered joint is weak, especially when metals
are mixed, for example using karat gold solder to join surgical steel. The
acids in bodily secretions will penetrate any gaps in the joint and break
down the alloys in the solder, weakening the joint; over time, the joint may
come apart. Other manufacturers thread the bead and ring, using a
thread-locking compound or epoxy to fix the bead. Some of these compounds
are not heat resistant and may weaken when autoclaved.
Beadless or Seamless Rings
Surgical steel, niobium and titanium seamless rings are usually made with
flat ends. These rings are not suggested for new piercings. Inserting
seamless rings into a new piercing can be very uncomfortable because the
ends are not rounded. Closing seamless rings and smoothly aligning the
ends is difficult, especially in thicker gauges and smaller diameters;
softer or annealed metals are easier to manipulate. If the ends are not
aligned the edges will irritate the piercing when the ring rotates through
the piercing. The seam between the ends collects bacteria.
Gold seamless rings are often made with a rounded convex end and a concave
end which interlock. The convex end should be inserted into the piercing.
Captive Tube / Bar Ring
Instead of a bead, a short straight or curved tube or solid bar is held
between the ends of the ring. The captive piece is usually the same gauge
as the ring, unless otherwise noted by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers
make the ends of the captive piece convex and the ring ends concave. The
ring has two seams which make it unsuitable for new or unhealed piercings.
Screw On Ball Ring
Alternative to large gauge captive bead rings. The ball is threaded on one
end of the ring; no need for ring expanding pliers to remove the ball.
However, the gap between the ball and the opposite end of the ring may be
uncomfortable in some piercings.
Straight, Curved and Circular Barbells
Straight Barbell: A straight bar with a ball on each end. The length
is the measurement of the bar, not including the balls. Balls are
available in different sizes.
Curved Barbell: Approximately one quarter of a circle. Often used in navel
piercings or when an unobtrusive piece of jewelry is desired. Also used
when the width of the piercing requires such a large diameter ring as to
be uncomfortable. The length is the linear measurement of the bar, not
including the balls.
Curved barbells are sometimes called L-Bars or Half Moon Barbells.
Bent Barbells are typically bent at an angle, not curved.
Circular Barbell: Approximately three quarters of a circle. Can be used when
a captive bead ring is suitable. Useful if the wearer changes jewelry often.
Circular barbells are heavier than captive bead rings and may not be suitable
for all new piercings. To prevent losing circular barbell balls, a captive
bead can be inserted between the balls.
Circular barbells are sometimes called Horseshoe Barbells, although some
manufacturers do make Horseshoe Barbells that are U-shaped rather than
circular.
Straight, curved and circular are manufactured with two thread designs:
Internally threaded: The bar is threaded internally. A guide wire or taper
can be used between the barbell and needle to aid insertion.
Externally threaded: The bar is threaded externally. Some externally
threaded jewelry is designed so that the threaded section can be inserted
into the end of the needle. Externally threaded jewelry can irritate or even
damage the piercing when the jewelry is changed.
Threading style and dimensions vary between manufacturers and are often
incompatible. Replacement balls should be purchased from the same
manufacturer.
Threaded Gemstone Balls and Settings
The threads of internally threaded stone balls are usually affixed using
an epoxy. Threaded stone balls affixed with epoxy should not be worn in
tongue
or genital piercings because the epoxy can deteriorate when exposed to
saliva and urine. Additionally, stone balls can shatter when accidentally
bitten, especially if the stone is brittle or porous.
Gold settings are more secure than steel settings because the setting is
shaped tightly around and overlaps the edge of the stone. Steel cannot be
manipulated to overlap the edge of the stone; the stones are usually held in
place with epoxy. Settings affixed with epoxy should not be worn in tongue
or genital piercings because the epoxy can deteriorate when exposed to
saliva and urine.
Soft stones such as tigers eye and jaspers should not be worn in tongue or
genital piercings because saliva and urine can erode the stone. Malachite,
turquoise, and lapis can leach copper in these envoronments. Lesser grades
of brittle stones which are easily chipped should be avoided.
2B.2b Piercing-Specific Designs
Jewelry for Enlarged Piercings
The following designs are intended to maintain the enlarged size of the
piercing without the weight of a ring. These designs are most commonly worn
in ear and septum piercings, although they may be suitable for other
enlarged piercings such as nipple, labia, and LaBret. Most of the designs
are available as small as 10ga and as large as 3", in a variety of lengths
to fit different piercings.
Earlet / Eyelet / Flesh Tunnel: A short, hollow tube with flared ends, in
stainless steel or niobium. The flared ends necessitate that the piercing be
stretched a gauge larger than the eyelet gauge for insertion. One variation
this design is an eyelet with one flared end, the other straight for easier
insertion, held in place by a rubber O-ring. The wearer may consider wearing
a ring through the plug so that if the eyelet falls out it won't become lost.
Eyelets smaller than 6ga can be difficult to fit with a ring; the ring must
have a diameter larger than the length of the eyelet.
Plug: A short, solid, cylindrical piece of metal, lucite, acrylic, exotic
hardwood, or glass held in place by two rubber O-rings. The plug may be
grooved to fit the O-rings. Grooves may get caught on or tear the edge of the
piercing when inserted.
Screw-together Plug: Two-piece design, internally threaded and usually solid
with flat ends.
Nipple Jewelry
Nipple Retainer: Comprises a straight bar worn through the piercing, held in
place by a thinner round or flat wire which encircles the nipple. The bar is
hinged to the wire circle.
Nipple Shield: Decorative jewelry held in place by a barbell or ring; some
designs require a barbell.
Nipple Stretcher: Jewelry designed to stretch the nipple outwards, usually
held in place by a barbell worn through the piercing. One design comprises a
metal band or ring at the base of the nipple attached by two or more legs to
a smaller diameter ring over which the barbell is worn; this design is
usually one fixed length. A second design is essentially a corkscrew which
slowly stretchs the nipple as it is rotated. Some nipple shields function as
stretchers. Stretchers should only be worn on healed piercings and the wearer
should watch for signs of migration or trauma to the piercing. Risk of
migration or trauma is greater when thinner gauges are worn.
Septum Jewelry
Septum Retainer: U-shaped piece of metal, either rounded or squared-off,
and usually between 5/16" and 3/8" wide and 3/8" long. The spread of the
shanks should be adjusted to fit the wearer so that the retainer may be
comfortably flipped up into the nose. To prevent losing the retainer the
shanks should be at least 5/16" long and adjusted so that the retainer is
snug when flipped up and down.Wire in gauges larger than 10 is more
difficult to shape into small dimensions. A few companies make large gauge
retainers with thinner shanks so that the retainer can be shaped accurately.
Solid plugs or eyelets may be more comfortable or more readily available than
retainers for piercings larger than 8ga.
Septum Spike: A solid length of tapered metal, usually between 1" and 4"
long. Styles available include straight, curved, or horse-shoe shaped. Some
designs feature a notched center, which rests in the piercing.
Septum Tusk: Similar in appearance to the Septum Spike. The tusk comprises
two pieces which screw together with a thinner center bar worn through the
piercing. Thus someone with a 14ga piercing can appear to have a 4 ga
piercing.
Prince's Wand
The Prince's Wand / Urethral Tube is made in designs to fit either PA,
Ampallang or Apadravya. It consists of an 8 or 10mm stainless steel tube, 3"
- 4.5" long, bored through from end to end, the inner end tapered and
rounded, with the outer end internally threaded to take a short SS
ball-ended threaded stud which is used to guide insertion and removed for
urination. The tube is worn in the urethra and is kept in place by a
ball-ended stud worn through the piercing(s) and screwed into the Wand.
For personal experiences and photos, please visit:
The Body Modification Ezine, http://www.bme.freeq.com/
http://www.littleblue.demon.co.uk/p_intro.html
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
/\*/\
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 04:13:12 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 03 August 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0907980413120001@dynamic9.pm01.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 899982658 4488 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/jewelry/partC
Last-modified: July 08, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
2C --Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
2C FACIAL PIERCINGS
The following contains brief descriptions of each piercing and suggested
jewelry. Healing times offered are estimates. Healing time and success rates
vary for different people.
EAR LOBE
6 to 8 weeks
Ear piercings heal more quickly and more comfortably when a body jewelry
style ring is worn. Body jewelry is easier to clean and more comfortable
than ear piercing studs. Piercing studs are of one length and too short to
accommodate swelling or earlobes which are thicker than average. Piercing
studs are difficult to clean. The butterfly clip backing can become clogged
with discharge, dirt, and bacteria. Studs also have a tendency to become
wrapped with hair, embedding the hair in the piercing.
For information about piercings guns and needle piercing procedures, please
see Part 3 of the Piercing FAQ.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 20
to 8ga, 3/8" to 5/8" in diameter. In larger gauges circular barbells in
stainless steel may be too heavy for comfortable healing. If a barbell is
chosen the length should be 1/16" wider than the width of the piercing to
allow for swelling and cleaning.
LARGE LOBE PIERCINGS
Please see Part 7 of the FAQ for information on stretching piercings.
Most ear piercing studs are approximately 18ga in thickness. Using a
stretching taper is the easiest method to test how far the piercing can be
stretched safely. Usually standard ear lobe piercings can be safely
stretched to 16 or 14ga.
Lobe piercings can be stretched quite easily. However, the stretching
process should be a gradual one. Stretching too soon or too fast can cause
the piercing to tear or stretch unevenly.
The size of your lobe and how close the piercing is to the bottom edge will
determine how far you can stretch an existing piercing. If the piercing is
too close to the edge of the earlobe to be stretched to the desired size a
new piercing may be placed above the existing piercing without compromising
the strength and elasticity of the earlobe.
If your earlobe has not been pierced and you desire an ultimately large
piercing the piercing should be placed centrally by visualizing the
earlobe as a circle or oval.
Most piercers do not perform piercings larger than 10 or 8ga. Piercing
needles slice a crescent-shaped hole and do not remove tissue. The larger
the needle, the more exaggerated the crescent shape of the hole. Some
piercers will use a large needle and immediately stretch the piercing to
the next gauge. However, this method may cause excessive tissue damage if
the piercing tears at the corners of the crescent rather than stretches
throughout.
Dermal Punch Method
Dermal punches are designed to remove tissue for biopsy procedures. Some
piercers and the Association of Professional Piercers
<http://www.piercing.org/app/> feel that dermal punches are inappropriate
for performing piercings. Their use constitutes a medical procedure which
could be considered medical malpractice.
Shannon Larratt of the Body Modification Ezine <http://www.bme.freeq.com>
comments on the dermal punch procedure:
"The piercing is made with a dermal punch, usually 2-3.5mm depending on
the lobe and the desired effect. A taper is used to stretch the hole.
Since the surface tension is relieved by using a dermal punch, the stretch
is an easy (and large) one. The final piercing size is usually between 6
and 2 gauge. It is important to use light (often titanium) jewelry for
healing. Healing time is the same or slightly faster than a standard lobe
piercing."
TRANSVERSE OR LATERAL LOBE
4 to 8 months
Piercing made through the earlobe perpendicular to a standard earlobe
piercing. People with large, unattached earlobes are the best candidates
for this piercing.
The transverse piercing can be made to intersect an enlarged lobe piercing,
making the transverse piercing two piercings which may decrease healing
time. If an eyelet is drilled to fit the transverse piercing, the holes must
be perfectly smooth with rounded edges.
Initial jewelry: Straight and slightly curved barbells, 1/8" longer than
the width of the piercing to allow for proper cleaning. If a ring is chosen
it should be large enough in diameter so that arc of the ring that passes
through the piercing is not so tight as to cause the piercing to migrate or
reject.
EAR CARTILAGE
3 to 6 months, depending on location and gauge
Helix (upper ear) piercings are often performed with a piercing gun.
Cartilage piercings performed with guns are often problematic. Often the
piercing is not perpendicular to the tissue because the gun will not fit
around the curl of the upper ear. Piercing studs are very dull in
comparison to piercing needles and cause more tissue damage, literally
tearing a hole through the tissue.
Cartilage piercings involve several layers of different types of tissue that
heal at different rates and by different processes. Cartilage piercings
are usually performed using a needle one size larger than the that of the
jewelry to be worn (e.g. 18 gauge jewelry, 16 gauge needle) to allow room
for the new tissue to form around the inside of the piercing.
Cartilage piercings have a greater tendency than other piercings to scar
because of the nature of the tissue involved. Placing the piercing as
perpendicular to the tissue as possible will reduce the mechanical stress
that contributes to scarring. Scarring, as well as migration and rejection,
can also result if the wearer sleeps on his/her piercings or if the ring is
too small in diameter. A ring which is too small in diameter will constrict
the piercing and the entrances of the piercing will migrate to conform to
the tight curvature of the ring.
Cartilage piercings resist stretching. Stretching a reluctant piercing
will contribute to scarring.
Dermal Punch Method for Large Piercings
Dermal punches are designed to remove tissue for biopsy procedures. Some
piercers and the Association of Professional Piercers
<http://www.piercing.org/app/> feel that dermal punches are inappropriate
for performing piercings. Their use constitutes a medical procedure which
could be considered medical malpractice.
The specific ear cartilage piercings include:
CONCH Piercings made straight through the bowl shape of the ear
cartilage. Conch piercings can be described as either "lower" or "upper"
with regards to the Crus helicis (see DAITH). Depending on the location
either a
ring or a barbell may be worn. If a barbell is chosen it should be 1/8"
wider than the thickness of the cartilage to allow for swelling and proper
cleaning. A ring may not be advisable if the wearer sleeps on his/her ears.
DAITH A piercing made through the Crus helicis, the inner-most ridge of
cartilage above the Tragus. Because of its interior location the Daith
piercing can be slept on comfortably. Placement is located by pinching the
ridge and locating the softer spot of cartilage.
Initial jewelry: rings in 18 to 14ga, 3/8" - 7/16" - 1/2" in diameter.
HELIX Piercings made through or around the upper edge of the ear. If the
curl is large or well developed the ring must be wide enough to not hug
the curl;
in this case a piercing made through the apex of the curl parallel to the
side of the head may be more comfortable.
Initial jewelry: rings in 18 to 12ga, 3/8" - 7/16" - 1/2" in diameter.
TRAGUS The triangular prominence of cartilage in front of the opening of
the ear canal.
Initial jewelry: rings in 18 to 14ga, 5/16" - 3/8" in diameter.
ANTI-TRAGUS A piercing is made through the ridge of cartilage opposite
and below the tragus.
Initial jewelry: rings and barbells in 18 to 14ga, 3/8" - 7/16" - 1/2" in
diameter/length. In some cases a straight or curved barbell is advisable
over a ring, especially if the wearer sleeps on his/her ears. If a barbell
is chosen it should be 1/8" wider than the thickness of the cartilage to
allow for swelling and proper cleaning.
INDUSTRIAL Refers to two or more piercings through which a single barbell
is worn. An Industrial can involve piercings of the helix, tragus, lobe,
Conch, or Rook. Piercings should be placed as perpendicular to the tissue
as possible to avoid mechanical stress that can cause scarring and
migration. If wearing a single piece of jewelry will put too much stress on
the piercing the piercings should be healed wearing two separate pieces of
jewelry.
ORBIT / ORBITAL Refers to two piercings through which a single ring is
worn. Common Orbital combinations include Conch/Lobe, Lobe/Lobe,
Conch/Conch. Piercings should be placed as perpendicular to the tissue as
possible to avoid mechanical stress that can cause scarring and migration.
If wearing a single piece of jewelry will put too much stress on the
piercing the piercings should be healed wearing two separate pieces of
jewelry.
ROOK / ANTI-HELIX A piercing made through the antihelicis, the ridge
of cartilage above the Crus helicis.
Initial jewelry: rings and curved barbells in 18 to 14ga, 5/16" - 3/8" in
diameter/length. A curved barbell is advisable over a ring if the wearer
sleeps on his/her ears. If a curved barbell is chosen it should be 1/8"
wider than the thickness of the cartilage to allow for swelling and proper
cleaning.
SNUG A horizontal piercing of the antihelix. This piercing is very
anatomy dependant and is often difficult to heal, especially if the wearer
sleeps on his/her ears. Straight and curved barbells are usually chosen as
the most comfortable and unobtrusive style of jewelry. If a barbell is
chosen it should be 1/8" wider than the thickness of the cartilage to allow
for swelling and proper cleaning.
NOSTRIL
3 to 6 months
Placement is usually somewhere along the groove in the nostril where the
cartilage is thinnest. As with ear cartilage piercings nostril piercings
should be performed with a piercing needle a gauge larger than that of the
jewelry to be worn.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings in 20 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to
1/2" inside diameter, occasionally as small as 5/162. The ring should not
hug the edge of the nose. If the ring is too small in diameter the curvature
of the ring will be too tight, resulting in scarring or migration.
Nostril Screws are the optimum jewelry choice for those who prefer the look
of a stud. Nostril screws have a small semicircle "tail" at a right angle to
the stud that holds the jewelry in place without the need for a clasp.
Because nostril screws are more difficult to clean and may not accommodate
swelling associated with a fresh piercing it is suggested that the piercing
be healed before a screw is worn. If a nostril screw is chosen for a new
piercing the shaft should be at least 5/16" to 3/8" determined by measuring
the thickness of the nostril.
SEPTUM
4 to 8 weeks
The septum piercing is made through the thin layer of tissue between the alar
cartilage (outer) and the quadrangular cartilage (separating the nostrils).
This space of tissue is usually largest towards the tip of the nose. The
jewelry should be no thicker than what the space can comfortably
accomodate. Jewelry that is too thick can painfully pinch the cartilage.
If the space is small but the wearer desires a thicker gauge, the piercing
should be performed at a thinner gauge and later stretched. Septum
piercings are easily stretched after healing.
If the piercee anticipates wearing spikes and tusks the piercing should be
made low enough to allow the jewelry to fit comfortably below the nostrils.
See Part 2B of the FAQ for descriptions of septum tusks and retainers.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells, in 18 to
10 gauge, 3/8" to 5/8" inside diameter. U-shaped septum retainers are
available for those who need to hide the piercing. Rings are easier than
retainers to clean during healing. To prevent losing the retainer the
shanks should be at least 5/16" long and adjusted so that the retainer is
snug when flipped up and down.
If the wearer must hide the piercing occassionally an option to buying two
pieces of jewelry (ring and retainer) is to wear a small circular barbell
with the gap between the balls expanded so that the ring may be flipped up
into the nose. Wearing a circular barbell as a retainer is limited by the
size of the nose.
EYEBROW
2 to 4 months
The eyebrow piercing is usually placed perpendicular to the eyebrow.
Piercings placed vertically usually cause the ring to protrude. Piercings
that are slanted inwards (\ /) tend to make the ring lay flat. The piercing is
usually between 5/16" and 3/8" wide. To avoid damaging the nerves beneath
the eyebrow, the piercing should not be made much deeper. Placing the
piercing through the outermost half of the brow will avoid the Supraorbital
nerve.
Since the brow is usually relatively flat, eyebrow piercings have an
increased risk of migrating or rejecting. If the brow is completely flat and
cannot be easily pinched, the tension of the skin creates pressure on the
jewelry which may cause the piercing to migrate towards the surface. In
some cases the piercing will shift or migrate slightly while healing but
will eventually settle.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings in 18 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to
7/16" inside diameter; diameter should be approximately 1/8" wider than the
width of the piercing. No more than 1/3 of the ring should be through the
piercing. Straight or curved barbells 3/8" to 7/16" post length. Eyebrow
retainers should not be worn in new piercings because they are not secure.
A ring which is too small in diameter will constrict the piercing and the
entrances of the piercing will migrate to conform to the tight curvature of
the ring. Straight barbells should only be used if the brow is very
pronounced. If a straight barbell is used through a flat brow the balls will
create pressure against the skin behind them, causing the piercing to
migrate forward. A curved barbell will eliminate pressure between the
barbell balls and the skin. If a barbell is used it should be at least 1/16"
longer than the width of the piercing to facilitate cleaning and allow for
swelling.
Jewelry which is too thin is more easily rejected by the body and more
likely to tear the piercing if the jewelry is accidentally pulled. Jewelry
which is too heavy for the amount of tissue available can cause the piercing
to migrate or reject. Some piercers perform eyebrow piercings too deep under
the misguided theory that it will migrate into place.
It is not uncommon for eyebrow piercings to swell or bruise very slightly
after piercing. Any swelling or bruising occurring later during healing or
any intense bruising and swelling could signify that the piercing was made
too deeply.
BRIDGE / NIEBUHR / ERL / NASION
4 to 6 months
This piercing is made through the tissue over the bridge of the nose. This
piercing can be both difficult to both perform and heal and has a high
incidence of migration and rejection. This piercing must not be made too
deep to avoid piercing the blood vessels and nerves that are found on
either side of the bridge. The piercing is usually 3/8" to 9/16" wide.
An infection of a bridge piercing should be treated very seriously because
of the close proximity of the sinuses. For this reason, some piercers do not
perform this piercing. Please read The Association of Professional Piercers
"The Point" Vol. 2 Issue 2 <http://www.piercing.org/app/> for more
information.
Initial jewelry: Barbell studs or curved barbells in 14 - 12 gauge, 1/2" to
5/8" in length; barbells should be 1/16" to 1/8" to allow for proper
cleaning.
LIP & LABRET
2 to 4 months
The Labret piercing is usually made centrally approximately 3/8" below the
colored edge of the lower lip, through or just above the cleft of the chin.
Lip piercings can be made anywhere along the outside of the lips. Because
of the nature of the tissue the colored area of the lips should not be
pierced. If a ring is chosen the piercing should be placed so that there
is no pressure against the teeth; pressure will cause the piercing to
migrate.
Because of the nature of the mucous membrane tissue on the inside of the
lip the piercing may close if it is left empty, even after the piercing
has healed.
Labret studs tend to cause deterioration of the inside of the lip; often a
niche forms under the disc. Labret jewelry usually causes at least some gum
erosion where the disc rubs the gums. Labret jewelry can also cause damage
to tooth enamel if the jewelry rubs against the teeth.
L-shaped Fishtail Labrets are designed to reduce gum erosion. The "tail" is
intended to stay in place in the indentation below the gumline; the piercing
cannot be placed too high. The presence of a large frenulum may impede ideal
placement for a fishtail.
Some piercers prefer to angle the Labret piercing so that the disc is above
the teeth. This placement will avoid gum erosion but may cause the wearer
to inadvertently bite down on the jewelry while eating and speaking,
resulting in chipped teeth.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings in 18 to 10 gauge and 5/16" to 1/2" in
diameter; the ring should be large enough to allow for swelling and should
not hug the lip; a smaller ring may be worn when healed. Labret studs in 16
to 10 gauge; the stud should be 1/8" longer than the width of the piercing
to allow for swelling; internally threaded jewelry is strongly advised for
this piercing as external threads can tear or irritate even a healed
piercing; the edges of the disc should be smoothly rounded. Fishtail Labrets
in 18 to 10 gauge; should be made of a flexible metal (gold, annealed or 1/4
hard steel) so that is can be adjusted to fit your mouth comfortably.
If the piercing is abused while the piercing is healing an 18 or 16ga ring
may tear the inside of the lip or create scarring on both entrances.
Labret jewelry will collect plaque, especially in the crevice between ball
and bar. Plaque traps bacteria and can cause the jewelry to have a bad odor.
Daily use of an anti-plaque rinse is suggested to prevent plaque build-up.
To remove a build-up of plaque remove and soak jewelry in an antibacterial
denture cleaner following the package directions.
While smoking may be irritating but not necessarily damaging to a new
piercing the use of chewed tobacco products is discouraged as the use of
chewed tobacco has been attributed to oral cancers and lesions.
MADONNA / BEAUTY MARK
A piercing made above the upper lip, usually to one side, using a Labret
stud. Placement should be checked carefully to avoid the Facial Artery. Also
called the Marilyn, Chrome Crawford. So-named because of the resemblance to
the aforementioned idols' natural beauty marks. Jewelry should be selected
following the guidelines for Labret piercings.
A piercing made in the center of the upper lip has been called Philtrum
(anatomical), Upret, Divot, Medusa, Angel's Kiss, Cupid's Bow.
The piercing should be placed so that the jewelry will not irritate or erode
the gums or tooth enamel. For some locations Fishtail Labrets may be more
comfortable than Labret studs.
CHEEK
3 to 5 months
Many piercers consider cheek piercings dangerous because of the proximity
of large blood vessels and nerves. Placement should be checked carefully
to avoid the Facial Vein and Artery and the Paratoid Duct.
Initial jewelry: Labret studs in 14 to 10 gauge, usually at least 1/2" in
length; a longer piece of jewelry is required for the healing process to
allow for swelling. Precise measurements and placement are necessary to
prevent nesting of the jewelry.
SCRUMPER / LIP FRENULUM
1 to 2 weeks
This is a piercing of the upper lip frenulum. The look could be described as
a septum ring for the mouth. The piercing is performed with the aid of a
needle receiving tube. The chance of tearing with frequent play should be
considered because of the thinness of the frenulum.
Over the long term the jewelry can contribute to gum or tooth enamel erosion.
Initial jewelry: Rings in 14 gauge, 5/16" to 7/16" in diameter
TONGUE
4 to 8 weeks
Tongue piercings are usually placed in the center of the tongue. The risks
of nerve and blood vessel damage are minimized when the piercing is placed
centrally. The large blood vessels are usually highly visible to either
side, on the underside of the tongue. Tongue piercings are not known to
affect the sense of taste; the papillae (tastebuds) are too numerous.
Placement should be decided with regard to the length of the tongue both in
its normal resting position in the mouth as well as when it is extended.
While there is some latitude as to how far forward or back the piercing can
be placed, a piercing made through or just behind the natural bend in the
tongue is usually most comfortable for speaking and eating. A piercing
placed too far back may be uncomfortable and will irritate the frenulum, if
one is present. If the piercing is placed too far forward the bottom ball
will irritate the gums.
The piercing should be as perpendicular to the tongue as possible. An
extremely slanted piercing (top hole further back than bottom hole) creates
stress on the entrances which can result in scarring. A slanted piercing
often pushes the bottom ball against the gums causing irritation and erosion
of the gums.
The bottom of the mouth or lower gums may become irritated from pressure and
friction exerted by the bottom barbell ball. Irritation is usually
eliminated by shortening the barbell. If the ball continues to rub against
the gums after the barbell is shortened a smaller ball or disc with rounded
edges should be worn. If the piercing is too close to the tip of the tongue
or slanted the ball will rub against the gums regardless of the ball size.
Over the long term continued pressure will cause erosion of the gums and
possibly bone loss beneath the gums, indicated by an indentation in the
gums.
Chipped and cracked teeth and enamel erosion are risks of tongue piercing.
Wearing smaller balls, in addition to downsizing the bar length, is advised
if the wearer accidentally bites down on the balls while eating. Over the
long term metal tongue jewelry will contribute to the erosion of tooth
enamel as the balls hit and scrape the teeth. Cracked and badly chipped
teeth are subject to accelerated decay and exposure of the nerve (root)
which could require endodontistry (root canal). The risk of damage is
increased if the teeth are already structurally weakened by large fillings
or caps.
The frenulum is the web of tissue which runs lengthwise along the underside
of the tongue, usually present in most people to some degree. Piercing
through the frenulum often leads to scarring. If a frenulum is presnt the
piercing should be made in front or to the side if possible. If the frenulum
is large or extrudes it may become irritated by the jewelry enough to create
scar tissue. A smaller bottom ball can reduce irritation.
If the frenulum presents too much difficulty in placement the piercee should
consider having the frenulum clipped by a dentist or oral surgeon. This
procedure is commonly performed when the frenulum interferes with speaking
or some other daily activity.
Tongue piercings made through the front and side edges of the tongue using
rings have been successful for some people, but for most people a ring
impedes eating and speaking. The wearer is more likely to accidentally bite
down on a ring. A ring may rub against the gums, resulting in gum
irritation. If such a piercing is desired it is important to use a ring
large enough to allow for swelling; a ring which hugs the edge of the tongue
may cause migration or scarring. A smaller ring may be worn after the
piercing has healed.
Initial jewelry: Barbell studs; 14 to 10 gauge, 5/8" - 3/4" - 7/8" - 1" in
length. Many piercers will not use 14ga or even 12ga because of the risk of
tearing the piercing. During the first 24 to 48 hours the tongue usually
swells to almost twice its normal size. The initial stud should be at least
1/4" to 3/8" longer than the tongue at its thickest to accommodate swelling.
Too short a barbell can make the balls "nest" into the tongue.
Standard ball sizes for 14 and 12ga are 7/32" or 1/4"; for 10ga, 1/4". 3/16"
balls are available from most manufacturers for 14 and 12ga.
The barbell may be shortened after the swelling immediately around the
piercing has gone down, usually after 2 to 4 weeks. Shortening the jewelry
usually corrects any speech or eating impediments. Some people choose to
wear their "starter" barbell with no problems at all.
If the piercing has not healed enough along the inside to rely upon to stay
open the jewelry should be changed with the aid of an insertion taper so
that the piercing is not left empty. The existing barbell should be pushed
out with the taper and the taper pushed out in the same direction with the
new jewelry.
Jewelry which is internally threaded at both ends allows for easy insertion
and removal. Internally threaded barbells are easily and securely inserted
upon piercing using a short piece of wire or a threaded taper to connect the
barbell and needle. Barbells with one fixed ball should not be used; the
bottom ball can adhere to the shaft with plaque making removal difficult or
impossible. Externally threaded jewelry can irritate or tear a piercing,
even after the piercing has healed.
A slight indentation usually forms under the top ball, particularly if the
tongue rests against the roof of the mouth. A slight indentation under the
top ball is not unusual. If the indentation covers half or more of the ball
or forms a pocket around the ball the barbell is probably too short to
accomodate swelling and / or the piercing is slanted (top hole further back
than bottom hole).
Occasionally a protrusion of soft, white hypertrophic scar tissue will form
around one or both entrances during the healing period. Scar tissue is not
a sign of infection. Scar tissue can result from:
- a displaced or intersected taste bud or from tissue displaced by the
crescent-shaped hole left by the piercing needle.
- stress caused by playing with the barbell while the piercing is healing
or playing too hard for the gauge to endure; 14 and even 12ga piercings
have been known to tear or stretch forwards if the piercing is abused
- stress caused by excessive length of the barbell if the barbell leans
when the mouth is closed
- stress caused by the piercing being placed at an inappropriate angle;
the piercing should be perpendicular to the tongue and not slanted
- friction against the frenulum
- plaque accumulation
- chemical irritation caused by the alcohol present in many mouthwashes,
overusing mouthwash or disinfectant; sensitivity to carbamide peroxide,
smoking, certain foods
Often, scar tissue recedes into the piercing as the piercing heals or after
the barbell is shortened. Continue cleaning the piercing as suggested by
your piercer for the remainder of the healing period. If you are using
Listerine switch to an alcohol-free or reduced-alcohol mouth rinse such as
Biotene or Oral-B. The alcohol in Listerine could be a source of irritation.
Scar tissue caused by friction against the frenulum or by the piercing being
placed at an inappropriate angle may not recede and may worsen. Scar tissue
that is persistent or grows larger after the piercing has healed may not
recede unless the jewelry is removed. Extreme or persistent scar tissue may
need to be removed by a dentist or oral surgeon.
Some people successfully use an aspirin and water paste to dissolve the
excess growth if less harsh methods are unsuccessful. However, aspirin can
seriously damage oral tissues if left in place too long.
Tongue barbells will collect plaque, usually on the bottom ball, especially
in the crevice between the ball and bar. Plaque traps bacteria and can cause
the jewelry to have a bad odor. Daily use of an anti-plaque rinse is
suggested to prevent plaque build-up. To remove a build-up of plaque, remove
and soak jewelry in an antibacterial denture cleaner following the package
directions.
Check the tightness of tongue barbell balls daily to prevent losing or
swallowing the jewelry. Ask your piercer if your barbell is threaded at
one or both ends and if it is internally or externally threaded. Ask your
piercer to show you the barbell prior to insertion. Ideally the threads
should be at least three rotations and should fit securely. Swallowed
jewelry usually passes within 3 days.
TONGUE WEB / FRENULUM
2 - 4 weeks
The piercee must have a very pronounced frenulum to be safely pierced; there
must not be any visible blood vessels present. The piercing should be made
in the center of the triangle of the frenulum and not too close to the base
of the tongue, where there are blood vessels and glands present. Making the
piercing too deep can damage the sublingual salivary glands. Frenulum
piercings appear to be prone to rejection. The frenulum is easily torn with
frequent play. Tongue web jewelry easily accumulates plaque.
Initial jewelry: Bead rings and captive bead rings 14 to 12ga 5/16" to 7/16"
in diameter; for people with tongue piercings, a small curved barbell is
usually better suited, unless the relative placements, ring diameter and
tongue barbell ball size allow for a ring.
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
/\*/\
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 04:13:33 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 03 August 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0907980413340001@dynamic9.pm01.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 899982678 4541 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/jewelry/partD
Last-modified: July 08, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
2D --Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D.1 Navel Piercings
2D.1a "The Navel Piercing - A Better Alternative"
2D.2 Nipple Piercings
2D.2a Female Nipple Piercings
2D.2b Male Nipple Piercings
2D.2c Nipple Piercings and Breast Feeding
2D.3 Surface & Unusual Piercings
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
The following contains brief descriptions of each piercing and suggested
jewelry. Healing times offered are estimates. Healing time and success rates
vary for different people.
2D.1 NAVEL PIERCINGS
4 to 8 months
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to
10ga and usually 7/162 to 1/22 in diameter; rarely as thin as 16ga and as
small in diameter as 3/82. A ring which is too small in diameter will
constrict the piercing and cause the entrances of the piercing to migrate to
conform to the tight curvature of the ring. Curved barbells (1/4 of a
circle) in 14 to 10ga and 3/8" to 5/82 in length. Teardrop and oval rings
may also be worn when less extruding jewelry is desired.
The shape of the navel varies from person to person. Not all navels can be
successfully pierced. An "innie" navel with a distinct ridge or lip is most
likely to be pierced successfully. Navels lacking a distinct ridge often
cannot support a piercing and the piercing migrates or rejects. The upper
ridge is usually more prominent than the lower ridge. Often there is a
natural indentation or slight wrinkle where the piercing is made. The
entrances of the piercing should be placed equidistant from the edge of the
ridge to make the piercing as perpendicular to the tissue as possible.
The navel should be examined for suitability and measured before the jewelry
is selected. Placement of the piercing should be determined after examining
the navel in different body positions. The dimensions of the jewelry should
be chosen after measuring the width of the piercing. Often the navel ridge
will stretch and flatten when the piercee reclines. No more than 1/3 of the
ring should be through the piercing. If a curved barbell is chosen it should
be at least 1/8" longer than the width of the piercing.
A curved barbell is recommended if the piercee's waist folds at the navel
when he/she is sitting. In this case a ring would be forced to one side
causing the piercing to heal crookedly and scar. A curved barbell is also
recommended if the navel ridge is not distinct or if the ridge flattens or
inverts when the piercee reclines. If the ridge is not distinct the width of
the piercing often exceeds 1/2" and requires a ring of an uncomfortably
large diameter. A curved barbell provides a non-constrictive curvature.
Although the navel piercing is one of the most popular piercings it can be
one of the most difficult to heal. Wearing tight waistbands or frequent
activity involving bending at the waist can prolong healing time. The
pressure of waistbands will force the ring to one side causing the piercing
to heal crookedly and scar. Too much pressure can cause the piercing to
migrate or reject completely. A navel piercing performed at 14ga may heal
without incident if waistbands are avoided during healing but may begin to
migrate when the wearer resumes wearing very tight waistbands across the
piercing.
Some women have successfully worn navel piercing jewelry throughout pregnancy.
In other cases, the navel ridge pops out, making the jewelry uncomfortable.
Monofilament nylon or teflon is a more flexible option to metal jewelry. A
piercing that has been completely healed for several years will most likely
remain open if the jewelry is not worn; it will shrink, necessitating the aid
of an insertion taper to install the original jewelry.
The "outie" is a remnant of the umbilical cord which is connected to the
interior of the abdomen and internal organs. If an "outie" piercing were to
become infected, the infection could travel to the interior of the abdomen
or internal organs.
Of piercing "outies" Michaela Grey, formerly of the Association of
Professional Piercers <http://www.piercing.org/app/>, comments:
"The falciform ligament of the liver is attached to the umbilicus and the
liver, with only about an inch of ligament betwixt. In layman's terms, any
piercing of the scar tissue, whether recessed or an outie, would be only
about an inch or so away from a serious liver infection. I have never seen
any outie where there was enough loose, non-umbilicus fatty tissue covering
the actual button. It might take a few years, it might happen tomorrow, or
it might never happen, but the proud piercee has a little ticking time bomb
on her belly."
2D.1a "The Navel Piercing - A Better Alternative"
by Karen Hurt, Future Primitives, San Francisco, California
During the last few years I have observed an alarming number of navel piercings
struggling to heal. Most problems result from jewelry that is too small
causing stress to the openings of the piercing. I have seen navel piercings
with 3/8" - 1/2" rings containing 1/2" - 3/4" of tissue. It would be obvious
if a nipple or other piercing contained too much tissue for the jewelry; but
the navel is less obvious. It is not uncommon for navels pierced with a ring
to suffer through 6-18 months of healing time.
We have all seen irritated and inflamed navel piercings; many develop
discolored and hardened tissue around the openings. Some migrate and/or "grow
out." This happens because the jewelry is too small and needs to move through
the tissue to a position where it is no longer under stress. Removing the ring
and replacing it with a Curved Barbell has always solved these problems,
usually within days. A Curved Barbell allows the body to move naturally
without stress to the piercing and will not cause any of the undesirable
effects associated with the use of a ring.
Having worked in a high volume studio for over 5 years, I had the opportunity
to gain much insight into problems associated with piercings. I have come to
the conclusion that a Curved Barbell is the best initial jewelry for optimum
comfort and healing. Navels pierced using a Curved Barbell generally heal in
3-4 months.
People usually associate rings with navel piercings, but when they are made
aware that the healing time is greatly reduced with virtually no chance of any
irritation or scarring, they are usually happy to start with Curved Barbells.\
After the jewelry is inserted, they also like the look.
This is a shift in thinking for all of us (piercers and piercees), but the
overall benefits become obvious after a few piercings.
Suggested Navel Piercing Procedure
I encourage all piercers to carefully mark both the inside and outside of navel
piercings to insure that the piercing does not contain too much tissue. All
other piercings are marked on both sides and we see much better results in
overall appearance and healing. I believe that navel piercings should be
performed with equal care and precision.
Clean the navel with the piercee lying down, and mark a preliminary inner
placement dot. Assess the overall situation; if the navel area spreads
and/or flattens with no visible flap remaining, a Curved Barbell should be
used.
Have the piercee stand and mark a visually attractive and desirable outer
placement.
Lying down again, carefully measure the distance between the marks.
Adjust the marks to create a placement width that will accommodate the
jewelry of choice. Generally, both marks will need to be moved closer
together to create a balanced and attractive placement.
The final placement marks must be aligned and fine tuned with the piercee
standing. Make sure that the final width remains consistent with the chosen
jewelry. The initial Curved Barbell size should be 1/16" longer than the
maximum width of the piercing as measured with the piercee lying down.
If a ring is to be worn after healing, I suggest the following:
Future ring size: Maximum piercing width using a Curved Barbell:
3/8" 5/16"
7/16" 3/8"
1/2" 7/16"
5/8" 9/16"
Keep in mind that a 5/8" ring often causes irritation to the bottom of the
navel. The piercee may benefit from wearing a Curved Barbell most of the
time.
2D.2 NIPPLE PIERCINGS
4 to 8 months
Nipple piercings can be positioned horizontally or vertically. Rings are
usually chosen as the initial jewelry in horizontal piercings because they
can be cleaned more easily than barbells. The inside diameter of the ring
should be approximately 1/4" wider than the length of the piercing. No more
than 1/4 of the ring should be through the piercing. A ring which is too
small in diameter will constrict the piercing and cause the entrances of the
piercing to migrate to conform to the tight curvature of the ring. It is not
uncommon for the nipple to swell or actually grow in size during the healing
process; the ring should be wide enough to accommodate expected growth.
After the piercing has completely healed a smaller diameter ring can be
worn.
Straight and curved barbells are used for vertical piercings. Barbells may
be more appropriate than rings for horizontal piercings if the wearer
engages in contact sports or daily physical activities that involve lifting
and carrying. The barbell should be at least 1/8" longer than the width of
the piercing to facilitate cleaning and allow for swelling. The barbell
balls should be small enough in diameter so that they do not create pressure
against the areola, which can cause the piercing to migrate forward.
Piercings of flat or inverted nipples may be more successful when slightly
curved barbells are worn. If the nipple does not protrude from the areola a
slightly curved barbell will eliminate pressure between the barbell balls
and the areola. While in some cases piercing inverted or flat nipples causes
the nipples to develop and enlarge, such results are not guaranteed.
Piercings in flat or inverted nipples have an increased risk of migration or
rejection.
Jewelry which is too thin is more easily rejected by the body and more likely
to tear the piercing with strenuous play. For most people 14 or 12 gauge is
appropriate. Larger gauge piercings can comfortably withstand strenuous
play. Sensation and stimulation usually increase when larger gauges are
worn.
Multiple piercings can be made to crisscross (alternating horizontal and
vertical piercings) or made parallel. To prevent complications such as
scarring and piercing migration multiple piercings should be made
separately; the first piercing should be allowed to completely heal before a
second piercing is made. At least 1/8" of tissue should separate the
piercings to prevent pressure from the innermost piercing from causing the
outermost piercing to migrate out.
Please see Part 2B of the FAQ for information regarding nipple stretchers
and retainers.
2D.2a FEMALE NIPPLE PIERCINGS
Female nipple piercings should be made at the base of the nipple where it
meets the plane of the areola. The piercing should not be made behind the
nipple or through the areola unless the nipple is inverted.
Migration and rejection of the piercing is usually caused by pressure on the
piercing. Bras can create too much pressure on the piercing, particularly if
the bra is very tight or if the wearer has large breasts. When a bra is worn
the ring is pulled downwards and against the breast, creating leverage
against the piercing. Depending on the shape of the breast, wearing the ring
flipped up when wearing a bra often reduces pressure. Athletic bras stretch
more than standard bras and are often more comfortable. Wearing nursing bras
or cutting out the center of the bra cups will eliminate pressure while
providing support. Bras with seams across the nipple should be avoided; the
seam can easily irritate the piercing.
Many women with large breasts have found barbells much more comfortable than
rings during healing. Many women who have experienced prolonged or difficult
healing while wearing rings have successfully healed their piercings after
switching to barbells. The barbell balls should be small enough in diameter so
that they do not create pressure against the areola, which can cause the
piercing to migrate forward.
Piercings made through flat or inverted nipples are more likely to migrate
or reject. If the nipple is more easily pinched vertically a vertical
piercing is more likely to be successful. In some cases, the nipple is more
easily pinched at a diagonal, or perpendicular to the long axis of the
nipple if one is present. If the nipple continues to flatten or invert with
the jewelry in place, pressure is created between the skin and jewelry.
Larger gauge (12 or 10) piercings better withstand pressure and resist
migration. Piercings of flat or inverted nipples may be more successful when
slightly curved barbells are worn. A curved barbell will eliminate pressure
between the barbell balls and the areola.
The menstrual cycle may cause piercings to become irritated or more
sensitive, especially during the healing period. The swelling and water
retention usually associated with menses may cause the nerves in the nipple
to become pinched against the jewelry.
It is not uncommon for the discharge released during healing to seep from
the front of the nipple via the penetrated milk ducts.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to
10 gauge, 5/8" inside diameter or larger. The inside diameter of the ring
should be approximately 1/4" wider than the length of the piercing.
2D.2b MALE NIPPLE PIERCINGS
Because most men have very small or flat nipples the piercing is usually made
behind the actual nipple and through the areola so that the piercing is
approximately 3/8" to 7/16" wide. Nipples which are well defined and
larger than 1/4" wide can be safely pierced through the base of the
nipple.
Piercings made through flat areas, like the areola, are more likely to
migrate or reject. If the nipple is completely flat and cannot be easily
pinched the tension of the skin creates presure which may cause the piercing
to migrate forwards. Often, the nipple is more easily pinched vertically, in
which case a vertical piercing is more likely to be successful. In some
cases, the nipple is more easily pinched at a diagonal, or perpendicular to
the long axis of the nipple if one is present.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to
10 gauge, 1/2" inside diameter or larger. The inside diameter of the ring
should be approximately 1/4" wider than the length of the piercing.
2D.2c NIPPLE PIERCINGS AND BREAST FEEDING
Unfortunately no studies regarding nipple piercings and breast feeding
have been conducted.
The nipple contains many milk ducts. Piercings intersect the nipple and
the ducts perpendicularly. Most likely at least a few ducts would be
blocked by the piercing. There is a risk of blocked ducts becoming
irritated or infected if the milk collects in the blocked ducts and cannot
be expressed.
Most piercers maintain that nipple piercings will not interfere with breast
feeding later in life, provided that the piercings have completely healed
with minimal scarring. Factors which contribute to scarring are discussed
in Parts 2D and 6.1 of the FAQ.
One reader reported that the jewelry became extremely uncomfortable during
the final tri-mester, which forced her to remove the rings.
Removal of jewelry is suggested, a task which may become tiresome and
painful with the condition of the nipples during breastfeeding; for many
women breastfeeding can be quite painful at first. Jewelry may damage the
baby's delicate palate and prevent the baby from forming the tight seal
around the areola necessary for breast feeding.
Several women who have never had children, and a few men, have commented
that they have experienced discharge through the front of the nipple during
the latter stages of healing. This discharge is most likely discharge that
is associated with a healing piercing and not milk. A representative of the
Lactation Institute responded that piercing the nipple will not instigate
milk flow.
Kelly Fahey <kelfay@ix.netcom.com> comments:
"I will caveat this by saying that had my nipples pierced well after I had
my kid and stopped nursing. So I have experience in nursing and in pierced
nipples, but not in nursing with pierced nipples. I have lactated
consistently since my son was born 5 years ago. I've continued to lactate no
more or less with pierced nipples than I did with unpierced nipples (ok, so
it was a bit more at first!).
"There are 2 things that would seem to possibly affect a decision to pierce
the nipples in regard to lactation. The first is that the jewelry would have
to be removed during the period of nursing. In my experience, it is
completely unreasonable to think you could remove the jewelry only when it's
time to nurse. Time to nurse (in the first few months) means every 3 to 4
hours. Imagine taking time to remove nipple rings at 3 am with a baby
screaming! Pregancy and nursing change the body incredibly. It's entirely
logical that the piercings would close during this period, and even if they
didn't the breasts and nipples are most likely not going to be shaped quite
the same after weaning.
"The second factor is that breast milk comes from various small openings
(ducts) in the nipple surface, not a single one. I'm certain that some of
the milk ducts in the nipple surface are lost in piercing. Additionally, the
suckling sensation might prove to be really uncomfortable with any scar
tissue formed around a well-healed piercing. Nursing can be intensely
painful all by itself. "
Another woman comments:
"Although I did breastfeed both my girls (the baby until she was 3) I didn't
have my nipples pierced then. I do now, and I think that the gauge of the
ring would really mess up the milk expulsion. I still had milk at the time
of my nipple piercing although haven't nursed in years, and the rings
pierced the ducts and they now don't express like they did prior to the
piercing. IMHO it is best to wait on the nipple rings until the
breastfeeding experience is over. For me the nipple piercings were a right
of passage from "mommie" to parent of young adults - sort of."
Caro <caro@camelot.com>, <caro@nix.ha.md.us>, <http://nix.ha.md.us/~caro>
comments:
"I had stopped breastfeeding about six months before I was pierced, and I
had, to my knowledge, stopped lactating. When I was pierced, it stimulated
lactation, my doctor said. As I wasn't nursing or expressing, I developed a
breast infection and had to be treated with antibiotics.
"So my response would be this: If you have already nursed a baby, it's
possible that a piercing will cause you to relactate. If you have not
already nursed a baby, piercing will not induce lactation. Note: It is
possible for a woman to nurse an adopted baby, so hormones are not totally
necessary for lactation, but repeated persistent stimulation of the right
kind is required."
References:
Lactation Institute, Encino, CA, (818) 995-1913, Chele Marmet, Director
2D.3 SURFACE AND UNUSUAL PIERCINGS
Please note that most piercers do not commonly perform the following piercings
because of the risks of scarring and rejection.
Thanks to Shannon Larratt of the Body Modification Ezine for help in
compiling this information. For information about and documentation of
unusual piercings please see the Body Modification Ezine,
http://www.bme.freeq.com/
Surface Piercings
Also known as surface-to-surface piercings, these piercings tend to reject
because of anatomical mechanical stress. Surface piercings are temporary in
all but the rarest instances. A few of the standard piercings, such as those
of the eyebrow and Guiche, could be considered surface piercings if the
area is flat.
Various types of jewelry have been used in attempts to successfully heal
surface piercings. Some piercers feel that larger-gauged (10ga +) jewelry
will maintain the piercing longer. Others have tried using monofilament
nylon and teflon with the idea that the flexibility of the material will
reduce mechanical stress on the piercing. Stainless Studios
<http://www.stainless-studios.com/> have designed a barbell specifically for
surface piercings which reduces the pressure between the jewelry and the
tissue.
Areas most commonly attempted include the Madison (piercing made at the base of
the neck, between the collarbones); the loose skin under the chin; along the
forearms or wrist; in the male pubic area.
Elayne Angel of Rings of Desire <http://www.ringsofdesire.com> commented on
the topic of one successful forehead piercing:
"I did a forehead piercing on a woman named Jen, about 6 years ago, and it is
still in place. I began with a straight piece of 14 gauge monofilament and
used a traditional forcep procedure. It took about 8 weeks to heal pretty
well but she waited about 3 months to change to a slightly bent barbell. It
was very successful, I think in part because her tissue was pretty pinchable.
I was able to start with a significant amount of tissue, about 5/8"."
Handweb
4 to 6 months
The piercing is usually made through the web of skin between the thumb and
forefinger. It must not intersect the muscle tissue.
Handweb piercings are temporary in all but the rarest instances. The
mechanical stress created by hand movements causes the piercing to reject.
Handweb piercings greatly interfere with daily activities. Elayne Angel of
Rings of Desire <http://www.ringsofdesire.com> maintained a handweb piercing
for several years which eventually rejected.
Initial jewelry: Straight and curved barbells in 14 to 10 gauge, 1/4"
wider than the width of the piercing to accommodate swelling.
Uvula
The uvula is the little "punching bag" in the back of the throat. Most
piercers feel that the risks of performing the piercing are too great to
even consider performing the piercing.
During the Association of Professional Piercers Open Meeting in May 1997
<http://www.piercing.org/app/>, two lectures on anatomy and safe piercing
were presented by doctors Martin Goldstein and John Ward
<bones@softdisc.com>. Both discussed the risks of injesting and inhaling
jewelry, risk of infection travelling upwards into the sinuses, and the
risks of swelling creating an airway blockage.
While technically not the first person to perform the piercing, Jon Cobb is
credited as the inventor and promoter of this piercing having performed
about a dozen. Jon Cobb says that it is a dangerous piercing and he does not
recommend trying it. He no longer performs uvula piercings.
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
/\*/\
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 04:13:53 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 03 August 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0907980413540001@dynamic9.pm01.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 899982699 4488 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/jewelry/partE
Last-modified: July 06, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
2E --Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E.1 Female Piercings
2E.2 Male Piercings
2E.3 Genital Piercings and Sexual Activity
2E.4 Genital Piercings and Pregnancy
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
The following contains brief descriptions of each piercing and suggested
jewelry. Healing times offered are estimates. Healing time and success rates
vary for different people.
2E.1 FEMALE GENITAL PIERCINGS
Depending on how long the pubic hair is, the piercer may need to trim the
hair; shaving is not necessary. Shaving can be very irritating if the
piercee has never shaved or does not shave regularly which will only
compound the general irritation of getting a new piercing. Trimming the hair
allows the piercer to clean the area thoroughly, mark the piercing (between
hair follicles), and apply forceps without catching hair.
If a woman desires multiple piercings, not only must the placement be
decided based on your anatomy but on the placement of your existing
piercings. Outer labia piercings can pinch a hood or inner labia piercings.
A pair of outer labia rings can pinch the inner labia if the inner labia
protrude between the outer.
CLITORIS PIERCING
4 to 6 weeks
Piercings of the clitoris are not performed as often as piercings of the
clitoral hood; few women are good candidates anatomically. To be pierced
safely the clitoris must be large enough, at least 1/4" wide, to support the
jewelry and the hood must not constrict around the jewelry. If the jewelry
is constricted or twists under the hood the piercing may migrate, reject,
tear, or scar. Jewelry in a horizontal piercing may twist if the wearer's
pubic area is narrow or if she has large outer labia.
An exposed clitoris may be pierced horizontally or vertically. If the
clitoris is hooded a vertical piercing using a barbell is advisable to avoid
twisting of the jewelry. Rings are suitable only if the clitoris is exposed
or very loosely hooded.
Some women seeking a clitoral piercing lack sensitivity because the glans of
the clitoris is exposed and has been somewhat desensitized. A few women have
written that they have experienced spontaneous orgasms immediately after
piercing; this hyper-sensitivity usually recedes once the piercing heals and
the clitoris grows accustomed to the presence of the jewelry.
Nerve damage is more likely to result from piercing a clitoris that is too
small to support the piercing or from piercing through the shaft of the
clitoris and through the dorsal nerve.
Initial jewelry: Barbells in 16 to 14 gauge and 3/8" - 7/16" - 1/2" in
length. Captive bead or bead rings in 16 to 14 gauge and 3/8" - 7/16" - 1/2"
inside diameter.
FOURCHETTE
4 to 6 weeks
The Fourchette is a relatively new piercing, named for its location. Highly
anatomy dependent, this vertical piercing is made through no more than 3/8"
of surface tissue, from the bottom wall of the vagina over the perineum.
Attempts to place the fourchette into the vaginal canal tissue often results
in rapid rejection and pain. The fourchette is not suggested for a woman who
enjoys vaginal penetration on a regular basis as the tissue and piercing get
pulled into the canal.
Initial jewelry: Rings and curved barbells of at least 12 gauge and 1/2" -
9/16" - 5/8" in diameter/length.
HORIZONTAL CLITORAL HOOD PIERCING
6 to 8 weeks
The horizontal hood piercing is made through the pronounced vertical ridge
of hood tissue approximately 1/2" to 5/8" above the edge of the hood. The
horizontal piercing does not pass through the hood itself. Some women do not
have enough loose tissue to support a horizontal piercing. The clitoris and
hood tend to retract when standing which may make the horizontal piercing
uncomfortable or inappropriate; the position of the piercing and the ring
dimensions should be selected accordingly.
Placement of the piercing and selection of the ring dimensions should be
made so that the bead rests on the tip of the clitoris. The horizontal
piercing is most stimulating if the clitoris is exposed to the jewelry. If
the clitoris is not exposed the wearer may not feel much increased sensation
unless pressure is applied to the jewelry. Most women find larger sized
beads more stimulating because of the greater weight and surface area.
The ring as it passes through the piercing can stimulate the shaft of the
clitoris when pressure is applied. A larger gauge is more stimulating in
this manner.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings or bead rings in 14, 12, 10 gauge and
7/16" - 1/2" - 5/8" inside diameter, depending on the width of the piercing
and the desired location of the bead. The inside diameter should be at least
1/8" wider than the width of the piercing.
A thicker gauge should be considered if the wearer enjoys heavy rubbing or
friction during sex or if she uses a vibrator frequently. A thicker gauge
will will feel more comfortable and will be less likely to pinch or tear.
Women with a narrow pubic area and/or large outer labia or whose thighs
compress the pubic area when she walks may find this piercing uncomfortable
because the ring will have a tendency to twist when standing or walking. In
this case, a symmetrical teardrop shaped ring is often more appropriate than
a round ring. The tapered shape of the ring prevents it from getting caught
between the outer labia and painfully twisted and pulled, which can cause
the piercing to migrate or tear during healing. Most frequently used
dimensions of 3/8" x 1/2" and 1/2" x 5/8". The ring should be 1/8" wider
than the width of the piercing. Wearing a thicker gauge will also reduce the
risk of migration or tearing caused by twisting of the jewelry.
VERTICAL CLITORAL HOOD PIERCING
4 to 6 weeks
The vertical piercing made through the clitoral hood. This piercing is best
suited for a woman with a large and loose hood. An easy way to check for
comfort is with a lubricated cotton swab; if the entire cotton end will fit
under the hood comfortably the jewelry will fit comfortably as well. If the
jewelry is constricted the piercing may be uncomfortable.
This piercing stimulates the clitoris directly. If the wearer finds direct
touch uncomforble, she may find the vertical hood piercing uncomfortable. A
vertical hood piercing is often chosen if the wearer enjoys direct desires
to increase sensation.
The vertical piercing is usually performed using a needle receiving tube
inserted between the hood and the clitoris, the piercing made from the
outside and into the tube.
A few women have reported desensitization due to the continual exposure to
the jewelry over an extended period. Leaving the piercing empty for a few
weeks usually makes the piercing feel "like new" when the jewelry is
reinserted. Changing the jewelry design from ring to barbell or vice versa
can increase or descrease contact between the jewelry and the clitoris. Some
women find barbells more stimulating; the bottom ball rests on the clitoris
and the top ball rests over the shaft of the clitoris. Increasing the gauge
often increases sensation.
Initial Jewelry: Captive bead rings or bead rings in 14, 12, 10 gauge and
3/8" - 7/16" - 1/2" - 9/16" inside diameter. The inside diameter should be
at least 1/16" wider than the measurement from the tip of the hood to the
location of the piercing. Barbells and curved barbells in 14, 12, 10 gauge
and 5/16" - 3/8" - 7/16" - 1/2" long. The length should allow the bottom
ball to protrude from the hood. Wearing a barbell will eliminate twisting of
the jewelry against tight clothing.
A thicker gauge should be considered if the wearer enjoys heavy rubbing or
friction during sex or if she uses a vibrator frequently. A thicker gauge
will will feel more comfortable and will be less likely to pinch or tear.
INNER LABIA / LABIA MINORA
4 to 6 weeks
The amount of inner labia present varies with the individual - some women
may have available tissue an inch or so wide, while others may have the
barest, thinnest inner labia, too delicate to hold jewelry. Labia piercings
can be stretched considerably after healing.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings in 14 to 10 gauge, 1/2" -
9/16" - 5/8" in diameter. Circular barbells may have a tendency to unscrew
with friction from walking.
A thicker gauge should also be considered if the wearer enjoys rubbing or
heavy friction during sex or if she uses a vibrator frequently. A thicker
gauge will feel more comfortable and will be less likely to pinch or tear.
Occasionally a ring or extrusion of soft scar tissue will form around the
entrance holes. This scar tissue is thought to result from excess moisture
and irritation caused by friction or pulling against the wearer's clothing,
thighs or the opposite labia. Keep the piercings dry during daytime
activities by wearing cotton underwear to absorb perspiration and rinse away
excess perspiration. Salt water soaks (as described in Part 5 of the FAQ)
are very soothing and will aid healing. Usually the scar tissue recedes as
the piercing heals.
OUTER LABIA / LABIA MAJORA
3 to 5 months
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 12 to
10 gauge, 1/2" - 9/16" - 5/8" in diameter. The inside diameter of the ring
should be at least 1/4" wider than the length of the piercing to allow for
swelling during the healing period. Circular barbells may have a tendency
to unscrew with friction from walking. Straight or curved barbells are
suggested for new piercings because of the amount of swelling that often
accompanies piercing.
Occasionally a ring or extrusion of soft scar tissue will form around the
entrance holes. This scar tissue is thought to result from excess moisture
and irritation caused by friction or pulling against the wearer's clothing,
thighs or the opposite labia. Keep the piercings dry during daytime
activities by wearing cotton underwear to absorb perspiration and rinse away
excess perspiration. Salt water soaks (as described in Part 5 of the FAQ)
are very soothing and will aid healing. Usually the scar tissue recedes as
the piercing heals.
Scarring can also result from wearing a ring that is too small in diameter
to accommodate swelling. Migration / rejection of the piercing can result
from wearing a ring that is too small in diameter or too thin.
TRIANGLE PIERCING
4 to 6 months
This piercing is made horizontally through the loose tissue under (not
below) the shaft of the clitoris, above the juncture of the inner labia
and
clitoral hood. The area to be pierced can be felt as a triangular shape
behind the shaft when the area is pinched with the fingers. The piercing is
stimulating to the wearer when the ring is pulled, flipped up, or with
pressure on the hood and clitoris.
The Triangle piercing is very anatomy dependent. The clitoris and
surrounding tissue must protrude from the pubic bone to allow for a
comfortable piercing. The clitoris and hood tend to retract when standing,
which may make the piercing uncomfortable or inappropriate; the position of
the piercing and the ring dimensions should be selected accordingly.
Women with a narrow pubic area and/or large outer labia or whose thighs
compress the pubic area when she walks may find this piercing uncomfortable
because the ring will have a tendency to twist when standing or walking. In
this case, a symmetrical teardrop shaped ring is often more appropriate than
a round ring. The tapered shape of the ring prevents it from getting caught
between the labia, painfully twisted and pulled, which can cause the
piercing to migrate or tear during healing. Most common dimensions are 3/8"
to 1/2" wide by 1/2" to 5/8" long. Using a thicker gauge will prevent
tearing and can reduce the discomfort of twisting. The ring should be widest
at the 1/3 that is worn through the piercing to allow for swelling.
Bead rings or captive bead rings in 12 to 10 gauge, 5/8" - 11/16" - 3/4"
inside diameter; diameter should be at least 1/4" wider than the width of
the piercing to allow for swelling.
CHRISTINA
4 to 6 months
A vertical piercing made through the V-shaped juncture of the mons and outer
labia. Because of the thickness of the tissue healing time is relatively
lengthy. Incidence of migration and rejection tends to be high. This
piercing is highly anatomy dependent and the piercing should be performed
only if a distinct ridge of tissue is available to support the piercing.
Often the area flattens or changes shape with leg movements; placement and
jewelry selection should be determined accordingly. This piercing is subject
to mechanical irritation and friction against clothing and the surrounding
anatomy.
Initial Jewelry: 12ga 3/4" - 1" curved barbell, barbell at least 1/4" longer
than the width of the piercing to allow for swelling and cleaning. Because
the piercing is usually at least 1/2" to 5/8" wide, a ring of large enough
in diameter will protrude uncomfortably against clothing.
ISABELLA
This piercing is documented in Issue #17 of Piercing World Magazine (UK).
The safety and viability of this piercing has been questioned by a number of
experienced piercers. As depicted this piercing is likely to sever the
dorsal nerve and artery of the clitoris which could cause a complete loss of
sensation and excessive bleeding.
PRINCESS ALBERTINA
Another relatively new and experimental piercing documented in Issue #19 of
Piercing World Magazine. The safety, not to mention viability, of this
piercing has been questioned by a number of experienced piercers in the US.
In her "Editorial" in the Association of Professional Piercers Newsletter
"The Point", Vol.1, No. 5 <http://www.piercing.org/app/>, Michaela Grey
writes:
"[This piercing] forces a ring into the tiny, extremely sensitive female
urethra and out through the hymen. As women are NOT men, and do not have a
man's large, relatively exposed urethra, the area is not sturdy enough to
withstand minor infections or the weight and friction of a ring. The female
urinary tract is less than 2 inches long. An infection of the piercing could
travel rapidly to the bladder and become quite serious. The piercing would
not only be very uncomfortable but extremely dangerous."
2E.2 MALE GENITAL PIERCINGS
Most men have found that penis piercings performed at 12ga or thinner tend
to be uncomfortable or pinch during sexual activity, but that once the
piercing has been stretched to a thicker gauge the pinching sensation
disappears.
Bruising is not uncommon with Prince Albert, Dydoe, Ampallang and Apadravya
piercings.
AMPALLANG
6 to 10 months; may require a year or more to completely heal
The Ampallang is made horizontally through the glans (head). There is some
debate among piercers regarding the placement of the Ampallang. A piercing
intersecting the urethra is in effect two piercings, allowing urine to
irrigate through the piercings. Piercers who prefer the transurethral
piercing contend that a transurethral piercing tends to heal faster and be
stronger than a piercing made above the urethra. The Ampallang may bleed
considerably during the first 3 to 5 days.
Initial jewelry: Barbells in 14 to 10 gauge; the length of the barbell must
be determined by measuring the penis while it is erect, using calipers.
APADRAVYA
6 to 10 months; may require a year or more to completely heal; healing time
may be less if the piercing is a continuation of the Prince Albert
The Apadravya is made vertically through the glans, and is often a
continuation of the Prince Albert. The Apadravya may bleed considerably
during the first 3 to 5 days.
DYDOE
3 to 6 months
Dydoe piercings are usually done as a pair, at the 10:00 and 2:00 positions
through the corona (ridge) of the glans (head). Dydoe piercings are less
likely to migrate or reject if the corona is pronounced.
Initial jewelry: barbell studs in 14 gauge, 3/8" - 7/16" in length; curved
barbells may be better suited for some men's anatomy. Many Dydoe wearers
consider rings uncomfortable.
FORESKIN
2 to 4 months
This piercing can be very stimulating as the jewelry rubs against the glans
during sexual activity. One large-diameter ring can be worn through two
piercings made on either side for infibulation.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 12 to
10 gauge, 1/2" inside diameter or larger.
FRENUM
2 to 4 months
This piercing is made through the loose skin along the underside of the
shaft, about 3/8" below the "V" formed by the corona (ridge). The amount of
available tissue varies and depends on how much tissue was removed during
circumcision. The frenulum itself, which is sometimes left intact after
circumcision, is not strong enough to support jewelry.
It is not necessary for the penis to be erect during placement; however, the
placement may change when the penis is erect.
A series of frenum piercings is called a "Frenum Ladder." The skin of the
lower half of the penis tends to be thinner and flatter, increasing the
chance of migration or rejection. Tension is increased if the barbell balls
are too large and create pressure against the skin behind them.
A frenum piercing made at the base of the penis has acquired the name Lorum,
short for "lower frenum."
If the wearer is uncircumcised the piercing is placed inside the foreskin. A
ring is usually chosen to be more comfortable than a barbell. The foreskin
should be loose enough to allow for proper cleaning and comfortable fit. The
piercing should not be made through only the frenulum which is too thin and
fragile to suport jewelry. Some uncircumcised men have naturally occurring
holes through the frenulum.
Initial jewelry: Barbells in 12 to 10 gauge, 1/2" - 9/16" - 5/8" in length,
determined by measuring the length of the piercing. Rings can be worn only
if enough loose tissue is available; 12 to 10 gauge, inside diameter 1/8"
wider than the width of the piercing.
After the piercing is healed, a ring measured to fit snugly around the erect
penis just behind the corona (ridge) can be worn. A frenum loop can be
attached to the barbell for added sensation to both partners. Frenum loops
can be either a flat or rounded horse-shoe shaped piece, 1/4" to 5/16" wide.
Some designs have balls soldered onto the outside of the loop to stimulate
the wearer's partner.
GUICHE
4 to 6 months
This piercing is made at the base of the scrotum, through the perineum, just
in front of the position of the inseam of a pair of pants. Attaching weights
to this piercing is said to be extremely stimulating.
Guiche piercings can be difficult to heal. For most men the area is flat and
subject to friction, both factors which contribute to the piercing migrating
or rejecting. A naturally outward facing fold of loose skin is optimum for
this piercing.
Guiche piercings are located in an area that tends to stay moist with
perspiration which is an irritant.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings; in 12 to 10 gauge, 9/16" -
5/8" - 11/16" inside diameter; inside diameter 1/8" wider than the width of
the piercing. Some men may find a curved barbell more comfortable than a
ring. Gold tends to be too flexible to maintain ring shape in thinner than
10 gauge. Circular barbells may have a tendency to unscrew with friction
from walking.
HAFADA / SCROTUM
3 to 5 months
The scrotum piercing can be difficult to heal because of the constant
contact with clothing and lack of ventilation. The scrotum expands and
contracts, stressing the entrances of the piercing which can contribute to
the piercing migrating/rejecting. Piercings can be made anywhere on the
scrotum, though piercings made through outward facing folds of skin may
decrease the likelihood of rejection or migration. Care must be taken not to
puncture the testicle sac itself which can lead to very serious infection.
Occasionally a ring or extrusion of soft tissue will form around the
entrance holes during healing. This condition is usually due to a
combination of perspiration and dried discharge irritating the piercing
entrances. Keeping the piercings dry during daytime activities by wearing
cotton underwear to absorb perspiration and rinsing away perspiration will
aid in healing. Salt water soaks will aid in healing and are very soothing.
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to
10 gauge, 9/16" - 5/8" - 11/16" in diameter.
PRINCE ALBERT
6 to 8 weeks
The piercing placed on the underside of the penis, in the center of the
triangle which can be drawn in the "V" of the glans.
This piercing is usually performed with the aid of a needle-receiving tube
inserted into the urethra; the piercing is made from the outside and going
into the tube so that the tip of the needle is outside of the urethra when
the tube is removed. It has been noted that larger gauge piercings will
pinch the flesh against the inside of the tube, in which case some piercers
with experience performing large gauge piercings have devised alternate
methods of piercing from the inside out.
The Prince Albert may bleed considerably during the first 24 to 48 hours.
It is possible to make a Prince Albert piercing if the piercee is not
circumcised. Some uncircumcised me may find a curved barbell more
comfortable. The foreskin should be loose enough to allow for proper
cleaning and comfortable fit. If the foreskin is too tight to be completely
retracted the piercee may opt to have the bottom edge of the foreskin cut.
This procedure can, in some cases, be considered medically necessary if the
foreskin is so restrictive as to be painful during erection or sexual
activity. This procedure should be performed by a physician and the foreskin
allowed to heal before the piercing is made.
Even if the wearer is circumcised often a thin remnant of the frenulum is
present, requiring that the piercing be made slightly to one side. To
minimize friction the piercing is usually made on the opposite side of the
direction the wearer "dresses" (the direction the penis leans in pants).
Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 10
gauge, 5/8" - 9/16" - 3/4" inside diameter or larger; inside diameter of the
ring should be 1/8" wider than the width of the piercing. The width of the
piercing is determined by measuring the length between the piercing to the
bottom edge of the urethral opening. If the ring diameter is too small it
could cause pinching or tearing of the urethra when the penis is erect.
Curved barbells in 12 to 10 gauge, 1/2" - 9/16" - 5/8" - 11/16" - 3/4";
length should be equal or 1/16" longer than the length of the piercing; the
ball at the urethral end should be large enough to prevent it from slipping
into the urethra.
The piercing itself will not leak when the wearer urinates unless the
piercing has been stretched beyond the thickness of the ring. The urine drip
that is associated with the PA is a result of the urine dripping from the
jewelry. A few male readers suggest turning the penis 90 to 180 degrees
while holding the ring to the side. Wearing a curved barbell may reduce the
drip but may cause a spray if the ball blocks the urethra.
It is not uncommon for a Prince Albert piercing to stretch 2 or more gauges
within the first year with frequent sexual activity or heavy jewelry. It is
possible for the P.A. to lose width and/or depth, in which case switching to
a lighter weight piece of jewelry is suggested.
The REVERSE PRINCE ALBERT piercing is made through the top of the glans,
usually about 3/8" to 1/22 from the top edge of the urethral opening.
2E.3 GENITAL PIERCINGS AND SEXUAL ACTIVITY
Genital piercings are intended to increase sensation for the wearer and, in
the case of male piercings, his partner during foreplay and intercourse.
However, wearing genital jewelry does require caution during certain
activities, particularly if the piercing has not yet completely healed. When
both or one partner is pierced, extra care must be taken to prevent injury
or broken condoms. In some cases, the piercings and the desired activity are
simply not compatible.
New piercings do not prohibit sexual activity. However, exposure to the
partner's bodily fluids must be prevented to reduce the risk of infection,
even in a monogamous relationship. Numerous microorganisms, including
bacterias, viruses, and yeasts, are present in genital and oral cavities.
Saliva should not be used as a lubricant for masturbation or intercourse
while the piercing is healing. Both partners should wash their hands before
touching the jewelry or the piercing. Latex barriers (condoms, dental dams)
should be used during all genital-genital or oral-genital contact. Cleaning
the piercing after activity is suggested.
There is no evidence that piercings of the penis cause urinary tract
infections in either partner.
In the case of Prince Albert, Ampallang and Apadravya piercings erection or
orgasm may cause the piercing to bleed during the first 5 to 7 days. Heavy
activity and intercourse during the healing period may prolong healing and
cause uncomfortable scarring.
Heavy pulling, pinching or tugging on jewelry that is too thin for the
particular piercing may tear or reopen the piercing. The thicker the
jewelry, the more surface area over which pressure is distributed. The depth
and width of the piercing will also determine the amount of heavy play it
can comfortably withstand.
Discomfort caused by friction against the jewelry or friction within the
piercing can be alleviated by applying a water based lubricant to the
jewelry.
Penis jewelry rarely interferes with male-female intercourse. Comfort and
stimulation are greatly influenced by the position of intercourse and the
relative dimensions of the penis and vagina. Discomfort to either partner
can often be alleviated by changing the gauge, dimensions or style of the
jewelry. Some women find frenum, Apadravya and Ampallang barbells
uncomfortable. Shortening the barbell length, if possible, or wearing
smaller barbell balls may reduce discomfort. Frenum barbells may be
substituted by ring which snugly encircles the penis behind the ridge of the
glans, if the placement of the piercing allows.
Most men have found that penis piercings performed at 12ga or thinner tend
to be uncomfortable or pinch during sexual activity, but that once the
piercing has been stretched to a thicker gauge the pinching sensation
disappears.
Penis piercings with average sized jewelry rarely interfere with the use of
condoms. Condoms with larger receptical ends will fit comfortably over
Prince Albert jewelry. Lubricating the inside of the condom as well as the
jewelry itself will reduce friction. Diaphrams may be dislodged by curved
barbells or circular barbells worn in the Prince Albert piercing.
It is possible to engage in safe anal intercouse with piercings. Copious
amounts of lubricant and a condom are suggested. The jewelry must be of
appropriately size and design for comfort.
On rare ocassions penis jewelry has been known to chip teeth or become
lodged in the partner's throat during oral sex.
2E.4 GENITAL PIERCINGS AND PREGNANCY
Piercings which are in danger of tearing when the vaginal opening widens
should be removed. A Fourchette piercing will probably not survive the
birthing process. Horizontal hood and Triangle piercings may stretch
uncomfortably or tear with the jewelry in place.
In the interest of a safe birthing, it is of the author's opinion that
jewelry should be removed in case of a complicated birth. The jewelry could
get in the way of emergency procedures should the need arise. The doctor or
midwife may feel uncomfortable working with the jewelry in place and you
should discuss the matter prior to delivery. The jewelry can be easily
replaced after birthing is complete.
One woman comments:
"From long experience I can tell you that the properly placed labia
piercing(s) can indeed stay in throughout the pregnancy and labor and
delivery. I was pierced before I ever imagined having children and when
twice blessed wore the jewelry through both pregnancies and deliveries.
However, I had a midwife for my prenatal care and delivery and she didn't
bat an eye on any exam, but was somewhat confused when she felt the jewelry
during delivery because I was in an unusual position and she couldn't see
what was going on. However, no mention of removal was made, so they stayed
in. I would bet that a midwife would be more receptive to allowing the
jewelry to stay put, because as a general rule midwives are fairly accepting
of women and their life choices."
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
/\*/\
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 3--Getting a New Piercing
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:20:35 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982320380001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902297862 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/getting-new-pierce
Last-modified: August 04, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
3--Getting A New Piercing
3.1 Assessing Anatomy and Jewelry Selection
3.2 What to Look for in a Piercer
3.3 Piercing Needle or Gun?
3.4 Basic Piercing Procedure
3.5 Methods of Sterilization and Disinfection
3.5a Autoclave
3.5b Dry Heat
3.5c Pressure Cookers
3.5d Ultrasonic Cleaners
3.5e Sterilizer Monitoring and Testing
3.5f Bagging Instruments for Sterilization
3.5g Disinfectants
3.6 Anesthetics
3.7 Are You Under 18?
3.8 Does It Hurt?
3.9 Making Your Experience More Comfortable
3.10 Piercing Kits and Doing It Yourself
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
3.1 ASSESSING ANATOMY AND JEWELRY SELECTION
The piercer should discuss the viability of the piercing with regard to the
client's anatomy, daily activities, and to what purpose the piercing serves.
Not everyone is anatomically suited for every piercing. A piercing should
not be attempted if not enough tissue is available to support the piercing.
Some people's daily activities or sports prohibit certain piercings or
prolong healing.
Piercings made in flat areas have a greater tendency to migrate or reject
(grow out). The optimum area to be pierced is one in which the piercing will
be perpendicular to the tissue, like an earlobe piercing. The more a
piercing deviates from perpendicular the greater the pressure between the
jewelry and the tissue.
Wearing jewelry of the proper metal, design, and dimensions (gauge and
diameter) is important for a successful piercing. The jewelry should be
chosen after assessing the viability of the piercing and taking the required
measurements. Everyone is built differently, and the jewelry must be
selected accordingly. Jewelry that is too thin in gauge is more easily
rejected by the body. Wearing jewelry that is too thin increases the risk of
the piercing being torn or ripped completely through if the jewelry gets
caught or pulled. Wearing jewelry that is too thick and heavy may cause the
piercing to migrate or reject. The gauge must not be so thick that the
strength of the tissue is compromised.
The diameter or length of the jewelry must be chosen carefully. Some
piercings tend to swell during the healing period. Wearing jewelry that is
too small in diameter or length creates pressure on the piercing and the
piercing will migrate or reject to reduce the pressure.
The jewelry should be new and should be polished to a mirror-like shine,
regardless of the type of metal. Previously-worn jewelry can have minute
scratches which can irritate a new piercing and trap bacteria. Oral jewelry
is often scratched even after only a short time of wear. Oral jewelry also
collects plaque which is very difficult to remove, especially around
threads.
3.2 WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PIERCER
The best way to judge a piercer is to look at his/her work. If possible,
talk to customers about their experiences. If this is not possible, ask to
see a portfolio, specifically photographs of the piercing you are interested
in and preferably photos of successfully healed piercings.
While attendance of a piercer training seminar or class should be considered
advantageous, it does not guarantee a piercer's level of skill or
experience. Ideally, a training seminar serves as a well-rounded
introduction to safe and responsible piercing.
Consider first visiting the studio without intending to get pierced, so
that you are not under pressure or too nervous to be aware of the quality
of the services.
The facility should be clean, orderly, and well-lit. All Instruments
utilized during the procedure should be sterile. Disposable items such as
gloves, needle, cork, towels, cotton swabs, and gauze pads should all be new
and sterilized if possible.
The piercer should answer any questions fully before and after the piercing
is performed. You should feel comfortable and at ease, not rushed. The
piercer should review the procedure and aftercare (both oral and written
instructions) before performing the piercing. S/he should also discuss the
risks and possible complications associated with the piercing, which may
include migration or rejection, scarring, allergy or sensitivity to the
jewelry or aftercare products, and a recommended course of action. The
piercer should also review causes and symptoms of infection.
It is your responsibility to inform the piercer of any medical conditions
which may be exacerbated by the piercing procedure or of conditions which
may interfere with the healing process. A responsible piercing studio will
require that you complete a waiver form which describes the limits of
piercer liability as well as what you should expect before, during and after
the piercing procedure. The waiver serves to protect both the piercer and
customer.
In the United States most piercers require that you be 18 or over. If you
are under 18 some piercers may perform some piercings with parental consent
and/or presence during the piercing. Most piercers will refuse to perform
certain piercings because of their location or expected further development.
Every instrument which comes into contact with your body or with the jewelry
should come from sealed sterilization packets with autoclave indicators. The
needle and jewelry should remain in sterilization packets or disinfectant
solution until they are to be used. Jewelry, as it is received from the
manufacturer, should be assumed to be non-sterile. There is some debate over
whether jewelry should be sterilized in individual autoclave packages or
bulk sterilized and soaked in a Level 1 hospital disinfectant (such as
Madacide) prior to insertion. Ideally, the jewelry should be sterilized in
individual autoclave bags and the package opened in front of the piercee so
that there is no question that the jewelry has been sterilized. If the
jewelry is bulk sterilized, it must be stored and handled responsibly. If
the jewelry has been handled with bare hands or sitting in a display case it
should be resterilized. Jewelry that has previously been worn should be
sterilized.
Cross contamination occurs when a clean or sterile item comes into contact
with a contaminated item. Cross contamination also occurs when a clean or
sterile item is handled with contaminated gloves or gloves that have been
worn to handle contaminated items. To prevent cross contamination of sterile
instruments during the piercing procedure, the piercer should change gloves
if s/he touches anything that is non-sterile or unsuitably contaminated (ie.
handled with bare hands or used instruments that have not been sterilized).
After the piercer completes the piercing procedure, s/he should change
gloves before handling items that will not be disposed of or autoclaved.
3.3 PIERCING NEEDLE OR GUN?
Ear Piercing Gun
The piercing gun is intended to be used on ear lobes only. Even so, ear
piercing studs are of one length and too short to accommodate swelling or
earlobes which are thicker than average.
Ear piercing studs are very difficult to clean thoroughly. The butterfly
clip backing can become clogged with hair, discharge, dirt, and bacteria.
Studs also have a tendency to become wrapped with hair, embedding the hair
in the piercing.
The piercing gun procedure causes more tissue trauma than the piercing
needle procedure. The studs are considerably duller than a piercing needle
and literally tear a hole through the tissue, whereas the needle slices a
clean hole the gauge of the jewelry to be installed. A cleanly made hole is
especially important in cartilage piercings.
Most importantly, the cleanliness of the piercing gun method is
questionable. Ear piercing guns are usually made of plastic and cannot be
properly sterilized in an autoclave. While stores performing piercings with
the gun claim that their services are safe and sterile, simply wiping the
gun with a surface disinfectant is not adequate when the piercing gun could
possibly be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Although the piercing studs
themselves may be sterile, piercing guns which touch the earlobe before and
after piercing and can easily be contaminated with blood or blood plasma.
Some piercing guns are designed with stud cartridges to reduce the risk of
contamination. However, if the cartridge is reversible, the used half of the
cartridge contaminates the gun when it is reversed. The gun is also
contaminated if the piercer touches the studs after they are installed and
then touches the piercing gun without changing gloves.
From The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/hiv_aids/hivinfo/transmit.htm
"In 1985, CDC issued routine precautions that all personal service workers,
such as hairdressers, barbers, cosmetologists, and massage therapists should
follow, even though there is no evidence of transmission from a personal
service worker to a client or vice versa. Instruments that are intended to go
through or penetrate the skin, such as tattooing and acupuncture needles or
ear piercing devices, should be used once and thrown away or thoroughly
cleaned and then sterilized. Instruments such as razors, which are not
intended to penetrate the skin but which may become contaminated with blood
should be used for only one client and thrown away or thoroughly cleaned and
disinfected after each use."
Single-Use Disposable Needles
Piercing needles are hollow, lancet-point needles, beveled and sharpened
similarly to the hypodermic needles used by medical professionals. Most are
about 2 inches in length. Piercing needles slice a crescent-shaped hole and
do not remove tissue. The larger the needle, the more exaggerated the
crescent shape of the hole. Most piercers in Europe use cannula needles
designed for intravenous drips, which are fitted with a plastic sheath that
is used to thread the jewelry into the piercing.
The needle should remain in its sterile, utoclave package until the piercer
is ready to proceed with the piercing. Needles should be used only once and
placed in a Medical Sharps container which is disposed of through a medical
waste disposal service. Aside from cleanliness concerns, needles are
noticibly dulled from a single use.
References:
"Complications of Ear Piercing: Treatment and Prevention," W.M. Hendricks,
Asheboro Dermatology Clinic, North Carolina. Cutis, 48:5, 1991 Nov,
384-94, ISSN 0011-4162.
"Embedded Earrings," H.A. Cohen et.al., Pediatric Community Clinic, Petach
Tikvah, Israel. Cutis, 53:2, 1994 Feb, 82, ISSN 0011-4162.
"Embedded Earrings: a Complication of the Ear Piercing Gun," H.R. Muntz
et. al., Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, St. Louis Children's
Hospital, Washington University Medical Center, Missouri 63110. In J
Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 19:1, 1990 Mar, 73-6, ISSN 0615-5876.
"Experts Discourage Use of Home Piercing Kits," WRAL-5, Oct 20 97,
http://www.wraltv.com/features/healthteam/1997/1020-ear-piercing/
"Hazards of Ear Piercing Procedures which Traverse Cartilage: A Report of
Pseudomonas perichondritis and Review of Other Complications," V.L.
Cumberworth and T.B. Hogarth, Department of Otolaryngology, Queen's
Medical Centre, University Hospital, Nottingham, England. Br J Clin Pract,
44:11, 1990 Nov, 512-3, ISSN 0007-0947.
"Infection as a Consequence to Ear Piercing," J. Gearge and M. White.
Practitioner, 233:1465, 1989 Mar 22, 404-6, ISSN 0032-6518.
"The Piercing Gun," Association of Professional Piercers Procedural
Standards,
1998 edition, pp 31-38, http://www.piercing.org/app/
"Pseudolymphoma of the Earlobes Due to Ear Piercing," I. Zilinsky et. al.,
Department of Plastic Surgery, Chaim Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
J Dermatol Surg Oncol, 15:6, 1989 Jun, 666-8, ISSN 0148-0812.
3.4 BASIC PIERCING PROCEDURE
Prep
The area to be pierced should be disinfected using a surgical scrub.
Povidone iodine (name brand Betadine) is most often used for prep. To
prevent contamination and preserve efficacy, individually packaged single
use disposable swabs and wipes are preferrable to a bottle. Some people are
allergic to povidone iodine; an allergy to shellfish indicates a likely
allergy to iodine. Povidone iodine can cause chemical irritation to mucous
membranes and genital tissue.
Chlorhexidine gluconate solutions (name brand Hibiclens) are impractical
for use as prep because they require thorough rinsing and should not be
used near the eyes or ears.
PCMX (Chloroxylenol) surgical scrubs are a more appropriate alternative to
povidone iodine. PCMX is non-toxic, more effective against a broader range
of microorganisms than povidone iodine and is unlikely to cause an allergic
reaction. PCMX pentrates the skin to provide efficacy for six hours after
application. Techni-Care brand surgical scrub does not require rinsing.
Information about Techni-Care and a pamphlet comparing PCMX to povidone
iodine and Hibiclens is available from Care-Tech Laboratories,
1-800-325-9681, <http://www.caretechlabs.com>.
The mouth should be prepped for oral piercings by rinsing with an
antibacterial mouthwash.
Placement should be marked with a non-toxic, Sharpie brand marker after the
area has been thoroughly disinfected. Markers should not be reused after
marking genital or tongue piercings. Some piercers take an extra precaution
and use disposable markers or a sterilized toothpick dipped in Gentian
violet (or food coloring if Gentian violet is not available).
Tools
Most piercers use forceps to clamp the area to be pierced when both
entrances of the piercing can be marked. Forceps provide a guide for
accurate placement. Forceps commonly used are the Pennington (triangular
head) and the Foerster (oval head). The serations on the head of the forceps
are sharp and should be filed down to prevent excess irritation. The forceps
should be clamped using the tension of a rubberband wrapped around the
handles. Clamping the forceps using the teeth on the handles is extremely
uncomfortable and can cause bruising. Most piercers use sterilized,
disposable cork to support the side opposite the needle and to guard against
accidental needle sticks.
Vertical Clitoral Hood, Prince Albert, and some ear cartilage piercings are
performed with the aid of a surgical steel needle receiving tube. Septum
piercings are usually performed with the aid of a flared needle receiving
tube. Nostril piercings are usually performed with a large, angled needle
receiving tube.
Method of jewelry insertion depends on the jewelry. In the case of rings
the rounded convex end of the ring will fit against the flat hollow end of
the needle. Unless a larger gauged needle is used, the ring will not
actually fit inside the needle. When inserting rings, contact between the
needle and ring must be maintained, or the piercing could be lost.
Externally-threaded jewelry is difficult to safely insert install into a new
piercing. The exposed threads can get caught on the inside of the piercing,
making insertion painful and difficult. Often contact between the needle and
the jewelry cannot be maintained and the piercing is lost. Some externally
threaded jewelry is designed so that the threaded section can be inserted
into the end of the needle. Otherwise, a needle large enough to accommodate
the threaded section should be used to prevent the threads from tearing the
piercing.
Internally threaded barbells are best inserted using a thin insertion taper
or wire, one end of which is inserted into the barbell, the other end
inserted into the needle, which prevents the needle and barbell from
slipping apart mid-way during installation.
The jaws of any pliers used to torque open, tighten, or expand rings should
be wrapped in surgical tape to prevent the jewelry from being scratched.
Brass-jaw pliers have been recommended as the brass is softer than steel and
is thus less likely to mar the jewelry.
3.5 METHODS OF STERILIZATION AND DISINFECTION
Sterilization is the process of killing all microorganisms including
bacteria, fungi, viruses, and bacterial spores. The needle, jewelry, and all
instruments that touch the piercing or the jewelry must be sterilized.
Improper sterilization or lack thereof can result in the spread of
infectious bacteria and viruses. Boiling is not a suitable method of
sterilization.
3.5a Autoclave
The most complete and reliable method of sterilization is the steam or
chemical process autoclave. The steam autoclave uses pressurized steam; the
chemical autoclave often uses Ethylene oxide. Autoclave sterilization is
used by medical professionals and meets federal standards of sterilization.
Steam autoclaves are used by piercers more frequently than chemical autoclaves
because of the hazards associated with Ethylene oxide.
3.5b Dry Heat
While OSHA Standards (December 6, 1991; 29 CFR 1910.1030) recognizes dry
heat sterilizers, they are not the best option for maintainence of some of
the equipment used for piercing.
3.5c Pressure Cookers
Pressure cookers may also be used for sterilization but with many
disadvantages. Sterilizing items in a pressure cooker is more time consuming
and requires a separate heating element. Pressure cookers are not as
reliable as autoclaves in maintaining temperature and pressure and do not
display time, temperature or pressure (PSI). If a pressure cooker is used,
items should be processed for at least 30 minutes at 15-20 pounds pressure
(270 degrees F; 132.2 degrees C). Use of a pass/fail indicator inside every
sterilization package is strongly suggested. Pressure cookers will not dry
the sterilized items and as long as a sterilization bag is wet it is
susceptible to contamination.
3.5d Ultrasonic Cleaners
Prior to sterilization, instruments should be cleaned with an ultrasonic
cleaner. The ultrasonic uses vibration to remove any solid debris; it does
not sterilize. The ultrasonic cleaner is usually filled with a
hospital-level disinfectant solution (see 3.4g) which is replaced daily.
Jewelry should not be placed in the ultrasonic cleaner with tools or other
jewelry because it will be scratched.
3.5e Sterilizer Monitoring and Testing
Autoclaves as well as dry heat sterilizers should be tested regularly by an
independent laboratory. Monthly or weekly test kits are available from most
sterilization supply companies and through some tattoo supply companies.
These kits contain two bacteria spore samples, one of which is cycled in the
autoclave and the other used as a control. Spore tests can also be used with
each load.
Another type of autoclave test are pass/fail indicators placed on the
inside of each autoclave package to indicate that the inside of the
package has been penetrated. These indicators react to time, temperature
and steam pressure and not simply to heat.
3.5f Bagging Instruments for Sterilization
Instruments to be sterilized are placed in sterilization bags which are then
sealed with indicator tape. Both the bag and the tape are marked with
indicator strips which change color to indicate that the item has been
processed or exposed to heat. Indicator strips on autoclave bags and tape
are not indicative of proper sterilization.
Piercing needles usually arrive from the manufacturer or supplier pre-
sterilized in sealed autoclave bags. Many piercers take the added
precaution of resterilizing needles or buying in bulk and sterilizing the
needles themselves so that there is no question of how the sterilized
needle has been handled.
Surgical steel forceps and other tools made specifically for piercing such
as needle pushers and insertion tapers are manufactured to be
autoclave-safe.
All surgical stainless steel, titanium, niobium, and platinum jewelry can be
safely sterilized. Gold jewelry will be discolored by certain chemicals (for
example, iodine) and may become discolored in the autoclave when placed in
autoclave bags with heat indicators.
3.5g Disinfectants
Hospital-level disinfectants, such as Madacide and Wavicide, destroy many
microorganisms but do not destroy bacterial spores. Disinfectants do not
replace autoclave sterilization.
These disinfectants are used disinfecting hard surfaces (ie. trays, table,
chair) before and after each piercing procedure. Product usage
instructions vary, and some may not be suitable for all surfaces or
applications. Some disinfectants are very irritating, toxic, and require
special disposal. This factor should be taken into account when using
disinfectants for jewelry presoak.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Hospital Infections Program
"Sterilization or Disinfection of Patient-Care Equipment: General Principles"
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hip/sterilgp.htm
"MadaCide-1: Technical Presentation 08/01/97" manual
MADA Medical, 60 Commerce Road, Carlstadt, New Jersey 07072
1-800-526-6370, (201) 460-0454
OSHA
"Occupational Exposure To Bloodborne Pathogens Standards"
http://www.osha-slc.gov/OshStd_data/1910.1030.html
3.6 ANESTHETICS
In the United States topical anesthetics are only available by physician's
prescription. Injectable anesthetics are only available to licensed
physicians.
Topical anesthetics have little effect on areas other than mucous membranes
and require a few minutes to be absorbed. Ethyl Chloride spray is used by
many piercers in Europe. Frostbite and chemical irritation can result if
Ethyl Chloride is misused.
Most piercers agree that injectable anesthetics are not advantageous. When
performed by an experienced piercer the piercing should require only a
second to perform. Injectable anesthetics may interfere with placement of
the piercing because the anesthetized tissue will swell.
Some people are allergic to anesthetics. A severe allergic reaction, called
anaphylaxis, can be deadly. Physicians are trained to look for signs of a
severe allergic reaction and are able to treat severe reactions. A piercer
may not have these resources available.
Some piercers feel numbing the area masks poor piercing technique. Those in
favor of using anesthetics feel that piercers should use every tool
available towards making the piercee more comfortable. You as a piercee
should weigh supporting arguments and make your own decision as to whether
or not to allow the use of anesthetics during your piercing.
3.7 ARE YOU UNDER 18?
Piercing in the United States is largely unregulated. Only a few states have
laws restricting or prohibiting piercing minors.
In the United States most piercers require that you be 18 or over. If you
are under 18 some piercers may perform some piercings with parental consent
and/or presence during the piercing. Most piercers will refuse to perform
certain piercings because of their location or expected further development.
Please think twice before getting pierced by a piercer who does not care how
old you are. A piercer who is not concerned about your physical development
and the appropriateness of the piercing may not care about hygiene and
safety either.
A Note for Parents:
If your teen is interested in getting pierced, realize that he/she is
probably interested in getting pierced safely. Some teens will resort to
piercing themselves with whatever is available which can result in
infection, scarring, excessive bleeding and swelling, or possibly to more
severe adverse reactions. This article is designed as a guideline to help
you discuss the pros and cons of piercing and make an informed decision
together with your teen.
Piercing is an invasive procedure akin to minor surgery. You are probably
very selective about medical procedures and choosing a physician. The same
care and concern should be taken when selecting a piercer. Don9t shop around
for the cheapest price; shop around for the piercer who is most concerned
with the health and well-being of your teen.
Hygiene: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes the
autoclave as the only reliable method of sterilization. Your piercer should
have an autoclave which is spore tested at least monthly by an independent
lab. Every instrument which comes into contact with your body or with the
jewelry should come from sealed sterilization packets with autoclave
indicators.
Ear piercing guns are designed to be used on the earlobes only. Piercing
guns should not be used to pierce other parts of the body, including the
nostril. Many problems that occur with gun piercings of the ear cartilage
may be attributed to the use of a piercing gun.
Jewelry: Implant Grade Stainless Steel, niobium, titanium, and solid gold of
at least 14k are the only metals appropriate for body piercings. A reputable
piercer will have copies of the metal grade certification. The jewelry
should be polished to a mirror-like shine, regardless of the type of metal.
The piercer should discusses the appropriateness of the piercing with regard
to the client's anatomy and daily activities. The jewelry should be chosen
after the area is measured. Everyone is built differently, and the jewelry
must be selected accordingly.
Appropriateness of Piercing for Minors: Most teenagers are still growing and
developing. For example, navel piercings would not be suitable for a growing
body. Most facial piercings are suitable for most teens over the age of 16.
Most state regulations explicitly prohibit performing nipple and genital
piercings on minors.
Aftercare: The piercing is susceptible to infection while it is healing.
Appropriate aftercare is important to reduce the risk of infection. All
piercings require a great deal of attention during the healing period to
avoid infection of other complications. Complete healing may require
anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on the location. All piercings
require regular cleaning, twice daily is usually adequate. This will involve
removal of dried discharge associated with the healing process and a
thorough cleaning, usually in the shower. Contact with dirty hands,
clothing, bedding, and bodily fluids can easily lead to infection.
Permanence: While piercings are not as permanent as tattoos, a piercing
usually leaves a small scar. Whether or not the piercing will close or leave
a scar depends primarily on how old the piercing is. Older, healed piercings
will shrink but probably will not close.
3.8 DOES IT HURT?
When performed by an experienced piercer, most piercings require only a
second to be performed and pain is minimized. Most people experience some
level of discomfort or pain during the piercing procedure. The amount of
discomfort or pain you feel is influenced not only by the location of the
piercing but by your state of mind.
Many people find breathing exercises helpful towards relaxation,
concentrating on breathing slowly and deeply during the entire procedure,
even while the piercer is preparing for the piercing. Many piercers will
work with your breathing pattern, either by piercing on your exhale or on
your signal. Holding your breath will cause you to tense.
A feeling of light headedness or slight dizziness during the first 10 to 20
minutes after the piercing is not unusual. Some people feel a rush of
adrenaline and endorphins. Both sensations are the part of body's natural
chemical response to what it perceives as a sudden injury.
Some people do react strongly enough to faint. If you feel faint recline
with your legs elevated. People who have not eaten within 6 hours of getting
pierced are more likely to feel faint.
Most importantly do not feel embarrassed if you do feel lightheaded, faint,
or become nauseous. You cannot control how your body reacts and your piercer
is already familiar with and prepared to handle these responses.
3.9 MAKING YOUR EXPERIENCE MORE COMFORTABLE
Get plenty of rest the night before. Eat a good meal and drink plenty of
fluids within 6 hours of getting pierced.
Do not consume alcohol, large amounts of caffeinated beverages, or
blood-thinning medications within 12 hours prior to or 24 hours after
getting pierced (or 24 hours after the piercing stops bleeding). If you must
take blood-thinning medication discuss this with your piercer and your
doctor prior to your appointment.
Wear clean clothes. Depending on the location of your piercing, do not
wear restrictive clothing.
If you are getting a facial piercing, do not wear makeup around the
piercing site. If you are getting an ear piercing, wear your hair away
from your ear.
If you are considering getting more than one piercing in a single session,
consider factors such as your body's ability to heal multiple piercings
and comfort during the healing period.
3.10 PIERCING KITS AND DOING IT YOURSELF
Piercing kits have many disadvantages. Most kits do not include everything
considered essential to performing a safe, hygienic piercing. The jewelry
and tools are usually non-sterile and have probably been handled with
unwashed hands. The jewelry and all tools that come in contact with
piercing and jewelry must be sterilized in an autoclave. Piercing kits
usually do not contain gloves and skin disinfectants necessary for
disinfecting the skin rior to piercing.
Piercing kits come with "one size fits all" jewelry which may not be
appropriate in gauge or dimensions for your piercing. The instructions,
when included, will not explain the anatomical considerations for
placement. Nor will the instructions replace the knowledge and practiced
technique of an experienced piercer.
Some piercings are more easily performed using forceps or a needle
receiving tube. Some sizes of rings require pliers to open and close the
ring or to remove and replace the bead. If you do not have the appropriate
tools, the piercing may be difficult to perform and the results may be
poor.
When the expense of everything that is required to perform a piercing
safely and hygienically is calculated, the cost is often greater than
getting pierced at a reputable studio. If you are unable to properly
sterilize the jewelry, needle and tools in an autoclave, the cost may be
greater if an infection results.
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:20:58 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982320580001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902297876 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/professional-resources/partA
Last-modified: July 20, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
4A --Professional Organizations, Instruction
4A.1 Professional Organizations
4A.2 Piercing Instruction
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
4A.1 PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
==========================
ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS, 519 Castro Street, Box 120,
San Francisco, California 94114
app@sfo.com
http://www.sfo.com/~app
http://www.piercing.org/app/
Non-profit organization.
Publishes "The Point" newsletter, information on techniques, products,
sterilization, and laws that affect the piercing profession.
Back issues on view at website.
Members must comply to a number of strict safety and hygiene
requirements including but not limited to autoclave testing, completion
of Red Cross First Aid/CPR Course, and submission of studio photos.
For more information contact:
Derek Lowe, Secretary, <piercer@ns1.inxpress.net>,
Steve's Tattoos, 1148 Williamson St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703,
(608) 251-6111,
or Jeff Martin, Outreach Coordinator, <bloodletter@earthling.com>,
Piercing Experience, 1654 McLendon Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30307,
1-800-646-0393
AMERICAN BODY ART ASSOCIATION, 2309 Ft. Henry Drive, Kingsport,
Tennessee 37664
(423) 378-6402
http://www.body-art.com/abaa.htm
paptat@body-art.com
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF BODY ARTS
http://www.bme.freeq.com/caba/index.html
Contact Denise Robinson of AMBIENT <ambient@ambient.on.ca>
"A non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the Body Art
industry as safe and ethical, and eliminating misinformation while
maintaining high standards in member shops. Membership not limited
to Canadian shops."
EUROPEAN PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS ASSOCIATION, Bristol
0117 960 3923
Contact Phil Barry, Chairman
NATIONAL PIERCING ASSOCIATION**, PO Box 14345, San Luis Obispo, CA
93406
(805) 549-9346, 1-800-549-4NPA
**The NPA was "put on hold" in the summer of 1995. The future of the
NPA is unknown.
PENNSYLVANIA COALITION OF PROFESSIONAL TATTOOISTS AND BODY PIERCERS
http://www.pa-tattoo.com/
President Tim Azinger, PO Box 502, Carnegie, PA 15106
(412) 531-5319, <Amazinger@aol.com>
Vice-President Drake Cox, (814) 726-2860, fax (814) 716-2850,
<tattoo@pa-tattoo.com>
4A.2 PIERCING INSTRUCTION
====================
DSTHETIC PIERCING, David Scheidl, Sulzdorfer Weg 7, 86655 M|ndling Harburg,
Germany
(0 90 80) 20 15, fax (0 90 80) 40 77
http://www.piercing.de
info@piercing.de
ECLIPSE INK, INC. PIERCING WORKSHOP, 7615 Aurora Avenue N., Seattle,
Washington 98103
(206) 706-0333, fax (206) 706-3100
ald@wolfnet.com
Instructors: Al D. of Urban Aboriginals Body Modifications and David Vidra
of Body Work Productions.
THE EXOTIC BODY, 1219 19th Street, Sacramento, California 95815
Office: 2804 T Street, Sacramento, 95815
1-800-411-OUCH (6824), Fax (916) 455-8239
mike@exoticbody.com
http://www.exoticbody.com
FAKIR MUSAFAR PROFESSIONAL BODY PIERCING INTENSIVES
Insight Books, P.O. Box 2575, Menlo Park, California 94026
(415) 324-0543
http://www.bodyplay.com/school/
FREEDOM DESIGN EMPORIUM TATTOOING, Jeff or Vicki Fuhrmann
PO Box 1173, Clarkdale, AZ 86324-9998
(520) 639-3036
http://www.sedona.net/fdetat2/apprent.html
flashtat@sedona.net
FUTURE PRIMITIVES, PO Box 14102, San Francisco, California 94114
(415) 351-1444
http://www.fprimitive.com/
karen@fprimitive.com
Piercer: Karen Hurt (formery of Gauntlet)
On-site piercer-training available.
GAUNTLET PIERCER TRAINING SEMINARS, 131 Franklin St. San Francisco,
California 94102
(415) 552-0505, fax (415) 552-0874
http://www.gauntlet.com/
seminars@gauntlet.com
Contact Michael Mulcahy.
Seminars divided into two courses: seminar A, two days of intensive health
and safety information; Seminar B, 3 days of detailed anatomical survey of
popular piercing locations, demonstrations and guided practice (attendees
will perform basic body piercings).
IMAX INTERNATIONAL, Via Emilia, 41, PO Box 240, 47036 Riccione Rn Italy
Tel. +39 541 642160, Fax +39 541 643542
http://www.imaxint.com
imax@rimini.com
Contact Max Grassi
METAL MORPHOSIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BODY PIERCING, Unit 4 Peterly
Business
Centre, 472 Hackney Rd., London E2 9EQ, England
0171 729 9223
http://www.metalmorphosis.co.uk/metal.morphosis
http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/town/estate/gx18
metal.morphosis@dial.pipex.com
4 and a half day course with an average of 10 to 15 piercings done
under the guideness of our senior lecturer Mr David J Potasnick.
NEXT! BODY PIERCING & AFTERCARE, 1068 Granville St., Vancouver, V6Z 1L4 Canada
(604) 684-6398
PIERCING PRO'S INC., 5925 Newport Avenue, Portage, Indiana 46368
(219) 764-2759, pager 1-800-483-0094 pin#4916862
Contact Jim Trafny <jimie1@juno.com>
Piercing needles, tools, supplies.
Onsite consultations for studio design and training programs.
PROFESSIONAL PIERCING INFORMATION SYSTEMS, PO Box 390288, Anza,
California 92539
(415) 201-2181, (909) 763-9728, fax (909) 763-9729
ppis@koan.com
Contact Debra Miller and Sky Renfro
Providing information, consultation and piercing seminars in a variety of
geographical locations.
STAINLESS STUDIOS, 609 Queen St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2B7 Canada
(416) 504-1433, 1-800-548-7615
http://home.ican.net/~bodyart/
bodyart@io.org
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 04:14:55 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 03 August 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0907980414560001@dynamic9.pm01.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 899982761 4488 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/professional-resources/partB
Last-modified: July 08, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
Piercer Reviews are provided by readers of rec.arts.bodyart. The Piercer
Review Form is available at http://www.best.com/~ardvark/review.html
If you find your studio listed and feel that you have been misrepresented
by as review, or if you have corrections to make in the listing, please
email me at <ardvark@best.com>.
Studios marked with an asterisk * also manufacturer/distribute body
jewelry. Please see Part 11A - B for more information.
4B PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS - UNITED STATES - ALABAMA - CALIFORNIA
============================================================
Alabama
=======
TATTOO JUNGLE, 3180-A Pelham Pkwy, Pelham
(205) 663-8707
Piercer / tattoo artist: Jessica
Reviewed by Kenneth Lavender <grendel@scott.net> who received a tongue
piercing from Jessica: "The shop is very clean and professional looking.
The walls are decorated with pictures of healed pierces and tattoos.
Smoking was not allowed inside the building. The staff was well-modded,
helpful and very friendly. Jessica was very knowledgeable, she explained
to me why she recommend 14g for me, and made me very comfortable. She is
very concerned with being sterile. Everything is wiped down between
customers. Everything is handled with brand new gloves. Once I found
myself reaching up to my mouth and she swatted my hand away. Jewelry and
tools individually sterilized."
Alaska
======
BODY PIERCING UNLIMITED, 2408 C St., Anchorage, 99503
(907) 279-1300
Piercer / owner: Kevin McKinley (attendee of both Gauntlet Piercer
Training Seminars)
Piercers: Hardt Sachs (attendee of the Gauntlet Piercer Training
Seminars, Exotic Body Seminar, and Fakir Intensives); and Nicole Perry
(apprenticed under Kevin)
BODY PIERCING UNLIMITED, 59 College Rd. Suite 203, Fairbanks, 99701
(907)-458-RING
Piercer / owner: Kevin McKinley (attendee of both Gauntlet Piercer Training
Seminars)
Piercer / manager: Nikki Drummond (apprenticed under Hardt and Kevin)
Arizona
=======
BODY CREATIONS, 5008 W. Northern Ave., Ste. #7, Glendale, AZ 85301-1570
Phoenix Metropolitan area
(602) 934-9964
http://www.exotic-piercing.com/locator.htm
http://www.banet.com/1body/creations.htm
piercing@dancris.com
Piercers: Debbie Frederick (attendee of both Gauntlet Piercer Training
Seminars), and Jerry Frederick (attendee of Gauntlet Basic Seminar), both
members of the APP.
Tue - Fri 12 - 7pm, Sat 12 - 5 pm
Reviewed by Dave Calhoun <dcal@futureone.com>, <dcal@primenet.com> who
has received a number of piercings from both Jerry and Debbie: "The two
individual piercing rooms and dispensary area (where it really counts) are
impeccably clean. I have never felt other than totally comfortable when
there. All instruments are autoclaved in sealed packets, and opened only at
the moment of use; two autoclaves are onsite; spore tests are regularly done
and that the reports are available for review and shown on request. All
jewelry is bulk autoclaved and soaked in Madacide disinfectant immediately
prior to insertion. Two to four changes of gloves are pretty normal for both
Debbie and Jerry during a given piercing session. They are both very
professional and knowledgeable, and take what they are doing very seriously.
Yet they are both very warm, outgoing, and friendly people, ready and willing
to discuss any and every aspect of your contemplated piercing or jewelry
change, including their personal experiences with same. Full aftercare
instructions (as well as dietary and lifestyle suggestions) are provided in
writing."
G-NATION at OLD TOWN TATTOO STUDIO, 1905 East Grant Road, Tucson, 85719
(520) 323-6966
abrown@azstarnet.com
Piercing exclusively at .
Piercer: "Little Arni" Arnold Brown (formerly of Red Dragon, VA, attendee of
Fakir Intensives)
Mon - Fri 5 - 9pm, Sat 12 - 9pm
*HTC BODY ADORNMENT STUDIO*, 12416 N. 28th Dr. #20, Phoenix
(602) 942-8810
http://www.navel.com/htc/
htc@xroads.com
Piercer: Wes
Reviewed by J.S.(Shawn) Eddy <eddyj@agcs.com> who received the second of
a double nipple piercing from Wes: "No smoking; no pre-teens in shop;
everyone gets carded and has to sign waiver. Jewelry based on Wes's
expert opinion on best way to keep the piercings from migrating together.
HTC gives out a booklet on caring for piercings in general and a
supplementary sheet for each major type of piercing. HTC sticks with
Betadine, which isn't any favorite in the FAQs. I cleaned with Soft Soap
twice a day, washing out, wetting with Betadine and rotating for
4-5 minutes and thoroughly washing out. The rings were handed to me in
clear packages to hold and they were hotter than <beep>. Tools laid out
neatly on surgical cart; needle in sealed package opened in front of me.
Wes changed gloves at least once during the piercing session. He worked
fast and accurately - sort of in and out. But it a busy studio; you are
wise to call for an appointment or you may wait an hour or more. But I
observed that Wes always finds a few minutes between clients to answer a
couple questions or check out a piercing that is infected or not healing
correctly."
*HTC BODY ADORNMENT STUDIO*, 808 South Ash, Tempe, 85281
(602) 784-4460
http://www.navel.com/htc/
Piercers: Glen and Kelsey
Reviewed by J.S.(Shawn) Eddy <eddyj@agcs.com> who received nipple piercings
from Kelsey: "No smoking; no pre-teens in shop;
everyone gets carded and has to sign waiver. New looking carpet and
furniture; doctor's waiting room appearance. HTC gives out a booklet on
caring for piercings in general and a supplementary sheet for each major
type of piercing. HTC sticks with Betadine, which isn't any favorite in the
FAQs. I cleaned with Soft Soap twice a day, washing out, wetting with
Betadine and rotating for 4-5 minutes and thoroughly washing out. After
taking a look at my nipples Kelsey recommended 1/2" CBRs but said any
material and gauge would work. I chose surgical implant steel and 12 ga
(later I went to 10 ga). The rings were handed to me in clear packages to
hold and they were hotter than <beep>. Tools laid out neatly on surgical
cart; needle in sealed package opened in front of me. Kelsey changed gloves
3 times as I recall. Glen changed my rings to barbells and re-installed the
rings a week later. Neither of them touched me or any instruments or jewelry
without gloves. I'm tempted to call Kelsey "Doctor." She is methodical and
painstaking in her work. My rings are perfectly horizontal and at the same
depth. Glen is more of the "hotshot," the tattoed wonder guy who seems to
know a great deal about the art. Once I just dropped by for a check-up
without an appointment; they fit me in within 10 minutes."
PIERCING EAR TO THERE, 26 Brewery Gulch, Bisbee, 85603
(520) 432-5151
EartoThere@theriver.com
Piercer: Bliss Frings (attendee of Gauntlet Piercer Training Seminars)
Reviewed by Laura Bryannan <laura@isp.nwu.edu>,
<http://www.isp.nwu.edu/~laura/> who received inner labia piercings from
Bliss when she was working in Chicago: "I worked with Bliss for my first
non-ear pierce because I was doing something unusual and she was the only
piercer I spoke with who listened to me and seemed to care what I wanted.
There was no sense of assembly-line energy, like I experienced with some of
the more name brand shops here in Chicago. She asked me intelligent questions
and shared her opinions about how the pierce should go. I would describe her
as friendly and knowledgable, with great bedside manners. Bliss was totally
anal-retentive about (sterilization/hygiene). I got a few calls from her
after the pierce to see how things were healing.
"Bliss measured and measured, and measured again, to be sure I would be able
to eventually put one ring through both inners, which was my ultimate goal
for this pierce. Bliss wanted me to wait six weeks (four weeks at the
earliest) before switching from two rings to one. This was her estimated
healing time. However, I switched to one ring after two weeks, to no ill
effect."
SEA-ROD PIERCING, 2616 N. Steves Blvd., Flagstaff, 86004
(520) 526-9400
SEAROD9400@aol.com
Piercer / owner: Carrie Black (member of the APP; attendee of Gauntlet
Piercer Training Seminar)
Tue - Fri 11am - 7pm, Sat 9am - 5pm
Major credit and debit cards, in-state checks
California
==========
ANUBIS WARPUS, 1525 Haight St., San Francisco, 94117
(415) 431-2218
Reviewed by Elly Millican <elly@maz.org> <http://www.maz.org/squad/elly>
who received a nostril piercing from Ben: "There's more stuff in the
shop besides just the piercing area. The whole place is very clean,
everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. The piercing area itself is
well equipped, clean, professional but not stuffy or stressful. All
in all the atmosphere is great. The only downside, because they're on
Haight Street they get so much business that the attention you get isn't
so personal. I don't really know anything about his training or background.
He has pierced me and my boyfriend and he has been really great both times.
Completely professional, quick, skilled. He is also really sweet and makes
the experience of handing over trust to a complete stranger really easy.
He didn't discuss infection or metal allergy with me, but he did tell me
how to clean and told me to come back or call if anything was happening
that I had questions about. He also gave me a handout that talks about
cleaning it but I don't remember if it says what to do if its infected.
Shop used spore tests. Jewelry bulk-sterilized."
BEAR THUNDERFIRE, (206) 322-1288, 1-800-577-7468 (pin 255-4317)
thnderfire@aol.com
See also PIERCE INK, California
Piercing and branding.
BLACK & BLUE TATTOO, 483 14th Street, San Francisco, 94103
(415) 626-0770
http://www.quikpage.com/B/blackandblue/
http://www.sirius.com/~geofw/bb
Piercer: Raelyn Gallina (see below)
Sun 12 - 7pm
*BODY ADORNMENTS*, 1751 Dolliver, Pismo Beach, 93449
(805) 773-8807
Piercers: Gregorio Goss, Johanna
BODY EXOTIC, 466 Meridian Ave., San Jose, 95126
(408) 99-EXOTIC, (408) 993-9684
http://www.bodyexotic.com/
bil@bodyexotic.com
Piercers: Bil Brierley (attendee if the Fakir Intensives); and Ted Frye;
and Kathryn Beaumont (attendee if the Fakir Intensives, by appointment
only, specializes in female genital piercing)
Reviewed by Darwin Boblet <darwin_boblet@hp-sanjose-om1.om.hp.com>
who received a tongue piercing from Bil: "The shop is clean with a nice
waiting room and jewelry display. Two separate piercing rooms with draw
curtains. Bil took lots of time to check out the proper size jewelry for
my tongue just in case had another piece of jewelry standing by ready
to go. We discussed the size quite a bit since I initially wanted a
10ga and though he was willing to do it he preferred to use a smaller
gauge. We discussed the actual location for the pierce for some time
before we did it. I wanted to be sure that the top ball was located far
enough back to not cause a problem with my speech. This was the second
time I had my tongue pierced; the first one had to be removed mostly
because of intense speech problems. This time the placement was
perfect. Bil is very knowledgeable, likes to take his time with each
client and has a friendly professional manner giving you the feeling
that you are getting 'special' service. They perform routine spore tests
on their autoclave, the latest test result is posted for public
display; recognized by the County of Santa Clara as an 'Outstanding'
Community Health Outreach Volunteer with regards to communicable diseases.
Bil even gave me a 24 hour number where he could be reached if needed."
BODY MANIPULATIONS, 3234 16th St., San Francisco, 94103
(415) 621-0408
Piercers: Vaughn (Paul Thorpe), Joey Wyman, Paul Stoll, Dawn Slaton
Branding and scarification also available. All services on a walk-in
basis; ritual body modification by appointment.
Sun - Thu 12 - 7pm, Fri - Sat 12 - 8pm
Manufacturer of basic jewelry designs as well as custom orders.
Reviewed by Ted Liu <dcn@uiuc.edu> who received ear cartilage piercings
from Sandra Ducheneaux: "Quiet shop, only 2 staff people. [She has]
studied Fakir Musafar's methods. I think she figured I had experience so
she didn't tell me about calming methods. We were having a conversation
while she was prepping the area and I didn't even notice the needle going
through. I felt it soon enough! It was over before I knew it."
Reviewed by Ruth Fry <calyxa@chucko.com> who received both nipple piercings
from Vaughn in separate sessions: "When I got the left one done he
stretched the right one from 14 to 12ga. Autoclave packages were opened in
front of me. Vaughn was very comfortable to be with."
CLIFF CADAVER, 11628 1/2 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 91604
(818) 980-5994
http://www.venturablvd.com/studio_city/SDC82731.html
CLASSIC TATTOO, 1710 W. Foothill Blvd., Upland, 91786
(909)949-7971
Piercer: Jim Kearney
Reviewed by Pat Drnec <puck@primenet.com>,
<http://www.primenet.com/~puck/bodyart.html> who received nipple and navel
piercings from Jim: "The shop was very clean and well set up. As this was my
first piercing experience, I didn't know what questions to ask or what to
look for. I did not see evidence of an autoclave, although the needle and
the jewelry were both cleaned with Betadine. [Not an acceptable method of
disinfection. -Ed]
"Jim is a very pleasant fellow, and happy to chat. He's been piercing
for quite some time and seems quite competent. Both piercings were done
with a minimum of pain (very quick and clean), and he used great care to
position and mark entry and exit holes before putting needle to flesh; he
measured first. I don't know if he's still recommending Hibiclens; it was
somewhat harsh, and I found myself diluting it at half the recommended
strength."
CLAW, 705 6th Ave, San Diego, (619) 239-3246
Piercer: Eddie Castro
Cash, check, charge
Reviewed by Nancy L. Worthington <kbeckwit@sdcc6.ucsd.edu> who received a
nipple piercing from Eddie: "The piercing area consisted of a back room,
rather small. Tools and jewelry were sterilized, rubber gloves worn by the
piercer. The needle was disposed after use. The piercer was very friendly and
calm. It was my first non-conventional piercing, but Eddie was very helpful
and encouraged input (i.e., checking very carefully with me to see if I liked
the position, telling me exactly what he was going to do before he did it).
He not only gave me a piercing aftercare sheet with The Claw's phone number
and his scheduled hours, he made very certain that I had all my questions
answered before I left."
KEN COYOTE, Santa Cruz, (408) 459-8582
Trained by Fakir Musafar. Piercing in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties
by appointment.
CRYSTAL CROSS, Los Angeles
primeval@pacificnet.net
Branding, scarification, and Yakuza bead implants.
By appointment only.
Crystal is available for piercing at PRIMEVAL BODY.
CURIOSA, 803 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 95064
(408) 423-3208
piercers: Alan and Cooper (attendee of the Fakir Intensives)
*DAKOTA STEEL, INC.*, 2827 S Rodeo Gulch Rd, #7, Soquel, 95073-2069
Phone (408) 464-7333, Fax (408) 464-3202
Piercer / owner: Erik Dakota (formerly of Anubis Warpus, advanced training
by Fakir Musafar, assistant instructor of Fakir Intensives)
Piercing, branding, and cutting by appt only.
Reviewed by Gary Yuen <gyuen@documagix.com> who received left nipple
and PA piercings from Eric: "[The studio] has everything essential for a
shop (waste basket for hazardous materials), clean tools laid out and
prepared. He keeps his jewelery in a cabinet and selects according to
someone's anatomy. Eric is a really cool guy, one of the nicest people
I've ever met, helpful, open, willing to answer any questions. He'd always
wear two layers of latex gloves and replace the top one if he ever touched
anything unclean. Explained what needed to be considered while making
[placement] marks or doing any other part of the pierce.
Overall, I've been extremely happy with Eric. I've gotten piercings from
other shops and have never been as close to happy as with Eric.
Lastly, he seems very busy. I think he mostly does the piercings during
the evening (appointment only)."
DARRIN'S EXOTIC BODY PIERCING, PO Box 6325, Concord, 94524
(510) 685-4221
dlwalt@ix.netcom.com
Piercer: Darrin Walters (member of the APP)
DR. JEFE'S, 4944 Newport Ave., San Diego
(619) 233-1771
Piercers: Jeff Fagin (owner; attendee of The Exotic Body Seminars); and
Todd.
Reviewed by Gabriella Tako (gtako@ucsd.edu) who received nipple and a genital
piercing unique to her anatomy from Jeff: "A working and new autoclave was
visible and being used, tools and jewelry were sterilized and Jeff goes
through gloves like a kid through candy. Shop had done over 7,000 piercings
(4/96). Good bedside manners, talkative, and confident."
*THE EXOTIC BODY*, 1219 19th Street, Sacramento, 95815
Office: 2804 T Street, Sacramento, 95815
1-800-411-OUCH (6824), Fax (916) 455-8239
mike@exoticbody.com
#exbody@shellx.best.com
http://www.exoticbody.com
Piercer: Michael Hare
Branding and scarification available.
Daily 12 - 9pm
FAKIR MUSAFAR, c/o Insight Books, P.O. Box 2575, Menlo Park, 94026
(415) 324-0543
*FUTURE PRIMITIVES*, PO Box 14102, San Francisco, 94114
(415) 351-1444
Piercer: Karen Hurt (formerly of Gauntlet)
RAELYN GALLINA, Box 20034, Oakland, 94620, (510) 655-2855
See also BLACK & BLUE TATTOO, CA
*GAUNTLET* (retail), 2377 Market St., San Francisco, 94114
(415) 431-3133, fax (415) 431-3170
http://www.gauntlet.com/
Manager / Master Piercer: John Stryker
Piercer: Teri Cameron
Members of the APP
MC/VISA/ATM
*GAUNTLET* (retail), 8722 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069
(310) 657-6677, fax (310) 657-4657
http://www.gauntlet.com/
Gauntlet_LA@sebastienne.com
Staff rotates with PRIMEVAL BODY.
Manager: Darryl Carlton
Senior piercers: Mic Rawls
Piercers: Rick Oehler
Apprentice: Jayson Marston, Nema Enrique, Nadja Sweiilem
Members of the APP
MC/VISA/ATM
GOLD COAST TATTOO, 616 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey
(831) 642-9404
Piercers: Margi, Janessa
Apprentice: Vanessa
Tue-Fri 5:30-9:00, Sat 12-9:00, Sun 12-6:00
GOTTSI', 6601 Telegraph Ave., Oakland / Berkeley
(510) 652-2897
http://www.gottsi.com
alan@gottsi.com
Tue - Sun 12 - 7pm
HTC / SOMATIC BODY PIERCING, 3416 E. Broadway Ave., Suite B, Long Beach, 90814
(562) 438-6406
http://www.navel.com/htc/
Piercer: Ericka Smicenski
*INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH*, 1945 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley
(510) 644-0968
Strength@transbay.net
http://www.isbodyjewelry.com
L.A. TATTOO, 6700 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 90028-4605
(213) 463-3919
Piercer: Baba
Reviewed by Chris Rondeau <crondeau@annex.com>,
<http://www.annex.com/thump.htm> who received PA, tongue and nipple
piercings from Baba: "There is smoking allowed in the shop, but it is some
distance to the piercing area itself. The piercing area is in a separate
room, next to the tattoo 'pit'. The staff in the shop as a whole are very
friendly. There was a fair amount of jewelry and it is sterilized before each
pierce. I assume he autoclaves his tools after but I did not see this. His
bedside manner was rather blunt, but he can coddle you if it's neccessary. I
already had piercing's when I went in he did not offer a-lot of information
(assuming I knew it all anyway). He did went into detail and talked at
length with a friend of mine, who had a lot of questions for him."
LEATHER MASTERS, 969 Park Ave., San Jose, 95126
(408) 293-7660
http://www.leathermasters.com/
Piercer: Todd
LOOPS AND PIERCES, 1066 4th St., Sant Rosa
(707) 546-8809
Piercer: Neil Epsenship and Solomon
Reviewed by Jessica Maxwell <echrist@monitor.net> who received earlobe and
Conch and Atlantis cartilage piercings from Neil: "No smoking is allowed,
there are lots of cool pictures to look at, it's clean and brightly lit, the
staff is great, being both professional and fun to be around! Neil
apprenticed with the shop's owner, Solomon. Though Sol's never pierced me,
he has changed jewelry and tapered me, so I can also vouch for his bedside
manner; both piercers are great in this aspect. Neil is a completely anal
perfectionist about his work; he marked several possible points on my ears
for each piercing, taking anatomy into consideration, making sure it was
exactly right."
MASTODON BODY PIERCING, 4638 Mission Blvd., San Diego, 92109
(619) 272-1188, 1-800-7-GET PIERCED
http://www.mastodonbody.com
mast@inetworld.net
Piercer: Gahdi Elias (current board member of APP, attendee of the Fakir
Intensives).
Branding and scarification services available. Showroom filled with
artifacts from around the world.
Tue - Sun 12-8pm
NEW CREATION DERMAGRAPHIC STUDIO, 631 Flume Street, Chico, 95928
(916) 898-TATS (8287)
ronita@sunset.net
http://www.newcreation.com
Piercer / owner: Ronita Yvarra
Tue - Thu 12 - 6pm, Fri - Sat 12 - 8pm
NOMADS OF THE DAWN BODY ADORNMENT (formerly NOMAD),
1808 McAllister, San Francisco, 94117
Between Baker and Lyon
(415) 563-7771
http://www.360d.com/NOMAD-/
Piercers: Kristian, Eric, Chuck
Daily 12-6pm
Specializing in ethnic and tribal jewelry.
OBSCURITIES, 1218 State St., Santa Barbara, 93101
(805) 965-2232
xeon@silcom.com
Piercers: Xeon, Todd Murray
By appointment only. Branding available.
PAISLEY HOUSE HAIR SALON, 86 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, (408) 379-8892
Piercer: Angel
Piercings done with guns and needles; above waist piercing only.
Reviewed by April Yohn <reject@west.darkside.com> who received tongue and
Labret piercings from Angel: "The shop itself is clean, they also do hair
styling there, and have a section near the back set aside for peircing.
Angel as a person is very nice, she is friendly and makes you feel at ease
until she starts piercing. Both times I was getting pierced, she would say
things like, 'I can't find the other side of the hole!' Not very comforting
to hear that. The Labret Stud was a good size for the healing, but the
barbell in my tongue was too small and pulled through into my tongue, so I
had to go back there and get a larger one put in."
PIERCE, INK, formerly VOODOO THERAPY, 325 S. First Street, Suite D,
San Jose, 95113, at the rear of the Dohrmann Building, first floor.
(408) 280-6699
thnderfire@aol.com
Staff: Sharrin Spector (co-owner, first week of month);
Bear Thunderfire (co-owner, third week of month);
"Choto" McKillen; Christophe Deal; Melissa Christensen (manager)
Piercing, tattooing, branding, scarification, custom fangs.
Appointment welcome but not necessary.
Sun 1 - 8pm; Mon - Wed 1 - 9pm; Thu - Sat 1 - 11pm
PIERCING EXQUISITE, PO Box 8253, Foster City, CA 94404
(650) 578-1618
ardvark@best.com
http://www.best.com/~ardvark
Piercer / owner: Anne Greenblatt
By appointment only, private studio.
PRECISION BODY PIERCING, 4233 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, 94609
(510) 547-7751
http://www.ccsd.com/~casey/
Piercer: Casey Cummings
Tues - Sat 12 - 8pm, Sun 12 - 5pm
PRIMEVAL BODY / A Division of GAUNTLET, 4647 Russell Ave., Los Angeles 90027
(213) 666-9601
http://www.pacificnet.net/~primeval/
primeval@pacificnet.net
Manager: Darryl Carlton
Senior piercers: Crystal Cross, Mic Rawls
Piercers: Rick Oehler
Apprentice: Jayson Marston, Nema Enrique, Nadja Sweiilem
PRIMEVAL BODY closed 4/98; Crystal Cross now works at THIRTEEN B.C.
PUNCTURE BODY PIERCING, 2176 Foothill Blvd. E, Upland, 91786
(909) 981-2877
puncture@puncture.com
http://www.puncture.com
Piercers: Bryan Belt, Lee Turner
ROCKET 3 / 41 Exotic Metal Works, Laguna Beach, 92651
(714) 494-2412
Piercer: Kim Thorp (formerly of TATU TATTOO, IL)
SIX FEET UNDER, 155 N. Benson Ave., Upland, 91786
(909)949-0157
Piercer: Kari (attendee of the Gauntlet Training Seminars)
Reviewed by Pat Drnec <puck@primenet.com>,
<http://www.primenet.com/~puck/bodyart.html> who received a Prince Albert
piercing from Kari: "Six Feet Under is a combination hair
salon/tattoo/piercing shop. The three areas are in different rooms. Shop is
quite clean, friendly people, no attitude. No smoking in piercing area, all
tools/jewelry sterile, new needle unwrapped and discarded after piercing,
latex gloves worn throughout. Kari was very professional yet friendly. She
made me quite comfortable, and as for the actual piercing, apart from
inserting the receiving tube, the piercing was quick and almost painless. I
believe that the minimal bleeding and quick healing were due as much to her
skill as to my own recuperative powers. I called with a question a few days
later and she was happy to talk."
SOMA STUDIOS, Santa Barbara
(805) 882-1177
Piercer / owner: Aaron (formerly of CLAW)
SOMATIC BODY PIERCING, see HTC
SPEARS OF SHIVA, 222 W. Olive, Fresno
(209) 497-5811
Piercer: Jerry
Reviewed by Kevin Walker <kmaggot@mammoth.psnw.com> who receive tongue
and PA piercings (and subsequent stretchings) from Jerry: "Experienced,
humourous, informative...doesn't use a qtip or a hollow tube, just free
hands it (and no not like a reckless goat) he did a perfect job. Pain wasn't
too bad. Piercers hand write cleaning instructions and give you their number
and insist upon multiple revisits for inspection."
STAIRCASE TATTOOS, 607 Front Street, Santa Cruz
(408) 425-7644
http://www.tattoo.org/
http://us.worldpages.com/408-425-7644/
Piercer: Jack
SUB-Q, 907 20th St., Sacramento, 95814
(916) 446-9777
Piercer: Ericka
Reviewed by James Kopp <jaimz@bme.freeq.com> who received tongue and
labret piercings from Ericka: "The shop is very clean and well-lit with
a large waiting area/showroom and three separate piercing areas.
Everyone seemed very friendly and ready to answer any questions that I
had. Everyone I spoke with was confident and well informed. Aftercare
was explained in detail before the piercing and reviewed again after.
I was urged to call back if I had any questions and help was readily
available when I did. Ericka was quick and professional without being
cold or rushed. I believe that my rapid healing and lack of pain during
and after the procedure are attributed to her flawless execution. I have
not had a piercing by Scott but I have spoken with him and had some
jewelry changes. Shop used spore tests. Tools, needles, jewelry
individually sterilized by autoclave."
THIRTEEN B.C., 7661 1/2 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 90046
(213) 782-9069
http://members.aol.com/ThirteenBC/index.html
ThirteenBC@aol.com
Piercers: Crystal Cross (formerly of Primeval Body);
Michael Kraemer (3 years' experience); and Rob Reimer
(all members of the APP)
7 days 12 - 8pm
ZOA, 575 Haight Street, San Francisco, 94117
(415) 431-5760
Piercer: Keath
ZOA has closed 8/97
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
/\*/\
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:21:41 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982321410001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902297924 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/professional-resources/partC
Last-modified: August 04, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
Piercer Reviews are provided by readers of rec.arts.bodyart. The Piercer
Review form is available at http://www.best.com/~ardvark/review.html
If you find your studio listed and feel that you have been misrepresented
by as review, or if you have corrections to make in the listing, please
email me at <ardvark@best.com>.
Studios marked with an asterisk * also manufacturer/distribute body
jewelry. Please see Part 11A - B for more information.
4C PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS - UNITED STATES - COLORADO - IOWA
===========================================================
Colorado
========
BODY GRAPHICS, 3925 B E 120th Ave, Mission Trace Shopping Center,
Thornton, 80233
(303) 254-4473
Piercer: Zach
BOUND BY DESIGN, 1336 E. Colfax, Denver, 80218 (303) 830-7272
Piercer / owner: PJ
Melissa Matthews <mmatthew@rintintin.Colorado.EDU> comments: "[They have]
no autoclave and uses only cidex for sterilization. Hires inexperienced
kids, gives them minimal training, and then passes them off as professional
piercers. There is always loud, in-your-face kind of music playing;
lighting is poor."
BOUND BY DESIGN, 1121 Broadway, Boulder 80302 (303) 786-7272
HOLEY ROLLERS, 332 E. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs
(719)635-0826
Piercers: Marcea and Toast (both attendees of the Fakir Intensives).
Branding available.
Reviewed by Anne Wheeler <awheeler@usa.net>, who received both nipple
vertical hood piercings from Marcea: "16-gauge CBR for hood piercing,
14-gauge barbells for nipples. The feel of the shop had a lot to do with
why I chose Holey Rollers; it was clean, bright and the people were
friendly. Marcea was meticulous about sanitation, thoroughly cleaning the
table, using fresh linen, using an autoclave, lots of latex gloves. They
don't have a huge selection of jewelry but it was certainly adequate. They
made sure I was comfortable, playing great music, using aromatherapy and
helping me with my circular breathing. I was encouraged to come back for
deep cleaning and so they could check the piercings."
Reviewed by Tim Burcham <burcham@colorado.edu>,
<http://ucsub.colorado.edu/~burcham/stress.html>, who received a toungue
piercing from Marcea and a nipple piercing from Toast: "My nipple was done
at holey roller's old shop; they kept the place immaculate, changed gloves
every opportunity they could, had some chilled out music on, and used
aromatherapy to relax me. Toast and Marcea seem to take their time with
what they're doing, not trying to rush anything, to get placement and
atmosphere perfect. Everything was autoclaved, smoking wasn't allowed,
they have a rather wide selection of jewelry."
K & K PIERCING & JEWELRY, 1305 College Ave. (on The Hill), Boulder, 80302
(303) 444-5602
Piercers: Tony, Koko and Mike
[Previously listed as "trained by Gauntlet" - Gauntlet has confirmed that
their claim is false.]
7/98 K&K has closed
PIKE'S PEAK TATTOO, 519 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Sprgs 80903 (719) 632-6141
uncbud@rmii.com
Tattoo Artists / Piercers: Bud and Jim
Tribal Rites, 1309 College Ave., Boulder, 80302
(303) 449-4611
http://www.amn-mall.com/biznet/tribalritesbodypiercing/
Tribal Rites, 632 S. College Ave., Ft. Collins, 80524
(970) 221-9712
http://www.amn-mall.com/biznet/tribalritesbodypiercing/
VOODOO BODY PIERCING, 1936 S. Broadway, Denver, 80222
(303) 722-3168
http://www.dimensional.com/~calesta/index.html
Piercers: Ricki (male), Lora, Gina, Steve
Connecticut
===========
*DARKSIDE TATTOOING & PIERCING*, 13 Foxon Blvd., East Haven, 06512
(203) 469-9208
http://n-vision.com/darkside/
darkside@iconn.net
TATTOO INTERNATIONAL AND BODY PIERCING, 6C Chester Ave., Wallingford, 06492
(203) 949-1678
Piercer and tattoo artist: Mark Savaikis
Cash only
Reviewed by Rebekah Sue Harris <CarrotLove@aol.com> who received tongue and
eyebrow piercings from Mark. She now works as the receptionist at the studio:
"No smoking allowed. Showed ID (18+ only) and signed waiver although I am
known to staff. Employees are tattooed, some pierced, all are neat and clean.
Each artist has photo albums with his tattoos. Only the owner, Mark, pierces;
he has a photo album dedicated to piercings that he has done. Tools are
sterilized in an autoclave. I believe that jewelry is as well. Since I have
patronized this shop for years and know of its reputation I did not ask to
see proof of cleanliness. Written aftercare instructions provided after both
piercings. Mark went over them with me before I left the studio and said to
call if there were any problems. The eyebrow piercing grew out in less than a
month; I had it repierced but it grew out again. Mark's bedside manner was
great. I'm a whiner, and am teased as such, but Mark was gentle and e
encouraging during the piercing. I would never trust anyone else, at least
not in CT, as I have seen damage done by other piercers."
Washington, DC
==============
PERFORATIONS, 900 M Street NW, 20001, on the corner, lower level,
one block from the Mt. Vernon Square Metro Station
(202) 289-8863
http://www.access.digex.net/~perforat
perforat@access.digex.net
Piercers: Tashi (attendee of the Fakir Intensives and Gauntlet Training
Seminars, member of the APP), and Michael "Fish" Fisher
Sun - Thu 1-8pm, Fri - Sat 1-9pm
Mention RAB and receive 5% off jewelry.
Reviewed by Catherine Anne Tullner <cat2f@faraday.clas.virginia.edu>
who received a tongue piercing from Tashi: "Everything was organized and
sterilized carefully, leaving little chance for cross-contamination. Tashi is
an absolutely stellar piercer. Her bedside manner is terrific and her skills
are exceptional. I felt completely comfortable and trusting of her. She is
very well-trained."
LEATHER RACK, 1723 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009,
(202) 797-7401
Piercer: Frank (attendee of the Gauntlet Piercer Training Seminars)
Florida
=======
ADVANCED TATTOO STUDIO, see BODY PIERCING BY BINK
BELLY BUTTON, Daytona Beach
(904) 239-9600
http://www.learntopierce.com
Piercer: Ira
BLUE DEVIL TATTOO GALLERY, 1603 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City, Tampa
(813) 241-OUCH
http://www.quikpage.com/B/bluedevil/
Cash/credit cards
Piercers: Amber and Jon Cobb (Thursdays only)
Reviewed by Shawn Porter <awap@aol.com>, <http://www.bme.freeq.com/spc> who
received matching helix piercings from Amber: "The shop is a smoke free
environment. The piercing area is away from the tattoo area. Amber was
incredibly helpful and answered most questions before I asked them and she
took as much time as I needed to get ready for and recover from the
piercings. Amber gives a prepared statment to each client, even if they are
return customers, on the methods of sterilization used. All items were
individually sterilized; each item was opened in front of the me. I brought
the rings in and she autoclaved them again, even though they were, just to be
100% sure that what she put in was sterile. I've been there when the
autoclave was spore tested. She also changes gloves after every preparatory
action. Amber has been piercing 4-5 years, the majority of which were spent
at an extremely busy street shop. She is very calming before, during and
after the piercing. She even cleaned a blood drop off my sweater so it
wouldn't stain."
BODY PIERCING BY BINK at ADVANCED TATTOO STUDIO, 741 N. Monroe St.,
Tallahassee, 32301
(904) 681-0060
bink@talweb.com
Piercer: Bink (member of the APP, attendee of the Gauntlet Piercer
Training Seminars)
Tue 12-4pm, Wed - Sat 12-8pm
CLASS ACT TATTOOING, 2740 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 33409
(561) 712-9009
Piercer / tattoo artist: Jeff Mauney
Reviewed by Joseph Savino <jsavino42@hotmail.com>
<http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Coffeehouse/2878/> who received tongue and
navel piercings from Jeff: "The entire studio was very clean. The actual
piercing area was particularly sanitary and all equipment was well
cleaned. All staff members were polite, knowledgeable and helpful. While
I waited for Jeff to finish a tattoo he was doing, I spoke to one of the
counter people and he offered quite a bit of information and reassurance.
Jeff has been piercing for at least 8 years. He's done 3 piercings for
my brother including his tongue. It was based on this that I went to see
him for my piercings. His bedside manner was very good, very friendly,
and very reassuring. Tools and needles sterilized by autoclave; jewelry
individually sterilized."
FREAK SHOPPE, 100 E. Central Blvd., Orlando
(407) 481-9854
Piercer: Tommy Dycus
HEADZUP!, see VERUS ACUTUS
*LEATHER TIGER*, 1411 7th Avenue, Tampa, 33602,
(813) 248-8814, (813) 831-6482
Piercer: Doug Shelton
Apparently LEATHER TIGER has changed hands to INSTANT GRATIFICATION
PIERCING.
MONIQUE'S BODY ESSENTIALS, 1861 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater, 33756
(813) 462-8346
http://www.moniques.com
MONIQUE'S BODY ESSENTIALS, 484 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach, 33767
(813) 461-9577
http://www.moniques.com
VERUS ACUTUS at HEADZUP!, 3938 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34231
(941) 362-4267
pager 506-1124
Piercer: Ian
Georgia
=======
BODYMIND, INC., 483 Moreland Ave. #5, Atlanta, 30307
(404) 222-8414
http://www.creativeloafing.com/mall/sacred/index.html
Piercers: Kevin
Branding available.
7 days, 12-10pm
JUNKMAN'S DAUGHTER, see PRICK
OBSCURITIES PRECISION BODY PIERCING, Sanctuary of a Dark Angel
Piercer: *Deann Cooper (attendee of the Fakir Intensives,
apprenticed under Fakir for both piercing and branding)
*Deann is no longer working at Obscurities. 2/97
PIERCING EXPERIENCE, 1654 McLendon Avenue, Atlanta, 30307
(404) 378-9100 or 1-800-646-0393
fax (404) 378-0027
http://www.piercing.org
Piercers: Brian Skellie, Proprietor <brian@piercing.org>,
and Rene Martin <rene@piercing.org>, and Jeff Martin <jeff@piercing.org>
all members of the APP
PLANET 3, 214 Whitaker St., Savannah, 31401
(912) 236-7772
http://www.planetthree.com/
Piercer: Joel
PRICK at JUNKMAN'S DAUGHTER, 464 Moreland Avenue NE, Little Five Points,
Atlanta, 30307
(404) 577-3188
cash/check/major CCs/cash only for piercing fee
Piercer: Dana Booker (formerly of PIERCING EXPERIENCE);
and Kelly Hall (attendee of the Fakir Intensives) and Greg (both
formerly of
BODYMIND)
Reviewed by Paul Tod Rieger <prie@abl.com> who received a nipple piercing
from Dana: "The shop is clean and orderly; smoking is prohibited in the
store. Dana has a reputation for cleanliness. Dana was professional and
conscientious. She stayed past closing until I was no longer light-headed
(even though I said I'd be fine). She is helping me to obtain custom jewelry
for my piercing."
Reviewed by Jennah Singleton <jennah@mindspring.com> who received a
Rook piercing from Kelly when she was with Bodymind: "The shop is a shared
space with a tattoo shop. Both staffs are very curteous and knowledgeable.
Smoking is only allowed out on the balcony. Kelly was great. This was the
toughest pierce that I have ever had. She helped me get over the nervousness
and let me lay back after the pierce was over. She was also training an
apprentice on this pierce and I liked being able to hear the technical part
of what was going on."
SACRED HEART TATTOO, 3232 Roswell Rd., Atlanta, 30305
(404) 262-2512
VIRTUE & VICE INC., at TIMELESS TATTOO INC., 2271 Cheshire Bridge Rd.,
Atlanta 30302
(404) 315-6900
http://www.Timeless-Tattoo.com
TimelesTat@aol.com
Piercer: Bethra Szumski (member of the APP)
Hawaii
======
EXOTIC BEAUTY, Waikiki, (808) 926-2942
Piercer: Robert
PARAGON, 1667 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, 96814
(808) 949-2800
http://www.lava.net/~poda/paragon.html
paragon@aloha.net
Piercer: Gus Diamond (member of the APP)
PIERCING ELF, 94-356 Waipahu
(808) 671-0867
Piercer: Erin Figueroa (see PROVOCATIVE PIERCING)
By appointment only.
PROVOCATIVE PIERCING, 1825 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 201, Honolulu
(808) 941-2800
Piercers: Erin Figueroa and Gus Diamond
Reviewed by Brent White <01x@pnet16.navy.mil> who received a nipple
piercing from Erin: "The shop was very clean. Erin was very personable and
knowledgeable. Lots of jewlry with terrific selection. Equipment was
sterile - extremely sanitary. Erin was more than happy to answer any and all
questions after piercing (this included phone calls as well) and had
excellent bedside manners, understanding patients' cautiousness and meaning
of this bodyart."
Illinois
========
*BODY BASICS*, 613 W. Briar, Chicago, 60613
(773) 404-5838
pain@bodybasics.com
http://www.bodybasics.com
Piercers: Reverend Mad Jack, Mita Saldana, Arthur Scott
Mon - Thu, 2-10pm, Fri - Sat 12 noon - midnight, Sun 2-6pm
Appointment recommended.
Featured in Issue 5 (Feb. 95) of "Tattoo Savage," "In the Flesh," "Tattoo
Revue #16" Magazines.
Reviewed by Eric McGlohon <eric@dekard.com> who has received frenum and
both nipple piercings from Barbra: "Very thorough discussion on aftercare
and cleaning. Pretty good selection of jewlery, work enviroment very clean.
Good bedside manners."
BOGART'S CASABLANCA, 502 E. John St., Champaign, IL (217) 328-2668
Piercer: Travis (does not perform genital piercing)
Reviewed by F.L. Watkins <folo@prairienet.org>; he and his wife received
nipple piercings: "The actual place for piercing is a small room. Autoclave
and equipment are on a table and the piercee sits in a plastic chair. The
staff seems pleasant enough and the place looks clean if not luxurious. The
jewelry was not kept in a sterile container beforehand but the needle was. In
the course of a year or so between our first and last pierce he grew more
confident and quicker, very good bedside manner. He examined previous
piercings before making new piercing. A rudimentary set of [aftercare]
instructions were included; nothing as exacting as the FAQ but certainly
serviceable."
I'M NO ANGEL PRODUCTIONS, 2606 W. Farmington Rd., Peoria, IL 61604
(309) 673-4930
Piercer: Wanda Harper (currently apprenticing under Mad Jack, Body Basics)
MARK OF CAIN, 207 W. Green, Champaign 61802
(217) 355-9472
Piercer / tattoo artist: Nick Wiggins
Reviewed by Lishia Daelnar <crank@ice.net>, <crank@dto.net>,
<crank@redneck.ml.org> who received nipple and ear cartilage piercings
from Nick: "Nick knew exactly what he was talking about. He doesn't allow
smoking in the shop. Anything I get in the future will be from Nick. He
handed me the sterilized bags before I chose my jewelry and I always see
him take things directly from the autoclave. He's got the best technique
for piercing that I've had used on me: tells me to take a deep breath,
positions the needle, and tells me to exhale quickly as he shoves it
through. You end up concentrating more on your breathing than on the
needle."
Reviewed by Rosemary Braun <braun@uiuc.edu> who received two sets of
nipple piercings from Nick: "Shop is clean. Smoking not allowed. Shoes
not allowed. Tools and needles sterilized by autoclave; jewelry
individually sterilized. I am sorry to say that it is a negative review,
which is made all the more poignant for me since my initial experience
with him was very good. I first had them done in early 1995 with 14g
1/2" stainless steel rings. I had been very impressed with him then. He
explained everything in great detail. He took time to concentrate and
to let me relax. He explained aftercare and bad symptoms very clearly
and gave me a sheet of instructions: dilute hibiclens twice daily, warm
water soaks. I had them repierced in 1998 with 12g 3/4" Ti rings I
ordered. Unfortunately it seems a lot has changed in 3.5 years. He
seemed very rushed. When I arrived there were two girls waiting for
navel piercings before my appointment. He remarked "now you can see me
knock off two navel piercings in 15 minutes." He did not give them
written aftercare instructions, just verbal ones. In his aftercare speech
he mentioned three products, all of them began with the letter B, but one
was bad and the other two were good. He did not even mention the signs of
infection, that lymph discharge is ok, that navels take a long time to
heal. After my piercing was over he said nothing about aftercare. I
prompted him with, "Same as before?" He replied only, "Yes," in spite of
the fact that it had been over three years. I am exceedingly unimpressed
with the fact that nothing was said. All told I am afraid I can no longer
recommend Mr. Wggins or Mark of Cain with a clear conscience."
MEDUSA'S CIRCLE / MADE IN PAIN, 3268 N Clark St., Chicago, 60657
(773) 935-5950
Piercer: Pier Zambrano
Reviewed by Ted Liu <dcn@iname.com>, <http://www.cen.uiuc.edu/~t-liu1> who
has received several piercings from Pier: "Very friendly people. Pier is the
only piercer but I think the whole staff is familiar with jewelry. While Pier
was getting ready the lady there answered all my questions. Visible autoclave
and sharps container. Excellent bedside manner. This was my first needle
pierce so I was a bit nervous. He explained step-by-step the entire
procedure, even showing me the needle. Went through patterned breathing, made
sure I was calm, then he pierced me. I stayed just asking all kinds of
questions about needle pierces. He was happy to answer all of them.
Definitely gained a new customer!"
Reviewed by Laura Bryannan <laura@isp.nwu.edu>,
<http://thor.isp.nwu.edu/~laura/> who received conch, high lobe, and
horizontal clit hood piercings from Pier: "He has a *great* bedside manner,
very friendly, knowledgable and easy going. I brought my lover with me for
my hood pierce and he warmed to Pier immediately as well (this says
something, considering the delicacy of the situation). Pier is also
confident enough in his skills not to let someone talk him into a pierce he
feels is ill-advised."
SWANK BODY MODIFICATIONS, Chicago Tattoo, 922 W. Belmont, Chicago, 60657
(312) 528-6969
http://www.swankbodymod.com/
bangcock@msn.com
Piercer: Hank Bangcock
Reviewed by Donald Wayne McDaniel <mcdaniel@andrews.edu> who received
his Prince Albert from Hank: "When I went in, I expected to see a "puck" of
some sorts. But in reality, he couldn't have been more professional. Hank
was more professional than any doctor I've ever been to. He made sure that
I left with the ample information and a little brochure on aftercare which I
did follow. He mailed me a letter one week later to remind me of the proper
after care and telling me that I could reach him anytime for questions."
Reviewed by John LeBrun "Chumley" <Plogsloth@aol.com> who received his
septum, 2 lobe stretches, and Ampallang from Hank: "It is a no smoking
shop; the staff is helpful, if they don't have an answer they find someone
that does. The piercing room was small but adequate and private. There was
a bit of a wait but you don't feel rushed to get out either. I believe
everything was autoclaved, I know it was mostly single use, except for
forceps. Gloves were changed several times. His bedside manner is
excellent, if anything he tries to relay too much info, but I probably only
feel that way because I know most of the info already. I would trust him to
do any pierce I would even consider getting. He is very quick, sure.
Yes he gives a both a home and work number, when I had some jewelry questions
he was readily available or returned my call in a timely fashion."
TATU TATTOO, 1754 W. North Ave., Chicago 60622
*Piercers: Bliss Frings; and Kim Thorp.
*NOTE: Bliss and Kim no longer work at Tatu Tattoo because of a
misunderstanding with the shop owner who hired a third piercer and allowed
him to perform piercings with no training or experience.
Kim now works at ROCKET 3 / 41 EXOTIC METAL WORKS, Laguna Beach, CA
Bliss has relocated to Arizona; she can be reached at
<EartoThere@theriver.com>
Indiana
=======
ARTISTIC SKIN DESIGN, INC.
Piercer: Jim Trafny (formerly of THE M PLAN)
Reviewed by Matt Conrad <mconrad@indiana.edu> who received his navel
and nipple piercings from Jim: "The piercing room seemed very sterile;
autoclave sterilization was used. The jewlery selection was a little sparse,
but the pieces available were of top quality. Jim was very friendly and
professional. He definitely seemed to be an excellent piercer, and others
that I know who have been pierced by Jim agreed. He provides his pager
number should an emergency arise."
Jim has left Artistic Skin Design and is piercing by appointment. Please
contact him at <jimie1@juno.com>, (219) 764-2759,
pager 1-800-483-0094 pin #4916862
BODY ACCENTS, 5420 N. College Ave. Suite A1, Indianapolis 46220
(317) 259-1950
http://www.e-com3.com/bodyaccents/options.html
accents@ind.cioe.com
Piercers: Kent Fazekis (attendee of the Gauntlet Advanced Seminar and
Fakir Intensives; former board member of the APP);
and Myra Shoults (member of the APP, attendee of the Gauntlet Seminar).
Piercing on a walk-in basis. Branding available.
Tue - Sat 1 - 9pm
Reviewed by Tracy Cramer <tcramer@iquest.net> who received her
nipple piercing from Kent: "Kent had originally suggested a smaller ring,
but decided to go with a larger size after he looked at me. The shop was
small (they've recently moved to a larger suite), but very clean. The
jewelry selection is good and they also special order. The staff is very
friendly and knowledgable. Kent was very professional and made me feel at
ease quickly."
FUTURE SHOCK, 6323 Ferguson, Indianapolis, 46220, (317) 251-6957
Kent Fazekas <fazekas@indy.net> of Body Accents remarks that the shop owner
encourages people to buy jewelry and supplies from him and pierce
themselves and that he has not demonstrated any knowledge of
proper piercing technique and care based on the information he gives
customers.
THE "M" PLAN has been closed. Please see ARTISTIC SKIN DESIGN, INC.
SKINQUAKE, 111 E. Kirkwood Suite 1 (upstairs), Bloomington
(812) 333-2199
http://www.a1.com/skinquake/
Piercers: Michael Sims; Joe Otter and Kristen Smith (both formerly of the "M"
Plan)
Michael, Joe and Kristen have left Skinquake 8/97
Iowa
====
ARBUCKLE'S TATTOO & PIERCING EMPORIUM, 97 1/2 16th Ave SW, Cedar
Rapids, 52404
(319) 363-1242
AXIOM, 412 1/2 E 5th Street, Des Moines, 50309
(515) 246-0414, cell phone (515) 771-6096
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Amphitheatre/9352/
DavoAxiom@webtv.net
Piercer: Davo (formerly of Creative Images)
Reviewed by Jeff Gitchel <pokey@pobox.com> who received nipple piercings
from Davo: "This is an owner-run shop and Davo believes it's important to
connect with each client. He is very good at that. He is always willing
to answer all questions and is experienced at piercing. He has pierced for
more than three years professionally...after approximately a year
apprenticeship. Jewelry and needles were sterilized in individual autoclave
bags. During several visits afterward Davo was freely forthcoming with
technical information, as well as being happy to talk about various other
philosophical and social issues. A good guy to talk to, and a piercer who
inspires confidence."
ELECTRIC HEAD TATTOO AND BODY PIERCING, 114 1/2 E. College St.,
Iowa City, 52240
(319) 341-0070
http://www.avalon.net/~ehead666/
ehead666@avalon.net
Piercers: Joker and Stingray
Reviewed by G. Benjamin Ensor <bensor@avalon.net>,
<http://www.avalon.net/~bensor/> who received ear, nostril, nipple piercings
from Joker and Ampallang piercing from Stingray: "Joker was Stingray's
apprentice for about five years. As far as I know, Stingray trained himself
initially. Joker is direct and to the point, a no nonsense piercer who knows
what he can and cannot do. Joker takes his time and sets everything up
carefully and cuts no corners. He is afflicted with the occasional need to
yell at his help, swearing liberally. The rings are all made in the shop;
everything is autoclave sterilized and individually packaged. Joker once
dropped the cap to a tube of piercing lubrication. Not only did he change
gloves, he threw the entire tube away and opened a new one. Stingray, while
sticking mainly to tattooing, is also a no nonsense piercer. Strangely
enough, his terseness when it comes to tattooing disappears when piercing
he's piercing. Stingray comes across like he has 40 more important things to
do than deal with you. Stingray and Joker both called me at home after the
ampallang, being worried that it was bleeding and wanting to make sure I was
alright. Even on the piercings that went more smoothly, Joker has been
available for help. There is no smoking allowed by anyone other than the
staff (and they have started going outside to smoke for the most part)."
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:22:05 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982322060001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902297949 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/professional-resources/partD
Last-modified: August 04, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
Piercer Reviews are provided by readers of rec.arts.bodyart. The Piercer
Review Form is available at http://www.best.com/~ardvark/review.html
If you find your studio listed and feel that you have been misrepresented
by as review, or if you have corrections to make in the listing, please
email me at <ardvark@best.com>.
Studios marked with an asterisk * also manufacturer/distribute body
jewelry. Please see Part 11A - B for more information.
4D PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS - UNITED STATES - KANSA - NEVADA
==========================================================
Kansas
======
HOLIER THAN THOU, 3700 E. Douglas, Clifton Square, Suite 55, Wichita, 67208
(316) 652-7267
HTTBP@aol.com
Piercer: Schane Gross
Kentucky
========
THE HOLE THING, 345 S. Limestone, Lexington, 40508
(606) 258-9069
Piercer: Greg Dinkens (member of the APP)
Tue - Sat 12-8pm, appointment preferred
Reviewed by James Rutledge <jwrutl0@sac.uky.edu>,
<http://sac.uky.edu/~jwrutl0/pierce.html> who received a tongue piercing from
Greg: "The Hole Thing is small, has a friendly atmosphere. Shop itself is
impeccably clean. Signs restricting the touching of jewelry while in the shop
are visible throughout. APP info and other piercing info available to read.
Greg measured my tongue before deciding on the barbell length and then making
sure I agreed with his choice. Greg opens all sterilized bags in front of
you. Greg autoclaves all jewelry prior to insertion in a piercing. They
conduct monthly spore tests and were doing one when I came in. Test results
are posted above the 2 autoclaves. He changed gloves each time his hands
entered a non-sterile field and a few times during the piercing procedure.
Greg Dinkens has a very professional attitude about piercing that is very
comforting. His bedside manner is very soothing, talking to you the entire
time. He guides even seasoned piercees through every step of a new piercing
or stretch. Greg gives you his voice mail number as well as his pager number
and says to stop back in or give a call if you have any questions.
NEEDLES, 1767 Bardstown Road, Louisville, 40205
(502) 459 5037
Piercer: Kevin Hickman
Reviewed by Jim Oxyer <jimo@aye.net> who received hafada and guiche
piercings from Kevin: "Very friendly, knowledgeable. I was impressed
listening to them answer other people's questions. Everyone was
answered easily and at whatever level they needed to completely
understand. Shop was uncluttered, very clean, no smoking. Kevin spent
a lot of time making sure I understood everything from beginning to
end, explaining every step of the procedure. Gave phone number for
contacting him if needed afterwards. Kevin does lots of tongues and
nipples. I was his second or third hafada and first guiche. Hoops in
both piercings; jewelry was selected for proportion to body. Tools
and needles sterilized by autoclave. Jewelry individually sterilized
and handled responsibly."
Louisiana
=========
ART ACCENT TATTOOING, 1014 N Rampart, New Orleans, 70116,
(504) 596-OUCH
Piercer: Annette
PSYCHO STUDIOS, 1414 East Texas St., Bossier City, 71112
(318) 741-1005, 1-888-443-9190
Piercer: Carla
Reviewed by Blaine Hamrick <hamrick@gte.net>, <http://home1.gte.net/hamrick>
who received a navel piercing from Carla: "Everything is very clean and
neat and smoking is not allowed anywhere in the shop. Everyone was very
friendly and pleased to answer all my questions. The single piercing room
is separate from the two tattoo rooms and appears very clean. A driver
license ID is required as is a release of liability form. The shop uses
spore tests for both of its autoclaves and the results are in a notebook
on the front counter for anyone to see. All jewelry, including mine, is
sterilized in an autoclave in individual autoclave packages. I was
impressed that Carla proceeded without rushing after answering my initial
questions. The entire procedure was painless, which was quite a surprise.
She is very sure of herself and has the knowledge to answer any question
about piercing. She has four years experience. When I returned the second
time my questions were all answered thoroughly. Both times I was told to
call if I had any questions or problems and was given a toll-free number
to do so."
RINGS OF DESIRE, 1128 Decatur St, New Orleans, 70116
(504) 524-6147
(located upstairs from Montoa; may enter from 35 French Market Place)
http://www.ringsofdesire.com
angelayne@earthlink.net
angel@ringsofdesire.com
Piercers: Elayne Angel (member of the APP, formerly Manager of Gauntlet
L.A.); Bryan Civello <member of the APP); Pat Roig; John Saletra
Manager: Beast aka Lilia (formerly of Gauntlet L.A.)
Sun - Mon 12-7pm, Wed - Thu 12-8pm, Fri - Sat 12-9pm, closed Tuesdays.
Reviewed by Cynthia Higginbotham <cyhiggin@usa.pipeline.com> who received
her earlobe piercings from Elayne: "I explained what I wanted, to be able to
wear pierced fashion earrings. The assistant behind the counter helped me
pick out the rings. She recommended 18ga. The staff was very friendly and
helpful even though they were quite busy. They also sent me off to get lunch
when they found out I hadn't eaten breakfast. They take sanitization and
hygiene very seriously. I was really impressed by Elayne's manner; she is
absolutely charming and put me at ease immediately. I liked her a lot and
her own tattoos and piercings are interesting and aesthetically appealing to
look at. I wish my doctor had her bedside manner."
Maine
=====
PORTLAND TATTOO SHOP, Congress St, Portland, (207) 772-4662
Piercer: Gabe
Gabe has relocated to Rites of Passage, Boston, MA. (3/95)
Maryland
========
HARM CITY, 416 York Rd., 2nd floor, Towson, Maryland 21204
1-800-4-MY-RING (469-7464)
RAGE, 1828 Fleet Street, Baltimore, 21232
(410) 563-1818
Piercer: Dustin Cunningham
Reviewed by Jennifer Johnpoll <daimeli@ix.netcom.com> who received tragus,
septum and nape piercings from Dustin: "The piercing area is partitioned off.
Smoking is allowed in the store but not near the equipment or piercing area.
The equipment is dual-sterilized in chemicals and an autoclave and opened
right in front of you. Spore tests results are not posted. Dustin is the
staff thus far; very friendly, will sit and talk to you, answer any questions
you might have, makes sure you're ok and will stop the porcedure if he thinks
you're not. He apprenticed with Sins Of Skin in Baltimore. I am willing to
recommend him simply because of how well he I have met too many piercers who
don't take the time to talk and he does. Dustin didn't go through the entire
cleaning process simply because he knows I know how to care for my
piercings. I did see him pierce a few other people and upon their leaving
they were given the aftercare sheet and verbal instructions to clean it with
an antibacterial soap, apply the ointment (Bactroban) for 3-5 days and after
that simply continue with the soap."
SHOCK VALUE, 5 S. Baltimore Ave., Ocean City 21842
(410) 289-1933, fax (301) 762-7439
1-800-289-8919
Piercer: Violet Taylor
Open April 1st through October 1st
Massachusetts
=============
ADAM MEYERSON, 3 Horn Face, 47A Olive St., Northampton, 01060
(413) 582-0424
AMyerson@aol.com
By appointment only
MIRACULOUS CREATIONS, 10 Park Ave., Worcester, 01604
(508) 755-1379, fax 755-1739
http://www.miraculouscreations.com
Buzz@miraculouscreations.com
Rose@miraculouscreations.com
Piercers: Jaesun Duggun and Jen Morris and Rose Pulda, all members of the APP
Mon - Thu 1-8pm, Fri - Sat 1-9pm, closed Sun
By appointment or walk-in
Reviewed by Maura Burns <mburns@sophia.smith.edu> who received tongue and
rook piercings from Rose: "Reception area is neat and attractive, jewelry
cases separate from waiting area with portfolios to look at. Staff were
patient and polite. Jen, an apprentice, helped with jewelry selection,
considering desired placement and anatomy. Rose went over aftercare both
before and after piercing. Autoclave, sharps container in plain sight. Rose
made sure to go over autoclave sterilization procedure the first time.
Spore test results posted, tests are run weekly. Tools were sterilized in
an autoclave with the package opened in front of me; jewelry bulk
sterilized in the autoclave and soaked in Madacide prior to insertion.
Rose changed gloves every time there was a possibility of cross-
contamination. She used a sterile barrier on the counter. Rose is extremely
friendly and likeable; she took plenty of time with me explaining the
procedure, answering my questions, getting me relaxed, and (especially with
my rook) checking for the right placement. I do wish that I had had more of
a chance to check placement with my tongue; it is more slanted back than I
would have liked. I didn't experience any trouble with my pierces after
leaving the studio. Rose made sure I had her number and urged me to call if
I had any problems or questions."
RITES OF PASSAGE, 107 Brighton Ave., Allston, 02134
(617) 783-1918
http://www.ritesofpassage.com/index.html
Piercers: Juliette Houlne' (member of the APP, attendee of the Fakir
Intensives); Gabe (formerly of Portland Tattoo Shop, MN); Tracy McElroy;
Apprentice: Erin Duff
Joe J has left Rites of Passage.
Mon - Th 12-6pm, Fr - Sat 1-8pm, Sun 1-6pm, Sat 12:30-7pm
Reviewed by Joshua Gigantino <gigantin@tiac.net>,
<www.tiac.net/users/gigantin/> who received a shaft Ampallang repiercing
from Juliette: "She was concerned about placing it where I had originally
had it because of the spongy tissue in that area of the penis. The new amp
is positioned a little forward of the original position, and in the 8
months that I've had it, has migrated forward slightly. It rides just in
front of the crown in the more traditional ampallang position. The new amp
has been a pleasure, it seems fully healed, doesn't hurt (except when
banged around), and is fine for cycling. Rites is very clean; there is a
separate waiting area and the piercing area has been recently remodelled
so that there are prep areas separate from the cubes that the piercings
take place in. There is no smoking and they totally enforce age limits.
Juliette was calm, pleasant, and is very good at making nervous piercees
stay relaxed and focused."
Joshua confirmed that autoclave spore tests are used and that the tools,
needle, and jewelry are autoclave sterilized in individual packages.
TRIBAL WAYS, Massachussetts Avenue, Boston, 02115
(617) 536-0445
Piercer: Michael
Reviewed by Philippa Gilmore <pgilmore@bu.edu> who received a tragus
piercing: "It is a small shop with only a rice-paper screen blocking the
piercing area from the smoke-infested entryway. In retrospect I remember no
autoclave (I didn't know any better then), nor was there any jewelry
displayed. The staff made negative remarks when any other piercing
establishment was mentioned. I was given aftercare instruction by an
apprentice who seemed generally knowledgable but not at all friendly. I got
a very negative vibe being there and was not made to feel welcome in any
way. I saw none of [the sterilization] procedure...the only thing I was
aware of was the piercer continually washing his hands and changing gloves.
If jewelry was autoclaved it was not done in my presence. It was a very
quick procedure. They booked two sessions per half-hour. He had an
apprentice, Leslie, who fetched everything for him. He spent no time
explaining what he was doing or showing the markings. My pierce actually
ended up more in my ear than I wanted but I have fortunately grown to like
it. I would have liked it better if he had asked me about the pierce and
jewelry first. My friend who recieved a tongue pierce also wound up with a
bad placement and he didn't show her where he was marking it either. He
was [not available for questions], he was moving on to another piercee (a
navel pierce), and was already behind in his schedule. I probably could
have asked his assistant but I didn't really feel comfortable."
Michigan
========
BODY LANGUAGE BODY PIERCING, 514 E. Midland St., Bay City, 48706
(517) 922-0034
BdyPcr@aol.com
Piercer: Rob Petroff
HOLIER THAN THOU at GRAND RAPIDS BODY DESIGNS, 1210 Leonard St. NW,
Grand Rapids, 49504
(616) 451-3667
24 hour pager (616) 201-4848, 222 * + # to call for questions, 911 * + # to
call for emergencies
http/www.x2.alliance.net/blu_r23/
holierthanthou_@hotmail.com
Piercer: Laura Couch (attendee of the Gauntlet Piercer Training Seminar)
Mon - Sat 12 - 8pm
Cash/Visa/MC
Reviewed by Hilda Scott <celestine@ameritech.net> who received nipple
piercings from Laura: "The shop is a simple, clean piercing/tattooing
parlor with several private booths. Smoking is allowed in the reception
area but not on the booths. People are very friendly, supportive and
informed. I was told they had the autoclave and I took their word for it.
The needles, corks, even the marker were all new and I was told their
equipment/jewelry is sterilized and packed individually. The rings were
dipped in a solution before insertion. Laura suggested the 10 gauge after
inspecting the size of my nipples and breast form. Laura has a complete
aftercare pamphlet which includes a step-by-step care and a chart of the
healing process and progress. She spent more than 45 minutes explaining
all of it. It was a very informative session. I am currently on my second
month, and doing wonderfully. Laura has 3 years of full time professional
experience and 15 years of personal piercing experience. She is caring,
loving, patient, and very throughly professional. She offers to go herself
with you to a doctor or hospital if any emergency related to the piercing
occurs. I exchanged daily e-mails with her for the first week, and she
always gave me undivided and full attention to all my questions. The whole
experience proved to be fun, rewarding and very safe and I attribute all
this positive outcoming to principally Laura's care."
RITUAL ADORNMENT at INK UNIQUE, 2425 Woodward, Berkley, 48072
(810) 691-1441
Piercer: Rich Harwick (attendee of the Gauntlet Piercer Training Seminars)
Reviewed by Rick Czarnota <316rings@home.msen.com> who has received several
piercings forming a guiche ladder: "I couldn't ask for a better piercer or
experience. His placement, professionalism and attitude were all top-notch.
After a thorough research of all studios and piercers in the area, his name
rose to the top, and now I know personally why. Everything was autoclaved
and sterile, opened seconds before piercing was performed; my jewelry was
soaking in an anti-bacterial solution before procedure was begun. Rich went
through about 10-12 gloves total throughout each session. His is overly
cautious in my opinion, which is great to see. In fact he requested that I
contact him to let him know how the healing was going."
SPLASH OF COLOR, 220 MAC Suite 210, East Lansing, 48823
(517) 333-0990
splashofcolor@sprynet.com
Piercer: April Williams (member of the APP, attendee of the Gauntlet
Piercer Training Seminars, certified Phlebotomist)
Reviewed by Corigan Reisen <reisenc@usa.net>
<http://www.geocities.com/siliconvalley/way/3138> who received tongue and
navel piercings from April: "Clean, professional atmosphere; separate
piercing and tattoo rooms. The waiting area is kept clean. Smoking is not
allowed inside the building. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful and
everything went smoothly. April has a professional manner; she went
through about 6 pairs of gloves during the piercing. She opened the
jewelry about a minute before insertion and was very professional in
guiding me through the aftercare regimen. Jewelry and tools individually
sterilized."
Minnesota
=========
BIONIC LABORATORY, 711 W. Lake Street, Minneapolis, 55408
(612) 822-2759
bodymod@bioniclaboratory.com
Piercers: Jamie Ross (attendee of Fakir's Basic Intensives in Body Piercing
and Branding)
Branding and cutting available.
Reviewed by Paul Rye <prye@chop.isca.uiowa.edu> who received tragus, rook,
and forward ear piercings from Jamie when she was with St. Sabrina's:
"Friendly staff, best jewelry selection on display in the twin cities. My
jewelry was autoclaved, as were the instruments. Jamie's pretty nice I
think."
Reviewed by Rienne Jones <rienne@mailexcite.com>, a former apprentice, who
received seven piercings from Jamie: "It is open, spacious, and
immaculately clean. Piercings and brandings are performed in a separate
room in which there is no smoking allowed. The staff is friendly, have
extensive knowledge of body jewelry and how to size jewelry for each person.
There is a large selection of jewelry available. I only had one piercing
performed at the Laboratory; all my other piercings at St. Sabrina's. As an
apprentice I know first-hand her obsession with the highest quality jewelry,
needles, tools, and comfortable piercing environment. The first time I was
pierced by Jamie I was a bit nervous; she knew exactly what she was doing
and the piercing was so quick and precise that I ended up enjoying the
experience much more than I had anticipated. She has so much experience that
any situation which may arise can be handled quickly and professionally.
Jamie is always available for consultations and questions after the initial
piercing and will work with each individual to tailor a specific solution
that fits the problem. She is certified in Basic First Aid and CPR."
Rienne confirms that autoclave spore tests are used and that tools and
jewelry are individually sterilized by autoclave.
*CAPTIVE ELEMENTS*, 3615 1/2 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, 55406
(612) 724-7573, fax (612) 724-7487
http://www.captive-elements.com
Piercer: Jock
Reviewed by Cynthia May <Cynthia@email.lommen.com> who received nipple
and ear cartilage piercings from Jock: "Jock is very knowledgeable and has
an excellent bedside manner. He is always available for follow up and
prefers his clients to ask questions. Jewelry changes are free. Subsequent
piercings are discounted. Autoclave in sight; everything sterile."
Reviewed by Paul Rye (prye@chop.isca.uiowa.edu) who received a tongue
piercing from Jock: "He autoclaves his jewelry and tools. I like Jock a lot.
I think he's self taught. I respect piercers who won't do a pierce because
they don't feel comfortable with the anatomy, like Jock won't pierce cheeks."
*CAPTIVE ELEMENTS*, 321 14th Ave. SE, Minneapolis, 55414
(612) 331-8120
CROW'S CLAW, 3120 Emerson Ave., N Minneapolis
(612) 588-7556
Piercer: Sarah Ruehmann (formerly of Absolute Tattoo)
Reviewed by Bridget Kromhout <entropi@sorry.cs.umn.edu> who consulted Sarah
about her nipple piercing. "Though I didn't have an appointment she gave me
some good advice and agreed that I should change to a barbell, helped me
pick out jewelry, autoclaved it, and changed it for me. I am going to go to
her from now on since she seems to be more professional and have a more
sterile environment as well as more knowledge."
ST. SABRINA'S PARLOR IN PERGATORY, 2751 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis
(612) 874-7360
http://www.citypages.com/bestof/b_ed_goo.asp
http://twincities.sidewalk.com/link/24841
TATTOOING & PIERCING BY DAVE YURKEW, 3131 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, 55408
(612) 825-6161, fax (612) 825-1545
DYurkew@aol.com
Piercer: Dave Yurkew
Cash/check/credit cards
Reviewed by Mary M. Giles <Mnblock@aol.com> who received a vertical hood
piercing from Dave: "The shop is bright, clean and tidy. The work areas are
separated from the public areas. Sound levels were unobtrusive. No smoking
allowed. The staff was helpful when I was picking out replacement jewelry
and my order was in within one week. Dave answered all my questions before,
during and after the piercing procedure both in person and via e-mail.
During the piercing procedure he kept a steady conversation going and by
the time I realized that I was feeling pain the piercing was complete. I
felt comfortable and safe during the whole experience. Jewelry was
bulk-sterilized. He did not change gloves; Dave has stated that he always
tries to avoid cross-contamination."
Missouri
========
A1 TATTOO AND BODY PIERCING, 6805 N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, 64118
(816) 436-0622
ProPerf007@aol.com
Piercer: Rev. Chris Hughes
Apprentice: Eric McJillten
ALTERNATIVE ART TATTOO & PIERCING STUDIO, 807 Locust St., Columbia,
65201
(314) 874-8145
dtinsley@mail.coin.missouri.edu
Piercers: Don Tinsley and Jay
Manufactures own jewelry.
Sun - Tue 12-8pm; Wed - Sat 12-10pm
Reviewed by Beth Young <ccbeth@showme.missouri.edu> who received a horizontal
hood piercing from Jay: "His bedside manners were good. I was nervous when I
sat in the chair but he explained everything that he was doing and it helped
me relax. From what I know know the jewelry is not right for my body. I have
chubby thighs and I should have tried a vertical pierce. My pierce has healed
crooked. I have thought about taking the pierce out but I like the jewelry
there even if it doesn't have the same effect as when it was first pierced.
Jewelry selection was limited. They make their jewelry in the store. When
I was looking for a larger guage ring I had to look at several rings before
I found one that was acceptable; I found 2 that had nicks. Sterilization of
all equipment was done in an autoclave."
DREAM CATCHER, 12 S. 9th Street, Columbia, 65201
(573) 499-1313
Piercer: Aaron Weitkemper
Reviewed by Cathy Byland <cccathy@showme.missouri.edu> who received
nipple piercings from Aaron: "He does most standard piercings though is
a little less experienced with genital piercings. It's been 5 weeks since the
pierce. Yesterday I went in and had him install straight barbells. They are
much more comfortable. Private room for piercing. Everything is scrupulously
clean; they autoclaved the tools, and only used the needles once before
disposing of them. They never sold or exchanged used jewelry (unless it was
defective). They sterilized the jewelry by soaking it in a medical grade
disinfectant solution called Wavicide, and after reading the bottle, I was
satisfied that it was sterile. They can and will autoclave the jewelry if the
customer prefers that. I was very happy with the piercer. Aaron had an
excellent bedside manner."
[Ed. Note: Jewelry should be autoclaved after receipt from the manufacturer.]
EXTREMUS BODY ARTS LTD., 2020 Broadway, Kansas City, 64108
(816) 221-0069
extremus@worldnet.att.net
http://www.extremus.com
Piercers: Mick Noland (owner)
Apprentice: Jerry Blain
Reviewed by Jim Ward <sfejrw@idir.net> who received nipple and
Prince Albert piercings from Mick: "This was an excellent experience.
Extremus is very clean, much more so than many doctors offices. The staff
was very friendly, knowledgable, very helpful, especially for a first
timer like myself. Mick and his whole staff stress the importance of
getting any piercing done by a trained professional. Mick explains
everything he is doing and what to expect and proceeds at your pace.
Aftercare was emphasized and detailed written isntructions were not only
given, they were carefully explained. Aftercare recommended: twice daily
cleaning with surgical scrub, daily soakings. Shop used spore tests. Tools,
needles sterilized by autoclave. Jewelry individually sterilized. Jewelry
selected on basis of anatomical measurements."
Nebraska
========
XOTICS BODY PIERCING, 2319 M St., Omaha
(402)734-5577
Reviewed by Jason Howell <howellj@cwis.unomaha.edu> who visited the studio
and remarked: "I noticed that it was dirty and dusty. It did not have a
clean atmosphere. [I watched] a woman get her navel pierced by an apprentice
whom I did not realize was an apprentice at the time. He put on a pair of
gloves, cleaned the area with Betadine and marked the holes. He then had her
sign a release. He got the beads for a CBR ring out of a box full of them and
proceded to drop them on the floor. He and the owner/piercer proceeded to
pick up the beads from the floor while wearing gloves, then did not change
them. The apprentice then put the clamp on the woman; he did not take it or
any other tools from a sterile package. They gave her Betadine to clean it
with 3 to 4 times a day. The apprentice also enjoyed two cigaretts in the
piercing area, leaning over the area where they stored tools and jewelry. I
looked around the shop and noticed a pot pipe lying out in the open. The
sharps container was on the floor. The owner admitted he pierced his friend's
apadavrya without ever having seen one being done, just by following PFIQ's
'Piercing with a Pro'."
"Since I origional wrote this review I had the opportunity to visit the shop
again in March, 1996. They now individually package all of their tools and it
appears they autoclave them (I did not watch them run a cycle of their
autoclave). They now use 2 pair of gloves while piercing (one to clean and
mark the piercing, one to pierce with) and the shop appears to be cleaner.
They still allow smoking in the shop and there were no solid walls to
seperate the piercing area from the tattoo area from the lobby area."
Nevada
======
BLACK HOLE BODY PIERCING, 675 S. Virginia, Reno, 89501
(702) 329-6010
Piercer / owner: Angela Giffhorn
DESERT HEAT TATOO, 2140 W. Charleston, Las Vegas, 89102
(702) 383 - 6600
Wed - Sun 12 noon - 12 midnight
Piercer: Dee Zaster
PUNCTURE BODY PIERCING, 2560-11 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, 89109
(702) 650-2277
puncture@puncture.com
http://www.puncture.com
Piercers: Bryan Belt, Lee Turner
STEVE SHELTON, 1805 Monte Vista, Reno, 89511
(702) 852-1152
sheltonims@delphi.com
By appointment only
TATTOOS R US, 320 East Charleston Suite E, Corner of LV Blvd and Charleston
387-6969
Piercer: Leyla
Reviewed by Catherine Roper <roper@nevada.edu> who comments on her bad nipple
piercing experience: "Jewelry was not autoclaved, it was lying out open in a
box, I touched it as did my friend and the piercer. The piercer answered the
door in gloves and proceded to then use those gloves on my friend.
"The ring was the wrong size for the pierce so it had to be done again. This
time it hurt like hell, I was bleeding and the pierce was much more painful,
it seemed to get stuck as it went through, I don't really know what happened,
I may have started out with a 16 and now have a 14 in me. It did not seem
like there was any pre cleaning for any pierce, there was none for me."
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:22:26 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982322270001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902297968 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/professional-resources/partE
Last-modified: August 04, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
Piercer Reviews are provided by readers of rec.arts.bodyart. The Piercer
Review Form is available at http://www.best.com/~ardvark/review.html
If you find your studio listed and feel that you have been misrepresented
by as review, or if you have corrections to make in the listing, please
email me at <ardvark@best.com>.
Studios marked with an asterisk * also manufacturer/distribute body
jewelry. Please see Part 11A - B for more information.
4E PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS - UNITED STATES - NEW HAMPSHIRE - NORTH DAKOTA
========================================================================
New Jersey
==========
LOVE SHACK, Rte. 37, Toms River, 08753
Reviewed by Richard Davis <rdavis@aol.com>, <rdavis@injersey.com> who
comments on his bad nipple piercing experience: "[The piercer] selected an
18ga ring, said it was best for my anatomy even though I questioned this
gauge. Staff seemed informed (acted that way); it's a tacky stripper wear
store; pierce area was clean with autoclave in view and individually sealed
needles explained.
[Jewelry] soaked in alcohol. [Not an adequate method of sterilzation. -Ed.]
Piercer only wore one pair of gloves. Bedside manner was fine but he was
apparently uninformed on pierce sizing and did not want to hear otherwise; he
was not pierced himself so that might explain the fact this is an add-on
business. I kept the piercing 1 week then removed the jewelry."
*PLEASURABLE PIERCINGS, INC.* Retail Store and Mail Order, 417 Lafayette Ave.,
Hawthorne, 07506
1-800-PPI-6086 (774-6086)
(201) 238-0305, fax (201) 238-9564
http://www.pleasurable.com
Piercing69@aol.com
Piercers: Bill Krebs (member of the APP), Adam Block (member of the APP),
Chris Depinto, Ezy, Noelle Giovatto
Tues - Sat 12-8pm; Sun - Mon 12-5pm
No appointment necessary, piercings are done on a walk in basis.
PLEASURES IN THE FLESH, 340 Belleville Ave., Belleville, 07109
(201) 450-8282
Piercer: Paula Lopez
SKIN ILLUSTRATIONS / PIERCINGS BY BARNEY, Cookstown-Wrightstown Rd.,
Vantage Plaza, Cookstown
(609) 758-1770
Barne11@aol.com
Piercers: Barney Medunic, Matt Willson
12/97 Barney has left Skin Illustrations due to what he says are unfavorable
conditions in the shop. He can be contacted via email.
New Mexico
==========
BODY MART / INDUSTRIAL SURGERY, 8009 A Central Ave. NE, Albuquerque,
87109
(505) 268-5006
Odin@nmol.com
http://www.nmol.com
Piercer / owner: David Chavez (attendee Gauntlet Piercer Training Seminar)
Senior Apprentice: Jonathan Black
HARDWARE, INC., 2622 Central SE, Albuquerque, 87106
(505) 265-3665
Piercers: Matt Bailey and Shawn Taylor (both attendies of the Fakir
Intensives); and Jerry
Reviewed by Matt Armstrong <bonzo@swcp.com> who received nipple, navel
piercings from Shawn and PA from Jerry: "Pretty clean shop. Friendly
folks always willing to discuss any aspect of their shop from aesthetics
to sterilization procedures. Both piercers were very attentive to hygeine.
I believe that reasonable care was taken against cross-contamination to the
best of my knowledge. Both artists were similarly mannered and gave me no
pressure to continue any further than what I was comfortable with; Shawn let
me walk out of the shop after I balked half-way through the PA prep and was
very supportive after this, and Jerry waited while I was on the table for
about ten minutes for me to get into the right state of mind to continue."
INDUSTRIAL SURGERY, see BODY MART
SACHS, 3112 Central Avenue SE, Albuquerque, 87106
(505) 266-1661
Piercer: Noah
New York
========
ANDROMEDA, 33 St. Marks Place (between 2nd and 3rd Aves), New York
(212) 505-9408
http://www.andromeda-nyc.com/andromeda.htm
7 days 12-9pm
Associated with Cassiopia
Piercers: Michael Addonisio, Bianca Bubeck
*La Raine no longer works at Andromeda
Reviewed by David Horne <im1ru12@virgil.harvard.edu>,
<http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~horne> who received a nipple piercing: "The
shop was relaxed and pleasant. The staff were informed and helpful, as well
as honest. The piercer told me that he wouldn't lie to me, 'The piercing can
hurt but it's a cool piercing and worth it if you really wanted it.' While I
was apprehensive of the prospective pain I trusted his answer and felt more
comfortable with him as a result. The tools were sterilised and opened in
front of me. The piercer was extremely relaxed, friendly and even witty. It
was an excellent experience and I love my piercing."
AXIS BODY PIERCING & TATTOOING, 176 West Houston Street, New York City,
10014, (212) 691-8248
AxisPierce@aol.com
Piercer: Vince Sanchez, also performs branding and cutting
6/98 AXIS is closed; Vince works at SACRED
*BODY DESIGNS*, 1319 Elayne Ave., Ste. 1014, Bay Shore, 11706
(516) 968-0141
http://www.quikpage.com/B/bdyinc/
http://www.bdyinc.qpg.com/
Piercers: Mike and Lynn
[Their portfolio left much to be desired, featured photos taken from
magazines and a photo of the owner wearing a ring clipped-onto his navel to
demonstrate navel piercing placement. 11/95]
BODY DESIGNS, 4 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville, 11801
(516) 932-5797
BODY DESIGNS, 1746 Sunrise Hiwy, Bay Shore, 11706
(516) 968-0141
CASSIOPIA, 38 West 8th Street, New York
(212) 979-9652
http://www.andromeda-nyc.com/studios.htm
7 days, 10am-9pm
CENTRAL NEY YORK TATTOO, 3 W Genesee St., Baldwinsville, 13027-1104
(315) 638-8288
Piercer: Al Creamer
Reviewed by Isabel Aidan <tzarna@aol.com>,
<http://www.members.aol.com/tzarna>: "The shop was clean and well-lit,
evidently a tattoo shop, but he did have a comfortable space that appeared to
be primarily used for piercing. All packages were open in front of me; he
made a point of showing me the sealed sterile clamp and needle bags.
"Al was a bit wary of allowing Connor my SO to be there during the piercing
and was very much in favor of having him wait out front, but ultimately did
allow him to hold my hand.
"The only jewelry available was what he had ordered after I made the
appointment. Al installed 10 ga circular barbells 1" in diameter. Al did not
specifically measure my nipples but he did tell me that he would not
recommend a straight barbells because my breasts were too big and the tissue
behind the piercing would force it to grow out. When I initially talked with
Al over the phone he did say that he was willing to use a straight barbell if
I wanted it; he also indicated that he had plenty of jewelry and that he
would make sure that I had several choices in each gauge to choose from.
What I didn't find out until I had my pierces redone at Infinite Body
Piercing was that the rings/circular barbells sometimes got tugged on by the
bra and the downward pressure on the ring could cause the part within the
nipple to push outward and thus have tissue push it out from behind. I also
didn't realize how much damage had been done until she actually went and did
the pierce and the edges were so much less jagged at 12 gauge and with the
proper jewelry.
"After the experience at Infinite, I would not recommend that anyone get a
pierce at Central New York Tattoo; looking back on it the experience wasn't
as good as I had thought...I feel like Al is not as willing to make the
necessary adjustments in his piercing to accommodate some of the things I
have learned lately, such as a straight barbells being the best option for a
larger breasted woman to use with nipple pierces.
"Aftercare regimen suggested: Betadine to clean the piercings and hydrogen
peroxide soaks to get the crusties off. I knew was positive was wrong,
especially since I'd been lurking in r.a.b. for awhile. (The piercings)
never healed. One rejected after five and a half or six weeks and the other
one was too painful to keep after seven weeks."
CICADA, 130 E 7th Street, between 1st and A, New York
(212) 353-0726
Tue - Sun, 12-10pm
Piercer: Mark Fillebrown
Branding and cutting available.
Jewelry manufactured by Dan Natkiel and others.
Reviewed by Michelle Zulli <mzulli@cybernex.net> who received a tongue
piercing from Mark: "The shop is beautiful. Very nice selection of unique
jewelry. Staff was helpful and knowledgeable both before my piercing and on a
return visit. Smoking was not allowed in the shop. The piercing room was
immaculate and comfortable. The tools were autoclaved and packages opened in
front of me. The jewelry was soaked in disinfectant after removal from the
display case. The pen that was used to mark the piercing was given to me
after it was used. I was not measured for the jewelry. Mark did not change
gloves through the process; I didn't see any instances of potential
cross-contamination. Mark had a great bedside manner. He was very friendly
and pierced me quickly and cleanly."
COW POK, 168 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, 14201
(716) 885-0252
Piercer: Paul Bierker
Reviewed by David L Le Blanc <dll6200@cs.rit.edu>,
<http://www.cs.rit.edu/~dll6200> who received tongue, Labret and eyebrow
piercings: "Clean atmosphere, no smoking allowed in the piercing area,
only out in the font areas of the shop. Staff helped people with questions
well, seemed extremely knowledgeable. Pirecing area exceptionally clean
and well kept. All instruments autoclaved and packages opened in plain
view. Seems to have extremly good knowledge of safe peircing. Incredibly
easy going and comforatable bedside manner."
GATES PROFESSIONAL BODY PIERCING, 2304 15th St., Troy, 12180
(518) 422-0018
Piercer: Jeffrey Roberts (former member of the APP)
*GAUNTLET*, 144 Fifth Ave (at 19th St), 2nd Floor, New York, 10011
(212) 229-0180, fax (212) 229-0184
http://www.gauntlet.com/
Manager / Master Piercer: Brian Murphy
Piercers: Ruth Villasenor, Johnathan Palmer, Kenny Fraser
Apprentice: Erica Hanson
MC/VISA/ATM
7 days 12:30-7:30pm
Reviewed by Kathleen McGivney <kmcgivney@yahoo.com> who received a
horizontal hood piercing from Kenny and tragus, cartilage and lobe
piercings from Erica: "Very clean. Staff members were well informed
and helpful. Smoking not allowed in shop. Environment is very
relaxing with many resources to look at such as piercing magazines.
Erica was very well informed. Erica took time to measure my tragus
to make sure we had the right size ring. She paid close attention
to hygeine. She talked to me throughout the process, telling me what
she was doing, asking how I was feeling. I would highly recommend her.
Erica recommended Softsoap as a gentler alternative when I told her
that my current soap was irritating.
Kenny was well informed but seemed to rush through the process. He
chose the jewelry without measuring me but did measure me thoroughly
before doing the actual piercing. He answered all my questions.
Although he was a little more impersonal than I would have preferred
he did a good job. He was very scrupulous about hygeine, changing his
gloves anytime he had to touch anything new. Tools and needles
sterilized by autoclave; jewelry individually sterilized."
Reviewed by Andria Wolfe <andria@panix.com> who received a clit hood
piercing from Denise who has since left: "The shop is fantastic. It's on
the second floor and is a very quiet and relaxing environment. The
waiting room is spacious and comfortable, each staff member I encountered
was helpful and friendly. The waiting and piercing areas are immaculately
clean, there is no smoking allowed anywhere in the shop. All packages
were opened in front of me, surfaces cleaned and gloves changed countless
times at each step of the process. Spore test results are available. I
went back to Gauntlet two months later to get a larger gauge barbell put
in and had my first impressions of the shop and staff confirmed. The
staff was every bit as helpful and conscientious as they'd been before."
MODERN AMERICAN BODYARTS, 462 87th Street at 5th Ave., Bay Ridge, Brooklyn,
11209
(718) 680-9775
http://www.modernamerican.com
Keitha2@mail.idt.net
Piercer / owner: Keith Alexander (member of the APP; formerly of Gauntlet
NYC)
Carries jewelry by several US and UK manufacturers.
Reviewed by Jason Battiloro <xraver@panix.com> who received a nipple
piercing from Keith: "Keith was friendly and understanding of my fear and
pain and made me feel very relaxed and comfortable. The store was very clean
(cleaner than some doctor offices I've been in). All tools were cleaned in an
autoclave, gloves were worn during the piercing and all proper procedures
were taken to avoid cross-contamination. After visiting the web site and
exchanging E-Mail with Keith I was very impressed with his knowledge of
piercing and medical emergency care. Since Keith Alexander has a Internet
presence I was able to E-mail him before and after the piercing with
questions and seems I've never waited more than a few hours for a reply."
Reviewed by Troy Bongiovanni <Bongi22@aol.com> who received his PA
piercing from Keith: "Very conveniently located in a non-intimidating part of
Brooklyn; I don't fear the city, but some do and this isn't in a part you
might otherwise try to avoid. Keith was above standards in every capacity,
friendliness, knowledge, patience, very honest, very open, precise, and seems
to take pride in what he does; it isn't a job, which is the difference in
many cases, it is caring. [Aftercare] given verbally and in written form. I
did notice Keith change gloves at least 3 times and I never noticed him touch
anything but the neccesary implements. I easily would have bugged out at the
merest sign of unsanitary or unprofessional conditions. He has replied
repeatedly to my E-mail questions, comments and occasional lame jokes. I just
wish the doctors and teachers in my life had been as openly available to me."
NEW YORK ADORNED, 47 2nd Avenue, New York, 10003
At 3rd Street
(212) 473-0007
7 days
PAT'S TATS, 102 Mill Hill Rd., Woodstock, 12498
(914) 679-4429
Piercer: Pat Sinatra
Mon - Thu by appointment, Sun by walk-in
THE PIERCER, 6 Van Woert Ct., Wynaskill, 12198
(518) 283-8847
http://www.albany.net/~piercer
SACRED TATTOO AND BODY ART EMPORIUM, 365 Canal Street, New York City, 10013
(212) 226-4286
http://www.sacredtattoo.com
7 days
Tattoos, henna, temporary tattoos available.
Body art gallery and museum with rotating exhibits.
SHAMAN, (212) 777-3972, by appointment only
http://renoir.psych.nyu.edu:9999/~thebin/shaman.html
Piercers: Jon and Dave (both formerly of Venus Modern Body Arts)
STIEHL'S BODY MODIFICATION STATION, 114 S. Cayuga Street, Ithaca, 14850
(607) 256-7175
Piercer: Dawn Stiehl
Reviewed by Allen Roy <allen476@clarityconnect.com> who received a
pubic piercing from Dawn: "Lobby was very clean and orderly. Dawn and
her husband were very friendly and helpful. The piercing area was in
immaculate condition. I was very impressed by their knowledge of piercing
and their commitment to keeping it safe. I don't have a small body and
the piercing that I was having done was in an area that didn't have loose
skin. After she meausered for the appropriate jewelry and made the marks
where it would be she then tried for a few minutes to use a set of
forceps to clamp it. This attempt failed, so she did it freehand still on
the marks. Dawn used her wit to distract me just before piercing so as I
would not tense up before hand. She informed me of every step that she
was doing and was done rather quickly. I would recommend her to anyone
considering a piercing. Tools and needles sterilized by autoclave;
jewelry individually sterilized."
*VENUS MODERN BODYARTS*, 199 E 4th St (A and B), NY 10009,
(212) 473-1954.
Piercers: Maria Tashjian and Blake (formerly of NOMAD, San Francisco, CA)
The studio features a collection of authentic, indigenous jewelry from
all over the world.
Reviewed by Michelle Zulli <mzulli@cybernex.net> who received eyebrow and
ear cartilage piercings from Maria: "The staff at Venus always seem very
knowledgeable and friendly, once you've gotten their attention. The display
area in the shop is large, and they also have a nice selection of magazines
for sale. There's plenty of seating if you have to wait for an appointment.
The piercing area was very clean and roomy enough to bring a companion in for
moral support. All tools were autoclave-sterilized and opened in front of me.
I don't know if spore testing was done. Jewelry was soaked in a disinfectant
while Maria prepared me and the tools for the piercing. She wore gloves to
handle the jewelry. Maria removed the gloves she had touched the jewelry
with to mark my skin for the piercing. She put on fresh gloves before
touching the sterile tools. She is very professional. I found her quite
skillful and her manner comforting while she was piercing me. She's been in
the shop every time I've gone in subsequent to my piercings. She would answer
any question as best she could, and I never felt rushed during the piercing
or at any time afterward."
WILD CHILD, 3179 E. Tremont Ave., Bronx, 10461
(718) 822-5655
Noize@gnn.com
http://www.thenymall.com/tattooseen.html
Piercers: James Brady and Michelle Leonard (owner; attendee of the Gauntlet
Seminars)
Reviewed by Mika <kyj23@aol.com> who received nipple and labret piercings
from James Brady: "The shop is immaculate, a bit crowded on the weekends
though. He opened up all of the autoclaved tools and jewelry in front of me
right before the piercing. He uses tons of tissues and a pair of grabbers to
pick things up with before the piercing, very wary of cross-contamination.
They had two counters full of jewelry. Michelle seems well educated on body
piercing. She is very helpful and talkative, and I had her undivided
attention while I was asking her questions. I felt totally at eas
during the piercing, he was very calming, and he didnt mind waiting for
me to say when I was ready. He also explained every step of the piercing
beforehand. He gave me a pamphlet that says how to clean them properly."
North Carolina
==============
ABRAXAS BODY ART, 513 W. Peace Street, Raleigh, 27603
(919) 821-3133, fax (919) 828-4544
http://www.abraxasbodyart.com
http://home.interpath.net/piercing
piercing@interpath.com
Piercer: David Shaw (formerly of Innovations/Skin Deep)
Branding, cutting, tattooing available.
Health Department inspected.
Reviewed by David Wesley Dukes, Jr. <wdukes@vnet.net> who received
a nipple piercing (and later stretching) from David at Skin Deep:
"Jewelry displayed outside in retail area, stored in sterlized packets
drawers. Shop was clean, [autoclave] packages opened in my presence.
David is young but very poised and confident. Information was straight
forward. Piercing was healed at 6 months. I called once about soreness
and stopped by after 5 or 6 weeks. He reassured me it was healing
normally so I resolved to give it a full 6 months. Glad I did. I got a
size increase after 9 months."
Also Reviewed by Paul Bass <paulb@ntwrks.com> who received earlobe
and navel piercings from David at Skin Deep: "The shop was very clean and
the staff friendly and confidence-inspiring. The jewelry was displayed
very nicely. No smoking in the piercing area, which was very private.
Jewelry was sterilized and the packages were opened in my view. Jewelry
selected based on measurement of navel. Gloves changed when contamination
was likely. David has a great bedside manner. He told me what he was doing
and why and told me what to expect. I went with his suggestions as far as
placement which was visually balanced and pleasing. He gave me all the time
I needed after the piercing to recover. David gives his pager number to all
clients. My navel bled a bit for 12 hours or so after the piercing which
concerned me some so I paged him. It was answered almost immediately (this
was during hours when he was not at the shop)."
EARTH'S EDGE BODY BOUTIQUE, 4001-H Country Club Rd., Winston-Salem, 27104
(910) 765-7898
BPIERCER@aol.com
Piercer: Byron Weeks (member of the APP)
INNOVATIONS / SKIN DEEP, see ABRAXAS BODY ART
LIFESTYLE EXPRESSIONS,1308 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis 28081
(704) 932-1872
Reviewed by Glenn Chipley,Jr (Gchipley@ctc.net) who received navel and
tongue piercings: "Staff is very friendly. Smoking is allowed in the studio
but not in piercing area that I could see. The staff was very helpful. No
(autoclave) spore test. All jewelry and tools were kept in packages until
they were ready and opened in front of me. (Jewelry) was handled responsibly
with fresh gloves. I dont think it was soaked in disinfectant. But It may
have been, I was to nervous to notice. The piercer did not touch any
non-sterile items once he started with me. He said if I need anything come
back by the studio or call."
PRIMALISMS, 128 Appalachian St., Boone, 28607
(828) 268-0001
jontillman@hotmail.com
Piercer: Jon Tillman
Reviewed by Corey Sutton <kabalist@yahoo.com> who received both earlobe
and nipple piercings and corrective work from Jon: "The shop is no
smoking even in the waiting room. Both Jon and the tattoo artist,
Charles Cain, spend a good amount of time keeping the shop clean.
Staff is friendly and well versed in all aspects of body modification.
The overall atmosphere is very subdued and mellow, a far cry from a
stereotypical tattoo parlor or head shop. Many books and magazines were
available in the waiting area. Jon was very professional and gave me a
tour of the shop before the piercings were performed. I was shown the
autoclaves (one for tattoo, one for piercing), the chemical area and all
other supplies and procedures. I asked Jon about seeing the spore test
results; he said that the local hospital does all the testing and keeps
them on file at the hospital and the local health department. He gave me
their phone number; I called and they were very helpful and told me that
all of the autoclaves at the shop were in proper working order. The
piercings themselves were relatively painless considering my previous
experiences, and the nipple took much less time to heal than the previous
nipple piercing I had received (which Jon fixed). Jewelry was individually
autoclaved. Jon made available the name and phone number of his distributor
if I would like to check with them as far as the purity of the materials
used. Jewelry selected on basis of anatomical measurements. Aftercare
recommended: PCMX soap twice daily for two weeks, Triclosan soap after that."
North Dakota
============
STERLING ROSE TATTOOING & PIERCING, #7 10th Street N, Fargo, 58102
(701) 232-1744
Piercer / owner: James M. Mulvihill
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:22:46 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982322470001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902297989 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/professional-resources/partF
Last-modified: August 04, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
Piercer Reviews are provided by readers of rec.arts.bodyart. The Piercer
Review Form is available at http://www.best.com/~ardvark/review.html
If you find your studio listed and feel that you have been misrepresented
by as review, or if you have corrections to make in the listing, please
email me at <ardvark@best.com>.
Studios marked with an asterisk * also manufacturer/distribute body
jewelry. Please see Part 11A - B for more information.
4F PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS - UNITED STATES - OHIO - PENNSYLVANIA
===============================================================
Ohio
====
ACME PIERCING CO., 2610 Vine St., Cincinnati, 45219
(513) 559-1664, fax (513) 559-1665
acme@fuse.net
Piercer: Victoria
Reviewed by David Bliss <dbliss@gauss.ececs.uc.edu>,
<http://web.idea-inc.com/~neuro> who received both nipple piercings from
Victoria: "Everything very clean. Private piercing area, everyone is very
friendly. All tools autoclaved. Initial piercing was done with jewelry
autoclaved then placed on display for a period of time, Madacide used
immediately before insertion; however, they no longer do this...they use
jewelry directly from the autoclave bag as they should. Victoria is
excellent about cross-contamination. She changed gloves at least 8 times
during the initial piercing. She is very careful and through. Apprenticed
with Rings & Things. Extremely quick, and placement was perfect on both
pierces. She is extremely knowledgable about anatomy, placement, jewelry
selection, techniques. I have never had a problem walking in to ask
questions of her. The shop is very open and everyone is very helpful.
Victoria will not pierce anyone under 18 under any conditions."
ATOMIC VISION, 1714 N. High St. Suite C, Columbus, 43201-1198
(614) 299-3949
Located directly opposite OSU
Piercer: Julie Edwards (formerly of Piercology)
Mon - Sat 12 - 9pm, closed Tuesdays
Reviewed by Brian Barrett <shalzarr@infinet.com>,
<http://www.infinet.com/~shalzarr/pierced/> who received several piercings
from Julie: "The shop is quite spacious and open...staff members have
always been friendly and welcoming. Smoking is not allowed. All tools and
reusable equipment are sterilized in an autoclave prior to each use. Needles
are always disposed of after a single use. Julie has always taken the time
to mention to me the sterilization practices used as the equipment is
removed from its packaging. All jewelry selections were made with
consideration to my anatomy. After selecting the jewelry for a particular
piercing, it is taken and placed in a disinfectant solution where it is
allowed to soak for at least 15 minutes. It remains in this solution until
just prior to insertion. The same is true of the jewelry I brought in; it
was only disinfected as well. During the many piercings I have had Julie
has always been very aware of cross contamination, being very mindful of
what she touches. Julie has earned a great deal of my trust during the time
I have known her. She has always shown a great deal of concern about my
comfort and she never rushes things. In addition she always takes the time
to explain what she is doing. Afterwards, she'll go over aftercare and more
often than not she'll take a minute to just talk to you. She has trained
with Fakir. Once I was concerned that my first nipple piercing might be
rejecting because it appeared to be moving nearer to the surface but she
took a look at it and assured me that it looked entirely normal to her. It
turns out she was right."
BODY WORK PRODUCTIONS, 2710 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 44113
(216) 623-0744
bodyworkprod@earthlink.net
http://www.bodyworkprod.com
Tue - Sat 1 - 9pm
Piercer / owner: David Vidra (Board Member of the APP, LPN, attended the
Gauntet Piercer Training Seminars)
Piercer: Oed Nehrig (member of the APP, attendee of the Gauntlet Piercer
Training Seminars)
Cash only for piercing, Cash/Visa/Mastercard for jewelry
Featured in Issue #46 of PFIQ.
Currently working to establish regulations regarding safe body piercing in
Cleveland.
Reviewed by Monica Jones <dmonica@coil.com>, who has received nipple, tongue,
septum, 8ga ear lobes, hood and piercings: "The shop has recently been
remodeled and now looks like a clincal setting. They have a seperate
sterilization room with state of the art equipment. Piercers are very careful
to guard against cross contamintaion. Seperate waiting room (smoking allowed
in waiting room only). Recovery area available. Excellent selection of
jewelry, jewelry sales associates very helpful and knowledgable. David gave
me his home telephone number and encouraged me to call with any problems or
quetions I might have."
DREAM ILLUSTRATIONS, Chilicothe
(309) 274-2877
Cash/check
Piercers: K. Millard-Davis and Nicole
Reviewed by Lish Daelnar <crank@ice.net> who received a Labret from K.
and nipple and Rook piercings from Nicole: "Nicole also performed nipple
piercings on my boyfriend. I'd called before and talked with the piercers
and they give me the answers I'd expect (considering my knowledge with
piercing). The entire store looks very clean. The tools were [autoclave
sterilized in bags] but the jewelry was just soaked in Madacide. I didn't
see any spore tests but I didn't ask for them either. K. (the owner) has
been through both Gauntlet's and Fakir's seminars and seemed extremely
knowledgable about piercing. Nicole is still in training under K. but has
adopted her teacher's openness and willingness to please the customer.
I was walked through all three piercings while being questioned about other
experiences. Both ladies seem to very much want to improve the shop in any
way possible. I was measured for all three of these piercings and the
measurements came out perfect; I had enough room for swelling. The nip is
healing much faster with a barbell than a ring (I've a ring in the other
nip). The Rook, surprisingly, is healing quite nicely; I usually have a lot
of trouble with ear cartilage pierces."
8-BALL TATTOO, 2593 Indianola Ave., Columbus, 43202
(614) 784-8850
Piercers: Susan and Nancy
THE FLYING LEMUR, 13743 Madison, Lakewood, 44107
(216) 221-2535
Piercer: Scott Patterson
KINK'S, 1118 Race St., Cincinnati
(513) 651-2668
Piercer: Andrew
KUKULA'S, 636 N High St, Columbus, 43215
(614) 228-8337
Piercer: Dru Cooper
Reviewed by Amy Spears <spears_a@cc.denison.edu> who received navel,
nipple, rook, and helix piercings from Dru: "Kukula's is first and foremost
a gay-pride store, so it is extremely gay/lesbian/bi friendly. All of the
employees are very helpful. Dru's area is very clean and sanitary; no
smoking allowed, restroom is clean. Not a convenient waiting area, but they
try to accommodate as best they can. Tools are autoclaved and opened in
front of the piercee, new needles every time, jewelry is chemically
sterilized. Dru wears gloves during the whole procedure and makes sure
everything is sterile during the procedure. Dru recommends jewelery based
on type of piercing and an examination of the body part. He's a very
calming individual who is very receptive to the piercee's apprehension and
tries his best to insure his or her comfort. He's very willing to offer
information and answer questions; he gives every piercee his business card
so he can be reached."
LA'ROX, INC., 26 E. Exchange St., Akron, 44308
(330) 724-1554
http://home.neo.lrun.com/bodypiercing
Piercers: Brice Scot Hagerty <fly@neo.lrun.com> (formerly of Aardvark's),
Larry Helton (owner)
Reviewed by Brenda <bands@neo.lrun.com> who received nipple piercings
from Brice when he worked at Aardvark's: "Scott was very well informed and
very helpful...had a calming nature. Tools and jewelry were sterilized in an
autoclave, packages were opened in front of me. He said that he had been
piercing for about 2 and 1/2 years. I was just comfortable with his bedside
manner. Very calming and reassuring. He was fast yet careful and I liked
that. He told us before we left not to hesitate calling if we had any
problems."
PAINTED BIRD, 4179 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, 45223
(513) 541-7363
Piercer: Andrew Hoctor (attendee of the Fakir Intensives)
Cash/MN/Visa
Reviewed by Crys Nievar Ri'i'des <crys@shiva.iac.net>, <crys@tcp.com>,
<http://www.tcp.com/~crys> who received his tongue, tragus, and both nipple
piercings from Andrew: "No smoking allowed, all items autoclaved, the
sterilization procedures impressed my gf when she saw them, and she's a
nurse's aide. The shop is large, roomy, gives plenty of room to work in,
and the back area is appropriately private. Overally, I'm impressed with
the place, and with his concern for his workspace. His manner speaks for
itself. He's clean, calm, and very, very quick with his hands. Pierces
usually take less than a second of actual needle pushing."
Reviewed by Mike Hurst <magua@fuse.net> who received septum, labret,
and midbrow piercings from Andrew: "The shop was extremely sanitary, and
the piercing area was comparable to a hospital environment. All tools and
jewelery are sterilized in an autoclave. There is a large selection of
jewelery, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable. It is the type of place
that inspires complete confidence in the professionalism and safety of the
work you will recieve. Andy explains in detail the piercing procedure and
aftercare process. He is a consummate professional, pressure-free and is
upfront about risk of rejection, piercibility of specific areas. I've
always been able to consult with Andy afterwards, and to him it is
obviously no hassle."
PIERCINGS UNLIMITED, 2211 Scioto Dr., Springfield, 45506,
(937) 322-0877
ringman@mail.cfanet.com
Piercer: Max E. Nave
By appointment only.
PIERCOLOGY, 874 North High St., Columbus, 43215
(614) 297-4743
http://www.piercology.com/
adornit@piercology.com
Piercer: Patrick McCarthy (member of the APP, attendee of the Gauntlet
Piercer Training Seminars); Dave Kelso (APP application submitted);
Kristin Maxwell (APP application submitted)
Apprentice: Timo
Reviewed by Robert Feiertag <rfeierta@chemistry.ohio-state.edu> who
received twenty piercings at Piercology: "The shop is clean & bright.
A new salon with larger waiting room, two piercing rooms and one
changing/assessment room, each equipped with hand washing and spit sinks,
will be opening at the same location soon. No smoking allowed. The staff is
well informed and enjoys helping the customers. Piercology has a very nice
pamphlet with a lot of good information on piercing care. Tools and jewelry
were sterilized in an autoclave and the packages were opened in front of me.
Autoclave spore tests are done weekly, and the results are posted. Several
changes of gloves occurred with every piercing.
"Patrick is calm, very neat and methodical and has a gentle touch. No matter
how busy he is he treats you as though he has all the time in the
world.
"Kristin already has a good bedside manner. She takes her time and explains
each step as she goes along. Patrick checked her preparations and supervised
the actual piercing when she did my frenum. I had complete confidence in her
ability.
"Dave was a bit nervous, which is understandable, since mine was his first
frenum piercing. Dave's got a good presence and his natural friendliness is a
real asset. The actual piercing went smoothly, and is healing nicely.
"I frequently call or stop in when I have any problems. For example, the
jewelry came out of one of my frenum pierces, and I couldn't get it back in.
Patrick sterilized the jewelry, cleaned things up, and reinserted it at no
charge. This is typical of the way they operate."
STAINED SKIN, 1183 N. High Street, Columbus, 43201
(614) 297-SKIN
http://www.netset.com/hellcity/
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/hole/home.htm
hellcity@netset.com
Piercer: Kat Dearwester (member of the APP; trained by Steve Haworth of HTC)
Mon - Sat 12 - 7pm
VERTIGO, 17-C W High St., Oxford (above The Hole in the Wall bar)
(513) 524-VERT (524-8378)
Piercer: Gary
Visa/MC/cash/check
Reviewed by Lish Daelnar <crank@ice.net> who received a nostril piercing
from Gary: "My boyfriend received an eyebrow pierce at the same time. There
are three shops in town and this is the only one I'd trust to pierce me.
Gary's been piercing for years and knows his stuff. He was very friendly and
made sure placement was exactly where I wanted it. He's got a motto that
he'll never know everything about piercing. We discussed aftercare and
different piercing procedures; he was very open to my opinions and what I've
found works best. Everything was autoclaved: forceps, rings, pliers, corks,
rubberbands. He has spore tests done monthly, although Ohio is starting a
mandatory weekly autoclove spore test. He didn't have the tests there but
said I could come back and see the next run. He used a ton of gloves; if
there was the slightest chance of cross-contamination he put on a new pair.
He cleaned up with Madacide between my boyfriend's and my piercings. He
walked me through everything he was doing and answered every question I
had.
He didn't go much into aftercare (Bactine or Earcare) because I already know
what works best to heal my pierces."
VIKING STUDIOS, 1988 N. High Street, Columbus, 43201
(614) 294-1505
Piercer/Tattoo Artist: Lars Johansson; and Jen
Reviewed by Jason M. Laughman <laughman@cis.ohio-state.edu> who
received 2 nipple, 2 labret, and 2 tongue piercings from Lars:
"No smoking, very sterile, new gloves, needles, etc. for every customer,
all other tools were sterilized before each use. All new jewelry gets
bulk autoclaved when it comes in, and then minimal handling after that
(they use tongs to get the jewelry out, put it in bags, etc.)...he feels
that steam sterilization (autoclave) is the only way to go. I have brought
used jewelry in, and they will autoclave it for free. His bedside manner
is excellent; he does an excellent job of gauging what his client needs
and giving it. He will do "hand-holding" if necessary, but won't if not.
I have had no problems with stopping in and asking questions."
Reviewed by Jennifer Engel/Jen Angel <angel+@osu.edu> who received two rook
and navel piercings from Lars, tongue piercing from Jen: "Jewelry selected
based on anatomy. Very clean, proper sterilization, no pets/smoking permited.
jewelry was not, tools were [in sterilization bags]. Adequate privacy.
Friendly, comfortable, young, and an obvious enthusiasm for body
modification and body art. Lars has operated his own studio for five
years, I think. Very knowledgeable and good with customers. Jen has
apprenticed with Lars for over a year, I think. Also very friendly."
Oklahoma
========
23RD STREET BODY PIERCING, 411 NW 23rd St., Oklahoma City, 73103
(405) 524-OUCH
Piercers: Jason King (member of the APP); Chris Stephens; Steve Joyner
Oregon
======
*ANNALA PIERCING*, 310 SW 4th Avenue Suite 407, Portland, Oregon 97204
(503) 241-2791
http://www.knighterrant.com/annala
http://nwwnet.com/nwtattoo/Annala
KAnnala@compuserve.com
Piercer: Katherine
ATTITUDES, 1017 S.W. Morrison, Studio 312, Portland, 97205,
(503) 224-0050
Piercers: Ahna Edwards
BAD ATTITUDE, 3312 SE Belmont, Portland, 97214
(503) 235-6990, (503)233-7387
http://nwwnet.com/or/bus/nosering.htm
Piercers: Shane Fire (attendee of the Fakir Intensives), and
Mitch Hale (formerly of Ovo)
BLACK HOLE, 2946 NE Glisan, Portland 97232
(503) 231-0712
Piercers: Tracy Faraca (member of the APP, attendee of the Fakir Intensives),
Amber Altman <AAltman@symantec.com>, Brian Garcia
Mon - Sat 12-8pm, Sun 12-6pm
Cash/check/major credit cards
Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcome.
Reviewed by Eva Piccininni <piccinie@ucs.orst.edu>,
<http://www.orst.edu/~piccinie/bodmods.html> who received a nipple piercing
from Tracy: "Staff is friendly and helpful and the shop is very clean and
professional. The lobby is downstairs and the piercing area upstairs. All
surfaces are wiped down after each customer; a biohazard sharps container for
needle disposal. All tools and jewelry were sterilized in an autoclave
and opened in front of me. All jewelry was bulk-sterilized and handled with
fresh gloves and soaked in disinfectant. I expressed my preference for a
barbell and Tracy agreed they could make nipple healing easier. She chose the
jewelry after looking at my nipple to determine an appropriate size (straight
barbell, external threads). I asked tracy whether she thought I could stretch
my lobe piercings to 10g. She looked at my lobes, said 10g shouldn't be too
much of a problem. Amber helped me select the jewelry and performed the
stretch. Tracy has a great bedside manner and is very friendly and willing to
answer questions. Amber also impressed me with her friendliness and bedside
manner. She asked me whether I'd had anything stretched before and talked me
through the entire process."
KATHERINE'S, 310 SW 4th Ave., Portland, 97204
(503) 243-1127
KAnnala@compuserve.com
Piercers: Katherine Annala (formerly of Bad Attitude),
and Keath Briley (formerly of ZOA, San Francisco)
DARRYN LAGAIPA (female), (503) 284-4174
PRIMAL, 509 East 13th, Eugene, 97401
(541) 345-6465
Piercers: Shayne and Odette
Reviewed by Britt A. Green <cheshrct@teleport.com> who received a
nipple from Odette and tongue piercing from Shayne: "The shop was
extremely clean and sterile. All jewelry was sterilized before it was
inserted; all packages were opened in front of me. Antibiotics were used
on the needle; the skin itself being cleansed. Surgical gloves are worn
anytime jewlery is inserted, even if it's just to tighten a loose barbell.
Odette helped me choose jewelry for both pierces based on the size of my
nipples, and cosmetic value. Both Shayne and Odette were extremely helpful
and courtious. They took the time to answer all of my questions with much
patience."
Pennsylvania
============
PENNSYLVANIA COALITION OF PROFESSIONAL TATTOOISTS AND BODY PIERCERS
http://www.pa-tattoo.com/
President Tim Azinger, PO Box 502, Carnegie, PA 15106
(412) 531-5319, <Amazinger@aol.com>
Vice-President Drake Cox, (814) 726-2860, fax (814) 716-2850,
<tattoo@pa-tattoo.com>
BLACK HOLE, 338 East Main Street, Carnegie, 15106
(412) 279-2123
Piercer: Adrienne
Reviewed by Kasey Edison <kasey+@pitt.edu> whe received ear and nipple
piercings from Adrienne: "The shop is clean. No smoking in any of the work
areas, jewelry and all equipment sterilized. Jewelry can be custom-ordered
and piercer is more than willing to talk about ideas so far as placement,
jewelry. All staff wear gloves and other protective clothing. Adrienne is
wonderful. She can read people very well; she has a wonderful bedside
manner, explains everything thoroughly so far as the cleaning, piercing,
and healing processes. Her placement of jewelry is wonderful, and my
piercings have never healed so well or quickly. I recommend people to her
all the time, and she'll help those who got pierced at other places and are
unhappy or have questions."
BOTH WAYS (formerly LEATHER ROSE), 203 S. 13th St., Philadelphia, 19107
(215) 985-BEGG, 1-800-429-7529, fax (215) 985-5020
Piercer: Jean Paul
CAPTAIN SHARKEY'S BODY PIERCING, at Eddie's Tattoo, 605 S 4th St.,
off South St., Philadelphia
(215) 851-9122
*HELLION HOUSE* RETAIL SHOP and IRON CITY INK, 314 N. Craig St.,
Pittsburgh, 15213
1-800-899-2749, (412) 683-9888, fax (412) 605-0452
Piercer: Gary Morgan; Dave (apprentice)
9/97 Keith Roman has left Hellion House.
INFERNO, 618 South St., Philadelphia, 19147
(215) 627-5528, fax (215) 627-5523
Fabala13@aol.com
Piercers: Tiffany (formerly of Infinite) and Jon Dambrowski and
Deann Cooper (formerly of Obscurities, Atlanta, GA)
Branding and scarification available.
Reviewed by Michelle Penson <mpenson@astro.ocis.temple.edu> who
received nipple piercings from Tiffany when she was piercing at Infinite:
"Tiffany has the perfect bedside manner, I was very comfortable with her.
She clamped the area, and it seemed like she waited for me to get
distracted (very easy) and then pierced my nipple. I felt very little pain,
and was relaxed for the next nipple. I have also been back to the shop
since then for more holes and jewelry and I am always well received by
Tiffany."
Reviewed by Nicholas K. Foreit <nforeit@macalstr.edu>,
<obscure@netcom.com>: "She did my septum the same day I got my frenum. She is
also very soothing to me as I was freaking out before I had the piercing. She
made sure that I was absolutely sure that I wanted such a heavy gauge for an
inital septum piercing. She also talked me through the whole process and
taught me some keen cleaning tricks for the care of my septum."
INFINITE BODY PIERCING, 626 South 4th Street, 1/2 block from South St.,
Philadelphia, 19147
(215) 923-7335
http://www.infinite-body.com/
http://www.trend1.com/~infinite
infinite@trend1.com
Noon - 10pm 7 days a week, except 12-8 Sundays
Piercers: Jim Weber (owner); Megg Mass; Mark Fillebrown (of Cicada, NY).
Branding also available by Megg.
Exotic hardwood jewelry, piercing publications available.
For jewelry by mail order contact Duncan Busser through the webpage.
Reviewed by Michelle Penson <mpenson@astro.ocis.temple.edu> who received
nipple piercings from Tiffany, who is no longer with Infinite: "Everyone who
works at Infinite is incredible friendly and knowledgable. The shop is kept
so clean that I refuse to go in there unless I'm fresh from the shower, I'm
afraid to contaminate the shop!"
Reviewed by Nicholas K. Foreit <nforeit@macalstr.edu>,
<obscure@netcom.com> who has received piercings from Megg and Jim:
"The staff is very informed and friendly. The jewelry selection is HUGE,
and the prices are very reasonable. Each piercing room has either a dentist-
type chair or a gyn examining table. There is a separate room for the
autoclave.
"Megg - I'm her male genital piercing guinea pig. I was her first Frenum
and PA. She has a wonderful bedside manner, takes care to explain everything
she is doing as it happens, has a very confident air, and one of the
steadiest set of hands I've ever seen. Tiffany supervised the piercing to
make sure everything was done okay.
"Jim - He assisted Megg when she did my PA. One word describes him -
incredible. He's very calm and can relax you in the blink of an eye. He's
very friendly and knowledgeable and takes the time to answer all your
questions, both practical and theoretical. He is one of the few piercers I
would trust to give me an ampallang or an apadravya."
ISLAND TATTOO, 715 Island Avenue, McKees Rocks, 15136
(412) 331-9226
Piercer: Cyndy Sanford (Certified Registered Nurse)
Reviewed by Laura Smith <angelic_08@hotmail.com> who received a navel
piercing from Cyndy: "The shop was quite tidy and comfortable. The tat area
is split into 3 "rooms." Piercing room is separate. Everything is autoclaved
and new needles used each time. The bathroom was very clean. Smoking is
permitted in the waiting room. Cyndy made me totally comfortable. She has
a great bubbly personality, but she's not annoying. She has many piercings.
Cyndy makes the piercee totally informed and comfortable. Her prices are a
bit high, but you pay for what you get. For better comfort, she sprayed a
numbing substance on my navel to take the edge off. She also included her
pager number on her card in case of any emergencies. I was absolutely
satisfied with the whole experience. Jewelry selected on basis of anatomical
measurements Aftercare recommended: Betadine twice a day, rotate in leave
3-5 minutes, wash after with anti-bacterial soap, no ointments, peroxide,
bactine." [Please see Part 3 for important information regarding
anesthetics. Betadine is contraindicated for use in puncture wounds or
prolonged use. Please see Part 5. - Ed.]
PRIMAL URGE, 115 S. Main St., New Hope, 18938
215-862-3242, fax 215-862-1371
http://www.primal-urge.com/PrimalUrge.htm
Rotatori@pil.net
Piercer / owner: Ron Rotatori
Branding and henna available
STORMI STEEL BODY PIERCING at Skin F/X Tattoos, 226 Wyoming Ave.,
Kingston, 18704
(717) 288-2595
http://www.nepa-info.com/stormi-steel/index.htm
stormi@postoffice.ptd.net
Piercers: Keith Chamberlain and Jullee (also a CNA), both members of the APP
Tue - Sat 1-9pm
THE TAT HOUSE, 43 Dansbury Terrace, East Stroudsburg, 18360
(717) 421-1826
Piercers: Wendy and Ridge
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:23:10 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982323110001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902298013 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/professional-resources/partG
Last-modified: August 04, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
Piercer Reviews are provided by readers of rec.arts.bodyart. The Piercer
Review Form is available at http://www.best.com/~ardvark/review.html
If you find your studio listed and feel that you have been misrepresented
by as review, or if you have corrections to make in the listing, please
email me at <ardvark@best.com>.
Studios marked with an asterisk * also manufacturer/distribute body
jewelry. Please see Part 11A - B for more information.
4G PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS - UNITED STATES - RHODE ISLAND - WYOMING
==============================================================
Tennessee
=========
DOWNTOWN TATTOOING & BODY PIERCING, 667 Monroe Ave., Memphis
pager (901) 680-6613
Piercer: Clay
ICON BODY PIERCING, 1602 21st Ave. South, Nashville, 37203
(615) 320-1707
skllthd@nash.mindspring.com
Tuesday through Saturday, 12 - 10pm.
Piercers: Ian Bishop (attendee of the Fakir Piercing & Branding Intensives
and Advanced Piercing Course)
Appointments preferred.
ATP certified, meets all state health regulations.
Reviewed by E. George Oeser <synergy@nc5.infi.net> who received
eyebrow, guiche, lorum, lateral earlobe, and both nipple piercings
from Ian: "[The studio is] very friendly, cleaner than any doctor's
office I have ever been in, very wide jewelry selection, no smoking
period, everything autoclaved (including corks, rubber bands) very good
cross contamination prevention, jewelry and tools are kept inside of
autoclave bags durring the piercing, gloves changed 4 times during
procedure. Ian is quiet but friendly, willing to do just about any
pierce that he feels qualified to do, most definitely [available for
questions afterwards]."
LONE WOLD BODYART, see ICON BODY PIERCING
PIERCING BY LANI, 5425 N Lee Hwy., Cleveland, 37312
(423) 472-0996
PPPython@aol.com
Piercer: Lani Kirkpatrick (attendee of the Gauntlet Seminars)
and Joe Kirkpatrick
7 days -11pm, by appointment only
RITES OF ASCENSION, 2158 Whitney Ave., Nashville, 37210
Piercers: Jeff and Rene Martin (members of the APP)
Jeff and Renee have moved to PIERCING EXPERIENCE, Georgia
UNDERGROUND ART, INC., 2287 Young, Memphis
(901) 272-1864
Cash/Check/VISA/MC/Discover
Piercer: Tim Honan
Reviewed by Alec Horgan <dhorgan@cc.memphis.edu> who received eyebrow,
earlobes, tongue, nostril, nipple, tragus', PA piercings from Tim: "Very
nice atmosphere, no smoking anywhere in shop, very sterile. Tim shares his
room with one of the three tattooists, but total privacy is available. Tim
is great. Don't know much about his background, but judging by his portfolio
he's got lots of experience. Excellent bedside manner. Very laid-back and
nonchalant, which makes you feel like the whole thing is not a big deal.
Trademark line: 'Relax, take deep breaths, and I'll do the kinky stuff.'
Tells you to call at first sign of infection. Once, I called because one of
the rings in my ear was bent, and he told me to come in and he would
straighten it. When I got there, he decided the ring was too out of shape
and he swapped it with a brand new one for no charge."
Reviewed by Brent Smith <switch69@aol.com> who received a PA from Tim:
"Very comfortable, tools autoclaved, jewelry previously sterilized and kept
in individual plastic bags. No smoking in piercing area (and I don't believe
in lobby either), fresh gloves, and the piercer cleaned the area between
piercees. Private piercing area. Tim was very professional, put me at ease,
seemed very competent and familiar with procedure. Explained process
beforehand and as he progressed. Noone was in the room but him and me. I
love the look and feel of the ring, and sex is fantastic (for both of us)."
Texas
=====
BACKBONE BODY MODIFICATIONS, 4741 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio, 78229
(210) 349-6637 (MODS)
backbone@txdirect.net
Piercer: M. Keith (Keifer) Hertell (member of the APP, attendee of the
Fakir Intensives); Christian
Traditional and electrosurgical branding, scarification available.
Texas health board certified for tattoos.
Reviewed by Brian Garrett (bgarrett@world-net.net) who received frenum
and lorum piercings from Keith: "Smoking is not allowed in the piercing
area or in the lobby. They have two autoclaves that are spore tested
every month and the results are in a notebook in the lobby for anyone to
examine. He guarantees his piercings and will do whatever it takes to make
the piercing successful. He refused (politely) to touch old jewelry unless
his hands were gloved. In my case...he changed gloves twice. Keifer used
calipers to measure the anatomy of the frenum pierce. He marked the area
and left the room so I could see if the marking was straight under 'various
physiological states' before he proceded with the piercing. Bedside manner
is great...I felt immediately comfortable with him once I got past the front
lobby. I pretty much talked to him about everything without worry or
question. He seems to hold irregular hours at the shop, but I've found my
best success in communication through email. I was given verbal instructions
twice (once before the procedure and once after the procedure). I was also
given a handout with the same instructions listed."
CRIMSON DRAGON TATTOO STUDIO, 2928 Guadalupe St., Austin, 78705
(512) 482-8288
http://www.eden.com/~mtat/page1.htm
mtat@eden.com
Piercer: Miles
Texas Board of Health Tattoo Licence.
Tue, Thu, and Sat 12 - 6pm; Sun by appointment
FORBIDDEN FRUIT and OBSCURITIES are 2 sepearate companies but work together
and regularily swap piercers.
FORBIDDEN FRUIT, 513 E 6th St., Austin, 78701
(512) 476-4596
http://www.forbiddenfruit.com/
bodyart@forbiddenfruit.com
GenevaSpot@aol.com
Piercers: Geneva Ledlow snd Bear; John Reynolds
Wed - Sun. Walk-ins and appointments welcome.
Reviewed by Donna Mehnert <dmehnert@origin.ea.com> who received her
nipple piercings from Geneva: "Clean, spacious, well lit, has sofas to sit
and get comfortable. Jewelry was all sterilized, and they made sure we
touched nothing so as not to contaminate it. Biohazard disposal well
marked, asked not to touch. Tools were on surgeon tray, all packaged up,
nothing was open or exposed. Music in background was pleasant. Door
closed for privacy. Geneva was very friendly, she took time to explain what
she was going to do ahead of time, then what she was doing as she prepared,
and then let me tell her when I was ready. She smiled a lot, made me feel
she knew what she was doing, could answer any question, and didn't make me
feel stupid. She was very attentive and kept her eye on me the whole time
to check for concern/fear/worry. She said to come back at any time with any
questions we might have. She said that it doesn't matter if it's in a year,
if we have questions, to come see her, or call her. She also explained what
an infection or problem would look like, and what discomfort to expect so
that if something out of the ordinary happened, we would recognize it."
An article about Bear is available at
http://www.austin360.com/attitude/trends/tattoo/forbdprc.htm
*HTC*, @ River City Tattoo, 500 East 6th St., Austin, 78701
(512) 476-8282
Piercer: Vanessa
MINX BODY IMPRESSIONS, 1621 N Main #2, San Antonio, 78212
(210) 225-2639
minx@world-net.net
Piercers: Margaret Ficello and Chris Zinnell (members of the APP)
Cash/Major Credit Cards
Reviewed by Jozette Porter <tedybear@swbell.net> who received a tongue
piercing from Chris: "I was very pleased. Minx was not my first choice for
the pierce, although I had heard MANY good things about them. I had a very
bad experience with the first choice, so there I was. I knew exactly what I
wanted jewelry-wise, so that took no time at all. The man was very nice
about letting me make my own choice. I was asked about recent consumption
of aspirin, blood thinners, alcohol, etc. I was instructed on aftercare and
given the opportunity to ask questions, all before I even met the piercer.
The clamp was disposable. Jewelry was bulk sterilized...handled with
tweezers that were soaking in something blue. It was put into a Dixie cup
and covered with some other blue stuff. I assumed it was disinfectant.
He changed gloves twice, once after pushing my hair out of my face. The
piercing room itself was like being in a doctor's office. The piercer also
wore a plastic face shield that came all the way down past his chin...
bedside manner. I was scared to death, so he talked me through everything.
His placing was PERFECT. I am going to Chris for my next piercing."
MINX BODY IMPRESSIONS, 3505 Blanco Rd., San Antonio, 78212
(210) 737-6094
minx@world-net.net
Piercers: Margaret Ficello and Chris Zinnell (members of the APP)
*MODERN BODY IMAGE*, 2750 W. Northwest Hwy #140, Dallas, 75220
(214) 353-9194
Piercer: Ben
Reviewed by Mike Grantham <mgran1@aol.com> who, along with his wife,
received tongue piercings from Ben: "The lobby area of the shop was
very neat in appearance and well secluded from the work areas. The
actual piercing rooms and tattoo rooms (no dual purpose rooms) were
extremely clean and well organized. Our jewelry was individually
autoclaved and opened in front of us while the procedure/aftercare was
discussed by our piercer. Our piercer changed gloves several times during
each piercing. Ben (our piercer) was simply fantastic...top-notch bedside
manner. Immediatly after our piercings, mine bled a good bit for a while.
My wife got concerned and called the piercer. To my surprise he showed up
at my house about 30 minutes later! Less than a week later I was ready to
downsize my barbell. Wife and I went to the shop and the same care in
sterilization was taken as our shorter bars were installed. Wife had
slightly torn the top hole of and Ben was concerned about the size of the
balls being to small. Wife told him that they felt comfortable and we left.
2 days later the top ball was irritating the tear so she went back and had
a different bar with larger balls put in. Ben would not take an extra penny
for all the jewelry and superb after the fact service he provided.
Unfortunately he has moved to another shop and I have temporarily lost track
of him, but am attemting to locate him for more of his fantastic work."
NOTORIOUS ED'S UNDERGROUND TATTOO, 713-B East 6th St., Austin, 78701
(512) 476-8066
http://www.carnivore.net/EDS/EDS1.HTM
ed@carnivore.net
Piercers: Mike, Wendy
Featured in Issue #2 of In The Flesh, pp. 48-51.
OBSCURITIES, 4000-B Cedar Springs, Dallas, 75219
(214) 559 3706
http://www.obscurities.com/
obscurities@obscurities.com
steve@obscurities
compat@obscurities.com
Piercers: Allen Falkner and Steve Joyner, both members of the APP
Branding available.
OBSCURITIES, 4544 Beltline, Addison, 75244
Closed 2/98
PLANET K, 1516 S. Lamar, Austin, 78704, (512)443-2292
PLANET K, 2138 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, (512)654-8536
Piercers: Dage and Quinn
PRIMAL ART, 1921 1/2 Greenville Ave., Dallas, 75206
(214) 827-6666
Piercer: John Durante, Dana Franco
RANDY ADAMS TATTOO STUDIO, 6467 E. Lancaster Ave., Ft. Worth, 76112
(817) 446-0272, fax (817) 446-0271
7 Days, 12pm - 12 midnight
cash / credit cards / checks
Piercer: Rennee
Reviewed by Clyde Peterson <lindap@flash.net> who received a Prince
Albert and Nipple Piercings from Rennee: "All tools and jewelry
autoclaved. Jewelry selection is excellent, resonably priced. Staff is
friendly. From the time I first entered this studio [a few months prior],
Renee has always been friendly and willing to take the time to answer
questions. Her chairside manner is relaxed and efficient. A change of
gloves at almost every step. Renee even called me a couple of days
after to ask how I was doing."
RITUAL BODY, 1400 New York Ave., Arlington
(817) 467-2101
Piercer: Steve Joyner and Reee Martin (member of the APP)
*SKIN & BONES*, 2811 Main St., Dallas, 75226
(214) 741-HOLED
http://www.skinandbones.com/
http://www.hotweird.com/~skin_n_bones
s.maples@ix.netcom.com
Piercer: Stace Maples (self-taught with training by Elayne Binnie);
Adam Schufman; Sandee Mendelson; Kevin Hinton (formerly of
Rings of Desire, LA), all members of the APP
Mention RAB and receive 20% off jewelry.
TABOO TATTOO, Dallas
http://www.quikpage.com/T/taboo/
http://www.taboo.qpg.com/
Piercer: Steve Henslee
Carrie Cardin <clc0001@jove.acs.unt.edu> reports that Steve exhibited a
lack of knowledge regarding piercing care and healing (he remarked that
navel piercings should heal in 4 weeks), and that the shop's standards
of hygiene are questionable (no autoclave in sight, tools unwrapped on
counter).
TATTOOING BY ELECTRA ART, 9938 S.P.I.D., Corpus Christi
(512) 937-6895
Piercer: Chris Lain
Cash / Major CC
Reviewed by B. B. <toyswins@mail.interconnect.net> who received a PA from
Chris: "Staff very helpful and informed in their areas of expertise.
Facilities clean in piercing area. Jewelry sterilized in autoclave; spore
test results available on advance work, done at the time if done at time of
visit. Jewelry soaked in Madacide. Very careful to not touch non-sterile
items during procedure; he was careful to set up everything beforehand.
Anatomy measurements very carefully done. Work was very efficient. Chris
was very good at answering all questions, no matter how silly. I felt faint
after the procedure, was allowed to rest until I felt better. Another
employee, tattooist, alerted him that I still looked white on leaving. He
came out to the parking lot to check. I'm very white anyway and was okay,
but the concern was genuine."
TAURIAN BODY PIERCING, 1505 Westheimer, Houston, 77006
(713) 526-2769, fax (713) 526-1680
julie0812@aol.com
Wednesday to Sunday, 4pm to 9pm.
Piercers: Byriah Dailey (with 5 years' experience);
Michael Heath (attendee of Gauntlet Piercer Training Seminars);
and Michael Joiner (attendee of Fakir Piercing and Branding Intensives);
all members of the APP.
Tue - Thu and Sun 1 - 9pm, Fri - Sat 1 - 10pm
Last piercing 30 minutes before closing.
Piercing by walk-in only.
Branding and scarification by appointment only.
Reviewed by Kitty Bergman <kitty@revealed.net> who received tragus,
labia and nipple piercings from Byriah: "Shop is neat and clean. Staff
was very well informed, helpful and quite friendly. Clean, comfortable
waiting area. Tools taken from autoclave bags. Jewelry had been
autoclaved, but kept in bulk amounts in plastic containers...jewelry was
soaked in antibacterial solution prior to installation. Gloves were
changed a number of times during procedure. Byriah has a wonderful
bedside manner. He has a very calming way about him and is of utmost
professional behaviour. He made sure I was over the initial dizziness
(adrenaline rush) from the first nipple piercing before preparing me
for the second one. He is very thorough in explaining procedures...he
would return the call as soon as was possible. My overall opinion is
that I would recommend his services to anyone. He runs a good clean
business, makes very good quality jewelry (sss and niobium), is
professional..."
VORTEX BODY ARTS @ Studio 13 Tattoos, 312 A&B Nasa Rd. 1, Webster, 77598
(281) 332-4475
Joiner@gnn.com
Piercer: Julie Nicholson (attendee of Fakir Piercing and Branding
Intensives)
Branding and scarification by appointment
VORTEX closed 5/97. Julie now lives in California; she can be reached at
<Juli0812@aol.com>.
Utah
====
BLUE BOUTIQUE, 2106 S. 100 E, Salt Lake City, 84106
(801) 485-2072
Piercers: *Curt Warren and John Pratt (attendee of the Gauntlet Piercer
Training Seminars).
* 6/97 Curt has left Blue Boutique, see KOI
HARD WEAR, 29 West Center St., Logan, 84321
(801) 753-3891
http://www.cache.net/hardwear
http://www.idacom.net/gryphon/
Piercer: Eric Malmberg (attendee of the Fakir
Intensives)
Branding available.
Est. 1993, "Inspected by the Bear River Health Department"
KOI PIERCING STUDIO, 1301 South 900 East #7, Salt Lake City, 84105
(801) 463-7070
http://www.digitalpla.net/~koi
cwarre01@sprynet.com
Piercer: Curt Warren (Board Member of the APP, attendee of Gauntlet
Advanced Training and Fakir Intensives); John Pratt and Casey Fife
(both attendees of the Gauntlet Basic Training Seminar)
Cash/check/MC/Visa
Reviewed by Minuet Thorsdattir <minuet@aros.net> who received a tongue
piercing from John: "Koi is very clean, very nice; no smoking. John
was very patient while I asked a whole slew of questions on diffrent
piercings, sanitation of jewelery and equipment. He offered to show me
the test results from the last time the autoclave was checked.
Everything was sterilized to my satisfaction; I worked in a clinic for
a while so I'm picky; after seeing what some doctors do it's strange to
see non-medical personnel being more careful. John was a darling, very
calming for me. He did check the size of my tongue before picking
[jewelry]. He asked me to come in after a few days so they could see how
it was healing and made sure to let me know that they were available any
time after for questions or problems. I just went in this week to get a
shorter barbell. I just took my roommate in for her belated xmas present
and she got her nostril pierced."
Virginia
========
ALEX'S NEW TATTOO, Roanoke
(540) 9-TATTOO
Piercer: Tobi Zidell (attendee of the Fakir Piercing and Branding
Intensives)
RANDY JEWELRY, private studio, by appointment only
(540) 951-2594
pierced@vt.edu
Piercer: Randy Musgrove
RED DRAGON TATTOO, 2171 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, 22901
(804) 295-7784
http://www.reddragontattoo.com
Piercer: Lyons Hardy
Reviewed by Ashley Hemsath <starwynd@ns.gemlink.com> who received a lip
piercing from Lyons: "One of the cleanest places I have ever been to.
I was very impressed with the staff in general. No smoking. Even though
the prices are higher for tattoos I go back there because of the degree
of cleanliness. She wasn't the most talkative person but she was very
thorough when explaining everything that would happen. She also spent a
lot of time making sure everything lined up well. She doesn't work at
the shop full time and that really bothered me. After chewing off one of
my balls I had to get a replacement and she was never there when I was
there. Jewelry selected on basis of anatomical measurements.
Shop does not use spore tests. Tools and needles sterilized by
autoclave; jewelry individually sterilized."
Washington (State)
==========
BEAR THUNDERFIRE, (206) 322-1288, 1-800-577-7468 (pin 255-4317)
thnderfire@aol.com
See also PIERCE INK, California
Piercing and branding.
BODY PIERCING BY CHUK, 211 Broadway Ave. E, Seattle, 98102
(206) 325-0050
Piercer: Charlotte "Chuk" Heller (member of the APP)
BODY OF ART, 713 Texas St., Bellingham, 98225
(360) 676-7330
Piercer: Jae Gillantine (member of the APP)
BODY OF ART has closed.
GAUNTLET, 112 Boylston Ave. E, Seattle, 98102
(206) 323-8511, fax (206) 323-8508
http://www.gauntlet.com
Piercer: Michael Mulcahey (seedart@earthlink.net)
Manager: Meredith Lee
10/97 Gauntlet has closed.
*GOLDEN BODY RINGS*, 1525 Summit Ave., Seattle 98122
1-800-613-2896, (206) 329-5284
gldnring@hlc.com
Piercer: Kurtis Kirk, trained by Fakir Musafar
GREENLAKE TATTOO & BODY PIERCING, 7615 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle, 98103
(206) 706-0333, 1-888-706-3353, fax (206) 706-3100
http://sidewalk.com/ads/003/81/00301781/index.htm
Sun - Thu 12 - 10pm, Fri - Sat 12pm - midnight
Piercer / tattoo artist / owner: Richard Otten (member of the APP)
Piercer: Al D. (Board Member of the APP; 10 years' experience;
a committee member for National Environmental Health Agency Body Art
Committee)
Branding and scarification available.
See also URBAN ABORIGINALS
HOOPS BODY PIERCING, 115 W. Kennewick Ave., Kennewick, 99336
(509) 586-HOOP (4667)
hoops@owt.com
Piercer: Lonn Howard
Mon - Fri 3 - 7pm, Sat 1 - 5pm, by walk-in and appointment.
Reviewed by Erik Baisley <dbais@oregontrail.net> who received
tongue, septum, frenum, double labret, nipple piercings from Lonn:
"Hoops is the most comfortable shop I have seen. Always able to
answer my many questions. Jewelry selection is better than most.
All surgical steel,always chose the most appropriate size for the
piercing. Very clean enviorment, both the waiting area and the
actual piercing room. Lonn is great, a good guy to have put holes
in you; fully trained and experienced in all spectrums of piercing,
well over 3000 piercings performed. Great chairside manner, lets
you set the mood, including music. Never rushes you out of the
chair even if it means keeping his next appointment waiting a few
moments. Lonn has heart, not just in it for the money. Shop used
spore tests. Tools, needles, jewelry individually sterilized by
autoclave."
LUCKY DEVIL, 1720 12th Ave., Seattle, 98122 (on Capitol Hill)
(206) 323-1637
devil@aa.net
Manager: Janice Butler
Piercers: Bryan Civello (member of the APP, formerly of RINGS OF DESIRE, LA)
VYVYNN LAZONGA OF DERMAGRAPHICS, 94 Pike Pl., Seattle
(206)622-1535
Noted tattoo artist Vyvynn does limited piercings.
LYNNWOOD TATTOO, 15315 Highway 99 #7, Lynnwood, 98037
(425) 742-8467, fax (425) 745-5656
Piercer / tattoo artist / owner: Richard Otten (member of the APP)
Piercer: Rick Rollins (member of the APP)
Scarification, branding available.
See also GREENLAKE TATTOO
MIND'S EYE TATTOO, 5206 University Way NE, Seattle, 98105
(206) 522-7954
peircer100@aol.com
Piercers: Bear Thunderfire and Sharrin Spector
Branding and scarification also available.
cash/check/credit cards
Reviewed by Grace Seidel <graces@seanet.com> who received navel and
ear cartilage piercings from Sharrin: "Very nice calm bedside manner.
I noticed she changed her gloves twice. Jewelry was Reviewed to me
based on my anatomy. [All tools and jewelry] sterilzed in autoclave."
PINK ZONE, 211 Broadway Ave. East, Seattle, Washington 98102
(206) 325-0050, 1-800-762-LIPS
http://www.raggededge.com/cgi-bin/pink/pink.cgi?main.html
http://www.pinkzone.com/
contact@pinkzone.com
Piercer: Chuck and Tara
Lisa Lechner has left.
PLAYSPACE LTD., see URBAN ABORIGINALS BODY MODIFICATIONS
RHODES PIERCING AND TATTOO, 8200 15th Ave N/E, Seattle 98115
(206) 523-8727
*RINGS OF FIRE*, 705 N. Monroe, Spokane, 99201
Piercers: Raoul, Elizabeth Finch
Manufacturer of AZTEC METAL body jewelry
URBAN ABORIGINALS BODY MODIFICATIONS (PLAYSPACE LTD.), Seattle
(206) 783-0884
http://www.wolfenet.com/~ald/
ald@wolfenet.com
Piercer: Al D. (Board Member of the APP; 10 years' experience;
a committee member for National Environmental Health Agency Body Art
Committee)
Branding and scarification, ritual piercing and tattooing by Al D.
Henna body art is also available through the shop.
Wisconsin
=========
THE PIERCING LOUNGE, 520 University Avenue Suite 120, Madison, 53703
(608) 284-0870
Piercer: Robert M. Beyer (member of the APP), Kitt Kephryn, and Dan Hoel
Apprentice: David Potter
STEVE'S TATTOOS/GOLD'S BODY PIERCING, 1148 Williamson Street, Madison, 53703
(608) 251-6111
piercer@ns1.inxpress.net
http://www.inxpress.net/~piercer
cash/check/charge
piercer: Derek Lowe (member of the APP; formerly of Tie Me Down)
Reviewed by Jason Howell <howellj@cwis.unomaha.edu> who received Prince
Albert and frenum piercings from Derek: "Derek pierced me at a piercing party
in Iowa, so I cannot comment on the shop. He did bring an autoclave with him
to sterilize all of the tools. Used at least 2 pairs of gloves per piercing.
He did not allow smoking in the room we were in. Derek was very friendly,
and took time to explain not only the procedures but the aftercare very
clearly and with ease."
Reviewed by Carolyn Boyce <boycec@stu.beloit.edu> who received
navel, rook, nipple, and nostril piercings from Derek: "There's always
someone around to help a customer - no one is left standing around. The
piercing area is separated from the main lobby and there is no smoking,
food, etc. Derek is by far the best piercer I've had; he's extremely
friendly and open, and is obviously conscientious about being sterile and
safe with piercing. After our numerous visits, my SO and I consider Derek
to be our *friend* as well as our piercer. I've emailed him a couple times
with questions, and he's been very prompt about responding to the best
of his ability."
Reviewed by Jeff Kuure <jlkuure@mtu.edu>, <http://www.hu.mtu.edu/~jlkuure/>
who received a nipple piercing, his girlfriend a nostril piercing: "I wanted
a barbell, and Derek spent about ten minutes measuring and re-measuring to
choose the right length bar. For my girlfriend, he spent quite awhile
determing the placement as well as the size of the ring.
Everything was professional about the place. The piercing rooms were down
in the basement and were totally clean. No smoking was allowed, and you
were't even allowed to put anything on the counters. Everything was
autoclaved and was shown to us before being opened. Derek changed gloves
three times during the set up and piercing, and used Madacide liberally
between piercings. Tons of jewelry available in pre-autoclaved in bags,
and more upstairs in a case.
I randomly e-mailed Derek after seeing his posting on RAB. He came
into the shop on his day off, spent about an hour and a half with us and
gave us a big discount.
He totally explained everything to us as we went, was willing to talk to
us about anything: his background, the shop, and his own piercings.
The aftercare sheet was the most thourough that I have ever seen, every
question I could ever consider was covered."
TIE ME DOWN, 1419 E Brady St, Milwaukee, 53202, (414) 272-DOWN
Piercer / owner: Melissa Strobe
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:23:31 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982323310001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902298031 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
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Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/professional-resources/partH
Last-modified: July 08, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
Piercer Reviews are provided by readers of rec.arts.bodyart. The Piercer
Review Form is available at http://www.best.com/~ardvark/review.html
If you find your studio listed and feel that you have been misrepresented
by as review, or if you have corrections to make in the listing, please
email me at <ardvark@best.com>.
Studios marked with an asterisk * also manufacturer/distribute body
jewelry. Please see Part 11A - B for more information.
4H PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS - CANADA
===============================
ALBERTA
=======
*QUINTESSENTIAL TRANSFIGURATIONS*, 116 10th St NW, Calgary, T2N 1V3
(403) 270-7550
fax (403) 283-2505
http://www.darkmall.com/quintessential/
Piercer: Rick Gilmour (attendee of the Fakir Intensives)
TATTOOS BY JOEYY AND BEAR, 7225 104 Street, Edmonton
(403) 439-1034, (403) 433-6514
Piercer: Larry
BRITISH COLUMBIA
================
*NEXT! BODY PIERCING & AFTERCARE*, 1068 Granville St., Vancouver, BC
V6Z 1L4
(604) 684-6398, fax (604) 684-6308
next@direct.ca
Piercers: Fogg (14 years experience, attendee of the Fakir Intensives);
Jeremy, Jennifer, Andrea, Amy
Piercing by walk-in or appointment
Offers piercer training.
Reviewed by Ed Oswald <ed_oswald@mindlink.bc.ca> who
has received several complex ear cartilage piercings from Anwynn: "The
shop has a high level of sanitization: all equipment and jewelery
autoclaved; separate, clean piercing rooms; guarded against
cross-contamination. Jewelery chosen on an individual basis. Most of
the other staff seem knowledgeable. Have received several piercings
by Anwynn and all have gone well. She has a calm manner and spends a
lot of time beforehand discussing the piercing, answering questions and
doesn't rush. Next! has a fairly detailed pamphlet. Anwynn went over
all of this before the piercing. A followup scheduled for 2 weeks after
the piercing. There are usually two piercers in the shop who can answer
questions."
SACRED HEART, 3734 W. 10th Ave., Vancouver
Piercer: Adam Sky
Adam is no longer with Sacred Heart.
TABOO TRIBALWARE, 75 Alexander St., Gastown, Vancouver
(604) 689-8682, pager (604) 667-6138
Body piercing and branding by Mike "Bear" Walsh (attendee of the
Fakir Intensives)
Reviewed by Jen <chaos@harrier.sasknet.sk.ca>, an apprentice, as
meticulous, precise and dedicated, both as a piercer and brander.
Reviewed by Samantha <slevy@direct.ca> who received her tongue piercing
from Bear and her vertical hood piercing from Fogg. "The shop seemed
really clean. Everything was spotless. When we arrived I saw Bear check
the autoclave and we used the clamp from there. Bear washed hands
thoroughly. Put gloves on, had my friend wash and put glove on to hold
clamp for my tongue. The jewelry was sealed as was the needle. He uses
his voice for relaxation. You spend about 30-45 minutes with him
chatting and talking about aftercare before the actual pierce. So by
the time you get down to it you feel comfortable in the space."
Reviewed by Guy Hicken <ghicken@direct.ca> who received tongue and PA
piercings from Bear: "Bear talks to you...about the pros and cons. Then
after the piercing like for you to stay at the shop for a period and
make sure you are ok. Jewelry was chosen for me and all tools put
through an autoclave. The PA was especially well done. There was very
little blood while it was healing and I have had no problem with it
since. I was the first of my friends to get this done and therefore a
little nervous, Bear's manner throughout the procedure was excellent
and he put me at ease. I went in to talk to him about it before making
the appointment and he was very open to all my questions and very
approachable."
TRANSMUTATIONS @ UNDERGROUND, 848 Granville St., Vancouver, V6Z1K3
tel. (604) 681-8732, fax (604) 681-8833
Piercers: Roachz (manager), Steve Symons
Piercing by appointment and walk-in.
MANITOBA
========
DARK RITES EXOTIC BODY PIERCING (at Primal Urge Tattoo), 177 Osborne St. S.,
Winnipeg
(204) 284-0219
Piercer: Eric Johanson
Reviewed by George Montgomery <am429@freenet.carleton.ca>, who
received his Prince Albert from Eric. He comments that he "was pleased
with his attention to detail regarding sterilisation, use of fresh gloves
etc. I have been back to him a number of times for upsizing the gauge of
my jewellry from 10ga to a 4ga. There are some pierces that he is not
prepared to do only because he has no experience with them."
EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY BODY DESIGN, Unit C-729 Corydon Ave., Winnipeg
(204) 453-4786
Piercer: Jason
Apprentice: Susan
Reviewed by Andrea Sampson <punkchick@mindspring.com> who received
tongue, both nipples, navel, and vertical clit hood piercings: "Although
small, the studio is very clean and very professional. I honestly could
not say enough good things about Jason and Susan. They are extremely
professional and genuinely friendly. Their easy going bedside manner
immediately sets any anxieties at ease. They set aside approximately an
hour for every appointment and take a lot of time discussing the piercing
and the procedure with the client. Jewelry was specific to my anatomy.
All jewelry is individually sterilized and Jason makes sure each client
understands what the autoclave and sterilization procedures are. All
jewelry and needles are shown to the client before they are opened.
Gloves are worn at all times and changed frequently during the procedure.
At the time of your piercing they set up a follow-up appointment for two
weeks down the line to check up on healing and change cleaning
instructions or to downsize as per necessary. They have a 24 hour answer
service and are great about returning calls."
ONTARIO
=======
AMBIENT, 1346 Maitland Ave., Ottawa, Ontario K2C 2C7
(613) 723-4779
ambient@ambient.on.ca
http://www.ambient.on.ca
Piercer: Denise Robinson
7 days, by appointment only
Health Board Approved/Inspected
BLACKSTAR / STUDIO 13 BODY ART, 13 Ainslie St. North, Cambridge,
Ontario N1R 3J3
(519) 623-3226
http://magi.com/~blckstar/
blackstar@magi.com
BLACKSTAR, 347 King St. East, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3B5
(613) 549-0951
fax (613) 833-1596
http://magi.com/~blckstar/
blackstar@magi.com
BODY PIERCING BY TEE, see PASSAGE
CANADIAN RED DRAGON TATTOO STUDIO, 507 Kingsway, Sudbury, Ontario
(705) 688-7008
Piercer: Laurier (also a tattoo artist)
Reviewed by Cassandra Jacobs <93117515@ramsey.cs.laurentian.ca> who
received a navel piercing: "The environment was quite clean. Staff was
quite friendly. Sanitation was a big factor, all instruments were
viewed in the sterilization stage. The piercing room is an actual room
to the side, with a closed door. The piercer has a (certificate) in
exotic body piercing. He has travelled to Toronto to take a course
specializing in it. He was very easy going and put me at ease. He gave
me instructions on how to care for it and gave a pamphlet with
necessary cleaning instructions. He also took care in the sterilization
and freezing of thearea."
CLASSIC BODY PIERCING, 215 Red River Arthur Square Building (downstairs),
Thunder Bay, Ontario
(807) 346-9566
Piercer: Ian Wright
Reviewed by Liz Patterson <empatterson@hotmail.com> who received tongue
and ear repair from Ian: "The shop had a really good environment and was
noticeably spotless and clean. No smoking in shop or building. The
secretary was friendly. I was made to sign a waiver and consent form and
was asked for identification to see if I was of age (18). Health board
certificates for each year were on the wall. Ian is the Thunder Bay and
District Health board advisor for Northwestern Ontario. He was really
easy-going and informative. He talked through the procedure and made sure
that I was not just getting pierced on a whim. He made sure that I was
relaxed and comfortable. He wore hospital attire and gloves. He explained
what everything was (clamps, etc.) and then quickly and painlessly
pierced me. He explained aftercare. In my opinion Ian is the best piercer
in Northwestern Ontario. Jewelry selected on basis of anatomical
measurements. Aftercare recommended: Week 1 rinse with sterisol full
solution after anything but water goes in mouth, week 2 rinse with
50% sterisol 50% water. Aftercare followed: rinsed 2 weeks with
listerine. Shop used spore tests, test results available. Tools and
needles sterilized by autoclave; jewelry individually sterilized."
EXOTIC SKIN SHOP, 398 King Street East, Kitchener, Ontario
(519) 742-1020
Piercer / owner: Tim Karn
Cash only
Reviewed by Linda S. Birks <azteccat@ionline.net> who has received
vertical clit hood, both nipple and both inner labia piercings from Tim:
"The environment was friendly, clean, relaxed and Tim was terrific at putting
me at ease. Easy to talk to, helpful. Smoking was not allowed in the piercing
area. Everything was opened in front of me. In regards to autoclave spore
tests, I cannot answer that question. Captive bead ring in all pierces; was
told 14ga was a standard guage for fresh pierces of my nature. I think Tim
is terrific. He is always available to answer any questions I may have and is
always pleasant and easy to talk to. His bedside manner is very charming and
I enjoy being pierced by him and I trust his capabilities."
LIVING COLOUR, 406 Dalhousie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9J9
(613)241-4961, fax (613)241-8077
Piercers: Joanne Kern (trained by Pierre, Black Sun) and Ed Wilcox
NEW MOON TATTOO, 80 Burland St. (across from Britannia Drive-In), Ottawa,
Ontario K2B 6K1
(613) 596-1790
http://www.ambient.on.ca/newmoon/
Piercers: Denise Robinson (see AMBIENT, by appointment only), and Dan
Alliston (Saturdays and by appointment)
Tue - Wed 2-6pm, Thu - Sat 1-9pm
NEW TRIBE, 232 A Queen St. West, Toronto, Ontario M5V1Z6
(416) 977-2786
piercer: Mikey, Ben, and Jon (formerly of BLACK STAR)
NORTHBOUND LEATHER, 19 St. Nicholas St., Toronto, (416) 972-1037
PASSAGE, 473 Church Street, Second Floor, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 2C3
(416) 929-7330
http://www.interlog.com/~passage
http://www.canadac2c.com/tee.html
Piercer: Tee
Reviewed by Adam Scriven <scriven@lore.com>,
<http://www.lore.com/~scriven> who received a tongue piercing from
Tee: "Small shop, but very clean. Two separate piercing rooms, no
smoking in the building. All the implements of destruction were opened in
front of me, and I watched her pull the jewellery out of the autoclave. Tee
wore latex gloves while doing the piercing, and there was no one in the room
while the piercing was done but her and I. Her chairside manner was
excellent, and this doubly impressed me because the tongue pierce puts
everyone in a very aukward position, working very close quarters."
SKEW SKIN PIERCINGS, 225 Dougall Ave., Windsor, Ontario
(519)977-5497
http://www.skewskin.com
skew@jet2.net
langema@uwindsor.ca
Piercer: Syx (Owner), and Gary (Manager), and Ryan McInnes (formerly of
Stainless Studios)
7 days 12pm - 8pm
Cash, Interac
Reviewed by Russ Burdick <burdic1@server.uwindsor.ca> who received
tongue, nipples, and PA piercings from Syx: "The shop is small but
clean...The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and happy to answer
any questions you may have. The tattoo and piercing areas are private
and comfortable. The jewelry and tools were sterilized in an autoclave
and opened in front of me. The shop uses autoclave test strips and was
willing to show them to me. Syx has been piercing for about 5 years.
I have had four piercings done by him and I would trust him to do
further. He insures that you are comfortable with the jewelry/placement
and waits until you are ready to proceed. I have called the shop and Syx
was more than happy to answer my questions."
*STAINLESS STUDIOS*, 609 Queen St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2B7
(416) 504-1433, 1-800-548-7615
http://www.stainless-studios.com/
bodyart@io.org
Sun-Thu 12-8pm, Fri-Sat 12-10pm
Cash/Mastercard/Interac
Piercer: Tom Brazda
Featured in "Tattoo Savage" #13 and BME
Reviewed by Johanna Botari <jbotari@uoguelph.ca> who received earlobe,
helix, daith, and 3 inner labia piercings from Tom: "I've been to Stainless's
latest two locations. Both were clean, comfy and welcoming; always a few
friendly staff around to talk to. No smoking, private piercing rooms.
Tom has gone above and beyond in educating himself, knows quite a bit about
piercing technique, anatomy. He seems to take as much time as the customer
needs and is quite prepared for unexpected events, such as me nearly
fainting. All equipment is autoclaved and packets are opened in front of the
customer. Jewelry is autoclaved in individual packets. Jewelry was chosen by
me; Tom confirmed its suitability."
URBAN PRIMITIVE BODY MIND SOUL, 216 Carlton Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 2C3
(416) 966-9155, fax (416) 967-5373
http://www.urbanprimitive.com
bodyart@urbanprimitive.com
Piercer: Maribelle
Piercing by European indwelling cannula needles.
Also tattoo, tattooing by ancient hand method, ccarification, branding,
traditional and contemporary Mehndi (Henna).
UNIVERSAL TATTOO, 156 Rideau, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5X6
(613)236-3866
Piercer: Julie
WAY COOL TATTOOS & PIERCING, 1-800-561-5714
2 Studios in Toronto, 1 in Niagara Falls Ontario, & 1 in Aruba Island,
S. America
http://192.41.29.132/home.htm
QUEBEC
======
BLACK SUN STUDIO, Montreal
Correspondence: PO Box 1523, Montreal, Quebec H5A 1H6
(514) 286-5259
Piercer: Pierre Black
By appointment only
O.F.U.P., 10831, boul. Pie IX, Mtl-Nord, Quibec, Canada H1H 4A9
(514) 323-4888
http://www.1001services.com/ofup2.htm
Piercing, tattooing, branding, scarification available.
PERCAGE ESTHETIQUE, 1878 Ontario St. East, Montreal
(514) 527-8204
Piercers: Alain and Jean Marc
Reviewed by Phil Boutros <philb@total.net>, <phil.b@usa.net> who
received a frenum piercing from Alain: "The piercing area was very clean,
albeit small. Cleanliness was of upmost importance. Shoes were not allowed
in the piercing area (it's winter here). The whole staff were very friendly
and very helpful. The jewelry was bulk autoclaved by a lab at another
location and then cleaned (soaked in disinfectant) again before use; the
needle package was opened in front of me. He made sure everything was the
way I wanted before proceeding and then made sure I was allright before
getting up from the table making sure I understood every instruction on
the aftercare sheet. They all make it a point every time I go to tell
people not to hesitate to call if there is a problem."
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:23:56 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982323560001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902298059 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
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Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/professional-resources/partI
Last-modified: August 04, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
Piercer Reviews are provided by readers of rec.arts.bodyart. The Piercer
Review Form is available at http://www.best.com/~ardvark/review.html
If you find your studio listed and feel that you have been misrepresented
by as review, or if you have corrections to make in the listing, please
email me at <ardvark@best.com>.
Studios marked with an asterisk * also manufacturer/distribute body
jewelry. Please see Part 11A - B for more information.
4I PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS - BEYOND N. AMERICA
=========================================
Australia
=========
ADRENALIN BODY PIERCING Pty Ltd., McKellar, A.C.T.
02 6258 6670, mobile 041 215 3399
http://www.adrenalin.dynamite.com.au/
visual@dynamite.com.au
Formerly Visual Creations.
THE BEE'S KNEES, 399 Liverpool St., Darlinghurst, Sydney
02 361-4888
Piercer: Jean-Paul
Assistants: Timothy and Patricia
BODY LANGUAGE, Geoff Wilson, 2 Main St., Lilydale 3140 Victoria
tel/fax 9735 5884
BODYLINK BODY PIERCING, PO Box 88, Daw Park, Adelaide, South Australia
08 381-5093
Piercer: Chris (male)
Piercings by appointment only.
DAVID, c/o PO Bx 95, Westgate, Sydney, NSW, 2048, (02) 550-9448
Piercing by appt only.
EXOTIC BODY PIERCING, 178b William St. (upstairs), Northbridge, Perth
tel/fax 08 9328 8683
http://www.omen.com.au/~navarre/exotic/
Piercer / owner: Michelle Baker
7 days, late on Fri - Sat
FOUR ROSES BODY PIERCING STUDIO, 104 Hindley Street, Adelaide,
South Australia
08 8212 2254
Piercer: Denise
Reviewed by Mark Kennedy <mkennedy@netcon.net.au> who received an ear
piercing from Denise: "The shop was very compact but well organised
and laid out; a small waiting room area and two piercing studios in
separate rooms which resembled a hospital consulting room. A complete
array of jewelry on display, prices competitive, range of aftercare
products available. A display of piercing photos. Staff were very
friendly and informed and were prepated to answer all questions in
detail. Smoking was not allowed as I remember. Denise was gentle and
inspired trust and confidence through her matter of fact approach.
She was prepared to chat and discussed the procedure and likely after
effects clearly. Diplomas from tertiary training providers attesting
to hygiene and other courses. Business card sized printed aftercare
directions twice daily cleaning with Listerine, wash hands before
touching; the card was not marked specifically for any piercing.
The stud I got for my piercing is a an ear piercing stud. I had the
choice of that or a sleeper or a S/S bb but decided to go for the
stone. It turned out fine although next time I will go back to a
needle."
HIGHLINE TATTOOING AND BODY PIERCING, 50 St.Kilda Road,
St.Kilda 3183, Victoria
61 3 9529 2217
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~aitch/highline/HIGHLINE.html
Open 7 days
HOLIER THAN THOU, 44 Phillips St., Parramatta, Sydney NSW 2150
612 9633 9611
kmullan@postbox.usyd.edu.au
Piercer: Kerry Mullen (attendee of the Gauntlet Piercer Training Seminars)
INCREDIBLE BODY JEWELLERY, PO Box 334, Caboolture, Queensland,
Australia 4510
074 983 983, mobile 018 888 248
Two retail outlets; piercing by appointment.
THAD NAKAO, 67 Denman Road, Georges Hall 2198, NSW
Attendee of the Gauntlet Piercer Training Seminars.
PACIFIC SUN, PO Box 334, Caboolture, Queensland 4510
074 983 983, mobile 018 888 248
Social club meeting monthly.
THE PIERCING SHOP, Elizabeth Arcade, Brisbane 4001, Qld Australia
07 3229 5149, 07 3211 3309
Piercers: Lynette Rose and others
Reviewed by Katrina Cannon <kdc@thehub.com.au> who received an ear
cartilage piercing: "All the staff are really nice and helpful. No one
else is allowed in the piercing room except the piercer and piercee.
With every pierce you get a free 8 week check-up and a bottle of piercing
wash. The jewellery was in a sterile solution; the tools were opened in
front of me from autoclaved sterile bags. I don't even remember the
piercer's name but he was really nice and answered all my questions and
didn't rush me into the piercing at all. At my eight week check-up
Lynette changed my stud to a CBR (I was pierced with a ring but had to
change the ring to a stud due to problems with my school and parents).
They warned me of the problems with a stud before they put it in. If I had
any questions just to call and ask for her, which I thought was pretty
good, since she is fairly busy because she is the manager there."
THE PIERCING TEMPLE, 97B Grafton St., Cairns 4870
070 313 010, fax 070 316 206
Piercer: Cheyenne Morrison (male)
THE PIERCING URGE, 1st Floor, 206 Commercial Rd., Prahran, 3181 Melbourne
Mailing address: PO Box 2145 Prahran MDC 3181 Melbourne
03 9530 2244, fax 03 9530 2427
http://www.also.org.au/contents/1103i.html
Piercings by appt and walk-in
THE PIERCING URGE, Shop 3/322 Bourke St., Darlinghurst, 2010 Sydney
02 9360 3179, fax 02 9332 3845
Piercings by appointment and walk-in
Piercer: Bob Moore
POLYMORPH BODY PIERCING STUDIO MELBOURNE (Formerly NOMAD),
95 High St., Northcote Victoria 3070
03 9486-4000
http://www.matra.com.au/~exile/ngg/polymorph/html
polymor@netspace.net.au
Piercers: Andy, Nikai and Sophia
Tue - Sun 12-7pm, by appt and walk-in
17+ with valid photo ID
POLYMORPH BODY PIERCING STUDIO SYDNEY, 82 Enmore Road, Newtown NSW 2042
tel/fax 02 9519-8923
http://www.matra.com.au/~exile/ngg/polymorph/html
polymor@netspace.net.au
Piercers: Duncan, Scott, Danny and Evette
Reception: Michelle and Jodie
Daily 11am-7pm, by appt and walk-in
17+ with valid photo ID
Reviewed by Greg Burley <gjb@hare.net.au> who received PA and ear lobe
piercings from Danny: "Measurements taken for PA ring; ear Lobes 2ga plugs
(initially pierced at 8ga, then immediately stretched to 2 ga). The store
has the feel of an art gallery with a tribal edge. Jewellery of all sorts
is displayed in glass cases, pictures and paintings of body art are on the
walls. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. Cleansers for
aftercare provided free of charge. Everything sterilized, all packages
opened in front of you, great emphasis on sterility and cleanliness.
Jewelry is sterilized on demand. Danny used to work at Nomad Melbourne
which is where I assume he apprenticed. He is very friendly, explains
every procedure beforehand, and constantly checks whether you are
comfortable, generally easy to chat to. His technique appeared to be
skillful with minimal pain and no complications."
PREMIER BODY PIERCING, 4 Shepherd St., Ballarat, Victoria
03 5331 8256
http://users.netconnect.com.au/~pierce/
pierce@netconnect.com.au
Also offers tattoos, scarification, branding, bead insertion.
PREMIER BODY PIERCING, Second Floor, 4 Doveton Street South, Ballarat,
Victoria
053 318 256
Piercer: Norman
Reviewed by Mark Kennedy <mkennedy@bendigo.net.au> who received a nipple
piercing from Norman: "The studio was compact but efficiently laid out;
the staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. All tools were
sterilized in an autoclave, jewelry was sterilized in Hibiclens. Piercer
washed hands with antiseptic and wore sterile gloves at all times. Norman
was one of the most congenial, helpful and patient/understanding and
sincere persons I have ever met; he was extremely knowledgeable and
answered all manner of questions with confidence and was totally
respectful of my privacy. He was able to discuss and answer my questions
in an informed and confident manner. After discussion of my personal
preferences, the size and shape of my nipple and the implications for
healing and wear he recommended that I select from 3 different gauges.
I was given extensive verbal instructions which included advice on
aftercare hygiene, use of antibacterial soaps, use of disposal Betadine
swabs, stages in the healing process. This was supplemented with a 1 page
fact sheet. However, at this time I read a warning on r.a.b. about
Betadine and ceased to use this after the first week; this seemed to solve
a skin irritation that had developed. I was encouraged to call at anytime
with any questions or problems."
PRIMAL URGE PIERCING, 1&2/800 Arcade 800 Hay Street, Perth,
Western Australia
Post: PO Box 7084, Cloisters Square, Perth Western Australia 6850
61 8 932 11 909, fax 61 8 932 11 906
Piercer: Bob Anderson
ozonline@q-net.net.au
Owner: Bob Anderson
RINGED MEN, PO Bx 712, Rozelle, NSW, 2039,
lexw@sue.econ.su.oz.au
Ringed Men is a social club not a studio.
LYNETTE ROSE, Elizabeth Arcade, Brisbane
07 3229 5149 and 07 3211 3309
07 391 1442
Piercing by appt.
SHARPER IMAGE BODY PIERCING, 97a James St., Northbridge, Perth
08 9328 8441
Piercer: Rachel Jameson
STEEL LOTUS BODY ARTS @ THE ILLUSTRATED MAN TATTOO STUDIO,
228 A Elizabeth St., Sydney
02 211 3761, fax 02 281 8478
7 days a week 12 noon - 12 midnight; walk ins are accepted for piercing.
Piercer: Carly " Lotus" Hildred, formally trained by Bill Krebs & Adam
Block at Pleasurable Piercings (New Jersey, USA)
Austria
=======
TATTOO STUDIO VIENNA, Kegelgasse 6 (corner Bechardgasse), 1030 Vienna
0222 718 32 55, fax 0222 718 32 55 4
Piercing by appointment.
*FREIZEEITVEREIN PRIAPOS*, Lehrbachgasse 4/1, A-1120 Wien, Vienna, Austria
43 1 8124716
Piercers: Alexandra and Andreas
You must be 18.
Belgium
=======
ARKEL BODY ART, Brussels
00 32 2 410.87.99
Photo available at the Nurses and Needles at
http://nan.allmansland.com/
BODY DECORATION, Driesstraat 43, 3800 St. Truiden
0 11 692543
RITUAL BODY PIERCING, Galerie du centre, 21-1000 Bruxelles
tel/fax 32 2 218 43 51
ROMY PIERCINGS, Kleine Kraaiwijk 12, 2000 Antwerpen
03-2274557
Piercer: Romy
Reviewed by Dave Grenzeloos <wittezichem@hotmail.com> who received a
tongue piercing from Romy: "The place is too small. It's new but not
"hospital clean". The techniques used were adequate but more attention
could be given to working in sterile conditions. The piercing was
placed exactly right. Staff was helpful and riendly but one has to
insist to get all the details. Relatively expensive. Jewelry not
selected on basis of anatomical measurements. Aftercare recommended
but minimal instructions given; no written information. Romy was
friendly but made mistakes (touching non sterilised material with the
gloves). Shop does not use spore tests. Tools and needles sterilized
by autoclave. Jewelry bulk-sterilized."
THE WOLFMASTER, Nieuwstraat 16, 9860 Oosterzele, Belgium
and Lisserdijk 480, 2165 AH Lisserbroek, The Netherlands
tel/fax 32 0 9 362.32.58
http://www.cti.be/users/wolfmaster/index.html
wolfmaster@unicall.be
Piercing services as well as a Fetish and Piercing Club.
Colombia
========
GOA EXOTIC PIERCING, Calle 82 # 13 - 41 2do Piso, Santafe de Bogota
57 1 2360419
franzn@rocketmail.com
Piercer: Franz Nieto
Denmark
=======
GORLUBB PIERCING, Gasvaerksvej 6 B, 1656 Copenhagen V
tel/fax 453 3252 926
gorlubb@post1.tele.dk
Piercer: Jack Rubini (member of the APP, attendee of Gauntlet Seminars)
MS METTE HINTZE'S PIERCING CLINIC, The Black Universe,
Studiestraede 16, DK-1455 Copenhagen K., +45 33 32 31 13
or 31 57 82 47
Finland
=======
Directory of piercing studios
http://www.cc.jyu.fi/~juhtolv/lavistys.html
HAPPY RABBITS TATTOO & BODY PIERCING, Vallilantie 24-26 B 4,
00510 Helsinki
90 700 29 780, 950 562 0226
http://www.cc.jyu.fi/~juhtolv/lavistys.html
Piercers: Marjo and Harri Eerkinen
Jewelry mailorder available.
HARNESS, Kalevankatu 28, Helsinki, Phone: 358-0-7002 9204
Piercer: Marko
Wed-Sat, 3-6pm
France
======
A directory of piercing and tattoo studios is available at
http://www.sdv.fr/strassbuch/shop/beaute.html
BODY PIERCING INTERNATIONAL
http://wwwperso.hol.fr/~piercing/
Body.Piercing.International@Wanadoo.fr
tel/fax (0)4 78 23 69 66, (0)4 74 76 19 40
Mobile (0)6 09 41 18 96
EXPERIENCE MARQUIS, 11 Place Tobie Robatel, 69001 Lyon
33 04 78 39 72 38, mobile 33 06 11 76 11 54
MR. OLIVIER ROCQUET, 5 Montee Du Grapillon, 01460 Montreal La Cluse
Mr. Rocquet speaks only French.
23 KELLER, formerly GAUNTLET, 23 Rue Keller, Bastille, Paris
http://www.gauntlet.com/
Piercers: Dominique Minchelli (member of the APP)
RINGS & NEEDLES, 43 rue des Bons Enfants, 76000 ROUEN
00 33 32 38 71 07, 00 33 35 07 62 06
Germany
=======
DSTHETIC PIERCING, David Scheidl, Sulzdorfer Weg 7, 86655 M|ndling Harburg,
Germany
0 90 80 20 15, fax 0 90 80 40 77
http://www.piercing.de
info@piercing.de
ARS SUBCUTAN, Alphornstrasse 41, 68169 Mannheim
0621 3189183
ARTCORE, Karlsruhe
49 721 30254
Piercer: Tom
Tuesday - Thursday, 1 - 7 pm. Appointments Reviewed.
BALDOS STUDIO, 5500 Trier, Postfach 2764
0651 2 83 35 ab 20 Uhr
BLUE SPIKE BODY PIERCING, Wiesenstrasse 6, D-69190 Walldorf
06227 891232
Piercers: Judith and Greg
*BODYPIERCINGS*, Ludwigspassage 7, 63739 Aschaffenburg
tel 06021 25656, fax 06021 970177
bodyp.aburg@t-online.de
Owned and operated by Karin Geier and Jvrg Strohbach, since 1993.
Piercers: Karin Geier, Jvrg Strohbach
BOUTIQUE SECRETS, Marienplatz 1 (ndhe Heumarkt), 50676 Kvln
0221 244 100
Piercer: Andrea
CUTGLASS PIERCING STUDIO, Munchen
089 263508
DEEP METAL BODYPIERCING, Br|ckstr. 56, D-44135 Dortmund
tel 0231-817894, fax 0231-577510
http://pink-online.com/gaydat/ger/plz4/dortmund/piercing/deepmeta.htm
*EROSART BOUTIQUE*, Postfach 1132 D-25557 Hanerau-Hademarschen
tel 49 4872 2038, fax 49 4872 3960
Piercers / owners: Conny & Reinhard Wilhelm
Reviewed by Madeleine Hirsch <madeleine_hirsch@kl.maus.de> who received
two outer labia, four inner labia, and horizontal clit hood piercings:
"They don't use needles but very sharp single-use studs with piercing
gun (not earlobe gun) and no clamps. My inner labia and clithood piercings
barely hurt at all, but my outer labia were horrible. I don't know if it
would have been better with a needle. They have developed their kind of
gun over about 25 years and claim their method to minimalize pain and
healing time. They also do the more trouble-free piercings only (no navel,
no eyebrow, no piercings through glans or clitoris).
"The studio is very large, light and comfortable, & a smaller room where
you can sit down and discuss with the piercers. Basic 18 kt gold or
platinum jewellery in stock (they won't use SSS as initial jewellery).
"I'm not so happy about their hygiene. They have an autoclave and they use
it for jewellery and piercing studs, they wear gloves of course, but I'm
not sure if they autoclave their gun between customers. I'll ask about
autoclaving the gun when I call Conny next time.
"They spend about two hours with every visitor/couple, including a nice
cup of coffee and a lots of talk about aftercare when the piercing is
done.
"One thing I realized is Reinhard being a little rough with his pliers. I
noted some irritation and soreness for about two weeks, then I discovered
tiny scratches on the ring. Conny told me either to send her the
ring or have it repolished at a local goldsmith, which I did."
FANATICAL BODY AND INTIM-PIERCING, Landgasse 38, 84028 Landshut
tel/fax 0871 273086
http://home.t-online.de/home/mike.crankpins/
mike.crankpins@t-online.de
FREIE MANUFAKTUR, Beim grunen Jager 25, 20359 Hamburg
0049 40 439 18 39, 40 430 81 00
*FS BODY FINARY*, Postfach 600733, 81207 Muenchen, Germany
49 8142 57670, fax 49 8142 45594
http://www.fsbody.at
F.S.BodyFinary@t-online.de
Owned and operated by Franz and Angelika Schlechter, since 1990.
Piercer: Franz; does not perform facial piercings.
HERR DER RINGE Piercing Studio, Hadwigstr. 30, D-78224 Singen
tel/fax 49 7731 12833
herr.der.ringe@t-online
Piercers / owners: Bernd "Lurch" Kirchmann, Bernd "Wurm" Woermle
Wed - Fri 12 - 8 pm; Sat 2 - 4 pm
LGS SEX SHOP, Bochumerstrasse 76, D-45886 Gelsenkirchen
49 209 22214
SUZIE Q PLEASURE AND PAIN, c/o Tattoo You, Sirnauer Strasse 23,
73728 Esslingen
SERIOUS PIERCING, Mvrserstr. 103, 40667 Meerbusch
Terminvereinbarung unter 0172/2007616
02132 4151
*SIN-A-MATIC*, Theresienstr. 3, 90762 Fuerth
49 (0)911 749050, fax 49 (0)911 7499892
http://www.sin-a-matic.com
sinamatic@aol.com
Piercers: Mike Dupre, Eric Schaeff, Oli Neuhardt
Branding and scarification available.
Mon - Frei 10am - 4pm
SKINWORKS GALLERY, Skinworks Gallery, Haendelstr. 29, 50674 Cologne
49 221 2407765
Mon - Fri 12:00-18:30, Sat 12:00-16:00
Piercers: Martina and Tom
Reviewed by Frank Bodenschatz <fbodenschatz@fact.rhein-ruhr.de>,
<http://www.rhein-ruhr.de/~fbodenschatz/> who received nipple,
Prince Albert, and three frenum piercings from Martina:
"The shop has two separate piercing rooms (quiet, clean and comfy) in
the back. I had a 2.2mm PA done by Martina, inside out with a trokar
under local anesthesia. The day after the piercing was a holiday but
Martina asked me to call her on her mobile phone just to make sure I
was o.k. and to inquire about any complications. I'd say that's great
customer service. Martina recommended Braunol (Iodine solution),
Tyrosur (antibiotic) and camomile for aftercare. I haven't tried any
other piercers yet (and probably won't) but I would recommend Martina
to anyone in that area. She's very friendly, funny but always very
concentrated."
THRILLING DRILLING ENTERPRISES, Arndtstrasse 34, 33615 Bielefeld
0521 137711
http://members.aol.com/thridri/index.htm
thridri@aol.com
Piercers: M. "Coach" Weber and Vanessa Ukena
Ireland
=======
LIVING ART TATTOO AND BODY PIERCING STUDIO, 42 Lower Gerald Griffin St.,
Limerick City
353 86 813 2601, fax 353 61 315 820
http://www.livingart.ie/
info@livingart.ie
Piercer: Buddy
Israel
======
PSYCHO TATTOO AND BODY PIERCING, Dizengoff Center (Gate 2 2nd floor), Tel Aviv
972 3 5250353
Piercer: Guy
Cash/credit cards
Reviewed by Melissa Lampert <melissa@albert.tau.ac.il> who received a
nostril piercing from Guy: "Very clean shop, no smoking permitted. The
staff were all friendly and helpful. The forceps had been sterilized in
an autoclave, fresh needles, sterile jewelry in unopened package. I was
shown the packages with the sterilization marks. He put on fresh gloves
when beginning. Changing wasn't necessary. Very nice deft touch; it was
over so quickly I hardly noticed. The placement was marked ahead of time
and shown to me for approval. Nostril screw, 18 gauge, not sure of length;
there was only one size and gauge available. Aftercare instructions: clean
with saline solution, move jewelry around. I cleaned with saline but
developed a follicular cyst. I purchased the only available antiseptic
which turns out to be something like dilute Hibiclens. I rinsed thoroughly
with saline after cleaning with it. I've had the pierce one month. Cyst
has cleared up and crusties are almost non-existent now. I learned about
the cyst from the Piercing FAQ and since it healed on its own I didn't go
back to the shop to ask about it."
Italy
=====
IMAX INTERNATIONAL, PO Box 240, Via Emilia 41, 47036 Riccione Rn Italy
tel 39 541 642160, fax 39 541 643542
http://www.imaxint.com
imax@rimini.com
Contact Max Grassi
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel, 18k gold; piercing supplies.
Color / black and white catalog.
TATTOO STUDIO, Via Rigutti, 7 - 34100 Trieste
tel 39 40 638299, fax 39 40 368763
(info@tattoo.interware.it)
http://www.interware.it/tattoo
http://www.interware.it/tsr/Dri1.html
Japan
=====
214 COMPANY, Berry Rainbow, #201, 3-6-8, Ebisu-minami, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo, 150
81 03 5722 6387
214 COMPANY, 102, 1-35, 2-2, Atsubetsu-higashi, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo City,
Hokkaido, 004
81 11 898 6696
twof@aa.mbn.or.jp
Contact N. Demi Matsuda and Tomoya Hatano
Distributor of Anatometal brand jewelry.
NOL CORPORATION CO.,LTD., 4F, 2-8-1, Fuda, Chofu-City, Tokyo 182-0024 Japan
81 424 85 5565/3100, fax 81 424 85 1702/1708
nolcorp@annie.co.jp
Manufacturer and distributor of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium,
titanium, acrylic, glass, organic materials.
Piercing supplies.
Retail / Wholesale
NOON, 150 Oak Village, 405 35-4 Udagawa, Shibuya, Tokyo
03 3464 8994
http://www.fix.co.jp/extra/fetish/noon/e_index.html
Open 1 - 8pm
Piercer: Eizo Mamiya
Luxembourg
==========
*CREATIVE ART COLLECTION*, Postbox 1317, L-1013 Luxembourg
352-759244, fax 352-759352
http://www.creativeartcollection.com
The Netherlands
===============
A directory of piercing studios is available at Piercing Home Holland
http://www.lasersex.nl/piercing/adressen.htm
BODY MANIPULATIONS, Stromarkt 11, 1012 SW Amsterdam
020-623344
http://www.channels.nl/bodyman.html
Sister store to BODY MANIPULATIONS, San Francisco, California
BODY PIERCING CLINIC, Drachten
0512-540121
IDOL TATTOOING & PIERCING STUDIO, Schiedamseweg 82a, 3025 AE Rotterdam
31-10-4771292
Piercer / owner: Willem
Check/Cash
By appointment only. Uses only surgical steel and gold jewelry.
Reviewed by Bart Stuut <gentle@xs4all.nl> who received PA and both
nipple piercings from Willem: "A very clean and hospitable environment.
You can only visit the place after making an appointment. Thus they have
enough time for every customer. Sterilisation of tools and jewelry
was explained to my satisfaction. Packages were opened infront of me.
The (piercers) works in pairs, meaning that one will hand material to
the other so that the piercer can focus on the task at hand, like what
you expect in a surgical environment. Willem worked as a nurse and after
that he manufactured jewelry. Thanks to the last he can provide
extraordinary jewelry. I have been back two times, once just to chat,
once to get some advice."
TATTOOING & PIERCING STUDIO, Kloveniersburgwal 135, 1011 KE Amsterdam
020-257812
JAN DEHAAN, HOLLAND PIERCING CLINIC, Box 52, 2150 AB Nieuw-Vennep
THEO J G HARTKAMP
31-20-6946981
NPC, a club for piercing enthusiasts.
Write to Joseph and Leida Descendre at <Joseph@Bi-link.tdcnet.nl> or
<Leida@Bi-link.tdcnet.nl> for more information.
PIERCING TEMPLE, Zutphen
0575-546524
http://www.universal.nl/users/piercingtemple/
Alexander@universal.nl
*SIN-A-MATIC*, Keizersgracht 558, 1017 Amsterdam
31 (0)20 423 3190, fax 31 (0)20 423 3287
http://www.sin-a-matic.com
mail@sin-a-matic.demon.nl
Mon - Fri 11am - 5pm
THE WOLFMASTER, Lisserdijk 480, 2165 AH Lisserbroek
tel/fax 32 (0)9 362.32.58
http://www.cti.be/users/wolfmaster/index.html
wolfmaster@unicall.be
Piercing services as well as a Fetish and Piercing Club.
New Zealand
===========
BODY PIERCING SPECIALISTS LTD, Level 1/292 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland
64 9 5206754
Piercers: Jane and Shane Johnston (both attendees of the Gauntlet Piercer
Training Seminars, members of the APP)
Reviewed by Frank Hurst <yul@ihug.co.nz> who received PA and both
nipple piercings from Shane: "The Staff are most friendly and helpful.
All tools autoclaved. The waiting area is very relaxing and caring.
Shawn's bedside manner is extremely caring in all aspects. The piercing
area is very clean and Shawn is very conscious of the need for
sterilisation of areas. I personally would have no problem in using the
shop again as [as compared to] some of the others I have seen in the
Auckland area."
FLESH WOUND PIERCING STUDIO, 253 Cuba Street Wellington
025 851169
wound@voyager.co.nz
Piercer: Hamish Halley
Norway
======
OSLO PIERCING STUDIO, Munkegt.1, Pb 617 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo
47 22 68 98 60, 47 900 89 900 (24 hour)
http://www.piercing.no
Piercer: Christina
Reviewed by Beatrice Vromant <vromant@online.no> who received two
tongue piercings from Christina: "The waiting area was nice, no
smoking, with pictures and newspaper articals about the studio and
their employees. The piercer was a bit "hardened" and if you were
looking for a bit sympathy you would not get it from her, maybe
because she has about 50 piercings from her neck up! She was very
quick and effective but her bedside manners sucked! Tools, needles,
jewelry sterilized by autoclave."
OSLO PIERCING STUDIO, Herslebsgt. 4, 0561 Oslo
47 22 37 84 02, 47 900 89 900 (24 hour)
By appointment only.
WITCHY BITCHY BEAUTY SPOT & ORIGINAL IMPORT, Nikolaikirkealm 4, 5003, Bergen
47 55 962265, 47 946 23138
Singapore
=========
JOHNNY TWO THUMBS, 14 Scotts Road, #04-101 Far East Plaza, 228213
7353710
Piercer: Mann Bahadur (member of the APP)
South Africa
============
ENZO, Johanesburg
011 972-4836
xyme@hixnet.co.za
By house call only.
METALMACHINE, 52 Long Street, Cape Town
Piercers: Simon and Jason
Sweden
======
*BARBARELLA STUDIO*, 4.e Longgatan 6, Gothenburg
Post: Box 311 72, 400 32, Gothenburg
031 147968, fax 031 147918
http://www.barbarella.se
piercing@barbarella.se
Piercer: Joakim Eriksson (member of the APP)
*BARBARELLA STUDIO*, Mjolnaregatan 2, Malmo
Post: Box 311 72, 400 32, Gothenburg
031 147968, fax 031 147918
http://www.barbarella.se
piercing@barbarella.se
Piercer: Joakim Eriksson (member of the APP)
EAST STREET TATTOOING & PIERCING, Vstgvtagatan 77, 116 64 Stockholm
08 702 06 59
http://www.dsv.su.se/~p-lundst/east/start4.html
Piercer: Marcus
IPIS - INTIMSMYCKADE PAR I SVERIGE, Box 710, 114 79 Stockholm
tel/fax 46 8 747 1493
Staff: Asas and Jonas
JAN KOPRIWA BODY PIERCING STUDIO, Laderverkstan, Rosenlundsgatan 30A, Stockholm
46 8 658 6935
By appointment only.
Switzerland
===========
BASEL TATTOO & PIERCING STUDIO, Theatergasslein 17, CH-4051 Basel
tel/fax 41 61 281 06 33
100775.3300@compuserve.com
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/dholm
Piercers: Birras and Patattack
Mo-Fr 12:00-18:30, Sa 11:00-17:00
BOUTIQUE DANA, Grossackerstr. 5, CH-9006 St. Gallen
41 71 253195, fax 41 71 952491
PLEASURABLE PIERCINGS, Sagergasslein 2, Untere Rheingasse, Basal,
Switzerland 4058
41 61 681 1990, fax 681 1994
http://www.pleasurable.com
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:24:19 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982324190001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902298079 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/professional-resources/partJ
Last-modified: July 08, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
Piercer Reviews are provided by readers of rec.arts.bodyart. The Piercer
Review Form is available at http://www.best.com/~ardvark/review.html
If you find your studio listed and feel that you have been misrepresented
by as review, or if you have corrections to make in the listing, please
email me at <ardvark@best.com>.
Studios marked with an asterisk * also manufacturer/distribute body
jewelry. Please see Part 11A - B for more information.
4J PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS - BEYOND N. AMERICA CONT'D
================================================
United Kingdom
==============
England
=======
ALAN OVERSBY - "Mr. Sebastian Ink"
*Mr. Sebastien passed-away on the 8th May, 1996.
AFFLECKS PIERCING STUDIOS, 2nd Floor Afflecks Arcade, Oldham St., Manchester
0161 835 2929
http://www.bodypiercing.co.uk
*ASGARD BODY PIERCING*, PO Box 69, Southampton, SO16 5AB
206 Regents Park Rd., Southampton, SO15 8NY
01703 325059, fax 01703 572539
http://www.tcp.co.uk/~bodyart/
warwick@tcp.co.uk
Piercers: Warwick and Angie, members of the EPPA
ATLANTIC COAST TATTOO & PIERCING STUDIO, 33a Bank St., Newquay, Cornwall
44-1637-877225
Piercer: Sam
Reviewed by Craig Broad <g7oql@bombsite.avel.co.uk> who received a
tongue piercing from Sam: "Very clean shop. All clean walls and
surfaces. Piercing done in private enclosure. Piercing room seperate to
tattoo room. No smoking, no eating. Autoclaves in use. All jewerly new,
sealed. All tools assembled in front of me from sterile packaging. Sam
explained exactly what would happen. Very polite and reassuring. Always
in shop to talk to, offer advice and answer any questions."
BLACKPOOL BODY PIERCING CLINIC, 162 Talbot Rd., Blackpool, FY1 3AZ
01253 26886, mobile 0378 982969
beaker@teewee.demon.co.uk
Member of the EPPA, advisor to the local environmental health department.
BODY ART STUDIO, 201 Two Mile Hill Rd,, Kingswood, Bristol
(01117) 960 3923
Piercer: Phil Barry
Environmental Health Office approved.
Foreskin bead implants available.
BODYGRAPHICS, Piercing & Tattooing, 19 Pratt Street, Soham, Cambridgeshire
CB7 5EH
0135 372 0023
By Appointment Only
THE BODYWORKS, 47 Kensington High St., London
0171 938 3888
http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~mindless/TheBodyworks.html
conrad@mindless.com
Piercer: Simon, Cathy, Conrad
CAMBRIDGE PIERCING STUDIO, 200 Mill Rd., Cambridge, CB1 3NF
(0)1223 506312, fax (0)1223 244006
http://www.piercing.co.uk/
info@piercing.co.uk
Mon - Sat 9am-5pm
CLASSIC PIERCING, Basement 61-69, Jameson Street, Hull
(01482) 329248
http://www.virtual-hull.com/classic/
steverowe@classic.karoo.co.uk
Piercer: Steve Rowe
*COLD STEEL INTERNATIONAL LTD.*, 238 Camden High Street, London NW1 8QS
(0171) 267 7970, Fax (0181) 908-4670
http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~c-steel/
c-steel@popmail.dircon.co.uk
Piercers: Grant Dempsey and Shirley Lowe, both Members of the APP
COLISEUM PIERCING STUDIOS, The Basement The Coliseum, Church St., Manchester
0161 832 3486, 0161 705 1312, 24 hours 0831379808
http://www.bodypiercing.co.uk
DANNY'S TATTOO STUDIO, 10 Southwell Rd., Sneinton, Nottingham, NG1 1DL
(0115) 950 1505
Piercer: Carey
Reviewed by Paul Burrows <paul@pburrows.demon.co.uk>: "I found the
shop was OK. The autoclave was visible and the environment was clean.
Jewelry choice was limited for my piercing to what was appropriate for my
size and shape. Piercing was/is by appointment only. I found Carey
friendly and reasuring, she came across as knowledgable and made me feel
confident about her actions. She was keen that I should call her if I had
any problems with aftercare or queries. My piercing experience was good
but was about 18 months ago and things can change. I have not been back
because I have not wanted any further piercings. Based on my experience I
would be happy to go to Carey again for another piercing."
DESIGNER SKIN TATTOO STUDIO, West Bar, Sheffield
044 0114 2761529
Piercer: Jon
Reviewed by Steve Harrison <steve.harrison4@virgin.net> who received
eyebrow, tongue, cartilege, and industrial piercings from Jon: "Jewelry
selected on basis of anatomical measurements. Aftercare recommended,
salt water soaks twice a day, tea tree oil solution. Friendly, well
informed staff, relaxed atmosphere, spotlessly clean piercing area
everything properly autoclave sterilized, single-use needles used. No
complaints at all about Jon; very friendly guy, explained everything
before he did it, checked and re-checked placement marking in mirror,
very quick and efficient. Jewelry bulk-sterilized."
HARDWARE BODY PIERCING, 14 Wokingham Rd., Reading, Berks
01734 666682
Piercer: Ruth Katkuss, also offers branding and scarification
Cheque, Cash
Reviewed by Paul Hemphill (Paul.Hemphill@berkshire.gov.uk) who received
eyebrow, PA, and nipple piercings from Ruth: "Shop is dark and gothic
inside, may smoke in waiting area, but not piercing area; no toilet,
sometimes cold in the winter. Ruth takes care to give you the piercing
that you want and will take time out to discuss suitability of any
particular piercing. She is always happy to deal with any retro care
issues that may follow. She is gay and bi friendly. Everything is
autoclaved and opened in front of you."
IGIGI, COLCHESTER PIERCING CLINIC, 21 Eld Lane, Colchester CO1 1LS
01206 562323
Piercer: Mike Robinson.
INKHOUSE, Leicester
0116 251 3548
Piercer/tattooist: Martin
INTO YOU, 144 St. John St., London EC1V 4JT
0171.253.5085
Piercers: Cushla, "Big" Kate, Simon
Mark and Teena are no longer with Into You.
Teena has moved to SACRED ART.
Tattoo artist: Alex Binnie.
By arrangement only.
Tue - Fri, 12 - 7pm; Sat 12 - 6pm
Reviewed by Claire Betteridge (ccaaceb@ucl.ac.uk) who received several
piercings from Mark: "Relaxed atmosphere,friendly, helpful
and knowledgeable staff (certainly *not* elitist or intimidating), no
smoking or eating anything anywhere, autoclave sterilisation, jewelry in
sterile bags and cleaned before piercing, latex gloves worn and changed in
between marking up and piercing. Mark is incredibly down to earth and
made me feel at ease when I was feeling nervous. Reviewed aftercare -
Washing hands with anti-bacterial soap before and after, sea salt water
soaks, Pakua (herbal cleaning solution stocked at shop), diluted lavendar
or tea tree oils."
Reviewed by Sean Corfield <sean@ocsltd.com>,
<http://www.ocsltd.com/bodyart/> who received several piercings from Mark
and Cushla: ""Both Mark and Cushla manage to make you feel that getting
pierced is the most natural thing in the world. Mark and Cushla both check
what sort of jewellery you want and then see what is actually suitable for
your anatomy. Mark is straightforward and seems very knowledgeable. Some
people find him too abrupt but I like his no-nonsense manner. That said,
he's quite chatty on the subject of piercing and puts you at ease. And
he's fast. He's particularly happy to chat to you after your piercing.
"Cushla is very friendly and takes great care over the preparation,
positioning and so on to make sure you're absolutely happy with things.
She made me feel very relaxed and comfortable. I didn't think she was all
that fast at the actual piercing which was a slight downside."
LABYRINTH TATTOO AND BODY PIERCING, 2 Victoria Rd. South, Southsea, Hants
0170 583 8292
http://www.insular.demon.co.uk/labyrint.htm
Dylan@insular.demon.co.uk
Piercer: Dylan
LEEDS PIERCING STUDIOS, 3-5 Crown Street (Next to Corn Exchange), Leeds LS1
0113 2420413
http://www.bodypiercing.co.uk
Piercer: Anna Kai
THE LONDON PIERCING CLINIC, South London
tel 0181 656 7180, all hours
fax 0181 662 0278
patrick@piercing.demon.co.uk
http://www.ocsltd.com/LPC/index.html
Piercer: Patrick Bartholomew, with 7 years' experience
MANCHESTER PIERCING STUDIO, 107 The Corn Exchange, Manchester
0161 832 1454
Piercer: Wes
*METAL MORPHOSIS*, 10/11 Moor Street (end of Old Compton St.), Soho,
London W1V 5LJ
0171 434 4554
fax 0171 434 3279
mobile appts: 0831 511 844, mobile inquiries: 0956 327 140
http://www.metalmorphosis.co.uk/metal.morphosis
http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/town/estate/gx18
metal.morphosis@dial.pipex.com
Piercers: Barry Spencer, Mark Harris, Katz Keily, Matthew Harris
Visa / Mastercard accepted
Mon - Sat 11am - 7:30pm, Sun 1 - 6pm, or by appt.
Environmental health approved.
Available for outdoor events with a self-contained air conditioned mobile
piercing unit.
Piercing instruction available.
PANDEMIC, 24 Anlaby Rd., Hull, East Yorkshire, HU1 2PA
01482 218881
Piercer: Martyn Edwards (member of the APP)
PENRYN TATTOO AND PIERCING STUDIO, Kernick Rd., Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 8NU
01326 373574
(bob@skinart.demon.co.uk)
http://www.skinart.demon.co.uk/
PERFORATIONS BODY PIERCING STUDIO, 16 A Little Preston St, Brighton
BN1 2HQ
Located downstairs from Wildcat Jewelry
(07000) PIERCE (743723)
01273 326577
http://www.perforations.com
piercing@perforations.com
Piercers: Warren Deane, Rose Walsh, Nigel Stacey
Mon - Sat 12 - 5:30pm
SACRED ART, 148 Albion Road, Stoke Newington, London, N16 9PA
0171 254 2223
Piercer: Teena Marie (formerly of INTO YOU)
Tue - Friday 11:30am - 6pm, Sat 11am - 6pm, Sun 12:30 - 5:30pm
*SHELINA*, Old Church Road, Chingford, London E4 5SJ
0181 524 2948
http://www.shelina.co.uk/
(piercing@shelina.co.uk)
Manufacturers of 18k gold and steel jewelry including fancy and custom
navel studs (set stones, cast designs such as dolphins and flowers).
STEEL DREAMS UNLIMITED, 2A Cliff Mount, Leeds LS6 2HP
Tel. 0113 225 0405, Mobile 0831 360214
http://www.steel-dreams.demon.co.uk/
doug@steel-dreams.demon.co.uk
Piercer: Doug
Jewelry from Breed 316
Reviewed by Richard Sykes <eclrjs@leeds.ac.uk> who received his nipple
piercing from Doug: "The shop itself is only small and fairly sparsely
decorated but it's warm and clean. Everything is autoclaved, latex gloves
are worn throughout...so as not to cross-contaminate. Very friendly, puts
you at ease as soon as you go through the door. He seems very
knowledgeable about piercing and really makes an effort to ensure that you
enjoy the experience. He said that if I had any problems or queries that I
was to go up and see him or ring him for a chat. [Reviewed] cleaning it
twice a day using a salt solution in arm water, applying the shop's own
'Healing Blend,' a mixture of Tea Tree and Lavender essential oils in a
base of Wheatgerm and Sweet Almond oil. I was very satisfied with the
level of service that I received and I am going to go back there for my
next piercings when I can afford them."
ROY SUMMERS STUDIO, 23 Wellington Rd., Dereham, Norfolk
(01362) 698456
(106124.1215@compuserve.com)
Piercers: Ondine and Joe Tye
TATTOO ART, 66, St. Johns Street, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. IP33 1SJ
01284 723939, fax 01284 765556
(tattoo.art@dial.pipex.com)
http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/square/fj06/
TATTOOED LADY BODY ART, 94c Old Church St., Newton Heath, Manchester,
M40 2JF
0161 681 7255
Piercer: Irene Fraenkl-Rietti
cash/cheque
Member of EPPA, Health authority approved.
Reviewed by Ian Stewart Sturrock (I.Sturrock@newaeonbooks.demon.co.uk)
who received navel, both nipple, tongue, PA & ampallang piercings from
Irene: "Very relaxed environment; hospitable staff offering free tea &
coffee on arrival. Waiting room very comfortable, all done out in red &
black with armchairs & sofa...body art books and mags and flash-books to
look through. Smoking allowed in waiting room but not in piercing studio.
Full autoclave sterilisation procedures followed. I asked and was told
that the autoclave is regularly inspected by staff from the local
hospital, as well as checked daily by the piercer. Jewelry sterilized
individually...[and selected] based on measurements of appropriate body
part. Very stringent hygiene procedures followed: separate rubbish
disposal for used gloves, separate sharps container, both of these
regularly emptied by specialist firm. Good bedside manner: reasurring,
professional, quite willing to answer questions on phone or even make an
appointment in person."
TATTOOTIME, 173 North Street, Bedminster, Bristol 3
0117 953 0401
TRIBALIZE, 85 Lower Marsh, London SE8 7AB
0171 620 1347
Scotland
========
BILLY, 73 Elm Row, Leith, Edinburgh
0131 556 5954
Piercing after 5pm; tattooing before 5pm.
Reviewed by Andrew Herbert (aherbert@hpqt0348.sqf.hp.com) who has
received several piercings from Billy.
*TRIBE*, 248 Cannongate, Edinburgh, EH6 8AA
0131 558 9460
PRIMAL PIERCING, Ground Control, 33 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh
01312201477
Piercer: Tails
Reviewed by Bruce McAdam <bjm@tardis.ed.ac.uk> who received eyebrow,
nostril, ear, and nipple piercings from Tails: "The piercing takes
place in a custom built studio in a clothes shop. Despite its small
size, the studio is comfortable and clean. Studio is well enough
separated from the rest of the shop that you don't feel exposed. There
is range of jewelery available and topical anesthetic is available for
some piercings. Tails is a friendly bloke who is happy to discuss the
piercing process and any reservations you have. You are encouraged to
return if you have any worries. The piercing is usually over quite
quickly. Tails talks to you as he is working and warns you when you are
likely feel anything. Tails will discuss more exotic options and
stretching. Jewelry selected based on measurements.
Aftercare recommended: Daily clean with sterile saline, tea tree for
nipples. Aftercare followed: As recommened, plus warm salt water soaks.
Tools and needles sterilized by autoclave; jewelry bulk sterilized."
VENUS FLYTRAP, Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh
0131 652 2005
Piercer: Roxx, formerly of Wild N West
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 5--Care of New Piercings
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:24:39 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982324400001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902298102 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/new-pierce-care
Last-modified: August 04, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
5--Care Of New Piercings
5.1 Antiseptics and Antibacterial Soaps
5.1a Chlorohexidine Gluconate Solutions
5.1b Liquid Antibacterial Soaps
5.1c Other Soaps and Cleansers
5.1d Products to Avoid
5.2 Medicated Ointments
5.3 Essential Oils
5.4 Treating Facial Piercings
5.5 Treating Oral Piercings
5.6 Treating Body Piercings
5.7 Treating Genital Piercings
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
5.1 ANTISEPTICS AND ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS
Antiseptics may be antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal. Antiseptics
inhibit the growth of bacteria but do not necessarily kill all bacteria
present.
Because the process of healing a piercing is unlike that of healing a
typical wound, no antiseptic ingredients or products have been designed
specifically for piercing aftercare. As a result piercers have had to rely
on products which are not ideal for piercing aftercare.
Povidone Iodine and Hibiclens, both contraindicated for puncture wounds and
prolonged use, were frequently recommended for aftercare ten years ago
because more appropriate products were not available at that time.
Currently, mild antibacterial soaps are favored by most piercers.
5.1a CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE SOLUTIONS
Name brands include AC 2000, Bacticlens, Hibiclens, Hibiscrub, Hibitane,
Savlon, Spectro Gram 2
Solutions vary in concentration from 2 to 4%. Product inserts for all
solutions state intended use only for handwashing and pre-surgical skin
antisepsis. A few products are described for use as a first aid antiseptic
but not for prolonged use.
Product warnings include: "For external use only. Irritative skin
reactions may occur. Generalised allergic reactions to chlorhexidine have
also been reported. Patients with ear drum perforation should avoid use
near ear canal. Avoid usage near the eyes."
Chlorhexidine products are no longer recommended by many piercers because
it is far more irritating than other products available. If you choose to
use a Chlorhexidine product do not apply the solution full strength.
Dilute with water, work the solution into a lather and apply only the
lather.
References:
Hibiscrub, http://home.intekom.com/pharm/zeneca/hibscrub.html
Savlon, http://home.intekom.com/pharm/pharmedica/savlnsol.html
Spectro Gram 2, http://www.rxmed.com/monographs/spectro2.html
5.1b LIQUID ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS
CHLOROXYLENOL (PCMX) SOAPS
According to the "Efficacy Data: MICs" sheet Chloroxylenol is an
antimicrobial antiseptic effective against both gram-positive and
gram-negative bacteria, fungal and yeast microorganisms. Used in soaps
intended for frequent hand washing and wound care, making it appropriate
for piercing aftercare. Unfortunately these soaps are not yet widely
available in drugstores.
At this time mild soaps containing Chloroxylenol (PCMX) are emerging as
the most appropriate product for piercing aftercare. Chloroxylenol has
tested safe for use as longterm wound care and is more effective on a
broader range of microorganisms than the other antiseptics.
Provon brand, PCMX 0.3%
Available in wholesale quantities from Randolph General Medical,
800-488-0574 ext. 326.
Available at retail from Redline Home Care, 800-328-0141.
Satin brand, PCMX 0.8%
Available in wholesale from Care-Tech Laboratories, 1-800-325-9681,
(314) 772-4610, http://www.caretechlabs.com
Available at retail from AARP Pharmacy, 1-800-284-4788, 1-800-284-4777
TRICLOSAN ANTIBACTERIAL LIQUID SOAPS
Containing 0.2% to 0.5% triclosan, antibacterial
Brands most readily available include Dial Liquid, Almay Hypo-Care, and
Softsoap (contains aloe). Dial and most orange colored brands can be
overly drying. Suggested are soaps that are low-pH, free of deodorants and
moisturizers.
The "Triclosan MIC Sheet" reviewing antimicrobial efficacy is available
from Decon Laboratories Inc., (800) 332-6647, (610) 520-0610
http://www.deconlabs.com/deconlab/dcn03s.htm
5.1b BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE or BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE SOLUTIONS
Name brands include Bactine, No More Ouchies, Pierced Ear Care Solution,
Sensitive Ears Solution
Containing 0.12% Benzalkonium-chloride or 0.13% Benzethonium-chloride.
Both ingredients are intended to be used for first-aid antisepsis and not
not for prolonged use.(1) Prolonged use often causes overly dry or
flaking skin. If these symptoms occur discontinue use. Diluting will
decrease efficacy; tap water may introduce pseudomonas bacteria.
Some products contain isopropyl alcohol which is very irritating. Some
Bactine and No More Ouchies contain lidocaine to which many people are
sensitive.
5.1c OTHER SOAPS AND CLEANSERS
These soaps have been successfully used by many people to cleanse
piercings. However, these soaps may not contain ingredients clinically
proven to be antibacterial.
Clearly Natural (iodine based)
Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap
Neutrogena
Nutri-Biotic
SALINE SOLUTION
Saline or an isotinic solution (0.9%, 1/4 teaspoon per 8oz distilled
water) may be used to remove discharge and irrigate the piercing between
cleanings, but should not be solely relied upon for cleaning.
5.1d PRODUCTS TO AVOID
ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL is inappropriate because it is very drying and has limited
antiseptic effectiveness.
POVIDONE IODINE
Brand names Betadine, Triadine.
Povidone Iodine is bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal. Betadine is
contraindicated for use in puncture wounds or prolonged use.
Prolonged use of Povidone iodine solutions may cause an allergy
to iodine. Prolonged use may also foster development of resistant
bacteria. According to the Association of Professional Piercers
<http://www.piercing.org/app/>, long term use has been said to cause
cells to lyse (over-saturate and rupture). Povidone iodine has been
known to cause skin discoloration with prolonged use.
Povidone iodine is often used to disinfect the area prior to piercing.
Single-use disposable pads and swabs are recommended over the bottle
because the bottle can easily be contaminated.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
The peroxide has limited antiseptic effectiveness and destroys newly
formed cells.(1)
"Solutions found to be cytotoxic to wounds include: povidone-iodine...and
hydrogen peroxide. It has been shown that these solutions are toxic to
human fibroblasts, thereby inhibiting collagen synthesis and the formation
of granulation tissue."(3)
References:
(1) Dixie Farley, "OTC Options: Help for Cuts, Scrapes and Burns"
FDA Consumer Magazine, May 1996, http://www.fda.gov
(2) Contact Dermatitis Home Page list of antiseptics, further references
http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/vumcdept/derm/contact/Trolab_Antimicrobials.html
(3) Rita A. Frantz PhD RN FAAN, Associate Professor of Nursing, University
of Iowa, in an article appearing at
http://coninfo.nursing.uiowa.edu/ChronicWound/!cl2.htm
(4) "A cleanser is Not a Cleanser is Not a Cleanser"
by Liza G. Ovington, PhD
http://woundcare.org/newsvol3n1/prpt3.htm
5.2 MEDICATED OINTMENTS
Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments and creams containing any combination
of bacitracin zinc, Neomycin, and Polymyxin-B. Some people are allergic to
bacitracin; an allergy is usually indicated by itching or a rash around
the area.
These products do not clean the piercing of discharge or dirt.
As determined by the US Food and Drug Administration antibiotic ointments
are contraindicated for use in puncture wounds or for use beyond one
week:
"OTC first-aid antimicrobials are for use only up to one week. If
an injury persists or worsens after this time, the label warns
consumers to stop use and consult a doctor. The products are not for
existing infections, animal bites, sunburn, punctures, or eye injuries.
Nor should they be used for cuts, scrapes or burns needing medical care."
"With repeated use on large areas, neomycin also fosters development of
neomycin-resistant strains of Staphylococci bacteria. Neomycin products
that include polymyxin B and bacitracin guard against this."
Dixie Farley, "OTC Options: Help for Cuts, Scrapes and Burns", FDA
Consumer Magazine, May 1996,
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/496_cuts.html
5.3 ESSENTIAL OILS
Many people have found application of essential oils beneficial to healing
and preventing scarring. The consensus among the aromatherapy practitioners
and piercers who use oils is that essential oils do contain beneficial
properties. Oils should be used sparingly and diluted, never full-strength
(neat). Suggested carriers include Grapeseed and Sweet Almond oils.
Patch tests to determine sensitivity or allergy are strongly recommended.
Apply a drop of the oil to the inside elbow or wrist.
Whether or not essential oils can be recommended for use over extended
periods of time is still questionable. Acquired allergies to essential
oils are possible.
It is of the author's opinion that daily cleaning and disinfection of the
piercing should not rely solely on use of essential oils. Rather, oils can
be used to aid healing. Prior to application discharge should be removed
from the piercing using cotton swabs and warm water.
Denise Robinson of Ambient, http://www.ambient.on.ca recommends "that people
use oils in addition to their hot salt water soaks, be they in a cup, bath,
or compress. The combination of the heat to open up blood vessels & thus
bring more white blood cells to the area and remove infectious matter as
well as the mild antiseptic properties of the salt water, oils can be a
valuable addition. In addition to their own special abilities, many oils
have the inherent ability of stimulating the immune system. Using a soap
with these oils as an active ingredient can also help."
Lavender oil and Tea (Ti) Tree oil are the most commonly recommended. Both
are considered antiseptics.
Lavender oil, when used for aromatherapy, is said to be very relaxing.
Lavender oil is very mild and few people experience allergic reactions.
Tea Tree oil is very strong, both in scent and effect. It is said to be
antifungal and antibacterial. Some people use a mouthrinse of salt water
and a few drops of tea tree oil to aid the healing of oral piercings. Its
efficacy compares to that of antibacterial ingredients in standard
mouthwashes is unknown.
Wheat Germ, containing vitamin E which may reduce scarring; however, it is
very sticky which may be detrimental towards healing).
Some piercing studios which recommend essential oils for aftercare provide
customers with a premixed solution. Otherwise, make sure you are buying
real essential oils and not perfumes. Health food and alternative healing
stores usually sell oil individually and can mix for you.
Brad Zutaut of Red Earth, supplier of Essential Oils
<http://www.redearth.com>, <bzutaut@ix.netcom.com> comments:
"I use tea tree oil on my pierces. I dilute it in grapeseed oil, about
ten drops in 15ml of grapeseed oil works nicely. I would never use it
undiluted. It acts as a lubricant as well as being antiseptic. I've
heard you can also dilute the tea tree oil in lavender, as lavender is
a gentle oil that can be used undiluted itself. Tea tree is not as harsh
as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as it does not dry and it does not kill
the healing tissue along with the germs. For fresh pierces, I would
recommend soaking them in salt water to soften any 'crusties' and then
cleaning with rings with swabs dipped in the salt-water, and then
applying the tea tree oil and leaving it on (wipe excess from around the
pierce as it can stain clothing). For healed pierces, I wash daily with
antibacterial soap and apply tea tree oil.
"Antiseptic oils should not be used on genital pierces like PAs,
ampallangs, or clitoral pierces - anything involving mucous membrane.
They should be cleaned only with salt water. I would be wary of using
them on facial pierces near the eyes, as well. Tongue pierces can be
healed by using one or two drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water as
a mouthwash. Do not use peppermint oil undiluted."
As with any aftercare product, oils should be stored and handled responsibly
Prevent contamination of the oil; do not touch the dropper or mouth of the
bottle. Air content of the bottle should be a minimum. The bottle should
be dark or wrapped and stored out of sunlight.
If a cup is used for soaking, the cup must be disinfected prior to use. A
bleach solution is often the easiest method for most people; rinse
thoroughly after bleaching. If more than one piercing requires soaking,
disposable cups are recommended to prevent spreading an infection from one
piercing to another.
References:
Julie Baily, Mountain Rose Herbs
http://www.botanical.com/mtrose/noframes/intro/intro.html
Health World - Herbal Medicine
http://206.135.37.254/library/books/hoffman/immune/essentialoils.htm
Higher Ideals: Tea Tree Oil Information
http://www.netside.net/~c3i/teatreeinfo.html
Cheyenne Morrison, The Piercing Temple, Cairns, Australia
Shae's
<shae@vnet.net>
http://users.vnet.net/shae/altheal/altheal.html
Steel Dreams Unlimited
http://www.steel-dreams.demon.co.uk/
5.4 TREATING FACIAL PIERCINGS
The piercing is susceptible to infection while it is healing. Appropriate
aftercare is important to reduce the risk of infection.
Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before touching your
piercing or jewelry.
The piercing should be cleaned twice a day while it is healing.
Over-cleaning can irritate the piercing; do not clean more often unless the
piercing has been exposed to dirt, sweat, or bodily fluids. Saline solution
may be used to remove dried discharge between cleanings.
Antiseptics containing benzalkonium or benzethonium chloride are often
suggested for cleaning ear and facial piercings. The disinfectant should be
applied to both entrances and allowed to saturate the inside of the piercing
by rotating the jewelry. Remove any dried discharge from the jewelry using a
cottonswab and hot water before rotating the jewelry; do not use your
fingernails. If the skin around the piercing becomes red, dry and chapped
rinse the area with water after cleaning or discontinue use and switch to a
regimen of antibacterial soap.
Liquid antibacterial soaps are preferred by some piercers. The shower
provides the best place to adequately lather and rinse piercings. After
washing and rinsing your hands apply the soap lather around and on your
piercing while rotating the jewelry. Remove any dried discharge from the
jewelry using a cottonswab and hot water before rotating the jewelry; do not
use your fingernails. Allow the lather saturate the piercing for 3 minutes.
Rinse your piercing, jewelry and the surrounding area thoroughly under
running water. While rinsing rotate the jewelry several times. Do not use a
washcloth or sponge to clean your piercing. Cloths and sponges trap and
collect bacteria and mildew. For this reason, use a tissue or paper towel to
dry your piercing after you clean it.
Rinse your piercing and jewelry thoroughly with water after showering or
bathing.
Do not allow your piercing to come in contact with cosmetics, lotions, and
perfumes which can cause extreme irritation. When using har spray cover
your piercings with your hand or a tissue.
The most frequent causes of infection are touching the piercing or the
jewelry with unwashed hands or contact with unclean items such as clothing,
bedding or hair. Do not wear hatbands or bandannas over ear and eyebrow
piercings. In the case of ear piercings use the opposite ear for
telephones or place a clean tissue between the ear and the receiver.
Do not allow your piercing to come into contact with saliva (of others and
your own) or another person's bodily fluids.
Swimming in public pools, spas and hot-tubs is advised against as one can
never be sure of the quality of sanitation and the risk of exposure to
bacteria is too great. Although some people have experienced no
ill-effects from swimming in ocean / sea water most piercers maintain that
the risks of exposure to unhealthy elements outweighs any benefits the salt
water may have.
Laundry detergents containing stain-fighting enzymes should not be used.
The enzymes can destroy epithelial (healing) cells and delay healing.
After the healing process is complete you should continue to clean your
piercing once a day as part of your bathing or showering routine to
prevent accumulation of dirt and dead skin cells.
5.5 TREATING ORAL PIERCINGS
The piercing is susceptible to infection while it is healing. Appropriate
aftercare is important to reduce the risk of infection.
Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before touching your
piercing or jewelry.
Most piercers suggest rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash after eating,
drinking anything other than water and smoking.
Mouthwashes are not intended to be used as often as typically used for
piercing aftercare. Mouthwashes with a high alcohol content quickly dry out
the tongue's protective mucous layer. Alcohol-free and reduced alcohol
mouthwashes such as Biotene (1), TECH 2000 (2), and Oral-B brands are
suggested over mouthwashes such as Listerine which have a high alcohol
content. If you use an alcohol-based mouthwash dilute 50% with preferably
distiled, bottled water. After using any mouthwash rinse with water to
reduce mouthwash residues and dryness.
A white discoloration of the tongue indicates that the mouthwash is being
over used. When over used the mouthwash dries out the mucous layer of the
tongue, upsets the pH and depletes the healthy and necessary bacteria of the
mouth. Depletion of healthy bacteria can result in thrush (Candida
albicans), a fungal infection indicated by a white carpetlike layer on the
tongue. Medications for treating thrush are only available with a doctor's
prescription. In some cases the condition of the mouth can be restored if
frequency of use is reduced. Some people have successfully treated minor
thrush by rinsing with warm salt water containing a few drops of tea tree
oil, said to be fungicidal.
Oral cleansing antiseptics such as PerOxyl and Gly-Oxide containing peroxide
or carbamide peroxide may be detrimental towards healing when used for an
extended period of time. Use of these products in addition to antiseptic
mouthwash is unnecessary. Additionally, the US Food and Drug Administration
has declared "oral wound healing agents [including] allantoin and
carbamide peroxide in anhydrous glycerin" as "unacceptable" because these
products have not been found to be safe and/or effective for treatment of
oral wounds; these products have effectively been recalled. See "FDA Medical
Bulletin, January 1996, Volume 26 Number 1" at http://www.fda.gov
Tongue piercings produce a discharge just as any other piercing. This
discharge is sticky and white. Dark yellow or green discharge indicates an
infection.
During the first 24 to 48 hours the tongue usually swells to almost twice
its normal size. Apply ice and drink ice water to minimize swelling and
tenderness. Some people use over the counter anti-inflammatory medications
to prevent or reduce swelling. Do not take Aspirin which thins the blood.
Swelling should steadily recede during the next 3 to 5 days. Usually the
area immediately around the piercing will be swollen for and additional 2
to 4 weeks.
Bleeding usually stops immediately with application of ice. The piercing may
spot during the next few hours. If the piercing does not clot or bleeds
after 48 hours the piercing may have nicked a blood vessel and may require
medical attention. Using a needle thicker than the jewelry often results in
heavy bleeding. If the piercing bleeds while you sleep or upon waking the
piercing may have become dry during the night, causing the clot to adhere to
the jewelry and reopen the wound when the barbell is moved.
After the swelling has receeded, warm salt water rinses may be used to
remove discharge and lymph secretions. 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or table salt
to 8 ounces of distilled water is suggested. minutes once or twice a day.
The inside entrance of lip, labret, cheek piercings should be disinfected as
described for tongue piercings. The outside piercing should be cleaned
following the instructions for facial piercings.
Warm salt water rinses are also suggested to accelerate healing.
Do not allow your piercings to come into contact with another person's
bodily fluids.
Avoid spicy or hot foods. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages during the
first week; alcohol is a chemical irritant and thins the blood which can
cause excessive bleeding and swelling.
While smoking may be irritating but not necessarily damaging to a new
piercing the use of chewed tobacco products is highly discouraged in the
case of any oral piercing as the use of chewed tobacco has been attributed
to oral cancers and lesions.
Oral jewelry will collect plaque, especially in the crevice between the ball
or disc and the bar. Plaque traps bacteria and can cause the jewelry to have
a bad odor. Daily use of an anti-plaque rinse is suggested to prevent plaque
build-up. To remove a build-up of plaque, remove and soak jewelry in an
antibacterial denture cleaner following the package directions.
References:
(1) Biotene
http://www.laclede.com/biotene.html
(2) TECH 2000, Care-Tech Laboratories, 1-800-325-9681, (314) 772-4610
http://www.caretechlabs.com
5.6 TREATING BODY PIERCINGS
The piercing is susceptible to infection while it is healing. Appropriate
aftercare is important to reduce the risk of infection.
Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before touching your
piercing or jewelry.
The piercing should be cleaned twice a day while it is healing.
Over-cleaning can irritate the piercing; do not clean more often unless the
piercing has been exposed to dirt, sweat, or bodily fluids. Saline solution
may be used to remove dried discharge between cleanings.
The shower provides the best place to adequately lather and rinse piercings.
After washing and rinsing your hands apply the soap / cleanser lather around
and on the piercing while rotating the jewelry. Remove any dried discharge
from the jewelry using a cottonswab and hot water before rotating the
jewelry; do not use your fingernails. Allow the lather saturate the piercing
for 3 minutes. Rinse the piercing, jewelry and the surrounding area
thoroughly under running water. While rinsing rotate the jewelry several
times.
Do not use a washcloth or sponge to clean your piercing. Cloths and sponges
trap and collect bacteria and mildew. For this reason use a tissue or paper
towel to dry your piercing after you clean it. The inside of the navel
traps moisture and should be dried thoroughly using a cotton swab.
Warm salt water soaks help remove dried discharge and lymph secretions,
relieve itching, and increase circulation to the piercing. 1/4 teaspoon sea
salt or table salt to 8 ounces of distilled water is suggested. Epsom salt
(hydrated magnesium sulfate) is not the same chemical composition as sea
salt or table salt (sodium chloride). Suggested soaking regimen is 10 to 15
minutes once or twice a day. The tub or container used for soaking should be
disinfected using a household disinfectant or bleach solution. If more than
one piercing requires soaking disposable cups are recommended to prevent
spreading an infection from one piercing to another. If you feel a stinging
sensation or your piercing bleeds while soaking, discontinue soaking until
the piercing has begun to seal along the inside (usually 1 - 2 weeks).
Do not use bath additives or bubble baths while the piercing is healing.
Do not allow your piercings to come into contact with another person's
bodily fluids.
The most frequent causes of infection are touching the piercing or the
jewelry with unwashed hands or contact with unclean items such as clothing
and bedding.
Swimming in public pools, spas and hot-tubs is advised against as one can
never be sure of the quality of sanitation and the risk of exposure to
bacteria is too great. Although some people have experienced no
ill-effects from swimming in ocean / sea water most piercers maintain that
the risks of exposure to unhealthy elements outweighs any benefits the salt
water may have.
Laundry detergents containing stain-fighting enzymes should not be used.
The enzymes can destroy epithelial (healing) cells and delay healing.
After the healing process is complete you should continue to clean your
piercing once a day as part of your bathing or showering routine to
prevent accumulation of dirt and dead skin cells.
5.7 TREATING GENITAL PIERCINGS
Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before touching your
piercing or jewelry.
Genital piercings should be cleaned following the instructions for body
piercings. Cleaning products may irritate the urethra in both men and women
and the vagina in the case of women. After cleaning urinate to flush out any
residues in the urethral opening. Women should take care not to let any
cleaning agent enter the vagina and to rinse thoroughly with water as the
depletion of bacteria may contribute to the incidence of yeast infections
(Candida albicans). Women should use the most lint-free toilet tissue
available.
Do not allow your piercing to come in contact with another person9s bodily
fluids during the healing process. This includes saliva (of others and your
own) as well as semen. Your own urine is non-pathogenic as long as you do
not have a bladder or urinary tract infection. There is no need to clean the
piercing after urinating although some people find rinsing with cool water
soothing. While a new or unhealed genital piercing does not prevent sexual
activity latex barriers should be used (condom, dental dam).
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:25:01 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982325010001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902298123 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/healing-process-problems
Last-modified: July 12, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
6.1 The Healing Process
6.1a Abandoning a Piercing
6.2 Scars
6.3 Irritations & Infections
6.4 Piercing Migration / Rejection
6.5 Metal Sensitivities
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
Finding a piercing-friendly doctor is less difficult than finding a
piercing-knowledgeable doctor. While a doctor may have the best intentions,
s/he may not be knowledgeable enough about piercings to identify problems
caused by inappropriate jewelry, inappropriate piercing location, or a metal
allergy. Too often doctors assume that every problematic piercing is
infected when the problem can be attributed to other factors.
Some people are apprehensive to visit a doctor in case of a problem or be
open about their piercings because they feel that the doctor will
disapprove. You should be comfortable enough with your doctor to disclose
information pertinent to your health care. Your doctor should be
professional and should not be morally judgemental or express personal
disapproval about your piercings.
6.1 THE HEALING PROCESS
Piercings heal by forming epithelial cells along the inside of the piercing
to protect the body from the foreign object. These epithelial cells form a
tubelike layer of skin along the inside of the piercing. After the
epithelial layer has formed, usually the second and third month, the
piercing may constrict around the jewelry. The epithelial layer can easily
be dislodged; do not force the jewelry to rotate without first applying an
appropriate cleaning solution and warm water. The piercing may need to soak
in warm water to allow the skin to expand so that the jewelry can be
rotated.
Factors which may cause the epithelial layer to become dislodged include
injury, piercing migration or rejection, wearing a ring that is too small in
diameter or wearing jewelry that has a rough finish. Please see Part 6 of
the Piercing FAQ for information about healing problems.
All piercings produce a lymph discharge during the healing period. The
discharge is sticky, white to off-white in color and dries to a crusty
formation around the openings of the piercing and on the jewelry. This
discharge should not be confused with pus which is yellow to green.
Once the epithelial layer forms it must toughen and strengthen while
granulation tissue forms beneath it. This process can require upwards of 6
months to a year. As the piercing becomes more cohesive on the inside the
entrances will round inwards, like a donut hole, and the piercing will
become more flexible and relaxed around the jewelry.
If you plan to keep your piercing do not remove your jewelry for any length
of time while it is healing. If a jewelry change is necessary because of a
metal sensitivity or dimension concerns the change must be continuous to
prevent the piercing from shrinking or closing.
Most body piercings require at least a year or two before they can be left
empty without the risk of growing closed. After the piercing has toughened,
it will probably not grow closed if jewelry is not worn for a length of
time but may shrink considerably, in which case stretching with an
insertion taper is required to reinsert the jewelry.
6.1a Abandoning a Piercing
Whether or not the piercing completely closes depends on how old the
piercing is, how toughened it is, and the gauge of the piercing. Older,
toughened piercings, especially those that have been stretched, will shrink
but probably will not close.
If the piercing does not close it will collect dead skin cells and dirt
which can contribute to the formation of cysts. To prevent accumulations
insert a thin taper or jewelry through the piercing periodically to
facilitate cleaning the piercing.
If the piercing has not yet healed and is still producing a discharge it
will close quickly if the jewelry is removed. If the piercing is new,
scarring will be minimal. Continue to clean your piercing until it closes.
Soaking the piercing is beneficial in drawing-out discharge and preventing
it from accumulating within the piercing. Jewelry should not be removed if
the piercing is infected.
If the piercing has only recently healed the interior will probably close.
If the entrances of the piercing have started to round inwards, permanent
dimple-like scars will result. The interior of the piercing may form a scar
which can be felt as a knot or raised line under the skin; this scar tissue
usually shrinks over time.
An abandoned piercing may be repierced after the scar tissue has softened
and reabsorbed. The second piercing is usually made behind the scar tissue
from the initial piercing. Piercing through the scar tissue can be difficult
and in some cases more painful. If the piercing was abandoned because of
rejection, repiercing behind scar tissue will not insure a successful
piercing.
6.2 SCARS
Any penetration of the skin can result in a scar. In the case of
piercings, excessive scarring can result in an unattractive or
uncomfortable piercing.
Keloid scars are hard, raised, bulky formations of primarily collagen scar
tissue which spreads beyond the boundaries of the wound. Keloids often grow
or spread with increased or continued irritation. The tendency towards
developing keloids has been noted to be hereditary and to affect people with
darker skin.
Cartilage piercings appear to be particularly prone to keloids because the
piercings involve multiple layers of tissue which heal at different rates.
Hypertrophic scars tend to be fleshy and stay within the boundaries of the
injury. Affected piercings may appear to have excess or protruding tissue
at the entrances. In some cases hypertrophic scar tissue is reabsorbed as
the piercing heals or when the source of irritation is eliminated.
Mechanical stress and irritation contribute to both keloid and
hypertrophic scarring. Mechanical stress includes:
- changing jewelry before the piercing has fully healed
- stretching the piercing too fast or too soon
- injury to the piercing
- friction or pressure against clothing / other body parts / other jewelry
- wearing jewelry of inappropriate dimensions (includes gauge, width, length)
- wearing jewelry that is too thin to withstand friction or pressure
exerted on the piercing
- piercing placed at an inappropriate angle to the tissue
- piercing in an area that changes shape with body movements
Scarring may also indicate migration; the pressure between the jewelry and
the skin is too great and the piercing is migrating to relieve the
pressure (see section 6.3).
Attempting to treat scar tissue without evaluating and eliminating the
cause of irritation often does not succeed over the longterm.
Methods of Treating Scars
Keloid scars can increase in size with ongoing irritation caused by the
jewelry. Removing the jewelry at the first signs of keloid formation and
allowing the piercing to heal closed will often get rid of the keloid, or
minimize its size. However, do not remove the jewelry if there is any sign
of infection.
One dermatologist I have consulted about keloids says that once a keloid
begins to form the jewelry will continue to irritate the area and the scar
tissue will continue to grow. He noted that cortisone or steroid injections
with the jewelry in place may help shrink the keloid some but that as long
as the jewelry is in place the keloid will never completely disappear.
Also, the injections tend not to work so well in cartilage layers. His
advice is to remove the jewelry.
Scar tissue can be excised under local anesthetic by a dermatologist or
plastic surgeon. Excision of a keloid scar does not guarantee that the scar
tissue will not return; in some cases excision results in a larger scar.
Hypertrophic scars are more successfully excised.
Keloid scar tissue is sometimes treated with injections of cortisone or
other steroids.
Over-the-counter Hydrocortisone ointments and creams containing from 0.5% to
1% cortisone can be used to shrink keloid scar tissue. Fluocinonide Cream,
containing 0.05% cortisone, is often prescribed to shrink keloids in people
who are prone to keloid scarring resulting from cuts and scratches. Efficacy
of treating keloids resulting from piercing has not been determined. Do
not allow the ointment inside the piercing.
Some people have treated scar tissue with Hydrogen peroxide gel or solution.
Hydrogen peroxide should be used sparingly and use should be discontinued if
the piercing shows signs of irritation. Do not allow hydrogen peroxide
inside the piercing.
Vitamin E, applied during healing, may decrease the formation or chance of
formation of scar tissue. Some people are allergic to Vitamin E; an allergy
is indicated by a rash of small bumps.
Some people successfully use an aspirin and water paste to dissolve scar
tissue on oral piercings. If you choose to try this method please be aware
that you may run the risk of seriously damaging oral tissue if the solution
is left in place too long or if you are allergic to aspirin.
A relatively new product, Rejuveness is a silicone gel sheeting available in
the US by prescription and over the counter. According to the product
webpage, "ReJuveness is clinically proven effective in the management of
existing scars and preventing new ones. ReJuveness softens, smooths and
flattens scars, and restores skin to its normal texture and color. Developed
through advanced medical research and proven effective on hypertrophic and
keloid scars, ReJuveness is used by plastic surgeons and burn centers around
the world." Efficacy of treating piercing scars (old or with jewelry
intact) is not mentioned.
http://www.rejuveness.com, US 1-800-361-0778, Canada 1-800-361-0778
6.3 IRRITATIONS & INFECTIONS
All piercings produce a lymph discharge during the healing period. The
discharge is sticky, white to off-white in color and dries to a crusty
formation around the openings of the piercing and on the jewelry. This
discharge should not be confused with pus, which is yellow or green.
Redness, inflammation and swelling during the first few days is not unusual.
Prolonged redness and inflammation may indicate a mild infection, a
sensitivity to the metal or aftercare product, or irritation due to
mechanical stress. Mechanical stress is most often caused by friction
against clothing or other parts of the body, wearing jewelry of
inappropriate dimensions, or inappropriate placement of the piercing.
Over-cleaning the piercing, failure to thoroughly rinse the piercing after
using soap, or using an antiseptic or soap that is too drying can cause the
openings of the piercing to become red, overly dry and cracked. Most
piercings do not require cleaning more often than 2 or 3 times a day.
Sensitivity to the aftercare product is usually indicated by extreme itching
and burning upon application of the product or a rash of small bumps
surrounding the piercing. If you are sensitive to anti-bacterial soaps or if
you find soap too drying try a formula made for sensitive skin and dilute by
applying only the lather.
Some people have noticed that the condition of their piercings deteriorates
or the healing process is slowed by relocating to an area with harder water.
The body usually adjusts to the change. If the irritation continues, use
bottled or distilled water until the piercing has healed.
Laundry detergents containing stain-fighting enzymes should not be used.
The enzymes can destroy epithelial (healing) cells and delay healing.
Piercings in moist areas which lack air circulation and which are irritated
by friction sometimes develop extrusions of red, inflamed soft tissue which
may form a ring or flap around the entrances. Most commonly affected are
labia, scrotum, and guiche piercings and the inside entrance of navel
piercings. This condition is usually not painful and is not necessarily a
symptom of infection. Usually the tissue recedes as the piercing heals.
Continue twice a day cleaning with a mild cleanser, especially after
perspiring, but do not over-clean. The area should be kept as dry as
possible. In the case of navel piercings dry the inside of the navel using a
cotton swab. In the case of genital piercings wear cotton underwear and
absorbent panti-liners. If possible, eliminate sources of irritation.
Follicular Cysts
Follicular cysts appear as red bumps adjacent to one side of the piercing
entrance and usually produce a discharge and sometimes blood. Follicular
cysts are usually caused by a pore blockage or build-up of dead skin
cells and dirt within the piercing. Continue to clean the piercing with an
antibacterial agent and apply hot compresses or soak the piercing in hot
salt water. Hydrogen peroxide gel has also been used successfully to dry
out follicular cysts. Do not allow hydrogen peroxide inside the piercing.
Infections
The most frequent causes of infection is touching the piercing or the
jewelry with unwashed hands or contact with unclean items such as clothing,
bedding and hair.
Infections are not inherent to piercing and should be treated seriously. A
mild, localized infection is indicated by a discharge of yellow pus, pain,
redness, inflammation (the area feels hot to the touch), and swelling. Dark
yellow or green pus indicates a more serious infection.
If an infection develops the jewelry should be left in place to allow the
infection to drain. If the jewelry is removed the openings of the piercing
will close, trapping the infection, which can create an abscess. An abscess
is indicated by a darkening of the surrounding tissue. Occasionally an
abscess will form even if the jewelry is left in place. An abscess usually
requires treatment with oral antibiotics and may require excision.
A piercing with a mild infection should be cleaned with an appropriate
aftercare product twice a day as suggested for aftercare aftercare (see Part
5 of the FAQ).
Hot salt water soaks and compresses help drain infections and increase
circulation to the piercing. 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or table salt to one cup
water is suggested. Epsom salt (hydrated magnesium sulfate) is not the same
chemical composition as sea salt or table salt (sodium chloride) and should
not be used. Suggested soaking regimen is 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a
day. The tub or container used for soaking should be disinfected using a
household disinfectant or bleach solution. If more than one piercing
requires soaking, disposable cups are recommended to prevent spreading an
infection from one piercing to another. The cloth used as a compress should
be disposable or washed in a bleach solution between uses. A compress can be
rewarmed in a microwave oven.
Some people use over-the-counter antibiotic ointments to treat mild
infections. However, according to the US Food and Drug Administration:
"OTC first-aid antimicrobials are for use only up to one week. If an
injury persists or worsens after this time, the label warns consumers to
stop use and consult a doctor. The products are not for existing infections,
animal bites, sunburn, punctures, or eye injuries. Nor should they be used
for cuts, scrapes or burns needing medical care." (1)
If you choose to use an antibiotic ointment it should be applied sparingly
after the piercing is cleaned thoroughly for a maximum of seven days. If the
infection does not respond or worsens within three days or produces dark
yellow or green pus contact a physician. Oral antibiotics may be required to
treat the infection.
If untreated, a localized infection may develop into a systemic infection or
cellulitis. A systemic infection occurs when bacteria and toxins are spread
throughout the body by the bloodstream. Symptoms of a systemic infection
include fever, chills, joint aches, and an overall feeling of weakness. A
systemic infection can be life-threatening if not properly treated.
Treatment usually requires oral and intravenous antibiotics.
Symptoms of cellulitis include swollen lymph-nodes, red streaks on the skin,
fever and chills. The affected area may be extremely red, raised, and
painful, and the skin may develop an orange-peel-like texture.
Prolonged Healing
Prolonged healing is indicated by failure of the piercing to complete the
final stages of healing. The piercing will form the epithelial layer but it
may be weak and easily dislodged. The piercing continues to produce a
discharge. The entrances of the piercing may remain ragged and do not round
inwards. Prolonged healing is often caused by mechanical stress on the
piercing.
Mechanical stress includes:
- changing jewelry before the piercing has fully healed
- stretching the piercing too fast or too soon
- injury to the piercing
- friction or pressure against clothing / other body parts / other jewelry
- wearing jewelry of inappropriate dimensions (includes gauge, width, length)
- wearing jewelry that is too thin to withstand friction or pressure
exerted on the piercing
- piercing placed at an inappropriate angle to the tissue
- piercing in an area that changes shape with body movements
Prolonged healing may indicate migration or rejection (see section 6.3) or a
metal sensitivity (see section 6.4). Prolonged healing may also be caused by
chemical irritation, or using an inappropriate aftercare product (see Part
5). Wearing jewelry that is scratched or underpolished will irritate the
piercing and prolong healing.
References:
"What's This Bump on My Piercing?" pamphlet, Gauntlet, Inc., 1997,
http://www.gauntlet.com
(1) "OTC Options: Help for Cuts, Scrapes and Burns" by Dixie Farley, May
1996 issue of the FDA Consumer Magazine,
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/496_cuts.html
6.4 PIERCING REJECTION / MIGRATION
Piercing migration and/or rejection is indicated by the piercing becoming
narrower and more shallow. Dimple type scars usually appear behind the
piercing, where the jewelry was placed originally. A piercing which is
migrating quickly will develop scabs where the jewelry was placed
originally. Migration and rejection prolongs healing; the entrances of the
piercing will be red and will remain ragged. In cases of already relatively
shallow piercings such as the eyebrow piercing, the jewelry will become
visible through the skin.
Frequent Causes
One of the most frequent causes of migration and rejection is mechanical
stress on the piercing. Mechanical stress includes:
- injury to the piercing
- wearing jewelry of inappropriate dimensions (includes gauge, width, length)
- friction or pressure against clothing / other body parts / other jewelry
- piercing placed at an inappropriate depth or angle to the tissue
- piercing in flat areas or areas that changes shape with body movements
Injury to the piercing can result in tearing or detachment of the epithelial
layer, the newly formed tube-like skin lining the interior of the piercing.
The epithelial layer can be torn if the jewelry is pulled or tugged sharply
or if the jewelry forced to rotate when the piercing has constricted around
it. The piercing may need to soak in warm water to allow the skin to expand
so that the jewelry can be rotated. If the epithelial layer is dislodged
completely the piercing must form a new layer. If the epithelial layer
frequently tears, the jewelry should be checked for rough, underpolished
areas or scratches. Jewelry that is underpolished or scratched will often
adhere to or tear the epithelial layer.
Wearing jewelry of inappropriate size or design creates pressure on the
piercing. Rings which are too small in diameter constrict the piercing and
cause the entrances of the piercing to migrate to conform to the tight
curvature of the ring. If a straight barbell is used through a flat area the
balls will create pressure against the skin behind them, causing the
piercing to migrate forward. A curved barbell will eliminate pressure
between the barbell balls and the skin.
Jewelry that is too thin in gauge is more easily rejected. Wearing jewelry
that is too thin increases the risk of the piercing being torn or ripped
completely through if the jewelry is pulled. Thicker gauges are recommended
for areas where pressure on the piercing cannot be avoided. For example,
navel piercings can migrate or reject from the pressure exerted by
waistbands. A navel piercing performed at 14ga may heal without incident if
waistbands are avoided, but then begin to migrate when the wearer resumes
wearing tight waistbands across the piercing.
Wearing jewelry that is too thick and heavy in a new piercing can also cause
problems. Too heavy jewelry may cause the piercing to migrate or reject. The
gauge must not be so thick that the strength of the tissue is compromised.
A piercing should not be attempted if not enough tissue is available to
support the piercing. Some piercings are simply not anatomically feasible
for some people. If the piercing is too shallow the piercing is more easily
rejected.
Piercings made through flat areas and areas which changes shape during body
movements are more likely to migrate or reject. The optimum area to be
pierced is one in which the piercing will be perpendicular to the tissue,
like an earlobe. The more a piercing deviates from perpendicular, the
greater the pressure between the jewelry and the tissue. Pressure is also
created if the piercing is placed at an inappropriate angle to the tissue.
The more a piercing deviates from perpendicular, the greater the pressure
between the jewelry and the tissue.
A rejected piercing may be repierced after the scar tissue has softened and
reabsorbed. The second piercing is usually made behind the scar tissue from
the initial piercing. Piercing through the scar tissue can be difficult and
in some cases more painful. Repiercing behind scar tissue will not insure a
successful piercing.
If you decide to abandon a migrating or rejecting piercing be sure that the
piercing is not infected. Keep the area clean by continuing your aftercare
regimen until the piercing has sealed.
6.5 METAL SENSITIVITIES
The metals used for body jewelry are chosen because of their "body friendly"
qualities. However, some metals are more biocompatible, or biologically
inert, and thus considered more hypoallergenic than others.
A metal sensitivity is evident by contact dermatitis, which can range in
severity from mild itching and redness to swelling and a red rash of
fluid-filled bumps or flaking skin in the area of contact (under finger
rings or watches, around necklaces). Some people are sensitive to some
metals and not to others. In some cases a metal sensitivity is acquired
after a certain degree of exposure.
Many metal sensitivities can be attributed specifically to nickel
sensitivity. Certain gold alloys contain nickel and copper and silver.
Stainless steels contain nickel. In the case of 316L, only a very minute
amount is released because of the specific composition of 316L. Grades other
than 31L will release a greater amount of nickel. People who are sensitive
to steel and gold alloys can often wear niobium or titanium without an
adverse reaction. Titanium and niobium are elemental metals and are not
alloys. Sensitivities to niobium are rare but not unheard of; in some cases
the sensitivity is caused more by the quality of the finish than by the
metal itself. For information about metal alloys and jewelry qualities,
please see Parts 2A and 2B of the Piercing FAQ.
An extreme metal sensitivity often causes a rapid rejection of the jewelry
which usually manifests immediately. The entrance and exit holes of the
piercing will enlarge and gape around the jewelry in the body's attempt to
rid itself of the jewelry. The piercing will itch and secrete a clear
discharge as part of the histamine response. If you experience these
symptoms you should contact your piercer immediately. The piercing may be
saved by switching to a more biocompatible metal.
A sensitivity to an aftercare product(s) can exhibit similar symptoms.
However, an aftercare product sensitivity is usually accompanied by a rash
of small bumps. If you suspect that you are allergic to a particular
product, discontinue its use and thoroughly irrigate the piercing and rinse
the affected area with water, preferably distilled. Consult your piercer or
Part 5 of the FAQ for alternative aftercare products. If the condition
persists contact a physician.
A less extreme metal sensitivity can cause prolonged healing. Prolonged
healing is indicated by failure of the piercing to complete the final stages
of healing. The piercing will form the epithelial layer but it may be weak
and easily dislodged. The piercing continues to produce a discharge. The
entrances of the piercing may remain ragged and do not round inwards.
Because prolonged healing can be caused by other factors such as migration
or rejection (see section 6.2), consult an experienced piercer to eliminate
other causes. People who experience prolonged healing while wearing steel or
gold are often able to heal their piercings after switching to titanium or
niobium. Often, they can resume wearing steel or gold after the piercing has
completely healed and toughened. Some people only experience prolonged
healing wearing steel or gold in piercings which usually require longer to
heal.
Some people who are extremely sensitive to metals have worn monofilament
nylon or teflon with which to heal their piercing. In some cases metal
jewelry could be worn after the piercing had healed.
References:
Andres, Greg. "Will America Go Nickel-Free?" Accent Magazine, October 1994.
Numerous summaries of studies of metal sensitivity and ear piercing jewelry
are available on HealthGate <http://www.healthgate.com/>
No scientific studies specifically regarding metal sensitivity and body
piercing jewelry have been conducted.
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 7--Healed Piercings
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:26:27 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982326280001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902298210 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/healed-piercings
Last-modified: July 08, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
7--Healed Piercings
7.1 Changing Jewelry
7.2 Stretching Piercings
7.3 Piercing Adornments
7.4 BDSM Play and Chastity
7.5 Play Piercing
7.6 Hiding And Retaining Piercings
7.7 Piercings And Surgery
7.8 Piercings and Common Medical Procedures
7.8a Dentistry
7.8b Surgical Procedures / In-Patient Treatment
7.8c Ultrasound / X-Ray / MRI / CT Scan
7.9 Body Jewelry and Metal Detectors
7.10 Piercings and Employment
7.11 Oral Piercings and Wind Instruments
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
7.1 CHANGING JEWELRY
After a piercing is healed, jewelry may be changed as desired. It is
important to wear jewelry of the same gauge as the original piercing. Too
small a gauge and the piercing will shrink around the smaller jewelry; too
big and the piercing will require stretching. With some piercings the
jewelry must be of a certain design to be comfortable.
If changing jewelry is necessary in a new piercing or before the piercing
has healed the change must be continuous to prevent the piercing from
shrinking or closing. Contact between the two pieces of jewelry must be
securely maintained. In some cases an insertion taper should be used to
better facilitate a smooth procedure. For example, when changing rings the
ring ends cannot be held together very easily or securely. The concave,
gauged end of the taper should be abutted against the existing ring and
pushed into the piercing and the new ring inserted in the opposite
direction. When changing internally threaded barbells the barbells can
easily be held together.
Changing jewelry in a healed piercing is made easier by lubricating the
piercing and the new piece of jewelry using a water-based lubricant. Place
a small amount of lubricant onto the existing jewelry using a cotton swab.
Rotate the jewelry, thoroughly lubricating the piercing. In the case of
rings lubricating the piercing can be done after opening the ring, which can
be challenging if the ring is slippery. The new jewelry should be soaked in
disinfectant solution prior to insertion, if it is not already
pre-sterilized.
Externally threaded jewelry requires lubrication to prevent damage to the
piercing. The threads can also be covered with orthodontal wax or dipped in
hot candle wax. The wax can be removed with rubbing alcohol.
If pliers are used to close or open rings wrap the jaws with surgical tape
to prevent scratching the jewelry. Factors which affect how tightly the
bead is held in place are how annealed (soft) the ring is, how deeply the
bead is bored, and the relationship between the gauge and diameter of the
ring. In the case of captive bead rings in small diameters or thicker
gauges ring expanding pliers may be required to release the bead. If the
gap in the ring is too wide to hold the bead, ring closing pliers are
required. Both types of pliers are available through most piercing jewelry
and supply retailers. Expanding pliers (also called snap ring or rasary
pliers) are sometimes available at hardware stores.
Seamless and attached bead rings should be opened by torquing the ring to
maintain ring tension. Captive bead rings should be opened by torquing if
the gap in the ring is too small to comfortably insert the jewelry. How
much effort is required depends on the hardness of the metal, the gauge and
the diameter of the ring. Frequent torquing and bending may warp the ring
and eventually weaken the metal to the point of breakage. Annealed jewelry
will resist warping a breaking.
Threaded jewelry is most securely tightened using a tissue or gauze to grip
the balls. Never use pliers to tighten balls; finger strength should be
enough. In the case of internally threaded jewelry using pliers may strip
the threads from the ball.
7.2 STRETCHING PIERCINGS
Only well-healed piercings should be stretched. Stretching should not be
attempted if any tough scar tissue is present around or in the piercing. To
prevent tearing piercings should only be stretched a maximum of two gauge
sizes (for example, 14 to 12), unless the piercing has already stretched
beyond the thickness of the existing jewelry. Piercings will stretch over
time if the wearer plays with the jewelry frequently or wears heavy jewelry.
A stretching taper should be used to test how far the piercing can safely
be stretched. Stretching tapers are available from body jewelry
manufacturers. A taper will stretch the piercing evenly in all directions.
Using a taper will facilitate a continuous insertion of the larger
jewelry. Insertion tapers are available with a concave end for inserting
rings or with a pin coupling to guide internally threaded jewelry.
Threaded tapers are available from a few manufacturers for internally
threaded jewelry and usually only fit that manufacturer's jewelry.
Piercings can be stretched using knitting needles manufactured in the Brown
and Sharpe gauge system. The diasadvantage of using knitting needles is that
both ends are tapered, making continuous insertion of the jewelry
impossible. Some people may have sensitivities to the metal from which the
needles are made. Some plastic needles have a seam that can tear the
piercing.
Piercings can be stretched by adding weight to the jewelry. Too much weight
on too thin a gauge can easily tear a piercing. The thinner the gauge the
more easily the piercing will tear. Weighted piercings tend to stretch
vertically rather than evenly in all directions.
Piercings may be stretched by wearing an increasing number of rings. This
method may not be comfortable or advisable in some areas. Piercings may
stretch unevenly with this method. If the rings are in the same
configuration for an extended period of time, the piercing will shape itself
around and in between the rings.
Tapered jewelry can be worn to slowly stretch a piercing. Tapered plugs or
"claws" are held in place by rubber o-rings.
The instrument used to stretch the piercing should be thoroughly cleaned or
sterilized if possible. Expect the piercing to be sore for a day or so after
stretching. If the piercing does tear or if there are any secretions or
dried discharge around the piercing after stretching treat the piercing as a
new piercing with an appropriate aftercare regimen.
7.3 PIERCING ADORNMENTS
Captive bead rings can be fitted with a wide assortment of beads. Cubes,
skulls, hearts, coils, and tubes in a variety of metals are just a few of
the options. Decorative sterling silver beads are usually too heavy to be
worn on a new piercing. Silver beads can irritate a piercing if the bead is
contact with the piercing. Silver beads should not be worn with genital
piercings; urine will oxidize the metal.
Gemstone beads should be chosen with reagards to the location of the
piercing. Soft stones should not be worn in genital or oral jewelry
because they will erode and possibly leech harmful elements. Soft stones
should not be worn in new piercings where the bead may be situated against
the entrances, eg. navel piercing. The soft stones include malachite,
lapis, turquoise, jasper and tigers eye. Pearls are also too soft to be
worn in genital and oral jewelry.
Set gemstones are available for rings and threaded jewelry. With rings the
setting is usually attached to one side of the ring. Stone settings in
gold are more secure than a setting in steel; steel settings usually rely
on an epoxy.
Decorative beads can also be worn between the balls of circular barbells.This
prevents the balls from coming unscrewed and the jewelry from getting caught on
clothing or in other rings.
When decorating your piercings, be careful to avoid anything too heavy to
prevent unwanted stretching or possible tearing. Also avoid charms that
may scratch the jewelry.
7.4 BDSM PLAY AND CHASTITY
For safety, heavy bondage play using chains, restraints, and weights should
only be practiced on jewelry of at least 10ga. Too much weight on too thin a
gauge can easily tear a piercing. The thinner the gauge the more easily the
piercing will tear. The amount of tissue in the piercing should also be
considered. If any pain or pinching is felt play should be stopped
immediately.
Nipple clamps may be used with caution on pierced nipples with the jewelry
in place; the clamps should be placed parallel to the direction of the
piercings. Only use nipple clamps on well healed piercings. If the piercings
are not very deep the piercing could be damaged.
With genital piercings do not wear anything subject to corrosion by urine
and other body fluids other than temporarily.
Padlocks
Standard luggage or hardware padlocks are not suitable to wear in
piercings. The metal from which the padlock is made is not appropriate
for wear in
piercings and can cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, the inner
workings of the locks may not be rustproof.
Wildcat International (UK) manufactures several designs of stainless steel
padlocks. These locks use a screw mechanism, not a key. It is not known if
the inner workings of the locks are rustproof. Jewelry By Ponce (US)
manufacturers gold and silver padlocks which use a key. Sterling silver
padlock hanging and captive charms are also available from several jewelers.
7.5 PLAY PIERCING
Play piercing needles are available, presterilized, through most jewelry and
piercing suppliers. These needles are usually of thinner (22-18) gauge,
designed the same as piercing needles. Hypodermic needles are often used for
play piercing. Needles used in play piercing should only be used once and
should be disposed of via medical Sharps container or placed in a sealed
container containing chlorox.
The area to be pierced should be disinfected with Betadine or antibacterial
soap just prior to piercing. The piercer should wear latex gloves. In an
established relationship where contact with body fluids is not a concern,
the piercer may wash his/her hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. After
the needle is removed the area should be cleaned with an antiseptic to
prevent infection.
Let common sense guide you. If you are unsure of an area of the body and
what lies beneath the skin do not pierce!
7.6 HIDING AND RETAINING PIERCINGS
Retaining New Piercings For Surgery
Very often metal jewelry must be removed prior to surgery.
Nylon ear studs available from most department and accesory stores can be
worn to retain ear, nose and lip piercings during surgery. These studs have
a flat disc at one end and are secure with a barrel-style clasp.
Unfortunately these studs are only available in thicknesses equivalant to 20
or 18 gauge.
Monfilament nylon cord, such as fishing line and weed trimmer line, can be
matched fairly well to various gauges. Both are sold in small spools at most
hardware stores. The packages state the metric thickness of the cord which
can be compared to the thickness of the jewelry (please see Part 2A for a
list of gauges and metric equivalents). The ends should be rounded and
smoothed using a file and disinfected prior to wearing. Securing
monofilament is often difficult. The ends may be flattened into a disc shape
using a hot knife or the ends can be wrapped with tape. Monofilament can
be autoclaved safely.
Eyebrow
Eyebrow piercing retainers are short lengths of wire with a small hook at
one end to hook over the top entrance of the piercing. Eyebrow retainers are
not secure and should not be worn in new piercings. Niobium or titanium
retainers anodized to pale pink, peach or brown may be less conspicuous than
steel retainers.
Nostril and Labret
Titanium and niobium nostril screws and Labret ends may be anodized in
colors close to skin tones. Small domes and flat discs in place of the
standard ball are less conspicuous. Brown nostril screws and Labret ends can
appear to be moles.
Nostril screws can be disguised by coating the ball with any of a variety of
skin tone colored nail polish. Remove the jewelry before applying the nail
polish and allow it to dry thoroughly before wearing. The nail polish can
easily be removed with nail polish remover. This method should only be tried
with healed piercings.
Septum
Septum retainers are U-shaped pieces of metal, either rounded or
squared-off, and usually between 5/16" and 3/8" wide and 3/8" long. The
spread of the shanks should be adjusted to fit the wearer so that the
retainer may be comfortably flipped up into the nose. Wire in gauges
larger than 10 is more difficult to shape into small dimensions. A few
companies make large gauge retainers with thinner shanks so that the
retainer can be shaped accurately. Solid plugs or eyelets may be more
comfortable or more readily available than retainers for piercings larger
than 8ga.
Tongue
Tongue jewelry is most visible when the wearer is laughing and eating and
yawning. Placement is also a factor. The further back the placement the
less visible it will be when you are talking. However, placement must be
determined based on anatomical factors first and aesthetics second.
Opting for colored balls will reduce visibility. Colored titanium or niobium
barbells with colored Labret discs in place of balls will greatly minimize
visibility. Unfortunately titanium and niobium jewelry will fade and lose
color over time. Plastic or acrylic which has been colored with vegetable
dye will also lose its color over time. Plastic and acrylic cannot be
autoclaved and hence cannot be worn in a new piercing. Plastic balls can
break if bitten hard enough.
A few manufacturers have designed tongue and Labret piercing retainers in
acrylic, typically a flat disk on one end (bottom) and a groove to fit a
rubber o-ring on the other (top). Alcohol will destroy acrylic with frequent
or prolonged exposure.
7.7 PIERCINGS AND SURGERY
by Scott Dorsey
At times, when going in for a hospital stay, you are asked to remove your
jewelry. Some people have expressed some skepticism that this is really
necessary.
The problem begins when we talk a little bit about radio waves. RF (radio
frequency) signals don't behave like conventional electricity, and can be
radiated outward from an antenna into free space. If your body is energized
with RF uniformly, it won't do you any harm until you take hold of a metal
object, which will radiate that signal outward and tend to give you a burn
on the area where you touched it. Frequently technicians will work on an
energized AM broadcast antenna (where the whole tower is the antenna). So
long as they jump onto the tower without touching both the tower and the
ground, they are perfectly safe, but they have to be very careful about
keeping tools insulated and staying away from sharp points on the structure.
Working around high voltage RF fields, one is advised to remove watches and
wire-rimmed glasses, let alone labial piercings.
Now, you ask what this has to do with the hospital stay. Well, the primary
problem that we come to is that whenever you have an electrical pulse that
is very short and abrupt, with a fast risetime, high frequency radio signals
will be generated. This is why running the vacuum cleaner interferes with
the TV reception, for instance, because the abrupt opening and closing of
the curcuit by the motor brushes causes a large number of high frequency
harmonics to be generated. Lightning is another excellent example of the
phenomenon. (If you want a mathematical way of thinking about this, imagine
trying to represent a discontinuous function as a Fourier series; it will
require an infinite number of terms each of which represents higher and
higher frequency products. If you don't know what this means, don't sweat
it, though.)
The heart defibrillator is probably the best example of this, however. It
uses a very high voltage pulse with a very short risetime to stimulate the
heart muscles when the heart has gone into convulsions. While it has saved
the lives of many people, the side effects from having short risetime pulses
going through your body can be pretty severe, especially if you have hidden
jewelry somewhere. What is worse is that the patient who is receiving this
is probably not in any state to inform the doctor that there is something
wrong. So follow the man's instruction and remove the jewelry. It might
not be a problem, but it might also save you from serious injury in an
emergency.
Short note: Diathermy equipment also has similar effects, though patients
undergoing diathermy probably have a better grip on what is happening to
them and the effect isn't so severe. Frankly, does anyone still use
diathermy these days, anyway? I haven't heard about it for years....
Ed. Note: One reason the anesthesiologist may ask you to remove your lip
or tongue jewelry is because it may present an obstacle if intubation (a
breathing tube is inserted into the throat) is necessary.
The Association of Operating Room Nurses addressed the issue of piercings
and removal for surgery at
http://www.aorn.org/journal/297/clinical.htm
7.8 PIERCINGS AND COMMON MEDICAL PROCEDURES
Finding a piercing-friendly doctor is less difficult than finding a
piercing-knowledgeable doctor. While a doctor may have the best intentions,
s/he may not be knowledgeable enough about piercings to identify problems
caused by inappropriate jewelry, inappropriate piercing location, or a metal
allergy. Too often doctors assume that every problematic piercing is
infected when the problem can be attributed to other factors.
Some people are apprehensive to visit a doctor in case of a problem or be
open about their piercings because they feel that the doctor will
disapprove. You should be comfortable enough with your doctor to disclose
information pertinent to your health care. Your doctor should be
professional and should not be morally judgemental or express personal
disapproval about your piercings.
7.8a Dentistry
For bitewing dental x-rays, it may be necessary to remove tongue and lip
jewelry, if the jewelry is in such a location as to interfere with the
accuracy of the x-ray. For panoramic x-rays, removal of oral jewelry is
required, and posibly removal of nasal jewelry, if it is in the way of
viewing the jaw or roots of teeth.
Routine cleaning and other routine procedures should not require the removal
of oral jewelry, unless it is so large that the dentist cannot adequately
work around it.
Lani Teshima-Miller <lani@lava.net> reported extreme irritation and
inflammation of the bottom entrance of her tongue piercing, apparently due to
residual cleaning grit. After dental work, it may be advisable to
thoroughly irrigate piercings using diluted Listerine and a plastic syringe
(many dentists have these available for patients who need to irrigate suture
sites).
Denise Robinson <ambient@ambient.on.ca> contributes:
"My partner/SO had to have his wisdom teeth removed. During the preliminary
examination the dentist used a tongue depressor; he tapped the barbell a few
times quizically, made comments about it being cool, and continued. The
procedure was done without removal of the jewelry. Luckily the procedure
was performed in a private practice."
For information about the risks of damage to teeth and oral tissues
resulting from oral piercings, please read Part 2C of the Piercing FAQ.
7.8b Surgical Procedures / In-Patient Treatment
Denise Robinson <ambient@ambient.on.ca> contributes:
"Hospitals seem to have a blanket policy about removal of jewelry, but if one
is insistent enough and can demonstrate that the jewelry is not easily removed,
you may be able to get away with it. When going in for a D&C (abortion) I
didn't have to remove either of my tongue piercings, navel ring or any of my
labial or hood piercings. I was told to do so, but was quite vocal about how
there was no way I'd take out my rings, since to do so would endanger their
healing and would require two pairs of pliers. The nurse wasn't too impressed
with me copping attitude, but the anesthetist thought my rings were great."
*
Of his hospital stay, Damin de Folo <folo@prairienet.org> says:
"When I checked into the hospital, I was more concerned about my nipple ring
rather than the fact that I had just had a stroke. I was afraid that the
doctors or nurses would cut it off, and six months of healing would go down the
drain. As it turned out, I needn't have worried.
"During the two weeks I stayed in the hospital, no one said much about the
nipple ring, except one nurse who asked the inevitable question, "Did it hurt?"
She had been thinking about a navel pierce, and I only wish I had felt more up
to talking!
"Trying to figure out what caused the stroke, I went through a battery of
tests. The closest I came to removing the ring was during a CT Scan, when the
staff was worried about it heating up. It was taped down, and I had no problem
with it at all, but I did have to take out my earrings.
"Because of stress-induced diabetes, my blood sugars were checked several times
a day, and before I was released, I was given a home testing machine and a talk
from a nurse who specialized in diabetes. When she was finished scaring me, I
had two questions. One was whether I would be able to get a tattoo (by now I
was wearing a shirt, so she didn't know I already had a couple), and I was
given the old spiel about how unsanitary tattoo studios were and that I was at
risk for infections. I then asked about bodypiercing, and she was confused. She
thought I wanted to get more ear pierces. I flashed her the titring, and she
stared for a good while before she laughed and resumed (I guess her patients
hadn't had any bodmods). She said to clean the area thoroughly with Hibiclens
or Betadine, but she didn't even advise me not to resume getting more holes. So
as soon as I can get around better, my wife and I plan to run down to the local
piercing parlor and have additional pierces done. Oh yes, my blood sugars have
returned normal, but once a diabetic - as the adviser said - always a diabetic.
"During the stay in the hospital, use of blood thinners and a lack of cleaning
the pierce combined to retard healing, but that's the only problem resulting
from the stroke and hospital stay. I now take a couple aspirin a day but soak
again, so the healing process continues unhindered.
7.8c Ultrasound / X-Ray / MRI / CT Scan
All of the women who have responded about their Ultrasounds reported that they
were able to leave their navel and genital jewelry in place.
Ms. Margo (margo@netcom.com) contributes:
"An ultrasound uses sound waves to image things inside your body - like babies.
A good sonographer should be able to work around the ring. You might tape it
down for the procedure if it's unhappy. They do push quite a bit with the
transducer. If you're having the ultrasound to check on a baby, you're going
to be uncomfortable enough when they press on your full bladder."
*
Ms. Margo <margo@netcom.com> comments that during a conversation with a
colleague who is a recognized expert in neuroradiology, the topic tured to
surgical stainless steel body jewelry interfering or being affected by MRI
machines. His feeling was that he would not scan someone with body jewelry
because the stronger, newer magnets would effect [read: pull out] even SSS.
N.J. Marsh <njmarsh@chat.carleton.ca> contributes:
"To clarify, MRI uses magnetism to obtain an image. While MRI is usually
done within the Department of Radiology, it doesn't use x-rays, so the
situation is different than with conventional radiology.
"Certainly when I was working, jewellry of any sort would not have been
allowed in an MRI. Even stuff like fillings would artefact images, and so all
metal except for seriously permanent stuff would have had to come off.
"Whether or not you should remove your jewelry hinges on departmental policy
and your personal reasons for the procedure. For an elective procedure, I
would definitely arrange for removal of metallic jewellry (with replacement
by non-metallic if necessary) in order to obtain the best possible result,
regardless of the departmental policy (good enough is not good enough). And
in an emergency situation, I would rather come out fit and well, and I would
not resent neccessary removal of jewellry."
Scott Dorsey comments:
"It is true that MRI is strong enough to pull out metal no matter how small,
but this will ONLY affect items which are magnetic (ferrous; this includes
hematite beads). Now, the good news is that your jewelry probably is not
magnetic. The bad news is that it might be. The 3xx series that is
recommended for jewelry should not be a problem, even in teragauss fields.
However, the 4xx series is often used and many of those steels are slightly
magnetic, and they WILL cause severe damage in an MRI. If you are not sure,
get it all taken out and be safe.
"Not only will ferrous metal be pulled out with enormous amounts of force,
causing damage to your tender little body, but it will also distort the
magnetic field and smear the image in the vicinity, causing you to have to go
through the whole test again (and probably pay for it a second time)."
Neil Forrester <naf@psy.ox.ac.uk> comments:
"I recently went for an MRI scan for a friend's experiment, the nurse told me
to remove ALL metal from my person before the scan. I pointed out that I had
nipple rings and that I could not really remove them because reinsertion would
be a real hassle. Luckily I had recently changed the jewelry to titanium which
is not magnetically active, so I only had to remove the SSS beads. "
One reader did not receive the same advice. On 22 May 1997 Ray Pearson
<TAT-INS@worldnet.att.net> posted:
"I just got back from my doc's and from getting some x-rays while there I
talked to the tech lady. You do not have to worry about your jewelry
during an MR. While there are strong magnetic fields generated there is
not a "pole" to speak of. the ring/bar etc will become magnetized, but
will not be pulled out or through your skin. It would ruin your 'picture'
due to the metalic disturbance of the field, they would have to remove it
to get a clear image if the distortion was in the area they needed to
view. What all this boils down to is 'don't worry-be happy' She stated
more than once that your jewelry will NOT rip out."
References:
Association of Operating Room Nurses Journal,
http://www.aorn.org/journal/297/clinical.htm
7.9 BODY JEWELRY AND METAL DETECTORS
Security metal detectors are used to detect certain types of metal which
may be part of a weapon, firearm or bomb. The metals used for body jewelry
are usually not detected. Very few people have reported setting off
security metal detectors, and in these instances they had been visiting a
country with very high international border security. Others have
commented that the secondary handheld detectors did not react to their
body jewelry.
7.10 PIERCINGS AND EMPLOYMENT
Piercings and Employers Who Don't Appreciate Them
Several readers of RAB have been suspended or fired because they are
pierced. In the United States, employers apparently have the right to
establish and enforce employee dress codes. Unless there are specific
laws in your state/county/city prohibiting job discrimination based on
appearance you do not have many options.
Because many employers have encountered pierced employees before, the
dress code often specifies ear and visible facial piercings (this may or
may not include tongue piercings).
If the dress code is established after you were employed with visible
piercings or after you acquire your piercings and you are fired, you could
file a civil lawsuit and argue that the dress code targets you.
Following is an example of one such case in which the employer changed the
dress code after an employee acquired an adornment the employer found
unacceptable:
From: "Jozette Porter" <tedybear@swbell.net.stopspam>
Subject: I'm being fired for a pierce.
Date: 16 Apr 1997 04:21:37 GMT
Just like the subject says. I got my tongue pierced 4 weeks ago, and last
week I was hit with a new policy. One earring per ear ONLY, no other
pierces. Well, I refused to take mine out, so I was suspended today. They
are going to fire me when the paperwork is complete. Do I have any
options? Any opinions or ideas are welcome, either here on RAB or by
email.
Jozette decided not to persue the matter. She comments, "I'm not sure if
they targeted me or not. There were about six of us who had it done.
Supposedly the policy was being hammered out before I even got mine."
In this case the employee can argue that the employer violated the
employer-employee contract by changing conditions of employment to target
the employee. The employee could consult with an attorney or the ACLU if
he/she feels so inclined.
In the food , medical and chemical industries there may exist valid health
department or industry standards regarding food preparers not wearing
jewelry for the same reasons they may require that preparers wear
hairnets.
References:
The Answer Man
http://www.bermudasun.org/issues/j14/answer.html
Exec Style: Tattooing, Piercing Seldom in Company Dress Codes
http://www.bcbr.com/jan98/pierce2.htm
7.11 ORAL PIERCINGS AND WIND INSTRUMENTS
Because tongue piercings are usually placed just behind the bend in the
tongue, articulation and single tonguing is not necessarily affected. To
reduce intereference the barbell should be shortened as much as possible
after the piercing has healed and opting for the smaller balls available
for the gauge.
Double tonguing may be difficult because the contact spot for double
tonguing is approximately where the piercing is placed. Flutter tonguing
may also be difficult; some people lose the ability to roll or flutter
their tongues with the jewelry in place.
Lip rings will prohibit forming a tight seal around the mouthpiece. Labret
studs may also get in the way.
Reeds and mouthpieces trap bacteria. If the piercing is new or has not yet
healed, consider using a new reed and disinfecting the mouthpiece using a
mild bleach solution or household disinfectant safe for the metal or
plastic of which the mouthpiece is made.
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 8--Historical Information
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 04:20:17 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 03 August 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0907980420170001@dynamic9.pm01.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 899983079 4488 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/historical
Last-modified: May 05, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
8--Historical Information
8.1 History Of The Nipple Piercing
8.1a History of the Nipple Piercing
8.1b Titrings, a Bit of History
8.2 The Apadravya in the Kama Sutra
8.3 History of Late 20th C. Piercing
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise
noted. Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
For a list of historical and anthropological publications about traditional
tribal and ethnic piercing practices, please refer to Part 9 of the Piercing
FAQ. Also visit Amazon Books at
http://www.bme.freeq.com/store/bookstor.html
8.1 HISTORY OF THE NIPPLE PIERCING
8.1a 3History of the Nipple Piercing2
The following text prepared by "Boy Brent" <bcapps@cse.ogi.com>.
A hundred years ago they were piercing a lot more than their ears. In the 1890s
nipple piercing was very much in vogue for Victorian women.
In _Anatomy and Destiny_ (Bobbs-Merrill, 1974, p. 97), Stephen Kern explains
that:
"In the late 1890s the 'bosom ring' came into fashion briefly and sold in
expensive Parisian jewelry shops. These 'anneaux de sein' were inserted
through the nipple, and some women wore one on either side linked with a
delicate chain. The rings enlarged the breasts and kept them in a state of
constant excitation...The medical community was outraged by these cosmetic
procedures, for they represented a rejection of traditional conceptions of
the purpose of a woman's body."
In _The Golden Age of Erotica_ (Paperback Library, 1968, p. 264), by Bernhardt
Harwood:
"No more perfect example of Victorian extremism can be found than the
unbelievable breast piercing craze that swept London in the 1890s. This
barbaric [!] practice achieved fantastic popularity among seemingly sane,
civilized English women, who submitted to the excruciating pain of having
their nipples pierced in order to insert decorative gold and jeweled rings.
"In an attempt to explain what had driven so many females to embrace such a
crackpot fad, a fashionable London modiste wrote a letter to a popular
magazine, which stated in part, "For a long time could not understand why
I should consent to such a painful operation without sufficient reason. I
soon, however, came to the conclusion that many ladies are ready to bear
the passing pain for the sake of love. I found that the breasts of those
who wore rings were incomparably rounder and fuller developed than those
who did not. My doubts were now at an end...So I had my nipples pierced,
and when the wounds healed, I had rings inserted...With regard to the
experience of wearing these rings, I can only say that they are not in the
least uncomfortable or painful. On the contrary, the slight rubbing and
slipping of the rings causes in me an extremely titillating feeling, and
all my colleagues to whom I have spoken on this subject have confirmed my
opinion."
8.1b 3Titrings, a Bit of History2
by D. W. Jones
Titrings turn out to have a longer history than most of us seem to believe
these days. A titring is a ring worn through a piercing in (or just behind) the
nipple. Today, such rings are growing in popularity in certain segments of the
population, amon g both men and women. The required piercings can be obtained,
for a fee, in many cities, and there are jewelers who make jewelry specifically
intended for wearing in such piercings.
Some may object to the name titring, preferring the propriety of the term
nipple-ring. It seems odd to seek a proper sounding name for a piece of jewelry
most people in our society would consider inherently improper, and I prefer the
term titring for the same reason I'd prefer to call a ring worn through the
earlobe an earring, not an earlobe-ring. I see no point in being annoyingly
specific about exactly what part of the ear is pierced. Similarly, a ring worn
through the nostril is, according to Ind ian women I've met who routinely wear
such jewelry, a nosering, not a nostril-ring. The terms I prefer are short,
descriptive, flow off the tongue with little effort, and generally likely to be
based on common and sometimes vulgar English instead of on Latinate or
scientific usage.
Citations:
Adams, Cecil. "Chain Letter", from _More of the Straight Dope_.
Fuchs, Eduard. _Illustrierte Sittengeschichte vom Mittelalter bis Zur Gegenwart,
Das Burgerliche Zeitalter Erganzungsband_. Albert Langen, Munich, 1912:
This book turns out to be in 6 lavishly illustrated volumes (over 500 pages
per volume) and Kern's citation was incomplete. The book is a complete
history and commentary on all aspects of sexuality, from erotic art to
clothing through the ages, along with courtship, nudism prostitution, and
much more.
The passage cited by Kern is on pages 67 and 68 of the supplement to Volume 3,
in the chapter titled "Erster Teil, Erganzungen und Exkurse."
In 1898 a single Bond Street jeweller is supposed to have performed the nipple-
boring operation on forty English ladies and young girls, and the lady quoted
above also confirmed the spread of this custom among the fashionable women of
London. In fact many ladies, instead of rings, had small chains fastened from
breast to breast, and a celebrated actress of the Gaiety Theatre wore a pearl
chain with a bow at each end.
I have not read Pelham's work in its original context, but it appears that both
he and Fuchs made extensive use of the same English source, one article in
"Society", a journal unavailable to me. I would like to find other sources, but
have not yet done so.
Titrings have an interesting collection of names in other languages:
In French, "des anneaus de sein", literally, rings of the nipples or rings of
the breasts. I looked up "sein" in Larousse, and the word appears to properly
translate as anything from bosom to tit, depending on context or convention.
In German, "der Busenringen", an archaic term, literally "bosom rings." In
German, "Brustwartzenringe" is the common term today, literally "nipple-rings"
(nipples are "breast-warts" in German).
In German, "intimschmuck", or in Swedish, "intimsmycke", intimate jewellry or
decorations, refers to all kinds of jewellry worn "below the neck".
8.2 THE APADRAVYA IN THE KAMA SUTRA
From the unexpurgated printing of the Kama Sutra printed in 1963 by Castle
Books, NY:
"Or he can make use of an apadravyas, which is a tubular object that is
tied around the lingam [penis] to enlarge and lengthen it so that it can
completely fill the yoni [vagina].
"Bhabravaya states that these apadravya should be fashioned out of gold,
silver, brass, iron, ivory, buffalo horn, tin, lead or different kinds of
wood. They should be soft, clean, capable of arounsing the lingam to a
greater effort and perfectly made so that they can fulfill their purpose
without difficulty or discomfort.
"But the author of this work is inclined to believe that each one should
fashion the apadravyas to his own taste.
"There are many different sorts of apadravyas:
1) The Brace (Valaya): this apadravya should be the same size as the lingam
itself and the exterior surface should be rough.
2) The Pair (Sanghati): this is formed with two braces.
3) The Bracelet (Chudaka): this is composed of three or more braces joined
together until they achieve the necessary length.
There exists also a simpler form of bracelet, which is composed of an iron
thread which is rolled around the lingam to support and strengthen it.
4) The Kantuka or Jalaka: this is a hollow tube, which has a rough exterior
carved with soft bumps whose size has been estimated in relation to the
dimensions of the yoni. The Kantuka is slipped around the lingam and
attached to a belt.
"If one is caught unprepared and does not have a Kantuka at hand, a similar
device can be made out of the branch of an apple tree or the tubular stem
of a gourd, or a reed softened with oils and extracts of plants, or even
with pieces of polished wood attached together. All these devices should
be attached to a belt like the orthodox Kantuka.
"These devices can be used to cover and help the lingam, or in some cases
as a substitute, as in the case of two women.
"Among the people of the south there is a belief that one cannot enjoy
truly intense sexual pleasure unless the lingam has been perforated.
"Now if a young man wishes to try this method, he should pierce the lingam
with a very sharp instrument and then sit in water until the bleeding has
stopped. The same evening he should indulge in a very active form of
sexual intercourse so that the hole can be cleansed. After this, he should
continue to wash the hole with various liquids and if he wishes he can make
the hole larger by inserting reeds which will gradually enlarge the
orifice. One can also wash the wound with a mixture of honey mixed with
liquorice, and anoint the hole with a little oil.
"In this hole across the ligam one can insert any kinds of Apadravyas such
as: the Round (round on one side); -the wooden mortar; -the flower; -the
bracelet; -the heron's bone; -the elephant's goad; -the eight balls; -the
lock of hair; -and other such objects, which are named after the shapes and
purposes they serve. All these apadravya should possess a rough exterior
which adds to the efficacy of their use."
8.3 HISTORY OF LATE 20TH CENTURY BODY PIERCING
The popularity of body piercing as we know it started in the 70's in the San
Francisco gay leather S&M scene. In the US Doug Malloy, along with Jim Ward,
Fakir and, in England, Alan Oversby aka Mr. Sebastian, are credited with being
the grandfathers of late 20th century piercing practices.
Doug Malloy created a number of the piercings we now consider standard. Much
of the "ancient history" of piercing described by Doug Malloy was written
and invented by him; he never produced any concurrent written records of his
findings. For information and interviews with Doug Malloy, Jim Ward,
Fakir, and the creation of Gauntlet, the first full time piercing studio
of the United States, please refer to the book _Modern Primitives_
(ReSearch Publications).
Why do people get pierced? The motivations may include:
- for aesthetics, for the look
- for sensual pleasure, sensual play or adding sensation
- as a symbol of commitment in a relationship
- as a symbol of possession or for chastity (for example, in an S&M
relationship)
- as a means or signifier of reclamation (for example, as an abuse survivor)
Some people endure the piercing process for the final result. Others enjoy
the process or enjoy the pain. The pain releases endorphins, the body's own
pain killers, which some people find a pleasurable effect of piercing.
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
/\*/\
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 9--Resource List
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:27:20 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982327200001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902298263 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/general-resources
Last-modified: August 04, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
9 --Resource List
9.1 Books and Magazines
9.2 Videos
9.3 Online Sites
9.3a Chat Rooms and Online Clubs
9.4 Software and CDs
9.5 Calendars and Posters
9.6 Places of Interest
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature.
9.1 BOOKS AND MAGAZINES
===================
Many titles can be ordered through
AMAZON BOOKS
http://www.bme.freeq.com/store/bookstor.html
AMF
http://amf-meat.insertions.com/cat2/sm.html
ATOMIC BOOKS
http://www.atomicbooks.com
AFRICA ADORNED, by Angela Fisher, published by Willian Collins and Co.
Ltd., ISBN 0 00 216622 4
Reviewed by Shannon Larratt <glider54@pobox.com>:
"Africa Adorned is one of those large coffee-table style photo books whose
subject just happens to be the jewelry worn by the tribal peoples of the
African continent (although it does stray into related subjects like body
sculpting and scarification). Almost all of the photos are very high quality
modern photos, with a few, much older, photos thrown in for historical
illustration. A great cross section of cultures are illustrating, making some
very interesting points as the practises of nomadic cultures are compared
with richer farming societies. The only complaint I can make about this book
is that the commentary should be taken with a grain of salt, as it's cultural
bias is quite apparent, with some of the arts being referred to as "barbaric"
or "primitive." However, overall I must say that anybody that buys this book
will most certainly be happy with it - it is a very attractive addition to
any collection."
AMONG THE DAYAKS, by Lim Poh Chiang
132 p., 118 black and white photos. Documenting the culture of the Dayak
tribes whose traditional decorations include earrings and stretched lobes and
blackwork tattoos.
Available through BODY ART BOOK COLLECTION.
APP PROCEDURAL STANDARDS MANUAL
published by the Association of Professional Piercers,
519 Castro Street, Box 120, San Francisco, CA 94114
app@sfo.com
http://www.piercing.org/app/
See also THE POINT
ASC TATTOO DIRECTORY, PO Box 15893, Newport Beach, California 92659
phone/fax (714) 548-3878
http://www.tattoodirectory.com
tattoodirectory@juno.com
Extensive directory of body art studios; 350 pages, color photos.
BEYOND BELIEF, published by Wildcat Collection (see entry, below)
Photographic record of Wildcat's Fakirshow performances featuring
suspension, fleshhooks, spears. 48 pages, color and b&w photos.
Available through BODY ART BOOK COLLECTION.
BODIES UNDER SEIGE: SELF-MUTILATION AND BODY MODIFICATION IN CULTURE
AND PSYCHIATRY, Second Edition
by Armando R. Favazza, MD
2996, Johns Hopkins University Press, ISBN 0-8018-5299-4
With an epilogue by Fakir Musafar.
THE BODY ART BOOK, A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings,
and Other Body Modifications
by Jean-Chris Miller
Berkley, ISBN: 0-425-15985-X
http://www.mca.com./putnam/books/body_art_book/book.html
BODY ART MAGAZINE and BODY ART BOOK COLLECTION
Publications Limited, PO BOX 32, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk,
NR29 5RD England
phone/fax 44 (0) 1692 678747
Color and black and white photos, insightful interviews, covering all forms
of body art and modification; all back issues available.
A large selection of bodyart-related books are available through Publications
Ltd.
Body Art publishes an annual guide, THE BODY JEWELRY CATALOGUE, of body
piercing styles, jewelry, and studios.
BODY PIERCING: A GUIDE TO SAFETY
http://www.wrsgroup.com/HEprodpg/piercing.html
This guide, written with the help of three professional body piercers and
published by W.R. Spence, MD, promotes safe, sterile, and professional body \
piercing.
BODY PIERCING, by Cornelia Ziegler and Barbara Zoschke, published by
Zsolnay, Germany, 80 pages, Retail DM 19.80.
This book was Recommended in issue No. 3 of Marquis fetish magazine.
BODY PLAY AND MODERN PRIMITIVES QUARTERLY
Insight Books, PO Box 2575, Menlo Park, California 94026-2575 USA
http://www.bodyplay.com
Sample copy US and Canada $12, $14 Airmail
4-issue subscription US and Canada $45, $55 Airmail
Check/MO
Include 21+ age statement
This publication produced by Fakir Musafar; contains features on all body
modifications, from corsetry to cutting.
BODY PLAY THE BOOK, VOL I
Insight Books, PO Box 2575, Menlo Park, California 94026-2575 USA
http://www.bodyplay.com
US $28, Europe $34, Asia $36 (US funds only)
Check/MO
Include 21+ age statement
Softbound collection of Body Play Magazine, issues Vol. 1 #1-4, 132 p.
THE CHAMELEON BODY, by Nicholas Sinclair
112 p., 64 portraits of people engaged in contemporary bodyart and fetishism.
Historical and anthropological texts.
Available through BODY ART BOOK COLLECTION.
CIRCUS OF THE SCARS, by J.T. Gregor with Tim "Torture King" Cridland
Published by Brennan Dalsgard, PO Box 85781, Seattle, Washington, 98145-1781
bdp@circusofthescars.com
450 pages, hardbound.
Hand-drawn black and white illustrations by Ashleigh Talbot.
Available only by mail-order; limited signed editions available.
COLOR FULL PAIN: TATTOO & PIERCING, by Walter Kehr
St Martins Pr (Trade), May 1 1997, ISBN 0789300966, 96 p., 120 black and
white photos of contemporary body art, no text.
CUSTOMIZED BODY, by Ted Polhemus and Housk Randall, Serpents Tail, ISBN
1-85242-522-9, 120 p., black and white portraits.
Photos and text on tattoos, piercings and brandings, gender transformation,
body sculpting in the context of the worldwide phenomenon of customizing of
the body.
Available through BODY ART BOOK COLLECTION.
DECORATED SKIN: A WORLD SURVEY OF BODY ART, by Karl Groning,
256 p., 418 photos
Ethnic and tribal tattoo, henna, scarification, body painting.
Available through BODY ART BOOK COLLECTION.
ETHNIC JEWELRY, edited by John Mack, British Museum
Traditional ethnic and tribal jewelry from around the world. Color and black
and white photos.
Available through BODY ART BOOK COLLECTION.
EROTIC PASSION
Published by Creative Art Collection, Postfach 1317, L-1013 Luxembourg
352-759244, fax 352-759352
http://www.creativeartcollection.com
Distributed in Germany by: ZBF-Vertriebs GmbH, Schlossbergstrasse 23,
D-6200 Weisbaden / Shiernstein
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DANGERS OF TATTOOING AND BODY PIERCING,
by Laura Reybold, Rosen Pub Group, Nov. 1995, ISBN 0823921514
EYE OF THE NEEDLE, by Pauline Clarke, Published in 1992 by P.A.U.K., 153,
Tomkinson Rd, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 8DP England
In the US, available through Pleasurable Piercings, Inc., 417 Lafayette Ave,
Hawthorne, 07506, 1-800-PPI-6086 (774-6086), (201) 238-0305,
fax (201) 238-9564
http://www.pleasurable.com
Introductory information on piercing, essays by piercing enthusiasts,
color and b&w photos. See also, SPHERES OF ADORNMENT.
THE FASHIONABLE EAR:A History of Ear-Piercing Trends for Men and Women,
by Ronald D. Steinbach, Vantage Press, Nov 1995, ISBN: 0533112370
FLASH PUBLICATIONS, Box 410052, San Francisco, California 94141
(415) 267-7651
http://www.sirius.com/~gatewood/
http://www.divaweb.com/gatewood/gatead.html
Books and videos by Charles Gatewood.
FLESH CANVAS
Creek Music Publications LTD, PO Box 139B, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9YQ
England. tel. (081) 941-7580, fax (081) 941-7582
http://www.fleshcanvas.com/
Email contact Chris Rick, <flesh@fleshcanvas.com>
FS BODY FINARY, Postfach 600733, 81207 Muenchen, Germany
49 8142 57670, fax 49 8142 45594
http://www.fsbody.at
F.S.BodyFinary@t-online.de
"Lust auf Intimschmuck" (The Joy of Intimate Jewelry) Magazine
In German only. Future issues will be available in English.
High quality full-color magazine depicting multiple genital piercings,
nipple piercings, and sexually explicit photos. You must include a signed
statement of age (18+).
Catalog $5.00US
A HEAD OF HIS TIME, Chris Wroblewski
http://www.nsm.it/twl/bodimod.htm
Tribute to Hans of Copenhagen, full color photos of Hans wearing various
items through his large septum piercing. A ring is pierced through the
book itself, passing through photos of his penis.
Available through BODY ART BOOK COLLECTION.
I AM NOT MY BODY
http://www.spiritone.com/~organic/other.html
Zine about extreme body modification and the medical culture.
IMPACT INTERNATIONAL PIERCING MAG
SIN-A-MATIC BODY PIERCING, Koenigstr. 11, 90762 Fuerth, Germany
(49) 911-7499891, fax (49) 911-7499892
sinamatic@aol.com
http://www.sin-a-matic.com
IN THE FLESH
Premiere and only issue published in 1993 by OB Enterprises, Inc.,
Suite 2305, 450 Seventh Ave., NY, New York 10123-0101. Single copy: $4.95
IN THE FLESH MAGAZINE
http://www.inthefleshmagazine.com/
Outlaw Biker Enterprises, 5 Marine View Plaza #207,
Hoboken, New Jersey, (201) 653-2700. Single copy $5.95 US, $6.95 Canada.
MARKS OF CIVILIZATION Artistic Transformations of the Human Body
http://library.berkeley.edu:8080/ucalpress/test/books/0036.html
Edited by Arnold Rubin (1937-1988), who specialized in the arts of
sub-Saharan Africa and was Associate Professor in the Department of
Art, Design, and Art History at the University of California, Los Angeles.
0-930741-12-9, 279 pages
MODERN PRIMITIVES
V/Search Publications
Originally puyblished by RE/Search Publications which has dissolved
http://www.postfun.com/xre/newvser.html#modern
US $18.00, ppd. Send SASE or 4 IRCs for a catalog.
First published in 1989, contains interviews with bodyart enthusiasts
and practitioners considered the "founders" of the Modern Primitive
Movement; black and white photos.
MUTILATING THE BODY: IDENTITY IN BLOOD AND INK
by Kim Hewitt
Bowling Green State University Popular Press, 1-800-515-5118
161 pages, illustrated with black and white photos by John Davis.
http://www.aufait.net/~kim/
PIERCING FANS INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY
Gauntlet, Inc., 2215-R Market St., Ste 801, San Francisco, California 94114
(415) 252-1404, 1-800-746-4728
http://www.gauntlet.com/
Write for order form. Signature & declaration of 21+ age required.
First published in 1977; features include the "Pierce with a Pro"
series, photo essays, new products and techniques allerts.
rec.arts.bodyart is featured in issue #44 (out July 1995).
PIERCING WORLD
Published by P.A.U.K., 153, Tomkinson Rd, Nuneaton, Warwickshire,
CV10 8DP England
Quarterly, full-colour publication.
Annual Subscription: pounds16 UK, pounds20 Europe, pounds25 overseas.
Subscription to PIERCING WORLD brings automatic membership of P.A.U.K.
Detailed color and B&W photos of piercings and tattoos, unusual jewelry
designs, multiple piercings, piercing techniques, including all genital
piercings. The magazine also includes a classified ads section and a
list of EPPA registered piercers.
Available in the US at $10 for single copy through
Pleasurable Piercings, Inc., 417 Lafayette Ave, Hawthorne, 07506
1-800-PPI-6086 (774-6086), (201) 238-0305, fax (201) 238-9564
http://www.pleasurable.com
THE POINT, published by the Association of Professional Piercers,
519 Castro Street, Box 120, San Francisco, CA 94114
app@sfo.com
http://www.piercing.org/app/
ewsletter which includes "cutting edge" information on techniques,
products, sterilization, and laws that affect the piercing
profession. Back issues on view at website.
See also APP PROCEDURAL STANDARDS MANUAL
PRIMITIVES
Published
by R. Mutt Press, Box 410052, San Francisco, California 94141
A collection of photos by Charles Gatewood first published in 1992;
~60 pages; limited edition of 2000 in its first edition.
PUNK AND NEO-TRIBAL BODY ART, by Daniel Wojcik
University Press of Mississippi, May 1995
ISBN 0878057366
Paperback, 72 pages
RETURN OF THE TRIBAL, by Rufus C. Comphausen
Inner Traditions Intl Ltd., September 1997
ISBN 0892816104
Paperback, 128 pages
REVELATIONS, by Housk Randall
112 p.
Interviews and black and white portraits, blending fetish and body art.
Available through BODY ART BOOK COLLECTION.
SPHERES OF ADORNMENT, by Pauline Clarke, Published in 1992 by P.A.U.K.,
153, Tomkinson Rd, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 8DP England
152 pages, over 100 full-page color photos, covers all modes of bodyart
including piercing, tattooing, hair and facial adornments. See also,
EYE OF THE NEEDLE.
SKIN DEEP, Plan Z Ltd, PO Box 122, Northwich, Cheshire, England, CW9
http://www.demon.co.uk/awol/skindeep/
Primarily a magazine for tattoo enthusiasts. Bi-monthly.
TATTOO SAVAGE
http://www.easyriders.com/newsstand/index.html
Published bi-monthly by Paisano Publications,Inc.
Subscriptions: PO Box 1025, Agoura Hills, California 91376-1025
(818) 889-8740
For back issue call (904) 238-1645 (Florida)
Single issue $4.95; subscription $19.95
The magazine does a shop feature in every issue and covers all forms of
bodyart/modification.
TORTURE GARDEN: A PHOTOGRAPHIC ARCHIVE OF THE NEW FLESH
Photos documenting the famous London fetish and body art club.
Available through BODY ART BOOK COLLECTION.
XINES ONLINE NEWSSTAND
http://kumo.swcp.com/xines/bodyart/
Several badyart magazines available.
9.2 VIDEOS
======
BODY PIERCING, A DOCUMENTARY
http://www.starcon.com/cmia/html/cmia2020.htm
BODY SHOCK
British, 90 minutes, color
http://www.prevuemag.com/www-prevuemag-com/tattoo1.chk
CREATIVE ART COLLECTION, see EROTIC PASSION
DANCES SACRED AND PROFANE
http://www2.epix.net/~frogs/dances/
frogs@epix.net
"The film that launched the Modern Primitive movement."
Originally released ten years ago, this film is best known for its
documentation of Fakir Musafar and Jim Ward's explorations of ancient
body modification rituals.
Collector's Edition limited to 5000 copies.
EROTIC PASSION
Published by Creative Art Collection, Postfach 1317, L-1013 Luxembourg
352-759244, fax 352-759352
http://www.creativeartcollection.com
Distributed in Germany by: ZBF-Vertriebs GmbH, Schlossbergstrasse 23,
D-6200 Weisbaden / Shiernstein
PAL European only.
FLASH VIDEO, Box 410052, San Francisco, California 94141
(415) 267-7651
http://www.divaweb.com/gatewood/gatead.html
http://www.inch.com/flash/
Videos by Charles Gatewood including:
Painless Steel, Fangs of Steel/Sexual Cutting, Post Modern Primitives,
Erotic Tattooing and Body Piercing, Penetration
Please write for current title list.
Visa and Mastercard
FS BODY FINARY, Postfach 600733, 81207 Muenchen, Germany
49 8142 57670, fax 49 8142 45594
http://www.fsbody.at
F.S.BodyFinary@t-online.de
"Lust auf Intimschmuck" (The Joy of Intimate Jewelry) Video Vol.1;
only available in PAL format.
You must include a signed statement of age (18+).
Catalog $5.00US
THE "HOLE" EXPERIENCE
Prince of Pain Productions, Body Basics, 613 Briar, Dept. 0B,
Chicago, IL 60657. $69.95 plus $10 S & H.
THE HOLE STORY, Volumes 1 and 2
By Pleasurable Piercings, Inc., 417 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne,
New Jersey 07506
1-800-PPI-6086 (774-6086)
http://www.pleasurable.com
Using eyecam technology to show the piercing procedure from the piercer's
point of view.
LEARN TO PIERCE
http://www.learntopierce.com
Instructional video. Demonstration limited to nipples, navel, tongue and
horizontal clitoral hood piercings.
MISTRESS OF THE RINGS (VHS)
25 minute video on the art of body piercing, featuring Mette Hintze of
the Black Universe in Copenhagen, who talks about and demonstrates
piercings, from ear lobes to genitals.
Approx. DKR250
Det Dansk Filmvaerksted, Steen Shapiro and Anne Marie
Kuerstein, Versterbragade 24, DK-1620 Copenhagen V, Denmark
tel: +45 3124-1624, fax: +45 3124-4419
PIERCED, "A Cinema Verite' of the Pierced Body,"
"Pierced," PO Box 49121, St. Petersburg, FL 33743
Shot on film, 30 minutes
$29.95 + $7.50 P+H
Send: statement of age (21+), check or money order
Order by MC/VISA 1-800-874-8466
Also available through Pleasurable Piercings, Inc., 417 Lafayette Ave.,
Hawthorne, New Jersey 07506
1-800-PPI-6086 (774-6086)
http://www.pleasurable.com
PIERCING WITH A PRO VIDEO SERIES (VHS, PAL, BETA)
GAUNTLET, Inc., 2215-R Market St., Ste 801, San Francisco, California 94114
(415) 252-1404, 1-800-746-4728
http://www.gauntlet.com/
PIERCING NIPPLES (VHS)
PIERCING NAVELS, NOSTRILS, SEPTUMS (VHS)
By Pleasurable Piercings, Inc., 417 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne,
New Jersey 07506
1-800-PPI-6086 (774-6086)
http://www.pleasurable.com
$39.95 US + postage
See also THE HOLE STORY.
PIERCED AND PAINTED (VHS)
"Explicit scenes of body tattooing, full frontal nudity and genital
piercing." 75 min.
$29.95 US. 1-800-748-7853. In Canada 1-800-361-7361
[I had an opportunity to view this video; it portrays several very bad
examples of "professional" piercing. 3/97]
RING OF FIRE: AN INDONESIAN ODYSSEY
Mystic Fire Video
Series of three videos recounting the Blair brothers' journey to Borneo.
Available from Organic, PO Box 17656, Portland, Oregon 97217
(503) 240-0260, http://www.spiritone.com/~organic
SECOND SKIN
Directed by Alison Ellwood
Reviewed at http://www.rebostudio.com/links/OTE.html
THE SOCIETY OF GENITORTURER, Retribution Music, PO Box 8479, Tampa,
Florida 33674
http://www.genitorturers.com
SlaveKC@aol.com
"Available by mail order only and not in retail stores. 21 and up only.
Contains extreme presentations of body play, blood rituals, medical suture
scenes, fetish performances and crucifixtion scenes. The film is a montage
of interview and backstage footage mixed with live performance."
WILDCAT COLLECTION
16 Preston St, Brighton, BN1 2HN England
1273 323758, fax 1273 278 103
wildcat@mistral.co.uk
Distributed in the United States by Tombstone Bodyworks, 405 Main Street,
Daytona Beach, Florida 32118
(904) 252-1498, (904) 255-3022, fax (904) 252-7141
tombstoned@juno.com
Wide selection of videos featuring heavily and uniquely decorated people.
PAL, VHS
9.3 ONLINE SITES
============
A comprehensive list of piercing-related webpages is available at
http://net.indra.com/~vanwoude/Links.html
A comprehensive list of piercing-related webpages is available at
http://www.geocities.com/soho/cafe/8816/list.html
Maintained by Kevin Cook <KEVINCOOK@worldnet.att.net>
Many piercing-related webpages are linked together by the "Bead Ring"
http://www.newdream.net/beadring/
Maintained by Dallas Bethune
ASC TATTOO DIRECTORY, PO Box 15893, Newport Beach, California 92659
phone/fax (714) 548-3878
http://www.tattoodirectory.com
tattoodirectory@juno.com
Extensive directory of body art studios; 350 pages, color photos.
B.A.D - BODYART DEUTSCHLAND
http://home.t-online.de/home/bodyart/
bodyart@t-online.de
Maintained by Alexander Abertshauser
BEAUTIFUL TATTOOED AND PIERCED WOMEN
http://www.angelfire.com/ok/angelameier/index.html
A large collection of images which have circulated the internet.
BODYART.COM
http://www.bodyart.com:80/bodyart.htm
Requires registration; some sample photos available.
Todd Friedman's "Debra" poster available through this site.
BODY MODIFICATION EZINE
http://www.bme.freeq.com
bme@freeq.com
Managed by Shannon Larratt
Devoted to all forms of bodyart and modification, including articles,
interviews, and photos.
None of the piercing images available at this site are intended to be
presented in an erotic context and should not be construed as
pornography. The BME provides links to the following as well as other
private and professional bodyart-related sites.
BODYSOURCES PRIMITIVE ART E-ZINE
http://www.cf.ac.uk/uwcc/psych/stevensonwc/bodyart/
BODY SUSPENSION WEBPAGE/TSD
http://user.why.net/cenobite
cenobite@why.net
The creators note:
"TSD is an American collective, organized for the artistic demonstration
of body suspensions and to disseminate any information pertaining to
such. Often refered to as a performance art group, our public and private
demonstrations consist of temporary and sometimes dangerous deformation of
the human form. Though often shocking these shows are in no way designed
to promote ourselves as freaks nor as religious zealots."
CORPUS TRANSFIXUM
http://kspace.com/uppendahl
http://kspace.com/darkstar
daniel@kspace.com
Photography by Daniel Hayes Uppendahl. CD ROM and prints available.
"Body Piercing as Metaphor"
[Not available for revue.]
ELECTRIC INK
http://www.freeyellow.com/members3/electricink/
EXTREME!
http://www.bme.freeq/extreme
Devoted to all forms of atypical body art and modification, including
surgical, corsetry, and sexual nullification. Requires membership.
TODD FRIEDMAN, bodyart photographer
http://www.TFPhoto.com
tfp@TFPhoto.com
The creators note:
"We plan to send periodic updates about changes and new additions, and
so have set up a mailing list. If you would like to join the list,
please send a message with just the word "subscribe" (no quotes) in the
Subject field, to tfp-announce-request@sleepingbeauty.com."
"We will be adding images to the gallery, along with other photos items
and features. These additions will include such products as a CD-ROM,
Electronic photo book, portfolio, as well as posters, greeting cards,
calendar, refrigerator-type magnets, fine art exhibition prints and
more."
Todd's work is featured regularly in piercing and fetish mags such as
PFIQ, Secret, and was also featured in HBO's "Real Sex" series.
CHARLES GATEWOOD, photographer / videographer
http://www.divaweb.com/gatewood/gatead.html
See also FLASH VIDEO, FLASH PUBLICATIONS and DANCES SACRED AND PROFANE
GENITORTURERS
World-famous for their concerttortureperformances. Featured in
publications such as PFIQ, Skin Two, Savage.
http://www.genitorturers.com
SlaveKC@aol.com
INK, BLOOD AND PAIN, Italy
http://www.nsm.it/twl/bodimod.htm
twl@nsm.it
Interviews, piercing experiences, photos.
THE LEATHER CLUB
http://www.infi.net/~rriddle/tlc0.html
Text/interview/demos covering piercing and cutting in the S/M Leather
context.
MAGISTER'S STUDY
http://www.cybercity.hko.net/chicago/magister
RemPublic@aol.com
Rotating selection of photos.
M'S INKZINE
http://www.inkzine.com
Bodyart fanzine; submissions encouraged
MR. LIFTO, the Jim Rose Circus Sideshow Freak in all his glory!
http://www.global2000.net/users/outlaw/lifto.htm
mrlifto@comland.com
NEEDLES AND RINGS
http://www.powernet.net/~billh/index.html
A rotating collection of erotic photos.
NURSES AND NEEDLES
http://nan.allmansland.com/
nan@allmansland.com
"Born at the end of the year 1996, Nurses & Needles is a Belgian piercing
performance project including people from Arkel Body Art and Das Boot
fetish club. We decided to create a kind of performance mixing Modern
Primitives Art with a medical esthetic conception."
PA-TATTOO EZINE
Pennsylvania Coalition of Professional Tattooists and Body Piercers
http://www.pa-tattoo.com/
PIERCING GALLERY
http://freespace.virgin.net/yn.deweth/gallery/piercing.htm
yn.deweth@virgin.net
A small collection of photos.
PIERCING HOME HOLLAND
http://www.lasersex.nl/piercing/
Photos, personal advertisements, and a list of piercers in Holland.
PIERCING MILDRED
http://streams.com/pierce/
(In)famous online "play" piercing game!
PIERCING PICS
http://www.piercingpics.com
PIERCING TEMPLE
http://www.universal.nl/users/piercingtemple/
Articles, photos require registration to view.
QUEEN SPAKO'S SLUG FEST
http://www.achilles.net/~dextra/spako/index.html
RAB.BIT HOLE
http://www.eskimo.com/~rab
RINGED MEN
http://www.nettaxi.com/citizens/pierce96/
http://www.cybercity.hko.net/Toronto/tats/
cctats@geocities.com
"This is a site devoted to men who very much enjoy their genital piercings
and would like to show off their jewellery to the rest of the world."
JIM ROSE CIRCUS SIDESHOW PAGES
http://www.ambient.on.ca/jimrose/
Collectibles and newsletter available.
MICHAEL ROSEN / SHAYNEW PRESS, bodyart photographer
http://www.shaynew.com
michael@shaynew.com
Publisher of "Sexual Portraits: Photography of Radical Sexuality," among
others, which features bodyart in the context of sexual expression. His
work is very explicit and is intended for mature audiences.
SAFEWORKS AIDS PROJECT, INC., Minneapolis, Minnesota
http://www.safeworks.org/
"Safe Works AIDS Project is a not for profit community based organization
providing harm reduction alternatives for individuals seeking positive
change" including needle exchange & safe body piercing.
SHAWN PORTER COLLECTION ONLINE
http://BME.FreeQ.com/spc/
awap@aol.com
Bodyart and mod photos in a historical context, links, editorial "Rants",
Portfolios, and a Personals section.
TATTOOS.COM
http://tattoos.com
Tattoo and piercing safety information.
TATTOO GUIDE EUROPA
http://www.tattoo-guide-europa.de/
WILDSIDE
http://www.ozsex.com.au:80/wildside/sample/noframe/piindex.htm
Piercing photos intended to be viewed as erotic. Requires registration.
9.3a CHAT ROOMS AND ONLINE CLUBS
===========================
AOL.COM
keyword : PIERCING on AOL
Managed by Chris <xcaliburfr@aol.com>
Chatroom first Wednesday of each month.
BodyArt Personals
http://www.insidetheweb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi/mb42149
Body Art PlanetAll
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Gallery/3108/index.html
Body Modification BBS
http://virtual-mktg.com/bodymod/wwwboard/wwwboard.shtml
DALnet
#RABbits
EFnet
#Bodyart
Ink Link Tattoo and Bodyart Contact Club
http://members.tripod.com/~upwards/
irc.bt.net
#RABbits
ICQ List BodyArt Enthusiasts
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Studio/5266/
Pierced IRC Page
http://simsoft.iinet.net.au/pierced/index.html
9.4 SOFTWARE & CDS
==============
BODYMANIPULATION
http://www.colorpoint.de/echse/enter.htm
CD ROM
CORPUS TRANSFIXUM
http://kspace.com/KM/art.sys/Uppendahl/pages/home.html
(daniel@kspace.com)
Photography by Daniel Hayes Uppendahl.
CD ROM and prints available.
"Body Piercing as Metaphor" What some would consider extreme
piercing, or extreme applications of piercing.
[Not available for revue.]
ELECTRONIC PIERCING GUIDE
http://bme.freeq.com/world/pierce/epg/
FS BODY FINARY, Postfach 600733, 81207 Muenchen, Germany
49 8142 57670, fax 49 8142 45594
http://www.fsbody.at
F.S.BodyFinary@t-online.de
"Lust auf Intimschmuck" (The Joy of Intimate Jewelry) photo collection CDs
depicting multiple genital piercings, nipple piercings, sexually explicit
photos. You must include a signed statement of age (18+).
Catalog $5.00US
9.5 CALENDARS AND POSTERS
=====================
ANGELS OF STEEL, by Skip Williams
Skip Williams, 625 SW 10th Ave., Suite 133, Portland, Oregon 97205
http://www.teleport.com/~skipwms
skipwms@teleport.com
US $20.00
1998 edition available November 1997.
Featured in issues #43 and #45 of PFIQ.
BODYART CALENDAR, by Paul Callaby
32 Bishop Herbert Close, Hockering, Norfolk NR20 3HS, England
(0163) 881316
14 months, full color, 5L + 2L postage
"DEBRA" POSTER, by Todd Friedman
Available through BODYART.COM
http://www.bodyart.com:80/bodyart.htm
THE WORLD OF BEAUTIFULLY TATTOOED WOMEN, by Jan Seeger, with whom
readers of Skin & Ink will be familiar. 13 of her portraits are
featured, including photos of Vyvyn and Juli Moon. Some of the women
featured are beautifully pierced as well!
Published by De Medici Press, PO Box 700, Boston, MA 02199
9.6 PLACES OF INTEREST
==================
NEW YORK BODY ARCHIVE, #9 Ninth Ave., 2nd Floor, South of 13th St.
(212) 807-6441
Open to the public Fri and Sat 2 - 10pm. Private and group tours by
appointment. Public resource center and emporium dedicated to all forms
of bodyart and body modification. From a collection spanning over 100
years. Exhibits, events, model and prop rentals.
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 10A--Personal Experiences - Facial and Unisex Piercings
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Thu, 09 Jul 1998 04:21:05 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 03 August 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0907980421050001@dynamic9.pm01.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 899983131 4541 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/personal-experiences/partA
Last-modified: May 05, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
10A -- Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10A.1 Tongue Pierce
10A.2 Labret Piercing
10A.3 Hand Web Piercing
10A.4 Eyelet Piercings
10A.5 Ritual Nipple Piercing (Male)
10A.6 Niehbuhr, or Erle
10A.7 Piercing Inverted Nipples (Male)
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
10A PERSONAL EXPERIENCES-FACIAL & UNISEX PIERCINGS
==============================================
10A.1 Tongue Pierce
by Harry Ugol
<harryu@warpten.EBay.sun.com>
1993
I got my tongue pierced last June. The piercing itself hurt much less than
my other piercings. The reason the piercing hurt a lot less is that the
tongue is different from most other pierceable body parts; the tongue itself
is muscle instead of skin. For one thing that means it has no nerves on the
inside and few pain receptors on the surface. The striations in the muscle
also make it much easier to physically pierce; the needle tends to slip
between them - unlike a regular piercing, this one resembles pushing an
embroidery needle through a piece of fabric.
The morning after the piercing my tongue was swollen and *very* tender, both
of which are normal (a longer barbell is initially used for tongue
piercings; the barbell is replaced with a smaller one once the swelling goes
down). "*Very* tender" means it hurt to talk and it HURT to eat; I was not a
happy camper that day.
The pain started to diminish within 24 hours. Within two days I was no
longer in serious discomfort.
The healing regimen for a tongue piercing is slightly different than for
most other piercings; Neosporin and Hibiclens and Ivory soap and such are
not good things to put in your mouth. Instead, you use a *lot* of [diluted]
Listerine - before the piercing itself and after every meal and
toothbrushing. I went through a giant-sized bottle in a week.
You also use a substance called Gly-Oxide, a hydrogen peroxide compound
dissolved in glycerin, which foams up nicely when you drip it on your
tongue. Putting anything fun in your mouth other than food and drink is
strictly out; aside from the standard still-healing-piercing infection
dangers, cocksucking is no longer a low-HIV-risk activity if you have an
open wound in your mouth. That phase lasted 6 weeks, I think, although more
conservative estimates call for 2-3 months.
Like the septum piercing, a tongue piercing is not really noticeable if you
don't want it to be. It takes a little more self-control - you have to
remember not to throw your head way back when you laugh, and not to stick
your tongue out for emphasis when talking - but I haven't had any problems
with scaring the horses at work. Nor does the piercing get in my way; since
the bar was downsized, it's basically a pair of metal balls riding just
above and just below the surfaces of my tongue.
Sex with a tongue piercing is a *lot* of fun!
10A.2 Labret Piercing
by Anne Greenblatt
<ardvark@best.com>
http://www.best.com/~ardvark
January 1994
My first try at a lip piercing was towards the corner of my mouth, just
below the edge of my lower lip. We used a 19ga needle for the piering,
installing a 20ga 3/8" diameter surgical steel bead ring. The thin gauge of
the ring proved to be a mistake - the second day I noticed the inside of my
lip had started to tear upwards. A nasty infection settled in that evening.
I drained the piercing as much as I could with hot compresses and removed
the ring. The infection cleared with the help of antibiotics. All that's
left is a tiny scar just below the edge of my lip.
My second and existing lip piercing was done with a 14ga needle, installing
a 16ga Labret stud in the center of my lower lip, about 1/2" below the edge
of my lip. The labret stud is similar to a barbell. Instead of a ball on the
inside of my lip, the stud is backed by a disc about 3/16" in diameter. A
ball screws onto the front of the stud. Since the jewelry is inserted from
the back, an insertion taper was used in the piercing process. The needle
was inserted through the front, then the 16ga insertion taper was inserted
into the needle, the taper threaded through the piercing, and the jewelry
pushed through, pushing out the taper.
Before piercing, the outside of my lip was disinfected with betadine and the
inside was disinfected with listerine for 5 minutes and numbed with
benzocaine (found in Oragel). The entire process was very quick and a lot
less painful than many of my other piercings, including nostril and tragus.
Aftercare of the labret piercing included cleaning the outside hole with ear
care gel containing benzalkonium chloride and applying vitamin E gel. The
inside of the piercing was cleaned with Gly-Oxide, and I rinsed my mouth
with diluted (50%) Listerine after eating and brushing teeth. The piercing
healed in about 6 weeks.
There are several designs of Labret studs available. The most common is the
disc-backed stud. A possible problem with this design is that the disc
may, over time and wear, become unsoldered from the post. Another problem
some people have experienced with the disc is gum erosion, and erosion or
"nesting" of the inside of the lip beneath the disc. A full year later,
neither the slight gum erosion or niche the disc has formed in the inside of
my lip has caused me anyproblems or has appeared to worsen.
The other design is the Fishtail Labret. The stud is attached to a "tail"
approximately an inch long, bent at a right angle, and slightly curved to
follow the shape of the gumline. The ball may or may not be fixed,
depending on the gauge, metal and manufacture.
Update, November 1995
I have since switched my old externally-threaded Labret stud for a 14ga
stud, internally-threaded at both ends. I also added a second 14ga piercing
above the first, angled so that the inside entrance is above my teeth. This
second piercing swelled considerably more than the first.
Since the new piercing has healed I have worn various jewelry combinations.
At one time I traded the inside disc of the top piercing for a 5/32" barbell
ball, but switched back after I bit down on it a few too many times. Now I
wear a stud with a 1/8" ball in the top piercing and a stud with a 5mm
cabochon stone (Opal or Star of India) set in white gold. My next purchase
will be a thin, short spike to wear in the top piercing.
Update, October 1996
In July I abandoned the second piercing because it was slowly pushing one of
my front teeth (lower) inwards. I also found myself playing with and biting
on the jewelry out of habit far too much.
10A.3 Hand Web Piercing
by "Surf"
1994
I'm on my second hand web pierce. The first one (Had it done first week in
July 1993) lasted about 3/4 months before it grew out. I'm figuring that was
because I had it in my right hand, and I am right handed, so the had got a
lot of use.
I missed that pierce so much that I had it redone on my left hand in mid-
December 1993. It's still with me, and it seems to be healing great.
The first time, I had it done at Gauntlet San Francisco. The piercer marked
entrance and exit holes on my hand and positioned the pennington foreceps
over the marks. The marks were farther back that I had first imagined they
would be, but I'd never seen a hand web pierce before, either. Once the
foreceps were in place, the piercer stretched the skin out a bit and he
shone a light through the skin to make sure that nothing of importance was
in the bundle of skin as well. He got the needle lubed with an antibiotic
salve and butted the needle against the top-side (back of hand side) of my
hand web (oh yes - he disinfected the area first with a betadine pad). He
held a cork to the bottom (palm side) of the web and quickly pushed the
needle through.
I don't remember much pain at all, but then again, I had just had my nipple
done (my first pierce ever!) minutes before. Anyway, the piercer got my
jewelry ready to insert and in a moment he was fastening the ball-end. I
have a 12 ga SSS barbell with a 1/2" shaft as my jewelry for the pierce.
The second time around was similar, but there were differences in the
technique. I had it redone at Tie Me Down in Milwaukee. The piercer there
seemed less experienced, at least with hand-webs, but not so as to scare one
off. I forget what he cleaned the area of my hand with, but he soaked the
jewelry in Hibiclens to disinfect it. He marked the depth of the pierce
noticably deeper than the first time, but that was fine by me. This piercer
didn't use a cork on the exit side, and he pushed the needle through from
palm side first.
For the jewelry insertion, he mentioned that he wasn't used to Gauntlet's
barbells where the ball screws into the shaft, but rather the ones where the
shaft screwed into the ball. With thal kind he could screw the shaft into
the end of the needle for insertion. Because of this, he had problems with
insertion and had to guide it in with an insertion taper. Since the taper
was larger than the hole, it was a painful little process, but when the
jewelry was in, I felt better about the pierce than I had the first time
around - I could flatten my hand right away. The first time, it took a few
days before I could do that.
The aftercare was pretty much the same both times. I would alternate soaking
my hand in a solution of hot water and betadine and a hot salt-water
solution. Use the betadine soak only if the jewelry isn't gold, though. I
would soak about 10 times a day - more if feasable. When the water cooled
down, I would reheat it in the microwave and re-soak. I'd keep this up as
long as I could. The betadine soaks especially reduced swelling when my hand
was acting up. I would try to keep my hand unbandaged as much as possible,
but I was wearing them a lot during the first week, and for the first few
weeks while I slept.
After about 2 weeks, I had an initial healing that would allow me almost
normal use of my hand, as long as I watched it and was careful. At first, I
would wash the pierce with hibiclens, but am now using an antibacterial soap
(easier on the hands and still kills germs). I would still recommend
hibiclens on the fresh pierce, though. During the initial healing, I would
swab some betadine over the freshly washed or soaked pierce to keep the
germs away as long as possible.
I had relatively little swelling of my hand web area after the first week
both times I had it done. Even less the second time. Now I would even
mistake the thing for being fully healed (even though I know it's not
inside)! There is no swelling at all anymore. I put lotion on the area when
it gets dry (and believe me, the area gets really dry at times after
piercing!). If the area dries out, it can get tender and hurt if bumped, but
some lotion takes care of that.
All in all, I love the pierce. It is my favorite of all mine (eyebrow, hand,
nipple, navel, PA) because it is so rare, and it looks wicked. From my
expierence, I feel that a lot of people's reservations about this pierce
getting in the way are unwarranted. Sure, there are some instances where it
would be in the way, but for normal (whatever that is, right?) use, it's
fine!
I am in Wisconsin and I'm wearing winter gloves all the time with no
problems. I was waterskiing last summer and I could hold the tow line
without a problem. Pretty much the only hindrance is the time spent
explaining to people that I am not totally insane and that it didn't hurt
(nonetheless I love to show it off - I'm proud of my metal!).
I would expect the true healing time to be 6 months, or a full year just to
be sure. The times I mentioned above were my experience only. I've been told
I'm a fast healer, so my experiences won't necessarily apply to everyone,
but I have had really good experiences with the hand web despite the first
one growing out.
One last recommendation - however you're handed, don't get that hand
pierced. Like I said, when I had my right hand pierced, it grew out
primarily because that had went through a lot more use than did my left
hand. I just never realized it until I paid that much attention to my hands
because of the piercing.
10A.4 Eyelet Piercing
by Julian Hurt
1993
[Please note that Julian has much experience with piercings, and that this
section is to provide information and in no way is to condone beginners from
trying the same. Most people who wish to stretch out their piercings do it
the regular way--stretching it a little at a time over a long period.]
Rings large enough to fill large (00 - 4) gauge earlobe piercings tend to be
fairly heavy. The weights often are sufficient to automatically cause
further stretching of the holes. An alternative to heavy jewelry is to wear
light- weight eyelets. Eyelets essentially are stainless surgical steel or
gold tubes that have been flared outward on both ends. They are hollow in
the center and look like narrow grommets. Pleasurable Piercings carries
eyelets from 4 gauge to 00 gauge and Gauntlet lists them from 10 gauge to 00
gauge.
Eyelets can be worn as the sole insert in a lobe piercing or with smaller
gauge rings inserted inside them (thus allowing light weight rings without
allowing the larger holes to grow closed). For illustrations of these two
styles see respectively _Modern Primitives_ page 176, and page 3 of
_Piercing Fans International Quarterly Number 18_. eyelets occasionally are
called "earlets" or even "retainers." Eyelets are very effective visually
when combined with additional rings or studs higher on the ear.
Eyelets are sized by the diameter of the tubing at its narrowest point and
flare out so that the outer edge of the flare is the next even gauged size.
Thus the flange of a 4 gauge eyelet flares out about 0.025" and requires a 2
gauge hole. In order to insert an eyelet, one needs a hole the size of the
outer flange (2 gauge larger than the eyelet size). After the eyelets are
inserted the holes gradually will shrink and fill-in towards the size of the
eyelet.
The standard method for inserting eyelets is to begin with well-healed
piercings and gradually stretch them out. (See the FAQ and the article in
_PFIQ number 18_, pages 23-30, for information on various stretching
techniques.) When they are stretched to the stated gauge of the desired
eyelet they then are stretched using an insertion taper of the next even
gauge, and then inserted.
The taper temporarily stretches out the hole to accomodate the wider
flanges, and then when the eyelet is in place, the tissue shrinks to the
original gauge. Gauntlet warns, "CAUTION: To accomplish piercings large
enough for eyelets great patience is required. Never push stretching too
fast or the earlobe can be torn. When the hole is large enough for an
eyelet, facilitate insertion and avoid damage to the earlobe by using a
convex insertion taper of the next larger size."
It is also possible to insert eyelets in fresh piercings. Piercing needles
are available up to 6 gauge from Pleasurable Piercings. One could pierce to
the next size larger than the eyelet (e.g., pierce to a 6 gauge for
insertion of an 8 gauge eyelet) but the eyelets would tend to fall out in
normal wear.
Anecdotal evidence indicates it is fairly routine to stretch fresh piercings
to the next gauge with out tearing by using a well-lubricated (with
anti-bacterial ointment) insertion tapers inserted fairly rapidly with a
strong twisting motion. Then the eyelets can be inserted in standard fashion
by following the taper just as one follows a piercing needle with jewelry.
The hole will snap back against the narrow part of the eyelet. In at least
one case documented in rec.arts.bodyart postings, a person was innitially
pierced at 6 gauge in both lobes and had them immediately stretched to a 2
gauge using the technique just described with a 2 gauge insertion taper. The
piercing was done as an experiment by Wild Bill of Pleasurable Piercings at
the request of a piercing-knowledgeable customer. As a precaution
intermediate sized jewelry was on hand so that the stretching could be
abandoned mid-way if any tearing had occorred. The stretching was only
slightly more intense than the 6 gauge piercings which were relatively
painless.
When eyelets are the initial insertions in fresh piercings, care is simple.
Sensative Ears is used a number of times daily to irrigate the piercings. In
the first few days there may be some swelling so that the flanges pop below
the surface of the earlobes. As crusting loosens from the cleaning solution,
gently pop the eyelets so that both flanges are outside the hole.
Regardless, once the eyelets are properly placed and loosened by the
irrigation, grasp the flanges between thumb and forefinger and gently rotate
them in the hole. These care techniques were used with the fresh 6 gauge
piercings stretched to 2 gauge described above, and they healed without
complication in 4 weeks.
When eyelets are inserted by stretching they generally remain in place
during normal daily activity. But when drying ones ears with a towel,
cleaning the eyelets, or sleeping they do have a tendency to pop out
unexpecedly. They also are small enough to easily be lost down drains. Thus
one is advised not to clean them over sinks, not towel in the shower, etc.
One way of preventing loss of the eyelets is to insert small rings or wire
through them.
10A.5 Ritual Nipple Piercing (Male)
by Phaedrus, edited by Anne Greenblatt
1994
I pondered whether or not to crosspost this to rec.arts.bodyart and I chose
not to. Mainly because I am rather unfamiliar with that group, and there is
enough non-vanilla in my post to warrant not posting there. If a reader
familiar with r.a.b. feels that this experience would benefit that group,
then by all means feel free to repost it there.
All names used herein are used with the consent of the owner of said name.
And if you were there and I did not mention you by name, it is only because
I forgot to ask you. It is not because I have forgotten you.
Right. Onward.
It's been a full 7 days now, and I -think- I've processed enough to be able
to post my piercing experience in a more or less coherent fashion.
I've been wanting a nipple piercing for over a year now. Some of you here
back then may recall when I first posted about wanting one. Part of the
waiting has been pondering, part because the time was not right.
So the time was right last weekend. Beverly Block had told me that she had
been trained in piercing. We had talked about it a little over a year ago,
and nothing had been said since. When I saw Bev at a Berkeley lunch on
Friday, I asked her if she would do it at a ritual the next night.
After lunch and running amok in a certain storefront in Oakland, we headed
across the bay to the Gauntlet. It was wonderful having Bev with me. She got
into a professional argument about ring gauges for male nipples with a
worker at the Gauntlet. And while Bev conceded the point, it felt good
having a knowledgable advocate with me. I picked out a beautiful gold ring
and Bev specified a needle and something with the ominous name of "pusher".
At several points, the Gauntlet person discussed technique with Bev. Most
delightful.
The next afternoon, I opened the Gauntlet bag and checked out the needle for
the first time. I won't say that I came close to backing out, but I will
admit that I thought about it.
That night at the ritual, after opening circle, Bev told those present that
I was to be pierced next. I wanted people who -wanted- to be there to be
present. It may sound strange, but I wanted people to be there because they
wanted to be present, not because I wanted them there. I have to ponder that
further sometime -- there's something odd there.
Anyway. I notice that Bev is a little nervous and encircle her bicep to get
her attention. We lock gazes, and I tell her to breathe with me. She calms
and returns to preparation.
I'm a little nervous, mainly because I do not know what to expect. My first
piercing ritual, and I'm the piercee. Figures. I feel as if the ring is
-already- in place, and the ritual is only matching realities.
I have my symbols: a length of black ribbon, an amethyst about my neck, a
pewter earcuff. I mention to STella that our symbols are so much a part of
us, and she tells me that we -are- our symbols. Once again, dear STella,
dead on target.
It's time, and I lay down on the table clad only in my standard black
playparty briefs. People gather about me, and I make it clear at some point
that I -want- to be touched. It was at this point that I closed my eyes and
did not open them until I looked at the ring in my body.
I concentrate on my breathing and feel the wonderful energy from my friends
about me. I could almost sense the boundaries of the safespace that
encircled us.
Bev fastens the hemostat on my left nipple and it -HURTS-. Goddam, it hurts.
The stub-your-toe kind of hurt. Oh, lovely, the needle isn't even present
yet and I'm a'hurting. Oh, well, I think.
The pain from the clamp starts to subside. I'm conscious mainly of my
friends touching me. I can't distinguish who is touching me where...all I
can feel is being enfolded in love and caring.
Bev tell me to accept the needle into my body, and it flows into me. No
sensation of pushing, more like the needle was sucked into me. There is no
pain, but rather an intense sensation that I have no name for. There is,
however, and ragged edge to this sensation, and I do not allow myself to
feel that. Rather, I passed that edge on to my rage which holds an image of
my father. Let him feel that ragged edge.
The sensation is an icy clarity similar to that clarity that follows a mind-
shaking insight. That's the closest I can come to describing it. I hear a
most unusual sound, and realize that I am "screaming". I call it a scream
only because I do not know what else to call it. I have never heard a sound
like that before. It is not coming from any higher level center of my brain.
It feels like it is coming from a deeper, animal part of my physical brain.
Bev asks me if I want to look at the needle, and I tell her no, thank you, I
hate needles. This evokes laughter from the circle.
Suddenly a rush starts at my head and travels down my body and I realize
that Wolf is out. I feel full of the Power around me, and I hear my body
start to growl. A "Yes!" comes from a person over my head, and the circle
feels even more together somehow. Since Wolf usually only comes out for
self-defense or toppish rather violent lovemaking, I keep an eye on him.
This situation is neither and I do not want him loose. He behaves, enjoying
the feeling of the Power the ritual has evoked.
I'm so busy watching Wolf that I do not notice Bev taking the needle out or
inserting the ring. I do notice that something has happened to disturb Bev,
though I haven't a clue what it was. There's some sort of blaming going on,
so I pull out the old joke about the blame stage of a project should be the
-last- phase of a project and we aren't there yet.
Bev tells me that I can look at the ring now, but before I do I make a Gift
to those with me.
I finally open my eyes and look into a small mirror Bev is holding. It is
-beautiful-! Just how it is supposed to look. The realities have merged, and
that brings me a warm glow of completion.
Ah. The gold ball is lost. That was the disturbance earlier. No matter. Even
that occurrence feels right to me. The entire sequence of events feels
perfect to me. I would not change a thing.
The circle slowly dissipates, and STella stays close to me as I slowly rise
up in stages. Very slowly. I stumble about the dungeon for a bit, just to
prove to myself that I can, then collapse on a handy bed. People wander by
and now and again a friend cuddles and talks with me.
To those of you who shared this wonderful event in my life with me: thank
you. I feel a bond with each of you. And, now that I am back in Illinois, I
miss you terribly. It's funny, but all I have to do is look at my ring to
remember the feelings of being with you in that circle.
And thank you, Beverly. You nor anyone else could have done better.
Postscript: the next day, I got an amethyst bead to replace the gold one
that was lost. The ring achieved its proper state much faster because the
original bead was lost. I am very pleased.
And, btw, my nipple is healing -very- nicely.
10A.6 Niebuhr Piercing
by Denise "Ambient" Robinson
Niebuhr... When I saw the first photos of them, I thought, my goodness, what
a STOOPID IDEA. Little did I know I would come to enjoy it immensely.
"Why?" people always ask me... Well, my response is so that people will
make eye-contact with me(having tremendous ta-tas can be a disadvantage, ya
know). My main reason is that its an originality thang. Noone I've ever
seen in person has one, and I wanted somethang visible to set me apart.
Purely poseur.
It definitely receives a high Pain In The Ass rating for many reasons: the
actual piercing, healing, and visibility. The piercing itself can be rather
dangerous considering the location of major nerve trunks and blood vesseld
in the area. Make sure your piercer pinches the area they're about to
pierce before poking you to ensure they're not hitting any major nerves. If
you feel pain any where other than where the pinch is, ferget it. If you
don't have much skin in that location, you may as well nevermind- if you
can't go deep, enough, it'll reject *fast*.
Apart from the pinch method, thats about the only difference in method from
any other piercing. Clean it, mark it, clamp it, poke it. We used a 14ga
surgical steel barbell between 5/8"-3/4"long (to allow room for cleaning)
with 3/16" balls (to allow me to see around the thang!). I wouldn't use any
larger of a gauge, simply cuz I wouldn't like the potential visible bulge
under the skin.
It shouldn't be a painful piercing. Unfortunately, the piercer to whom I
went ended up taking about 3 seconds to get the needle through, having not
used a cork (supposedly to ensure it being straight), so I admit that it
*did* hurt, but I feel that it *shouldn't* have hurt that much, done
quickly. Oh yeah, for the first 72 hours, I experienced caked blood on the
balls of the jewelry, hence I recommend holing yerself up for a weekend so's
not to freak out your friends... I've used Bactine (Benzalkonium Chloride)
to clean mine with great results... Twice a day, and any time I get
excessively sweaty or dirty.
Healing a surface piercing seems to be a full-time job for about six months.
Neglecting it for a few days, or playing rough with it seems to be enough to
set it off (but then of course it could be considered to be a good thang - a
nice barometer for your health, so long as you don't mind pus excreting from
between yer eyes). As for the visibility thang, it can be real frustrating
wearing glasses or sunglasses, or having braids or dreadlocks that catch in
the thang. If its not 100% straight, boy, is it ever obvious. And if it
starts to reject, it ain't a pretty sight. So far I've been lucky, and it
seems to be nice and even and straight. I must say, if this actually stays
put, I'll be incredibly loathe to ever remove it. Its among the few of my
piercings that really feels like it belongs.
10A.7 Piercing Inverted Nipples (Male)
by <RINGSOFUN@aol.com>
The piercing is actually in the aerola and deep behind the inverted nipple.
I pierced mine because they were inverted and was advised that they may
develop after piercing. They have done just that and stick out nicely now.
To further develop my nipples I re-pierced the actual nipples after they
developed. The second piercings were done after about a year of the
original piercings. It has now been 10 years and I wear 4 ga rings in my
large nipples and couldn't be happier with the results! My nipples were
never sensitive prior to piercing, but now they are very sensitive!
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
/\*/\
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:28:10 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982328100001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902298311 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/personal-experiences/partB
Last-modified: May 05, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
10B -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10B.1 Triangle Piercing
10B.2 Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing
10B.3 Ampallang Piercing #1
10B.4 Foreskin & Septum Piercings
10B.5 Frenum Placement with Intact Foreskin
10B.6 Ampallang Piercing #2
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
10B PIERCING PERSONAL EXPERIENCES - GENITAL PIERCINGS
=================================================
10B.1 Triangle Piercing
by Susan
1994
I got my Triangle piercing done by Raelyn Gallina in mid-February (1994). I
was expecting a very painful experience; a lot of people had told me it
would be much more intense than my clit hood piercing. Actually, it wasn't.
I don't know if it was my (mostly) lack of nerves this time (the clit hood
was my first non-earlobe piercing and I was scared to death) or that I was
more psychologically ready for this one or what, but it was not nearly as
bad.
Bled like crazy, though. I think happy thoughts about blood - keeping the
wound clean and all that. It was swollen at first, but the swelling went
down in about a day. It was a bit interesting to sit and cross my legs for
about two days, and then it itched for a day or so. After that, I've hardly
noticed it except occasionally when I manage to get it twisted a little in
sitting or something. At six weeks, I would call it fully healed, and it has
been almost no trouble. I cleaned it first twice a day for about a week then
once daily with Triadine (generic Betadine). I am wearing a surgical steel
captive bead ring in it.
Actually, I shouldn't say I've hardly noticed it. Rather I have hardly
noticed any *pain* from it. For the first few days it was so intensely
*pleasurable* I had trouble concentrating - it was a perfect, intimate touch
in *exactly* the right place, if you know what I mean...Thankfully, that
hypersensitivity has faded a bit. But I still have only to think about it to
be able to feel like someone has placed one exquisitely delicate finger,
just so...My, this is distracting to write...
I'm delighted with the piercing, and recommend it highly to everyone who has
the right anatomy for it (not every woman has enough flesh for this one,
don't get your heart set on it until you are sure it can be done).
It also goes beautifully with the clit hood piercing, which is also
horizontal with a matching ring. They sort of nest around my clit. I am
thinking of getting another clit hood piercing above the existing one, so
that I will have a set of three rings in a row.
10B.2 Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing
by Erika Ferguson
Piercing performed by Morganna at Inkporium Tattoos in Lansing, Michigan.
In the summer of 94 I had my intro into below the neck piercing with the
ever popular navel ring. I wanted another piercing before I was even off of
the table and I had a nipple piercing about a month later. About that same
time I was exposed to the benefits of genital piercings through
conversations with my piercer but was still a little skitish. I had a second
nipple pierced and began stretching my ears, all the while trying to prepare
myself for a genital piercing. Most of my concerns centered around exposing
myself to the piercer, I felt uncomfortable with the idea even with the
piercer being female because of severe scarring on my inner thighs and outer
labia from childhood surgery.
We began to discuss the piercing and I originally wanted a clitoral piering
but the piercer felt uncomfortable so we settled on a vertical clithood
piercing low down towards the glans, which is well exposed. I was finally
settled on doing it and got up the nerve to tell her about the scars, she
just shrugged and said it made no difference, which took a weight off of me.
The piercing itself was done with a 12 gauge needle and receiving tube as my
hood is very loose. I was very nervous and shaky before the piercing and I
found the cleaning painfull as the glans is very very sensitive. It felt a
little strange to have the recieving tube directly on my clit so I held very
still, soon I felt a very intense sharp pain but I barely had time to suck
in my breath before it was over. She instilled a 12 gauge 5/8 SSS captive
bead hoop and sent me on my way with strict care instructions echoing in my
head.
I found that the rolling of my wheelchair down the sidewalk was a whole new
experience, every bump in the sidewalk an interesting tickle. My healing
time was suprisingly rapid with one day of light bleeding, one day of
itching and two days of plasma secretion before I was completly healed. A
pleasent change compared to months of fighting with a navel and trangus. Its
been a few months now and the sensation is still nice but a little too mild
so Im getting bored. I plan to instill an 8 gauge 3/8" or 1/2" inch barbell
to heighten the sensation some more. I think I will enjoy the barbell more
because I tend to get caught up in the hoop so I play a little more gingerly
than I'd like. Despite my recent complants, Id still rate this as my
favorite piercing, well worth the two seconds of pain.
10B.3 Ampallang Piercing
by <justfred@netcom.com>
So I happened to be in New Orleans for the first time this weekend, and I
was having a great time wandering around the place, and on Sunday I was in
the Quarter checking out a thrash clothing store and noticed a poster
advertising Body Piercing, Wings of Desire, Elaine "Angle" Binnie; I
thought, "Oh, cool, I've heard a lot about her on rab." I decided to wander
over.
Her shop is located on the second floor of another thrash clothing store.
It's a cool place, not terribly crowded like Gauntlet seems to be whenever I
stop by (of course, crowded with people with great bodyart!). The woman who
assisted me, another Elaine, was very cool (and is occassionally online,
"Hello!"). I looked at a few pieces of jewelry and started wondering what
had made me come in, and I realized maybe it was an indication that I should
go ahead and get the Ampallang I've been considering for the last two years.
I was concerned that I might not be able to get an appointment, but Elaine
2 said that they could probably fit me in in about an hour.
Meanwhile, another customer offered that ampallang's heal quite quickly and
don't hurt excruciatingly afterwards, and that I should have no problem
going to work the next day. I thought it over as I perused an issue of PFIQ
that discussed the procedure. "Angel" came over and chatted with me about
the procedure and healing regimin; she was very nice and made me feel
comfortable. I decided to go for it. Release forms were signed, money
exchanged. Elaine 2 asked if she could watch; I replied, "No problem."
In about 10 minutes t"Angel" was ready ("Hey - you told me I was going to
get to wait an hour!"). We adjourned to the front alcove, where I dropped
my drawers and climbed up onto the table. I decided I would feel more
comfortable without my shirt - somehow being naked felt somewhat less
embarrassing in a clinical setting.
"Angel" marked the piercing's entrance and exit holes, further back than I
expected but correct I see now. I tried to clear my mind. "Angel" decided
against using clamps. I found myself surprisingly lacking in nervousness,
and the thought of the pain really didn't scare me at first, but then when
she told me to take deep breaths ("When you exhale I'll go ahead with it."),
there was that moment of raw panic and I thought, "I can stop this right
now," but I didn't, and exhaled.
The piercing took about 2 seconds or so. I could feel the needle passing
through, a very strange sensation. The jewelry insertion was hardly
noticeable. When the procedure was done I saw that I was bleeding quite a
bit. She wrapped me up in tissue and a rubber glove. She detailed the
recommended cleaning regimine - twice a day, soak, push back and forth with
diluted soap, rinse, continue for up to six months and don't touch it with
dirty hands! No swimming AT ALL.
Sporting the rubber glove I reclothed and thanked "Angel" and Elaine 2
numerous times, and wandered off...I was a bit wasted the rest of the day,
though it didn't really seem like a rush or high, just a stuporous
disbelief.
I washed the piercing as prescribed, and changed gloves - I was provided
with a good supply. I also picked up some unlubricated condoms which worked
well in lieu of the glove the next day at work, where I walked gingerly but
was generally ok.
I bled a fair amount the first night, less the second day, and on day 4 did
not require a dressing. Now I find that it actually hurt less the day it
was performed than it does when I occassionally sit down wrong or get an
erection, which wakes me up in the middle of the night. I cannot sleep on my
stomach yet, and I do wake up at night to adjust the barbell position.
The barbell is about 1/8" to 1/4" longer than the width of the piercing most
of the time. It is especially painful when it pulls to one side, but I can
tell it is steadily getting better.
I would say (and "Angel" suggested this reaction is common) that the
Ampallang was and continues to be less painful than either nipple piercing.
The piercing took longer but it hurt less.
I wonder how much increased sensation I will get (the nipple piercings are
wonderful in this respect!). I'm not really worried about WHEN I'll be able
to use it again, since I haven't really used it in a number of
years...Though I'll probably immediately meet some woman and fall madly in
lust and everything will be fine until...I know that one of the women I have
a crush on st the moment finds the idea intriguing - we happened to discuss
the matter impersonally a while back; she was disagreeing with a woman who
said it was "Gross" ("No, I heard it can feel quite good.") And yes, I have
since proven that the equiptment is still functional!
10B.4 Foreskin and Septum Piercings
by Pierre Honeyman
<pierre@amisk.cs.ualberta.ca>
I decided to get my foreskin pierced for several reasons. I was considering
an Ampallang, but I thought my foreskin might get in the way, so I decided
to pierce it instead. I had seen drawings of several such piercings and I
thought it could be an attractive piercing in itself. I was never worried
about the pain factor as I didn't find the area that pain-responsive.
Once my mind was made up I proceeded to find a piercer here in Edmonton. I
called a few friends and got some suggestions, and I decided on an initial
visit to Larry at Joeyy and Bear. I had heard of good experiences with him.
During the initial appointment we discussed the piercings I wanted (septum
and two foreskin). When we discussed the foreskin piercings, Larry brought
up aspects I had not thought of - for instance, I would have to plan the
piercings to avoid any veins visible with a flashlight.
We made an appointment for the piercings, and I went home to look for
suitable piercing locations. I studied the areas several times over the
next week, and marked the locations the night before I was to get pierced.
I wasn't too nervous until I arrived at the shop, and then I became very
excited. Larry and I talked for a little bit, and he described the
procedures completely. Relaxing music played in the background which
established a sothing atmosphere. I decided to get the foreskin piercings
first, since I thought they would hurt the least. I showed him where I
wanted the piercings and he checked the areas himself. He showed me the
equiptment and explined the procedure again, as well as how he wanted me to
breathe throughout the procedure. He had me take a few deep breaths at a
speed he liked and I found the method very relaxing and helpful in
controlling the pain. He clamped the area and I resumed breathing, and
after a few breaths he said he would push the needle after the next breath.
I felt the him press the needle against my skin as I inhaled, and then he
pushed the needle through as I exhaled. I looked down at the needle - I had
felt no pain at all, and was very surprised. He inserted the ring without
closing it, until he had performed the second piercing. The second piercing
hurt, but it was still nothing, really. It hurts more to play with a fiesty
cat than get my foreskin pierced! Once both rings were in he adjusted the
jewelry and popped in the beads.
The endorphins kicked in and I was surprised since I hadn't felt them when I
had my nipple pierced previously. I got fressed, shaking, and sat down
again to ready myself for the septum piercing. Larry asked me if I felt
well enough to continue, and I replied affirmatively. He discussed the
septum piercing procedure, and said he prefers to perform them with the
customer lying down. He said that I may feel to vulnerable laying down, and
that he could pierce me sitting up if I prefered. I told him to go ahead as
he prefered, and he reclined the chair until I was flat with my head towards
him, upside down. It was unnerving, but not overwhelmingly so. I was a bit
afraid about the piercing since I thought it would hurt a lot. He prepared
the equiptment and had me start breathing as before. He placed a needle
receiving tube on one side and the needle on the other. At this point we
were briefly interupted by a friend of mine who had stopped by. I asked him
to wait in the foyer and we got back to the business at hand. Again, there
was no pain and I was very surprised.
After the ring was in place, Larry instructed me on healing and aftercare.
He recommended Baciguent ointment and Hibitane for cleansing.
Healing the foreskin piercings was no problem at all. Initially, cleaning
the inside of my foreskin was dificult due to the swelling. The swelling
was gone after about a week. I discovered that during healing briefs were
much more comfortable than my usual boxer shorts. The briefs held my penis
more securely and there wasless bouncing against my leg.
To clean the foreskin piercings, I first cleaned away the dried discharge
(crusties) with a wet cotton swab. Then I washed both sides of the piercings
with diluted Hibitane (1/3 to 2/3 water), again using a cotton swab. I left
the solution in place for three minutes, then rinsed thoroughly. After
rinsing I applied Baciguent ointment, which I used for 10 days, 5 days on, 2
days off, 5 days on. The Hibitane I used for 2 weeks. It's been 6 weeks now
and I haven't had any discharge for 2 weeks. I can rotate the rings at any
time.
So far I haven't encountered any difficulties with my piercings. I have not
had sex yet so I cannot say how they will affect sex. I am able to retract
my foreskin without problems and the rings fold back nicely against my
penis. I was able to masturbate after 2 days.
I enjoy my foreskin rings for the amusement value. I can make them jingle
when I'm naked and I like the sound; naturally I want bells now! For me
they are definitely serving the purpose I got them for, which is aesthtic. I
don't know if there will be other benefits of the rings since they don't
really add to sensation, although I have received some very interesting
suggestions that I will follow up on later. They'll make a handy leash for
B/D scenes, I'm sure!
10B.5 Frenum with Intact Foreskin
by Clive Neil
<cgneil@amoco.com>
I think there ough to be a paragraph in the FAQ about frenums with a
foreskin. Which other pierce offers such a difficult task in placement. A
foreskin can change so much between flacid and erect. I can't think of
another pierce where the skin involved can move so much.
I can fill you in on a few things. I had a frenum two weeks ago (and three
weeks ago - more later). I am also 100% intact (uncircumstised).
My piercing is about 3/4" down from the head about level with the head on
the top so I can put on a loop after healing. I had it done 12ga with a 5/8"
barbell.
Before the piercing my foreskin would be in a variety of positions from not
covering the head at all to most of the way over. This hasn't changed. Most
of the time the barbell is on the outside sort of anchoring the foreskin
back but sometimes I have to go in and find it. I'd prefer it to stay
exposed for air circulation but it is fun to unroll my foreskin to look for
the barbell.
Cleaning is easy and was completely painless for me from day one. Since the
skin is loose I can push the barbell one way or the other to expose both
sides of the bar for cleaning. So far not too many crusties.
So in fact I think the only disadvantage in having a foreskin and a frenum
piercing is in positioning the jewelry. How do you know where the flacid
skin will be whilst erect. I wanted the piercing to be centred and
horizontal whilst erect. I had thought about this before going to get it
done. When I went in I spent quite a while with my piercer trying to
position it. We pulled the skin moved the ink dots and agreed on a position.
I was still a bit dubious but whatthehell. Afterwards I went home and
checked the erect position. As I feared it was off to one side and squewed.
I went out to see a band and thought about it some more. I decided that it
would probably bug me for years so took it out.
A week later I did some homework. I got hard and drew a grid on my cock. One
line down the exact centre, one each side on the egdes of the front ridge
and a couple of horizontal lines. Then I went down to the piercer and we
tried again. More endorphines etc - good value - two hits - one pierce - I
now understand play piercing.
The second time was perfect. It is exactly where I wanted it to be. The
initial healing has been good. No pain, easy cleaning and not much redness.
Unfortunately my girldfriend is about 6750 miles away so I haven't fully
tested it yet but on a couple of solo missions it felt great.
10B.6 Ampallang Piercing #2
by Adam
<adam@redneck.ml.org>
Thanks to everyone who gave me advice last week about choosing between the
frenum, ampallang, and PA. Of course, I ignored most of your advice and
went for the amp :-)
I had it done by Tee, on Church St. in Toronto. I have nothing to say about
her but good.
I managed to convince VioSpazz, with whom I have been talking in e-mail for
a couple of months, to lend me some moral support. Actually, it didn't take
much persuading. We had never met in Real Life before, so meeting for the
first time at a piercer's, and dropping my pants within a half hour, was a
bit weird. It worked out well, though. She was wonderfully supportive,
distracted me with conversation when I needed to be, and held my hand the
whole time.
Tee spent quite a while making absolutely sure that I wanted an amp, because
this is my first metal (case of beer! - no, wait a minute, wrong newsgroup)
- I've never even had an ear pierced. When she was convinced, I chose the
size of balls for my barbell, and we got down to business. She cleaned
things like crazy, spent quite a bit of time locating the cavernosa and
double-checking, then marked the placement for me to check. She doesn't
like to pierce through the urethra, because of the chance of scar tissue
bridging across it, so she marked a little higher up than I had pictured.
No matter, it still looked good, so... on with the forceps. At that point,
your faithful narrator decided it was time to stop watching.
It stung a little when she moved the clamps a couple of times, which made me
flinch a bit, making me wonder how much I'd jump when I was actually
pierced. She relaxed the clamps a bit for me, them told me she was almost
done. Yeah, right, I was thinking. Everything but the *real* pain. She
asked if I was ready, and if I wanted any warning. I made sure I had only
two of Vio's fingers in my hand, so that I wouldn't break anything, and
kinda hum'd and ha'd about getting warned. Tee said, nah, you don't need
any warning. Then...
Yow. Two or three seconds of yow. I'm afraid I made a bit of a racket
before I got control of my vocal cords. The pain was about as intense as
the time I got stitches in my hand, but, fortunately, it didn't last nearly
as long this time. And putting the barbell in just stung a bit.
Eventually, I psyched myself up enough to look. Wow. It looked pretty
cool, even though I was in denial about actually having metal through my
penis.
Tee cleaned everything up, wrapped me up, and taped a glove over everything
to contain the blood. Then I realized that the endorphin rush that everyone
talks about just wasn't materializing. Not that I needed it - things were
just smarting at that point - but it might have been fun to be more than
just a bit shaky (and feeling obnoxious).
So it went pretty well. I even felt up to driving home afterwards (with a
manual transmission!), it hurt so little. Just a small nagging reminder of
what I'd just had done to such an... important organ :)
It's just as well that I got pierced below the waist, because despite not
intending to let any of my friends know (they'd FREAK), I have this insane
urge to show it off. I'm kinda proud of my metal. So far, though, only
three people other than myself have seen it.
Anyway, hats off to Tee for professionalism, bedside manner, and concern for
my well-being. And, certainly, a *huge* hug goes out to VioSpazz, without
whose support I don't think I could have either chosen to do this, or
actually gone through with it.
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 10C--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:28:30 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982328300001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902298332 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/personal-experiences/partC
Last-modified: May 05, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10C.1 Reverse Prince Albert
10C.2 Apadravya
10C.3 Bead Implants
10C.4 Prince Albert with Intact Foreskin
10C.5 Camilla's Custom Nipple Studs
10C.6 Double Ring Wedding Ceremony
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
10C PIERCING PERSONAL EXPERIENCES - GENITAL PIERCINGS CONT'D
========================================================
10C.1 Reverse Prince Albert
by Steve Weston
<stweston@nmsu.edu>
On July 1st of this year (1995), I finally got my reverse PA. I have been
thinking about it for over two years, and decided to go for it. I got it
touch with someone in the Albuquerue area who new about the piercers, his
name on the net is O Captain My Captain, and he agreed to be my saving grace
and drive me to and from the shop.
I had it done at Sine Qua Non by Eerin. He was great. He was nice and calm
and relaxed the whole time. The thing is, is that he had never done a
reverse PA, but told me that if I was comfortable with him doing it, he
would be more that happy to. I decided what the hell, since he was so
honest and straight forward about it, what could really go wrong.
Anyway, I signed the release, picked out the jewelry (12g black Niobium
captive bead hoop), and waited for him to say that everything was ready and
sterilized. When I went into the piercing room, I was quite relieved to see
all of the equipment packaged and or soaking. I dropped my pants, got into
the chair, and he began his thing on my thing. I was thoroughly cleaned,
marked, and set. I asked if Lydocaine was available and he already had it
handy. He put some into my urethra and after a few seconds, he inserted the
recieving tube. This is where I got a little nervous. That tube was a whole
lot bigger than I thought, and I didn't even feel it, just it's weight.
He took some time to explain to me that because this pierce does not use
clamps, and because it goes through more meat than most others, it would
take longer than usual. So I began breathing deeply, and he told me when he
was about to start.
Now, I won't lie, it hurt quite badly, but not as bad as I imagined, and not
in the same manner that I thought it would. The only problem I had was that
I was expecting an actual feel of puncture, and when this did not occur
after quite a while of pain, I began to freak out mentally. Just at the
time when I was about to say stop, Eerin said O.K. we're all of the way
through. My first reaction was to say "Really?" but I just continued
breathing calmly. Now, I expected the pain to continue, but after the
needle was all of the way through, there was no more pain at all. He
threaded the hoop, and voila, I was finished. It was about this point in
time when I started feeling like I had smoked about seven bongs single
handedly, and he said I could lay there as long as I wanted. This was a good
thing, because I don't think that I could have walked evenly and in balance
then.
The dreaded glove and rubber band came next, yuck, what a pain in the ass.
He informed me that things might hurt a little when I first go to the
bathroom and when I get my first erection.
When I got home to Las Cruces, I went to the store and bought all of the
cleaning stuff and proceeded home to clean it for the first time. This was
no problem, a little tender, but nothing I couldn't handle. The only times
that I bled where during the night for the first four nights, I guess thats
because they were the only times I got an erection. When I decided to try
masturbating, about five days afterward, the only thing that hurt was the
cum that got onto the exit "wound" afterward", but manipulation was no
problem.
As for healing, it took almost four months for it to completely heal, and
now I am quite active with it in most ways. The crusties were gross and a
pain, but less pain cleaning them than rotating them into the pierce while
cleaning. I got infected once, and a little iodine and frequent cleaning did
that very well. I think I cleaned three times a day for just about a month,
and I think I really needed to too. After that, I just was carefull to get
the crusties off when I took my daily shower. And now, I don't have to
worry about those anymore either.
About a month ago though (three months after the fact), I noticed that I had
a raised white ring around the exit hole, but I read that that is quite
normal for a lot of certain kinds of pierces. That is gone also.
Overall, I consider my pierce to be a high point of my existance, in that I
despise pain, but I did it, and am quite proud. I would not discourage
anyone from getting a reverse PA, but I will say that it takes quite a
while, and patience. If you can get through the first week, and into a
routine, it's cake.
Over X-mas or maybe in January I am going to be getting upsized to a 10ga,
and I can't wait. And for X-mas, I am giving myself a nose pierce as a
present. Pierce number three, here I come.
10C.2 Aparavya Piercing Experience
by Joshua
<joshua@netaxs.com>
http://www.netaxs.com/~joshua
October 21, 1995
I got my apadravya today, and boy did it hurt. Did it ever. I can actually
barely remember the pain, but for the first time ever, I screamed. Pretty
loud too, when I went out everyone asked if I was ok. Different kind of
pain than the nipples, which was shortlived and searing, this was like real
pain. Like getting an arm broken, only worse. Jim Weber at Infinte Body
Piercing did the job, as he's done all my other genital piercings (and most
body ones as well). It's been about 4hrs since then and I'm still just
coming down from the rush...
I've already got a 0ga PA, so the hole on the bottom is quite large. We
decided on using a regular length apadravya barbell (10ga) with a 5'16" ball
on the bottom of it, to prevent slippage up the urethra (I already had such
a ball in my posession). Not a perfect solution, but it works for now (I
evenually plan to stretch up to about 6ga. The barbell will still slip into
the hole if I pull enough, but the barbell tends to stay in it's place,
since the new top hole is very tight.
Basically, we decided that we would use a needle receiving tube (0ga, since
my hole is that big on the bottom) and then pierce through the top into
that. He marked the spot, and I made him move it a bit to the left. After
I was satified with the mark I prepared, by lying down and beginning those
nice relaxing breaths (not). My heart was racing quite rapidly and I could
feel it. The tube went in easily, since I've already got the 0ga hole there,
and the clamps fit on nicely, altough they were a bit tight, but not too
painful. I stuttered a few time, in terms of starting the three-breath
countdown.
Then I steeled myself up, told Jim that "this is the first breath"...in...
out... in...out...in...ouuuuCCCCHHHH!!!!!!!!
<insert gut-wrenching scream here>
Then it was over. Jim removed the insertion tube, pulled off the clamps and
then screwed in the ball on the bottom. I was then wrapped up in a sterile
pad, gauzed and taped (covered by a surgical glove, to catch leakage of
blood, if there was any).
I was getting very light-headed, so Jim offered me some Gatorade (which
Infinite keeps around for such occasions) drank about half the bottle and
lay down for a little while (1 minute or so). I was fine after that, but
I'm still a bit shaky (4 hours later).
I took off the bandages, because I had to go the bathroom and there was
quite a bit of blood, but none in the glove, so it wasn't flowing freely (no
bloody glove). Going the bathroom was a bit painful, but nothing I haven't
felt before due to my PA, or some random bladder infection (sorry to gross
anyone out). I rebandaged with a sterile-pad, gauze and tape, and we'll see
how much blood there is overnight.
I'm quite happy with the placement and look of it (I just want it to be
larger and have bigger balls, but I can wait until it heals). Much more so
than my PA, which I don't know how happy I was with it, since I stretched it
out so much. The good news is, I can now pee standing up, which is
something I haven't been able to do since I went above 6ga in my PA. The
only bad news is the blood, but we'll see how long that lasts.
A few days later: The blood has been almost non-existent (except for
crusting) after that first removal of the bandage. I soak every morning,
remove the crust, clean with betadine and wash out. Do the same every
evening. I'm soaking it in epson salts at night (after betadine, before
washing) to keep keloiding down (worked before so...).
Waiting for sex isn't a problem, since my SO is out of town for the next
couple of months, which makes this piercing choice good planning.
10C.3 Bead Implants
The author writes: "Due to company restrictions on my account, I am unable
to give you my e-mail address, but will continue to monitor this newsgroup."
A while ago on this news group I saw someone was asking about putting pearls
and such under the skin of the penis. I read about this somewhere several
years ago. This was a time when I had just done some of my own piercings. I
had done a PA along with a Hafada and a Frenum (which didn't "take"), along
with my left nipple. I had enjoyed all of them, not necessarily the doing,
but the having later. I also have two tats. Those I didn't do myself tho.
I decided to try the implants. I had gone thru a knee surgery and had some
excellent pain pills left. I chose to use glass bead from a bead shop
instead of pearls. I went to my local crafts/bead shop and bought some of
the smallest black beads I could find. Actually the two smallest sizes they
had. I know I should have had them autoclaved, but didn't. I boiled them
forever in a microwave. I had heard that the microwaves are good at
disinfection. [This method of "sterilization" is not recognized as adequate.
-ed] I took two of the pain pills and waited 30 minutes for them to take
hold. Then secluded myself in the bathroom. I have to admit, it is rather
strange to cut into yourself. But I managed. I found it rather difficult to
cut the pocket under the skin to hold the beads in. I remembered that I had
some a surgical suture package. Don't ask how I got ahold of that! I found
that one small suture to close the self inflicted wound did the job. I used
the smallest of the two bead sizes. I put two in. One on each side, about an
inch down from the glans ridge. It was an experience that I'm not sure I
want to repeat.
The afterwards part is the best. They healed nicely. In a week and a half or
so had sex for the first time. Wife didn't say anything! Did she not feel
it? In fact she didn't say anything til about another week when she was
stroking me that she asked. She's not sure if she likes them or not. Very
non-committal. Shes like that. I however do enjoy them. I love the feel when
I'm, stroking myself. Plus I feel them when fucking. I never have felt the
need for the larger bead size. These I'm very happy with. And since I had
gotten black ones, the color shows thru the skin. If someone else is going
to do this I would suggest getting a more natural color maybe. This way
someone could say its just a mutation of some sort.
I have since gotten a dydoe piercing. This I had done professionally. Now
that one HURT!
10C.4 Prince Albert with Intact Foreskin
by Sean Corfield
http://uptown.turnpike.net/~scorf
Well, I just got back from Into You, the proud owner of a 10ga 3/4" SSS CBR!
Got to Into You about half an hour late and Mark had taken his 6pm
appointment early, but he was finished by five past so it was my turn (I
didn't recognise him without his bright orange hair -- too attractive for
wasps he said!). I signed the release form, picked a ring (well, no...once I
said I wanted a CBR he produced a 10ga 3/4" and I just looked and said "er,
yeah" :-) Paid up (20 GBP for the pierce, 6.50 GBP for the ring).
Downstairs, I peel off and sit in the "dentist's" chair feeling a little bit
ridiculous but Mark chats away putting me at ease. I'm the third PA in a row
he's done, apparently. Teena, he says, is in Burma and likely to stay there
for a year or so. Then we chat about Dunstable Tattoo Expo. He dons gloves
and marks me up after confirming that I 'hang to the right' -- 'yeah' he
says 'that'll sit nicely in there'. Change of gloves and he lays out the
needle etc -- ulp, it looks awfully big! 'Just relax and get yourself ready'
he says 'you'll just feel a little push' I look away at this point...SHIT!
'OK, just putting the ring in...there, you're done!' I unclench my fingers
from the arms of the chair and look at the ring: WOW! And I only had to
suffer that short, sharp pain for this...yeah!!!!
Mark gets me a glass of water and a sucker and I dress and we chat some
more. I mention that I've still got my long tongue barbell in. 'Want to
change it now? No charge if the old one's not damaged' So he gets a smaller
14ga barbell and swaps it over after some minor trouble getting access to
the lower thread: 'Stick your tongue out straight' Unngh, says me... :-)
Yeah, it feels a lot better like that!
'Any idea what you'll get next?' Dunno... So we discuss some other piercings
and I leave thinking I might get a frenum next... Who said the A-word?
So it's now about 4 hours since the pierce and, apart from some bleeding
when I took a shower, it's fine. No discomfort (just fascination :-) and
I've started the 'glass of warm salt water routine'...now that really is
something to make you feel ridiculous!!
To sum up then: I'd recommend Into You anyway having been there before.
Mark is great - his relaxed chatty manner really helps and he seems to take
care that the piercing is well-placed and you're going to be happy with it.
The PA is so much less painful than I expected -- Mark actually said 'yeah,
the guy comes up to stick a needle in your dick and you're thinking...uh-oh,
do I _really_ want to do this and then...it's over and you _know_ it was the
right decision!' and I'd agree with that. Brilliant! It bled a bit for the
first four or five days and is still a little tender but I'm happy with the
way it's going. My only concern is that I'm uncircumcised and, since it
isn't entirely comfortable to keep the foreskin back all the time, I
generally have it covering the PA during the day and uncovered at night. I'm
soaking it in warm salt water fairly often and it seems to be healing
incredibly quickly!
10C.5 Camilla's Custom Nipple Studs
by Camilla Calberg
<camc@ki.ericsson.se>
<camilla.carlberg@cybergal.com>
Guess what I'm sporting in my nipples... A couple of earstuds mounted in a
somewhat intricate way!
I dont know if some of you remember, but some time ago I wrote to this
newsgroup and asked about special frontal Nipple piercings so that I wold be
able to wear special * Nipple studs *, my own name for them , straight in
from the front of the nipple.
I have a pair of 0.24" gold beads sitting on/through the front surface of my
nipples tips, and they are doing a good job decorating their position. I'm
very pleased with the look :-)
Here are a couple of ascii drawings of how my nipples look:
Top view:
_W_ stud
| |
0| |O barbell
--- ---- areola
I have the "normal" horizontal piercing through my nipples, plus one extra
coming in from the front that connects to the horizontal piercing channel.
This means that I have a T shaped hole inside my nipples. I am wearing a
10ga barbell through thease piercings and they are well healed.
The comments I've received are: encouraging whistlings from the boys [some
of my female friends must have gossiped :-) ] I have allowed some of them to
have a look also and they made big eyes and almost dribbled and said WOW HOW
SEXY!
The girls have looked enviously at me and said Didn't that Hurt very much?
How brave of you! They look very sexy! How pretty your nipples look! They
do look very cute! I must know how you did it, because I also want to wear
such jewllery!
This is how the jewllery are made:
It consists of two parts the regular "ear stud" plus an adaptor that screws
into the horizontal barbell.
For healing and technical reasons the smallest gauge that is recommended to
use is 14g,so that is what we chose. If the piercing is made with a smaller
gauge it doesn't tend to heal too well and would be difficult to find when
changing the jewellery.
The bar coming forward out of the centre of the nipple will be 14g screwed
into the horizontal barbell at one end. the bar itself is a hollow tube for
most of its length (except the threaded bit). The hollow tube is thinner at
the inner end that have the threads, like this:
--------------____
Drilled hole here ----> 0 | This end threaded ~ 1.0 mm
______________----
And of cource there is no abrupt changes in diameter it changes smoothly!
Into the adaptor can be inserted any ear stud from the high street.
This is how he made the piercings:
First of all sterilizing all jewlerry parts in an autoclave. The modified
barbells with threaded holes in the middle, stud holders and the gold bead
studs.
Then I got a good cleaning of my nips. Then we spent a good time measuring
out the center of my nips and trying to get them symmetrically placed. And
finally marking the exit holes. After that I got some mild numbing agent
dabbed on my nipples.
He used a Cannular Needle, this has a plastic sleeve around the needle.
First he removed one ball from the barbell and then withdrew the needle into
the plastic sleeve. Then put the sleeve over the barbell.
Now comes the trick:
Pull/push the sleeve into the very centre of the nipple, (measure
carefully). Hold the Sleeve steady and pull the barbell off the end. Now
the sleve should be exactly alligned with the marking on the nipple tip.
Gently tilt the nipple sideways and Push the needle forward and out of the
centre of the nipple, including the sleeve. This means that the needle
pierces from inside and out.
At this point we had a rest and I was beginning to se how everything would
turn out.
He then removed the needle leaving the sleeve behind. And inserted the stud
holder bar threaded end first into the sleeve pulled the sleeve out and the
bar into the new hole. Next step was to gently loosen the sleeve and insert
the threaded barbell,while holding the stud adaptor. Now he screw the new
bar into the barbell and the reamaing ball on the barbell.
The new stud holding adaptors are made too long by 2/3 mm = 0.026" for a
while until it heals to adapt for swelling and to give something to hold
onto for insertion.
I had a chance to take a good look now and I could see the adaptors sticking
out as little as they should. My nipples looked a bit sore but otherwise
everything looked OK. Finally he swabbed me with a cleaning agent and
popped in the gold bead studs.
My breasts looked absolutely marvellous with thease golden studs sitting in
the nipple tips. By this time my head was spinning and I was bubbling of
Joy! The studs sit a tiny bit in front of the skin during the healing time,
but later on I will have the adaptors shortened so that the jewlerry
settles in my nipple tissue, just slightly pushing the skin down.
My boyfriend was with me during the whole "operation",and that was a relief.
Afterwards he took me to a faboulus restaurant and I felt like I was walking
on clouds.
I had a dull ache for some days after and I could not sleep on my tummy I
had to use a couple of paper towels shaped as doughnuts round the nipples in
order to release them from pressure but now it has disappeared.
The cleaning and care of the piercings is almost as with every other
piercing the only differences are that I can't work as easily from both
sides of the holes. I apply the fluid on my nipples and adaptors and
slightly loosen the adaptor in order to work the fluid in the holes by
rotating the adaptor. I have found that a tiny syringe with a blunt tip is
ideal for rincing from behind. Just put the syringe "tube" in one of the
barbell holes and gently squeeze till the fluid comesquirting out through
the front hole.
And my loved one has bought the promized set of Qubic zirconium studs so I
can hardly wait until the healing weeks till I can try them out. They are a
bit larger than the gold studs and I don't want to screw up anything so I'll
be patient!
I will almost never need to remove the adaptors - I can just switch the
fancy part. I like to change my earrings and nose studs rather frequently,
so I am very glad that I will be able to do so with my nipple studs also.
I will be able to use what ever "Ear-" or in this case "Nipple-stud" I want.
It combines the good parts of ear studs and body jewllery. It's very easy
to switch the fancy part + you get the stimulation from the jewllery and you
are still playing it safe!
My nipples has become a bit more sensitive now than before but not so much
that it bothers me. I had to use a couple of paper towels shaped as
doughnuts round the nipples the first days in order to release them from
pressure. Now I think it's quite nice to get stimulated when the blouse
moves during the daily duties.
10C.6 Double Ring Wedding Ceremony
by Calyxa Omphalos
<calyxa@chucko.com>
http://www.best.com/~calyxa
Three years ago I met Chucko, my husband-to-be, at a Thanksgiving Day party.
His ears perked up at all the right times, especially when I mentioned that
I was thinking of getting my labia pierced. He talked about how he'd planned
to get his nipples done but that the plans fell through.
We fell in lust, and then in love. On our 10th day together, he said
something about getting maching wedding rings. "Wedding?" I asked. He
quickly said, "uh, nipple rings, yeah, that's what I meant!"
Over the years Chucko changed his mind about nipple rings, I guess seeing me
get my labia pierced (twice, but that's another story), and watching me heal
my nipple (took less than a year, but it's still kind of a long time) was
what did it; he'll probably follow up and explain when he sees this post
(hi, dear!).
Then, last year, I proposed, giving him a gold and diamond ring. He said
"Yes" and on October 14th of this year we were married.
Now the fun begins. A wedding present we received was a gift certificate for
Gauntlet! (The givers asked us first if we'd be into that, and I told Chucko
that it was his decision, I'd be up for it if he was.) By this time, he'd
decided that a PA would be just the thing, if it could be gold. I'd planned
on getting my other nipple done, but thought it'd be more appropriate for
this ceremony if I chose something more intimate.
I meditated on my anatomy, having large outer labia and almost no inner
presented what I thought was a problem. I considered the triangle, but
couldn't really do the "pinch test." If I had known abou the q-tip test, I
would have tried that and known that a vertical hood piercing would work out
fine.
We scheduled our appointment for last sunday, November 26th, which was the
three-years-to-the-date anniversary of when we met (though we consider
Thanksgiving to be our primary anniversary). We had a couple friends show up
as witnesses, including my maid of honor (I had her put her 4 ga big hoop
earrings in for the wedding). She took photos of the piercing.
First, I had one of the Gauntlet staff "check me out." I still wasn't sure
about the vertical hood. I went back into one of the booths, dropped my
drawers and sat up on the table. The Gauntlet staff woman took a q-tip and
did something I couldn't see with it (put it under the hood with the
clitoris, hmm, interesting sensation, that...) She said, "no problem" for
the piercing. I went back out front where we were looking at jewelry.
Picking out the jewelry was surprising. Chucko knew he wanted gold, and a
single-bead captive style ring. The first ring he was shown was a 12 ga. I
said, "put a 10 up there for comparison." And that turned out to be the one.
I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, I knew he was a size queen when I
married him.
I chose niobium, 14 ga. There was a wide selection of color. I have a light
green ring in my outer labia, so I didn't want to clash with that. I settled
on a dark blue ring with a lapis bead.
We read the care instructions while waiting, and finally John called us back
to the booth. All five of us crammed in there, John, Chucko, our two
witnesses and myself. John asked, "Who's first?" Chucko said, "I guess I
am."
I should let him write his PA experience. It was his first piercing of any
kind, and it was 10 ga, and it looks beautiful.
Then it was my turn. I got up on the table again, just as I did when being
checked out earlier. John had cleaned up and switched gloves and he prodded
me gently, "to get to know it a little." He wiped me with betadine, then
drew a mark for the entry. I had a mirror and after looking at the mark
said, "Looks scary! Let's do it!" That got laughs and smiles of approval
from all in the room. He put the needle receiving tube in there the q-tip
had gone earlier, which was even more interesting than the q-tip. Then he
cautioned me, "Try not to slam my head between your thighs when I do this".
A few breaths later, the needle was through. I was still breathing, but was
getting dizzy. John put the ring in, but before he got the bead in there, I
had to get horizontal. With my legs above my head, I no longer felt like I
was going to faint or something. Soon the bead was in and we were done!
I can see why some women find the vertical hood piercing "too intense" to
leave in all the time, but I think I'll get used to it pretty quickly. I
plan on trading in the ring for a barbell when it heals.
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 10D--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:28:50 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982328500001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902298349 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/personal-experiences/partD
Last-modified: May 05, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D.1 Inner Labia Piercing
10D.2 Fourchette Piercing
10D.3 Dolphin Piercing
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
DISCLAIMER! The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit
nature. The information contained in the Piercing FAQ should not be
construed as medical advice.
10D PIERCING PERSONAL EXPERIENCES - GENITAL PIERCINGS CONT'D
=============================================================
10D.1 Inner Labia Piercing
by Laura Bryannan
<laura@isp.nwu.edu>
I'd been itching to get a below-the-neck pierce for *ages* and finally
decided to get my inner labia pierced. I have one 10g ring that goes
through both labia, just underneath my clit (you can see a picture of the
type of pierce I got in BME). I decided on this particular pierce for
sexual aid reasons. The underside of my clit is *so* sensitive, any time a
tongue, finger or pubes scrapes along there it borders on pain unless I'm
totally aroused. After twenty years of this I decided to do something about
it!
It seemed to me that my clit hood could be treated just like any other hood,
with the ring essentially "tying" it underneath my clit to prevent access
from underneath. I discussed this theory with my piercer (Bliss, a very
helpful and knowledgeable woman here in Chicago) and she agreed--I had
enough inner labia to hold a ring (not all women do). We spent some time
discussing the placement; I didn't want the ring so close to my clit that it
would rub against it, or so far away to not perform it's purpose.
I had been hoping that the ordeal could be done with one pierce through both
labia at the same time, but Bliss disagreed. She decided that healing would
be facilitated with two pierces and two rings for the initial healing
process. This was a bit of a scare for me, but I demurred to her judgement,
even though I was afraid I'd get through the first pierce and then tell her,
"Forget it!" Bliss took her time making sure everything was just right,
placement-wise, and then we were ready. The clamp went on and I was
instructed to breathe slowly and deeply. The first pierce happened so
quickly I was surprised and amazed how little it hurt--one sharp pain and
then it was over--I didn't even feel the ring going in. The second pierce
hurt a little more (probably because I knew what to expect at that point)
but still no more than my ear cartiledge pierces - definitely not enough to
have waited as long as I did to get it done!
So, there I was with two 10g 1/2" rings in my privates! They bled for a day
or so, and I'll admit I was a bit squicky about them that first night when
they were the most ouchy, but the healing process went much faster than I
could ever have imagined--no pain after two days! Thanks to a tip I read in
rec.arts.bodyart, I was ready for my first cleaning with a small jar that I
filled with warm water and simply held to the area to loosen the crusties
and blood that had accumulated on the rings. This technique worked like a
champ! Bliss recommended using Summer's Eve Feminine Wash as a cleansing
agent as I'm allergic to Betadine-type solutions, and this worked just fine
for me. I washed diligently twice a day and didn't have one problem
infection-wise. I switched myself over from two rings to one sooner than
Bliss preferred--after two weeks--but I had no problems there either, only
pleasure.
The pierce looks great and feels wonderful--I couldn't keep my hands out of
my pants for over a month! It will be a great help for clueless lovers as
it stimulates my entire clitoral area as a unit; I figure it can also serve
as a road sign "Clit this way -->" (above the ring, folks!) If this is a
pierce you're considering, I'd definitely say "Go for it!" You won't regret
it!
1996 update: I've stretched this pierce and now wear an 8g 1/2" ring there.
I've also added a 10g 7/16" horizontal clit hood pierce to the
constellation. Between the two rings, my sex life has been *greatly*
enhanced (yes, I've tried them out in real life at this point!) Not all
women find their orgasmic ability increased this way, but I was one of the
lucky ones, I guess. My lover thinks they're wonderful as well--he loves
how they look and he finds they make even easier to turn me on than it was
before! Again, I say, "Go for it gals!"
10D.2 Fourchette Piercing
by Julie Nicholson
<Joiner@gnn.com>
October 1996
My experience with my fourchette piercing was a little different than most
people's piercing experiences. I had it done at Taurian Body Piercing in
Houston, TX. They are an excellent shop with a good reputation (and my
boyfriend works there). Anyways, I decided to have my piercing done by
Michael Heath, one of the apprentices in his second level of piercings. This
was his first fourchette piercing.
After filling out the appropriate paperwork, I settled down on the piercing
table. I had been pierced quite a few times before (and I'm a piercer) so I
was well aquainted with the routine. Since this was Michael's first
fourchette piercing, and since this piercing is still relativly uncommon,
Byriah (the owner of the shop and senior piercer) asked if I minded if Mike
(my boyfriend and the other apprentice) observed the piercing as well. Of
course I didn't mind, though I thought he might've been a little
uncomfortable watching two other men observe and pierce my genitals.
I removed my pants and underwear and lay prone on the table. Byriah asked me
to put my feet together so that they would have full access to my genitalia.
That was a little uncomfortable for me, as I am not all that flexible, but
it wasn't too bad. After getting into the position I tried to get my mind in
focus, and listen to what was happening at the same time. First, Byriah
spread me open a little bit and gently tugged on the area to be pierced,
showing Michael and Mike exactly where the fourchette is located. He invited
them to feel the area for themselves. ( I didn't mind this, as we are all
professionals and I feel very comfortable with them) When they were touching
the area ( which is, for you who don't know, the bottom lip of the vaginal
opening, pierced out toward the anus) I didn't feel too much of a sensation.
This lessened my fears as I realized that my fourchette itself isn't very
sensative.
Marking took awhile as this area can be tricky and because Byriah was
instructing both Mike and Michael. As the marking process was coming to a
close, I began my breathing. Slow inhales through my nose, and out through
my mouth. I concentrated solely on breathing, becoming almost oblivious to
what the piercers were doing. Marking was finished and they got prepared for
the piercing. Byriah let me know they were going to clamp the area. They
used a very small pair of pennington forcepts. Both Byriah and Michael are
excessivly gentle, but the clamps were very uncomfortable, especially when
Michael was moving the tissue to get the marks lined up. It felt like I was
being bitten by a small animal. Once the clamps were in place, Michael took
over. I had gotten into a very good relaxed cycle of breathing and I
continued this as I heard him letting me know that he was ready. In a few
quick seconds, the piercing was done. I barely felt a thing, the sharpness
of the needle as he got it into position, and then a quick burn as his
guided it through. We had decided to put a 14g barbell in the piercing as I
understood that the area can stretch and I didn't want to start too big.
I felt great! A little rush, butbthat was all. I put my clothes back on and
I couldn't even feel that the piercing was there. I was a little
dissapointed, since I was hoping for a little sensation, but it wasn't sore
or anything, and my clothes didn't seem to effect it at all.
The next morning, as I was showering the worst thing I could think of
happened. I heard a tinkle and saw my bottom ball of the floor of the
shower. I didn't panic, I got out and attempted to screw it back on.
Unfortunatly, Mike had gone to work so I was on my own. If you can try to
imagine screwing the ball on a 14g barbell when it's in a piercing that's
facing your ass, you can see it wasn't easy. It took me close to 45 minutes
to get myself into a position that I had access to the area and could see
enough (with the help of a mirror) to get that sucker screwed back on.
Luckily that was my only mishap with this piercing. With the barbell I found
no problems relating to comfort, as far as intercourse, it doesn't "do"
anything for me, but I haven't had problems with it twisting or getting in
the way. (except for that one time it got hung up somehow with Mike's
ampallang, but that's a different story) I have tried fisting with it in,
and I for one only found that somewhat uncomfortable. Recently, for a change
of pace, I tried wearing a ring in it. I enjoyed the sentsation of the ring
being tugged on, but it was way too bulky for rough sex in any position.
The piercing has stretched on it's own to 10g. I have a girlfriend whose
piercing has stretched so much that the barbell will slip right through. I
think that may be the main difficulty with this piercing. Otherwise, I think
it's a very attractive addition to my genitalia.
10D.3 Dolphin Piercing
by E. George Oeser
<synergy@nc5.infi.net>
02 Feb 1997
A few weeks ago you emailed me requesting an account of getting my dolphin
piercing for the faq, well, here it is.
To start at the begining I got a PA about 2 years ago. All was well with the
PA and I stretched up to 6ga and was pretty happy with it over all. But
about a year ago an idea popped into my head. WHat if a second hole was made
further down the shaft and the 2 holes joined by one piece of jewelry? Well
I posted to r.a.b. about it and found out that it had been done and that it
had a name, dolphin. While I was happy to hear that it had been done before,
I did wonder about the people warning me about the possibilitiy of urinary
tract infections. These warnings however didn't scare me off and I asked my
piercer about doing the pierce. He seemed to have no interest in doing it,
but asked me what I had found out (we went thru the same thing before he did
my lateral ear lobe pierce) we talked about it and he said he would have to
think about it. The idea of this pierce basicly left me for a while, but one
day I decided that it had been too long since I had gotten a new hole and I
called my piercer. He said he was willing to do it and so we set up a time.
I went to the shop a few days later with a freind and a video camera (hey,
if I ever adopt a grandkid) and got ready for the pierce. I had marked the
spot for the piercing earlier (figured it would be good to mark it when
erect) and so the piercer (Ian Bishop at Lone Wolf Bodyart in Nashville) got
everything ready and went to work. The pierce was performed just like a PA
except deeper and went off with out a hitch. We wondered how the jewelry
insertion would go since he had to manuver the 10ga 1/2" ring thru 2 holes,
but it was very simple. The bead was inserted and I was on my way home. When
I got home I found that I had been doing quite a bit of bleeding... a hell
of a lot of bleeding, but this wasn't a complete surprise. I will say that
it did bleed quite a bit more than my PA, but since this pierce went thru
slightly more tissue I wasn't too surprised by this. About 3 days later the
bleeding stopped and all seemed fine, for the moment at least. After about a
wekk I began to get a bit concerned as the pierce was still quite painful,
and after 2 weeks I was getting really worried. I went back to the piercer
and he took a look at the pierce and noticed that the ring was a bit too
wide and seemed to be moving the original PA hole forward, not to mention
that I noticed anytime there was pressure on the ring from my clothing I was
put through some pain that is almost unbelievable. We finnaly got a curved
barbell that would fit the pierce and installed it and from that point there
have been no problems at all. So what is having a dolphin like? in a word,
wonderful. It is like having a PA without any of the problems, no more
problems with urination, and no painful twisting of the ring in my sleep
which I sometimes experienced with the PA, as far as sex goes, it is just as
good if not better, it really feels like there is a lot more metal in my
ureathra although I'm not sure if the actual amount is any greater. The only
problem I can see is that I can no longer hang 3lb weights off my penis to
impress my friends :) All in all, it looks great, it feels great, and I no
longer piss on my feet... I think I like it.
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 11A--Jewelry Manufacturers
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:29:12 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0408982329130001@dynamic0.pm04.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902298376 12905 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/jewelry-manufacturers/partA
Last-modified: August 04, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
11A -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11A.1 Jewelry in All Metals & Materials
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
Where applicable I have provided notes on my experiences of ordering from
individual companies. I have collected catalogs from most of the US
manufacturers and jewelry samples from many. My comments/opinions appear
in [ ].
If you find your company listed and feel that you have been misrepresented by
a review, or if you have corrections to make in the listing, please email me
at <ardvark@best.com>.
Companies listed as distributors only often do not manufacture the jewelry.
Companies listed as wholesale dealers usually require proof of business
(resale certificate, business license).
11A.1 JEWELRY IN ALL METALS
=====================
This may include surgical steel, niobium, titanium, gold, acrylic,
hardwoods, glass/pyrex.
AJ'S JEWELLERY, 143A Oxford St., first floor, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 Australia
02 9360 4823
Jewelry in stainless steel, titanium, gold, silver.
Wholesale / Retail
ADDICTIONS, 14294 Riches Rd. SE, Silverton, Oregon 97381
(503) 588-6688
http://pcisys.net/~wittenmyer/addict.htm
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium, solid 14k gold.
Basic designs in 20 to 4ga; stone and steel beads; internally and externally
threaded designs; barbell/ring combinations, engraved rings, nostril
hooks. Supplies, informational pamphlets and manuals.
Wholesale / Retail
[I received a nostril hook - distinct design; 14ga engraved ring - very
distinct design for healed piercings only; 12ga captive bead ring - good
polish, nicely rounded ends, good bead fit. Both rings are slightly larger
than their specified diameters. 12/01/97]
ANNALA JEWELRY, 310 SW 4th Avenue Suite 407, Portland, Oregon 97204
(503) 241-2791
http://www.knighterrant.com/annala
http://nwwnet.com/nwtattoo/Annala
KAnnala@compuserve.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in 14k yellow gold, paladium white gold, niobium;
platinum by custom order. Captive bead rings with gemstone beads, bead rings,
nostril screws.
ADRENALIN BODY PIERCING, Australia
02 6258 6670, Mobile 041 215 3399
http://www.adrenalin.dynamite.com.au/
visual@dynamite.com.au
Manufacturer of jewelry in titanium, 18k gold, niobium, 316L, platinumm
ebony, acrylic.
ANATOMETAL, INC., Santa Cruz, California
1-888-ANATOMETAL
(408) 454-9880, fax (408) 454-0163
http://www.anatometal.com/
webmaster@anatometal.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in annealed 316L stainless steel, niobium, titanium,
solid 18k gold. Internally threaded designs 16 to 00ga, counter-bored balls.
Captive bead rings with steel beads. Solid gold threaded jewelry with steel
threads to prevent stripping. Stone settings. Piercing supplies, needles.
100% guarantee against defects of workmanship.
Wholesale / Retail
[I have ordered most of my jewelry from Anatometal; quality and service are
excellent. Any returns or problems have been handled expediently.]
ARROW, 112 Malling St., Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2RJ England
Wholesale / Retail
ASGARD INTERNATIONAL, PO Box 69, Southampton, SO16 5AB England
206 Regents Park Rd., Southampton, SO15 8NY England
01703 325059, fax 01703 572539
http://www.tcp.co.uk/~bodyart/
warwick@tcp.co.uk
Manufacturer of jewelry in stainless steel, gold. Piercing supplies.
Wholesale / Retail
ATTITUDES, 1017 S.W. Morrison, Suite 312, Portland, Oregon 97205
1-800-544-1431
fax (503) 242-4267
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, 14k gold.
Externally-threaded. Piercing supplies.
Wholesale
BARBARELLA, Box 311 72, 400 32, Gothenburg, Swden
031 147968, fax 031 147918
http://www.barbarella.se
piercing@barbarella.se
Jewelry in stainless steel, titanium, niobium, acrylic, 18k gold.
Decorative designs, weights for enlarged piercings.
BARBARY PRODUCTS, see MR. CARTER
BEADS AND PIECES, 2 Couldry Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland, New Zealand
Mailing address PO Box 47383, Ponsonby Post, Auckland, New Zealand
tel/fax 649-307-3344
xelisarx@ww.co.nz
Manuacturer of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium. Captive bead
rings with steel bead; not annealed. Externally threaded at one end.
Plugs and eyelets. Swarovski crystal settings.
Wholesale / Retail
BLACKSTAR, 347 King St. East, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3B5 Canada
(613) 549-0951, fax (613) 833-1596
http://infoweb.magi.com/~blckstar/
blackstar@magi.com
Jewelry in 316 stainless steel, niobium.
BODY ADORNMENTS JEWELRY, 4110 Horizon Ln. Unit B, San Luis Obispo,
California 93401
1-800-BDY-JEWL (239-5395), phone/fax (805) 544-8765
Manufacturer of jewelry in annealed 316L stainless steel, 14k gold, niobium.
Steel beads. Decorative chains and charms.
Wholesale mail-order only
[I ordered jewelry and tools from them in 1994; I noticed the ring
diameters tend to run smaller than those of other manufacturers; I
received a few pieces with obvious surface defects, which were
replaced or refunded.]
BODY CREATIONS, 5008 W. Northern Ave., Ste. 7, Glendale, Arizona 85301
(602) 934-9964, fax (602) 934-5310
http://www.banet.com/1body/creations.htm
piercing@dancris.com
Wholesale / Retail
Credit cards
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, 14K gold.
Piercing needles.
BODY DESIGNS, 1319 Elayne Ave., Ste. 1014, Bay Shore, New York 11706
(516) 968-8847
Manufacturer of jewelry in stainless steel, gold, niobium.
Wholesale / Retail
[I was able to view a large selection of their jewelry recently and it
appeared acceptable; most of the pieces were well polished and shaped
with counter-bored steel beads. However they were still offering older
lower quality jewelry and did not offer any explanation when asked about
it. Their portfolio featured photos taken from magazines and a photo of the
owner wearing a ring clipped onto his navel to demonstrate navel piercing
placement. 11/95]
BODY JEWELRY LIMITED, 503 Richmond Ave., St. Pleasant Beach, New Jersey 08742
(908) 295-6621
[I called in response to a magazine advertisement. I spoke to a man who
identified himself as the owner. When I inquired as to the grade of
steel they used, I was told, "That's none of your business. You could
be my competition looking for industry secrets." When I responded that
I was asking as a concerned piercer, I was rudely interrupted, "This
conversation is over." I was denied a catalog. 6/95]
BODYPIERCINGS, Ludwigspassage 7, 63739 Aschaffenburg, Germany
tel 06021 25656, fax 06021 970177
bodyp.aburg@t-online.de
Jewelry in stainless steel, titanium, platinum, 18K yellow gold, niobium,
palladium, silver. Nipple shilds, navel studs, tongue plugs.
Wholesale / Retail
BODY SHOCK, see TATTOOCAN PRODUCTS
BOWERBIRD DESIGNS, 5th Flr, 472 George St, Sydney, NSW, Australia 2000
tel/fax (612) 9267-5471
Manufacturer of jewelry in stainless steel, gold, silver.
BREED 3-1-6, PO Box 316, Hinkley, Leicestershire, LE10 3ZA England
tel/fax 01455 221086
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316 stainless steel, 9k and 18k gold.
Wholesale / Retail
CAPTIVE ELEMENTS, 3615 - 1/2 E. Lake St., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406
(612) 724-7573
http://www.captive-elements.com
chopper@mail.usinternet.com
Owner: Craig Lankki
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium, titanium, gold.
[I received a 12ga niobium tie-dye ring - finish is smooth for
multicolored piece. 12ga barbell internally threaded, 4+ rotations with
pointed end for easier threading. 12ga steel ring hard steel requiring
tools. Both rings have pointed ends; beads have small holes. 1/97]
COLD STEEL INTERNATIONAL LTD., 238 Camden High Street, London NW1 8QS England
(0171) 267 7970, fax (0171) 267 7500
For wholesale info (0171) 267 8284, Fax (0171) 267 7500
http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~c-steel/
c-steel@popmail.dircon.co.uk
Manufacturer and distributor of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, 14k and 18k
gold, acrylic, niobium, stone settings; wood, horn, bone, traditional
bronzes.
Wholesale / Retail
CUSTOM STEEL, PO Box 754844, Dallas, Texas 75275-4844
(214) 696-5855, 1-800-877-5855
PPruitt@customsteel.com
http://customsteel.com
Patrick Pruitt, owner.
Jewelry in annealed 316L and titanium. Internally-threaded from 10ga. Steel
beads standard from 10ga.
Wholesale / Retail
Mention RAB and receive 10% off jewelry.
[Ring sample has a smooth finish. 14ga barbell externally threaded. 7/95]
DAKOTA STEEL, INC., 2827 S Rodeo Gulch Rd, #7, Soquel, California 95073-2069
tel/fax (408) 464-7333, 1-800-995-0595
http://www.dakotasteel.com/
http://gate.cruzio.com/~dakota/Welcome.html
Wholesale only
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316LVM stainless steel; 18 - 10ga.
Piercing supplies, stainless steel tools, needles.
[I have found their needles and tools to be high quality. 8/96]
DIS PATER DESIGN, PO Box 178, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
61 2 94178084
100357.2662@compuserve.com
Owner: Richard Gracia
Jewelry in titanium, 316L and 304 stainless steel, sterling silver, bone;
gold by custom order. Captive bead rings. Externally threaded with
sterling silver balls. Gemstone settings. Pierced nipple finger ring.
DM STEELWERKS, 178b William Street, Northbridge, WA, Australia
tel/fax 08 9328 8683
Manufacturer of jewelry in stainless steel; 18k gold available by request.
Custom work available. Piercing supplies.
Wholesale only.
EROSART BOUTIQUE, Postfach 1132 D-25557 Hanerau-Hademarschen, Germany
tel 49 4872 2038, fax 49 4872 3960
Piercers/Owners: Conny & Reinhard Wilhelm
Jewelry in platinum, 18 kt gold. Barbells internally threaded. Insertion
tapers. Stone captive beads set in metal. Large selection of nipple jewelry.
ETNICO, 53 Swanborough Place, Brighton, Sussex BN2 5PZ England
tel/fax 44 1273 692210
THE EXOTIC BODY, 1219 19th Street, Sacramento, California 95815
Office: 2804 T Street, Sacramento, 95815
1-800-411-OUCH (6824), fax (916) 455-8239
mike@exoticbody.com
http://www.exoticbody.com
Manufacturer and distributor of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium,
gold, exotic hardwood ear plugs, FDA-approved acrylic. Piercing supplies.
Wholesale / Retail
FACIT, Wulf & Ute Coulmann GbR Alphornstr. 41, 68169 Mannheim, Germany
fax 0049 (0)621 321 20 82
http://www.facit-facit.de/
info@facit-facit.de
FETISH DESIGN BODY JEWELRY, PO Box 1316, Evergreen, Colorado 80439
1-888-U-PIERCE (874-3723)
http://www.fetishdesign.com/
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316LVM annealed stainless steel, niobium, lucite,
wood, 14k and 18k gold. Metal certification available. Externally threaded.
Barbell ends with industrial themes.
[I received a 0ga lucite bullet plug - grooves to hold o-rings, very smooth;
14ga Labret stud - externally threaded, 4+ rotations; 14ga and 16ga steel and
niobium rings - nicely rounded ends. All rings have steel beads, are
symmetrical, but slightly larger than their specified diameters, inside
surfaces slightly underpolished. 12/97]
5TH AVENUE STUDIO, INC., 280 West 4800 South, Murray, Utah 84107
1-800-385-3005, (801) 263-0500, fax (801) 265-8402
5thave@5-ave.com
http://www.5-ave.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in annealed 316L stainless steel, niobium, 14k gold,
acrylic. Sterling silver accesories. Steel bead with rings.
Seamless rings with convex/concave ends. Externally threaded 16 - 8ga;
internally threaded 12 - 2ga, both ends. Piercing supplies.
Wholesale / Retail
[I received samples of two steel barbells, one steel Labret, one
niobium barbell, one niobium ring, one steel ring. One steel barbell
internally threaded, 4 rotations; all others externally threaded, all very
well polished. Nb ring and bead highly polished, rounded ends. Steel ring
slightly underpolished on inside surface. 11/96]
F-MAX WORLDWIDE, Unit 2, Fernhill Court, Fernhill, Almondsbury, Bristol,
England BS32 4LX
44 (0) 1454 201200, fax 44 (0) 1454 625303
Manufacturer of jewelry in stainless steel and titanium. Titanium barbell
balls, spikes, ovals, bullets.
[I received a sample steel bar with titanium ends, one ball and one purple
bullet; steel bar underpolished, some pitting visible under magnification;
externally threaded both ends, 4 rotations, tapered threads. 3/98]
FLESH, INC., PO Box 1662, New York, New York 10157-2229
tel/fax 212-681-9790
http://www.andromeda-nyc.com
andromed@tiac.net
Distributor of jewelry from several manufacturers.
FS BODY FINARY, Postfach 600733, 81207 Muenchen, Germany
49 8142 57670, fax 49 8142 45594
http://www.fsbody.at
F.S.BodyFinary@t-online.de
Manufacturer of jewelry in 18k yellow gold, stainless steel, silver.
Custom nipple shields and trainers.
Magazines, videos and photo CD ROM available.
Wholesale / Retail
Catalog DM10 or $5.00, specify German or English
FUTURE PRIMITIVES, PO Box 14102, San Francisco, California 94114
(415) 351-1444
Piercer/Owner: Karen Hurt (formery of Gauntlet)
Manufacturer of jewelry in annealed 316L stainless steel, gold. Gemstone
settings, nostril screws.
Wholesale / Retail
[I have been very happy with the jewelry I have ordered from her, including
several custom Labret ends. 1/96]
GAUNTLET, 2215 Market St., Box 801, San Francisco, California 94114
(415) 252-1404, fax (415) 252-1407
Orders only 1-800-RINGS-2-U (746-4728)
Retail stores in CA / NY / Paris
http://www.gauntlet.com/
Catalog $5 refundable with first order (retail only).
Please include a declaration of 21+ in age.
Jewelry in annealed 316L stainless steel, niobium, titanium, 14k gold.
Sterling silver accessories. Piercing Fans International Quarterly magazine.
Pierce with a Pro videos. Piercing supplies.
Wholesale / Retail
GENERIC JEWELRY, 721 W. Clark #201, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
(313) 485-5150, fax 485-5345
http://laurel.emich.edu/~rizzi/index.htm
rizzi@online.emich.edu
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, titanium.
GOOD ART COMPANY, 1420 4th Street, Santa Monica, California 90401
1-800-GOOD ART (345-7601), (310) 395-4663, fax (310) 393-5818
http://www.goodart.com
josh@goodart.com
Jewelry in niobium, titanium, 316L stainless steel, 14k gold.
Wholesale / Retail
[Their catalog includes a wide selection of jewelry designs, many niobium
colors. I received several niobium rings which were free from defects. One
14ga steel ring, 1/4 or 1/2 hard, with minor polishing imperfections. 5/96]
HELLION HOUSE, 314 N. Craig St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
1-800-899-2749, (412) 683-9888, fax (412) 605-0452
Hellion House has closed 4/98
HTC, 3432 W. Wilshire Dr., Suite 5, Phoenix, Arizona 85009
(602) 278-2149
Retail stores in AZ / CA.
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel. externally threaded 14 - 10ga.
Wholesale / Retail
IMAX INTERNATIONAL, PO Box 240, Via Emilia 41, 47036 Riccione Rn Italy
39 541 642160, fax 39 541 643542
http://www.imaxint.com
imax@rimini.com
Contact Max Grassi
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel, 18k gold. Piercing supplies.
INCUBUS, 657 Fillmore, San Francisco, California 94117
1-800-326-7117
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium.
INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH, 2824 Regatta Blvd., Richmond, California 94804
1-800-339-5725, fax (510) 235-7780
Strength@transbay.net
http://www.isbodyjewelry.com
http://www.uccomputers.com/~strength/
Owner: JD Lorenz
Manufacturer of jewelry in annealed 316L stainless steel, niobium, titanium,
lucite, art glass, pyrex. Internally threaded both ends. Stone, steel beads.
Wholesale / Retail
[I met JD and had a chance to look at a wide selection of his jewelry. He
gave me a few sample pieces of my choice. I found no defects in the jewelry
I examined. Prices are very reasonable; wide selection of materials and
styles. 5/96]
INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION, New York, New York
1-800-522-7722, fax (212) 366-5816
http://www.intcollection.com/
Jewelry in stainless steel, UV acrylic, pyrex. Fake body jewelry, sterling
silver jewelry.
Wholesale only
JASON TODD DESIGNS JEWELRY / BIG JOE & SONS TATTOOING,
PO Box 1374, 27 Mt. Vernon Ave., Mt. Vernon, New York 10550
(914) 668-2300, fax (914) 668-5200
http://www.bestweb.net/~twt/bigjoe/
Manufacturer of jewelry in stainless steel, niobium. Gemstone or
"silver-toned" or "gold-toned" bead.
[I was not able to get any more specifics about their jewelry when I called.
No jewelry samples available. 6/95]
JC JEWELRY, 8007 Archibald Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730
1-800-584-9626
http://www.jcjewelry.com/
jewelry@jcjewelry.com
Jewelry in 316L, 14k gold, niobium, titanium, lucite, silver. Variety of
beads, gold and silver charms. Threading depends on design and gauge; all
curved barbells externally threaded.
Piercing supplies, publications, needles, autoclaves.
Retail
JEWELRY 88
888-888-1183
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Jewelry88/enter.html
ursula88@sprynet.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L, niobium, acrylic.
Wholesale only
JOEL'S HOLES BODY JEWELRY, PO Box 380271, Duncanville, Texas 75138-0271
(972) 237-1895
http://www.altinet.net/~iancat/
iancat@altinet.net
Distributor of jewelry in stainless steel, nionium, 14k gold.
Wholesale / Retail
LEATHER TIGER, 1411 7th Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33602
(813) 248-8814, (813) 831-6482
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium, 14k gold.
Catalog $3
[I have found both quality and service to be less than satisfactory. 9/94]
LITTLE SEVEN, 4803 Springhill Road, Petaluma, California 94952
(415) 665-6047, voice mail (415) 675-9993
Manufacturer of rings in 316LVM stainless steel. 18 - 00ga. Septum spikes,
tapered talons, eyelets. Plugs, spikes in wood, stone, ebony, bone, glass.
[I have seen a large selection of their jewelry and have purchased several
pieces. All pieces are highly polished. Spikes have consistent tapers.
Rings have very round ends, stone beads. 8/98]
LUCCI'S OF NEW YORK, LTD., PO Box 65, East Meadow, New York 11554
LUCKY BODY JEWELRY, 880 Harrison Street #302, San Francisco, California 4117
1-800-92-LUCKY (58259), (415) 777-9277
Owner: Peter Kruse
Jewelry in annealed 316L surgical steel, niobium. Flat-tipped rings. I
Internally threaded.
Wholesale only
[The steel ring samples were free of surface defects; the 12ga flat-tipped
ring is not consistently 12ga (wire round); the coloring of the 12ga nb
ring has a few spots. 6/95]
M & J ALLCHORN, 93A Cavendish Place, Eastborne, East Sussex BN21 3TZ England
44 (0)1323 732463, fax 44 (0)1323 732431
Jewelry in stainless steel, titanium, gold, silver. Stone settings.
MARK STEEL JEWELRY, 35 North Main St., Spring City, Utah 84662
800-765-4667, (801) 462-3533, fax (801) 462-2629
http://www.marksteel.com/
webmaster@marksteel.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L steel, niobium, 14K gold-filled, solid 14K.
20 - 10ga.
Wholesale / Retail
MDM ENTERPRISES, 15755 Millbrook Dr., Phillipsburg, Missouri 65722
1-800-290-6300, (417) 588-5649
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium. 8 - 10ga. Externally threaded
designs. Piercing supplies.
Wholesale
METAL MORPHOSIS, Unit 4 Peterly Business Centre, 472, Hackney Rd.,
London E2 9EQ, England
0171 729 9101, fax 0171 729 9404
http://www.metalmorphosis.co.uk/metal.morphosis
http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/town/estate/gx18
metal.morphosis@dial.pipex.com
Jewelry in stainless steel, niobium, titanium, gold, silver, acrylic.
Decorative designs, nipple shields, stone settings. Externally or internally
threaded depending on gauge and metal. Piercing supplies.
Wholesale / Retail
MODERN BODY IMAGE, 1146 Harvest Hill, Lancaster, Texas 75146
(972) 283-3222
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium, 18 - 00ga; 14k gold, 18 - 12ga.
Some piercing supplies.
MR. CARTER / BARBARY PRODUCTS, PO Box 104, Stroud, Glos. GL6 OYJ England
tel/fax 1453 834426
Manufacturer of jewelry in gold, silver. PTFE plastic barbells.
MR. GOODBAR'S, Iowa
(515) 421-1150
GOODBAR@netins.net
Contact Sid Bishop
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium, titanium, acrylic. Silver
accessories.
[I received samples of one ss 12ga barbell and one 14ga blue nb ring,
and mill certificate for 316L. Barbell internally threaded at both
ends with counter boreds balls; surface is uneven, threads show
through, one scratch. Nb ring is 1/2 hard, rough surface, one
spot defect in coloring, ends could be better rounded. 11/96]
NAAR DE PUNT, Torenmolen #20, 1035 AV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
001 31 20 631 1033
Jewelry, tools, supplies, piercing needles.
NEOMETAL, 5100-1B Clayton Rd., Suite 291, Concord, California 94521
(510) 672-2535, fax (510) 672-2535
neometal@pacbell.net
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, titanium. Internally
threaded designs 14-10ga. Threadless barbells and Labret studs 18-14ga.
Nostril screws.
Wholesale only
NOL CORPORATION CO.,LTD., 4F, 2-8-1, Fuda, Chofu-City, Tokyo 182-0024 Japan
81 424 85 5565 3100, fax 81 424 85 1702 1708
nolcorp@annie.co.jp
Manufacturer and distributor of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium,
titanium, acrylic, glass, organic materials. Piercing supplies.
Retail / Wholesale
P.A.U.K., 153, Tomkinson Rd, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 8DP England
Jewelry in 9k gold with 18k gilding, stainless steel,sterling silver.
Plastic barbells. Publisher of Piercing World magazine.
P - BODY9S PARTS, 1836 Mandolin Way, Holiday, Florida 34690
(813) 715-1234
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium. Threading dependent on gauge.
Retail / Wholesale
[The 16 and 14ga ring samples were unevenly polished and very hard; pliers
required to remove malachite bead from the 16ga 5/16" ring. Screw-on needle
tip did not fit the barbell it was intended for; the bevel was marred,
apparently during the threading process making it unfit for use. I was
assured the curved barbell I ordered would be internally threaded; instead I
was sent an externally threaded barbell. 7/95]
PEGASUS, Andy Brown, PO Box 316, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 2QP England
01284 725 937
Wholesale / Retail
PENUMBRA, 6149 Jack London Circle, Sacramento, California 95842
(916) 344-0801, fax (916) 349-9467
Jewelry in 316L and LVM steel, niobium, solid 14k gold.
PIERCED OUT, PO Box 110611, Campbell, California 95110-0611
(408) 369-9614, fax (408) 369-1797
http://piercedout.home.mindspring.com/
piercedout@mindspring.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316LVM stainless steel, niobium, titanium. Acrylic
threaded balls. Piercing supplies.
PLEASURABLE PIERCINGS, INC., 417 Lafayette Ave., Hawthorne, New Jersey 07506
1-800-PPI-6086 (774-6086), (201) 238-0305, fax (201) 238-9564
http://www.pleasurable.com
Piercing69@aol.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in annealed and 1/2 hard 316L stainless steel,
niobium, 14k gold, lucite. Internally threaded designs 14ga and larger.
Piercing supplies.
Wholesale / Retail
PRIMITIVE URGE, Lot 10, Aherns Rd., 16 Maleny, Queensland 4552, Australia
07 549 44737
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, titanium, niobium, lucite,
18k gold.
Wholesale
PW MULTITEK SERVICES, 4 Victor Rd., London, NW10 5XD England
0181 960 5759
Jewelry in stainless steel.
PYEWACKET, Breisacher Strasse 4, 81667 M|nchen, Germany
089 6887342, fax 089 6886717
http://www.city-index.de/pyewacket/home.htm
Jewelry in gold, silver, platinum, palladium, niobium. Unusual barbell
designs, nipple shields.
RINGS AND THINGS, INC., PO Box 229, Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950
(973) 326-1840, fax (973) 326-18417
http://www.ringsandthings.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium, 14k gold, plastic,
gold plated.
Wholesale / Retail
[14ga barbell and 14ga Labret stud externally threaded, very good polish,
~3 rotations. All rings are round, but slightly smaller than the diameters
specified; pointed ends to fit beads. 14ga steel ring very hard, round,
slightly underpolished on inside, steel bead. 16ga and 18ga steel rings
annealed, hematite beads. 14ga niobium ring pliable, slight warp. 1/98
I have since found out that their rings are measured by wire center. 2/98]
JARED SANDERS, P. O. Box 537, Castlefield, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 3QL
England
Jewelry in stainless steel, silver and gold.
7/97 May no longer be in business.
SHELINA, Old Church Road, Chingford, London E4 5SJ England
0181 524 2948
http://www.shelina.co.uk/
piercing@shelina.co.uk
Manufacturers of jewelry in 18k gold, stainless steel. Navel barbells, labret
studs with set stones, designs such as dolphins and flowers.
Wholesale / Retail
SHINYNINE, California
1-800-697-4157, (707) 585-8597, fax (707) 585-8596
kfw@shinynine.com
http://www.shinynine.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in annealed and 1/2 hard 316L stainless steel,
niobium.
SIN-A-MATIC INTERNATIONAL, Postbus 15129, 1001 MC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
31 (0)20 423 3190, fax 31 (0)20 423 3287
http://www.sin-a-matic.com
mail@sin-a-matic.demon.nl
Jewelry in 316LVM stainless steel, titanium, acylic, PTFE, 18k gold,
sterling silver navel accessories, wood, t-shirts, videos.
Wholesale / Retail
SKIN & BONES, 3603 Parry Ave., Dallas, Texas 75226
(214)826-6647
s.maples@ix.netcom.com
Wholesale / Retail
SKIN TECH'S BY MS-KNIVES, Eichstrasse 11, 76872 Minfeld, Germany
497275 2476, fax 497275 913543
http://www.skintech.de
info@skintech.de
Manufacturer of jewelry in titanium, 316L stainless steel, gold, acrylic.
Wholesale / Retail
SM316, PO Box 2059, Santa Monica, California 90406
(310) 827-0316, 1-800-613-0316, fax (310) 827-9731
SM316@ix.netcom.com
Manufacturer of rings in annealed 316LVM stainless steel, titanium.
Beads in steel, titanium, stone bored to fit gauge. Ends of large
gauge rings are angled for easy bead removal.
Wholesale only
[I have been ordering jewelry from SM316 for several years and have received
very few defective pieces. 8/98]
STAINLESS SOUL BODY DESIGN, 6-279 Blake Blvd., Vanier, Ontario K1L 6L6, Canada
(613) 741 6470
http://www.comnet.ca/~stainlesssoul/intro.html
stainlesssoul@comnet.ca
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium, titanium.
STAINLESS STUDIOS, 609 Queen St. W., Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2B7 Canada
(416) 504-1433, 1-800-548-7615
bodyart@io.org
http://www.stainless-studios.com/
Jewelry in 316LVM, niobium, titanium, gold, nylon, teflon, acrylic,
exotic woods. Labret and tongue piercing retainers, surface piercing jewelry,
nipple stretchers, spikes. Piercing supplies.
Wholesale / Retail
STEAL BODY JEWELRY, 4837 Voltaire St., San Diego, California 92107
1-800-97-STEAL, (619) 224-HOLE (4653)
Rings in 316L stainless steel. Rings in standard and unusual shapes.
Jewelry in lucite, acrylic, hardwoods. Tribal septum jewelry.
STREAMLINE SILVER / SCREAM BODY JEWELRY, 9410 Prototype Dr., Ste. A-11, Reno,
Nevada 89511
1-800-548-1262, (702) 851-2215
sstream@aol.com
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium. Captive bead with rotating
pendents. Externally threaded. 20 - 10ga.
Wholesale only
TATTOOCAN PRODUCTS, Toronto, Ontario
1-888-485-6111 North America
tattoocan.com/jewell.html
info@tattoocan.com
Manufacturer and distributor of jewelry in stainless steel, titanium.
Annealing available for large orders. Externally threaded one end, internally
threaded by sustom order.
UK Distributor: BODY SHOCK, 6A Spencer Street Hockley Birmingham B186DD
44 (0) 121 233 3533, fax 44 (0) 121 233 3379, bodyshock@compuserve.com
North American Distributor: 946 Queen St. E., Toronto Canada M4M 1J7
(416) 778-4552, fax (416) 603-3622, bshock@tattoocan.com
German Distributor: 23/25 Methsesselftr, 10965 Berlin, Germany
tattoo.weber@berlin.snafu.de
Piercing supplies.
Wholesale / Retail
TECHNOTRIBE / SHOFNER STUDIOS INC., PO Box 928, Orlando, Florida 32802
1-800-675-9445, (407) 649-8200, fax (407) 839-4704
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium, 14k gold. Externally threaded.
Decorative gold and silver beads (angel, gargoyle head, devil, padlock).
[I received several samples. All niobium jewelry has rough areas, or
scratches, tool marks. Steel rings very hard requiring tools to manipulate,
slightly warped, underpolished along inside surface. Stone beads are not
bored to fit gauge and are not secure. Steel barbells underpolished.
Steel curved barbells have no polishing defects.
PierceSafe piercing kit, advertised as containing all supplies needed to
perform a piercing except needle and tools. This kit is comprised of only
one pair of gloves, only one pad each of povidone iodine and alcohol, two
small gauze pads, three cotton swabs, one cork, plastic tray. This small
kit makes no allowances for changing gloves to avoid cross-contamination
or for adequate disinfection of the area to be pierced. 11/96]
UNIVERSAL CUSTOM BODY JEWELRY INTERNATIONAL, 421 Catherine, Ottawa, K1R 5T7
Canada
(613) 238-7393
WILDCAT COLLECTION, 16 Preston Street, Brighton, BN1 2HN England
1273 323758, fax 1273 278 103
wildcat@mistral.co.uk
Distributed in the United States by TOMBSTONE BODYWORKS, 405 Main Street,
Daytona Beach, Florida 32118
(904) 252-1498, (904) 255-3022, fax (904) 252-7141
tombstoned@juno.com
Jewelry in 316 stainless steel, niobium, gold, UV acrylic.
Videos, piercing supplies.
Wholesale / Retail
--
Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
*
"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
From: ardvark@best.com (Anne Greenblatt)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.bodyart,news.answers,rec.answers
Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 11B--Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
Followup-To: rec.arts.bodyart
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 03:10:06 -0700
Organization: Planet Platypussy
Expires: Mon, 07 September 1998 07:00:00 GMT
Message-ID: <ardvark-0508980310060001@dynamic3.pm01.san-mateo.best.com>
X-Trace: 902311633 17983 (none) 206.86.0.12
X-Newsreader: MT-NewsWatcher 2.4.4
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/jewelry-manufacturers/partB
Last-modified: August 05, 1998
Posting-frequency: Monthly
URL: http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-bng/rec.arts.bodyart.html
Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing. Anyone
interested in the subject and/or who wishes to read/post to
rec.arts.bodyart should read the Piercing FAQ first.
The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is divided into 28 parts:
1--Introduction
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Facial Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Body Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2E--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing
4A--Professional Organizations, Piercing Instruction
4B--Professional Piercers - United States - Alabama - California
4C--Professional Piercers - United States - Colorado - Iowa
4D--Professional Piercers - United States - Kansas - Nevada
4E--Professional Piercers - United States - New Hampshire - North Dakota
4F--Professional Piercers - United States - Ohio - Pennsylvania
4G--Professional Piercers - United States - Rhode Island - Wyoming
4H--Professional Piercers - Canada
4I--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America
4J--Professional Piercers - Beyond N. America Cont'd
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--The Healing Process & Healing Problems
7--Healed Piercings
8--Historical Information
9--Resource List
10A--Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
10D--Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd
11A--Jewelry Manufacturers
11B--Jewelry Manufacturers Cont'd
This section includes:
11B -- Jewelry Manufacturers
11B.1 Jewelry in 316L/LVM Steel Only
11B.2 Jewelry in Other Steel Grades
11B.3 Jewelry in Niobium / Titanium Only
11B.4 Jewelry in Gold / Platinum Only
11B.5 Jewelry in Acrylic Only
11B.6 Jewelry in Glass Only
11B.7 Piercing Accessories for Healed Piercings
11B.8 Piercing Supplies / Needles
11B.9 Niobium and 316L Steel Suppliers
11B.10 Medical Suppliers / Sterilization Services
11B.11 Insurance Brokers
All texts written and (c) 1998 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and
dissemination of the FAQ.
Where applicable I have provided notes on my experiences of ordering from
individual companies. I have collected catalogs from most of the US
manufacturers and jewelry samples from many. My comments/opinions appear
in [ ].
If you find your company listed and feel that you have been misrepresented by
a review, or if you have corrections to make in the listing, please email me
at <ardvark@best.com>.
Companies listed as distributors only often do not manufacture the jewelry.
Companies listed as wholesale dealers usually require proof of business
(resale certificate, business license).
11B.1 JEWELRY IN 316L/LVM STEEL ONLY
==============================
BLACK DOG, PO Box 388, Barstow, CA 92312
(760) 253-5003
http://www.bodyrings.com/
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel
BODY CIRCLE DESIGNS, PO Box 68249, Seattle, Washington 98168
1-800-244-8430, (206) 244-8430, Fax (206) 244-3478
bcd@bcd.seanet.com
http://www.bodycircle.com/
Wholesale / Retail
full color catalog
COD Check, MO / credit card
Manufacturer of distictive 316L surgical steel flat-tipped captive
gemstone bead rings, tapered rings, captive tube rings, D-rings;
internally threaded straight, curved, circular barbells with hematite
balls, septum spikes and tusks, nipple shields; "Ball and Socket" rings
in larger gauges (solid bead, concave ring ends).
BCD uses 1/4 hard steel (partially annealed) for their rings which
require tools to manipulate.
Piercing tools all-steel pliers, narrow forceps, tapers.
[I have ordered a few barbells and spikes and have found the workmanship
to be excellent. I have also be very pleased with their line of forceps
(rounded edges, smooth grips not deep serations to hold skin) and pliers
made of stainless steel to withstand frequent autoclaving. 5/96]
BODY RITUALS, 1038 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84105
1-888-263-9748, fax 1-888-328-8575
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L stainless steel. Basic designs, 18 - 10ga.
Tools, supplies.
BODY STYLE COLLECTION, PO Box 119, P021 5YU, England
+044 (0)1243 587880, fax +044 (0)1243 587880
http://kestrel.arunet.co.uk/bodystyle/
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L tainless steel. Rings, screw in ball rings,
circular barbells, circular taper rings.
BRAVO, P.O. Box 76919, Tampa, Florida 33675-1919
(813) 621-4470, fax (813) 621-2446
http://home1.gte.net/mrbravo/index.htm
8/98 Bravo has closed; Bravo's designs are now being manufactured by
K&K Jewelry
DAS NOB, PO Box 391, Azusa, California 91702
Jewelry in stainless steel (grade unspecified).
Does not use Brown and Sharpe Gauges.
ELITE EXOTIC BODY JEWELRY, INC., a division of SILVER ANCHOR, 20705 US 301,
Dade City, Florida 33525-6665
(352) 583-4547
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel jewelry.
Quantity wholesale only
HARM CITY, 416 York Rd., 2nd floor, Towson, Maryland 21204
1-800-4-MY-RING (469-7464)
Jewelry in 316L; captive bed rings, internally threaded jewelry; fancy
threaded ends, screws, bolts, spikes, discs.
INCREDIBLE BODY JEWELLERY, PO Box 334, Caboolture, Queensland, Australia 4510
074 983 983, mobile 018 888 248
Jewelry in stainless steel.
Retail
Catalogue $3 Australian refundable with first order
K&K JEWELRY, PO Box 6680, Seffner, Florida 33584
(813) 620-0213, fax (813) 664-1577
Manufacturer of jewelry in 316L stainless steel (not annealed).
Internally threaded 12ga and larger; threaded at one end.
Weights, eyelets, plugs, Prince's Wands.
QUINTESSENTIAL TRANSFIGURATIONS, 116 10th St NW, Calgary, T2N 1V3 Canada
(403) 270-7550
fax (403) 283-2505
http://www.fusionweb.com/fusgrid/quinns/quinns.html
REVOLUTION BODY JEWELRY, 1770 36th St., Unit B, Sacramento, California 95816
(916) 457-4282, fax (916) 457-7074
http://www.captivebead.com
Manufacturer of 316LVM steel captive bead rings 18-2ga with steel beads.
Wholesale Only
[The 14ga samples I received are excellent - soft and flexible, round ends,
high-quality finish. I recently ordered rings in 14 - 6ga with no
complaints; the quality is consistent. Highly recommended! 6/96]
SILVER ANCHOR INC., PO Box 1097, Lacoochee, FL 33537-1097
1-800-848-7464 or 1-800-TIT-RING
fax (352) 583-3191
http://www.silveranchor.com/
titring@silveranchor.com
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel; rings are hardened.
Wholesale / Retail
Catalog $4.00
SILVERSTEEL, 66 St. Johns St., Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1SJ England
Tel / fax 01284 765556
http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/tattoo.art/silver.htm
http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/square/fj06/silver.htm
silversteel@dial.pipex.com
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel; captive rings not annealed unless
specified;
threaded jewelry <2.4mm externally, >3.0mm internally threaded.
Wholesale / Retail
STIGMATA DESIGNS, VMPO Box 4692, Vancouver, BC V6B 4A1 Canada
1-888-STIGMATA, (604) 685-8922
http://www.radiant.net/~stigmata
stigmata@radiant.net
Contact Neil and Stephen.
Jewelry in 316L and LVM stainless steel; custom designs a speciality.
Wholesale / Retail
Catalogs for 1996 now Available FREE, send SASE.
[I received a large selection of jewelry samples - small 14ga oval rings,
triangle rings, septum spike and 8ga curl, 10ga barbell, captive bar "D"
ring. Only one ring had a tiny scratch.10ga bb one ball machine-locked,
very long internal threads which come to a point, counter bored ball.
The ends of the rings are consistently rounded and well-shaped, steel
beads standard with rings. I ordered a custom 10ga teardrop ring of
very challenging small dimensions, perfectly executed. 3/96]
UN/FRKN/BLVBL BODY JEWELRY
(912)927-4726
mech666@premierweb.net
http://www.premierweb.net/users/mech666/
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel.
11B.2 JEWELRY IN OTHER STEEL GRADES
=============================
LION'S MARK INDUSTRIES, PO Box 1753, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 339-8839
Jewelry in 304LV stainless steel; internally threaded 12 and 10ga barbells.
304LV is harder and less flexible than 316L or LV, which some piercers may
find disagreeable.
[The sample 14ga 5/8" "tension ring" with tapered ends is very hard and
inflexible, requiring pliers to manipulate; nice finish. 12/95]
11B.3 JEWELRY IN NIOBIUM / TITANIUM ONLY
==================================
ARTIFACT LTD., P.O. Box 8044, Dunedin, New Zealand
Ph/Fax 64 3 4679299
http://www.artifact.co.nz/artifact/
sales@artifact.co.nz
Manufacturer of jewelry in titanium.
CIJN DESIGN, Box 4488, 27 Fleet St., Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1BB England
Jewelry in titanium, niobium.
Wholesale / Retail
HARD LINE IMAGES, Portland, Oregon
(503) 226-8940
Manufacturer of titanium jewelry.
RHODES PIERCING AND TATTOO, 8200 15th Ave N/E, Seattle, Washington 98115
Voice-mail 206-523-8727
Large gauge titanium, niobium barbell sleeves for stretching without
replacing barbell.
SINE QUA NON, Albuquerque, New Mexico
(505) 243-5560, fax (505) 243-5572
Eerin@worldnet.att.net
Manufacturer of niobium rings, featuring striped niobium in any combination
of colors and "tie-dye" niobium rings.
Sine Qua Non will be accepting new clients in 1998.
[The coloring and patterns are excellent and most unusual. I have ordered
several styles and color combinations and have been satisfied with the
results.]
SPECTORE CORP., 637 South NW 12th Avenue, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442
(954) 481-8422, fax (954) 421-2391
http://www.spectore.com/
info@spectore.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in titanium; 18, 14, 10ga rings; 14 threaded jewelry.
11B.4 JEWELRY IN GOLD / PLATINUM ONLY
===============================
ANNALA JEWELRY, 310 SW 4th Avenue Suite 407, Portland, Oregon 97204
(503) 241-2791
http://www.knighterrant.com/annala
http://nwwnet.com/nwtattoo/Annala
KAnnala@compuserve.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in 14k yellow gold, paladium white gold, niobium,
platinum by custom order.
Captive bead rings with gemstone beads, bead rings, nostril screws.
BAD BELLIES, 2338 Immokalee Rd., Suite 281, Naples, Florida 33942
(941) 435-6057, fax (941) 594-7880
http://www.Badbellies.com/badbellies/
bbellys@aol.com
Jewelry in 14K yellow or white gold, platinum; bezelset stones.
BODY JEWELRY BY DIRK, Dirk Echols, 3234 16th Street, San Francisco,
California 94103
(415) 708-6236, fax (415) 621-0553
Manufacturer of jewelry in 14k and 18k gold, platinum, sterling silver.
Nostril screws, fishtail labrets, weights, ear nails and spikes.
CLIFFORD MFG. CO., 64 North Broadway, Salem, New Hampshire 03079
1-888-425-GOLD (4653)
Rings, decorative beads and charms in 10k, 14k, 18k gold and sterling silver;
20 - 14ga.
CREATIVE ART COLLECTION, Postbox 1317, L-1013 Luxembourg
352-759244, fax 352-759352
http://www.creativeartcollection.com
Basic jewelry designs, intricate gold jewelry, nipple shields, and a
video collection.
Full-color catalog DM 30.- / overseas US $30
FREIZEEITVEREIN PRIAPOS, Lehrbachgasse 4/1, A-1120 Wien, Vienna, Austria
43 1 8124716
Manufacturer of jewery in gold and platinum; non-piercing nipple jewelry.
RAELYN GALLINA, Box 20034, Oakland, California 94620
(510) 655-2855
Manufacturer of 18k gold bead rings and captive bead rings, nostril screws,
Ourobouros (snake eating tail) rings, charms.
$2 and legal-size SASE for catalog.
GOLDEN BODY RINGS, 1525 Summit Ave., Seattle, Washington 98122
1-800-613-2896, (206) 329-5284
gldnring@hlc.com
Manufacturer of body jewelry in yellow, white and rose 14 and 18k gold and
palladium.
IMPALED BY SHINY THINGS, 333, terrasse St-Denis Montreal, Quebec, H2X 1E7
http://www.inforoute.net/users/impaled/
Impaled@inforoute.net
Manufacturer of nipple piercing adornments and custom designs in stainless
steel, sterling, 14 & 18k gold, and platinum; shields, swords, "male" and
"female" symbol jewelry.
JEWELRY TO AMUSE YOU, THE JEWEL BOX, Box 247, 1217 Washington Avenue,
San Leandro, California 94577
(510) 202-0013
Manufacturer of jewelry in 14k gold and sterling silver. Threaded stone ends,
nostril screws; stars, Playboy bunnies, mudflap girls, dice.
JS SCHMUCKDESIGN, Jvrg Scheffel, K. Scheffel Versand, Karl-Janssenstr.4,
66333 Vvlklingen, Germany
Tel/fax 06898/22956
http://members.aol.com/jscheffel/index.htm
JScheffel@aol.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in gold; rings, labrets, curved barbells, fancy
curved barbell designs for navels, set stones.
KATE, Custom Gold Body Jewelry, Canada
(514) 284-0868
NOTANKHAMUN, 3104 O Street #241, Sacramento, California 95816
(916) 563-5738, fax (916) 630-9491
http://www.midtown.net/~gv/notankhamun
Manufacturer of jewelry in solid 14k gold. Captive bead rings (with one each
14k hollow bead and onyx bead), seamless rings (flat ends).
Wholesale only
[I received a 14ga captive bead ring - nicely rounded ends, symmetrical, one
very small superficial scratch, slightly underpolished along inside surface;
thick walled hollow bead with good fit, onyx bead counterbored to fit. 12/97
After discussion with the owner I returned the sample for repolishing and it
was returned with a flawless finish. 02/98]
ONYX, 7218 Owen's Mouth Ave., Suite 435, Canoga Park, California 91303
(818) 999-0599, fax (818) 999-0599
Manufacturer of jewelry in 14k and 18k gold. Rings, barbells, labrets, curved
barbells with unique gem settings; hand-painted enamel butterflies.
Custom orders welcome.
GARY RICHMOND, Custom Jewelry, Oregon
(503) 283-9571
SHELINA, Old Church Road, Chingford, London, E4 5SJ England
0181 524 2948
http://www.shelina.co.uk/
piercing@shelina.co.uk
sales@shelina.co.uk
Manufacturers of 18k gold and steel jewelry including fancy curved barbell
designs for navels, labrets, barbells, set stones. Color catalog available.
TONGUE TREASURES, 1020 River Road, Windham, Maine 04062
(207) 892-5354
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Underground/1673/index.html
Manufacturer of gold and silver cast skull and scorpion barbell ends;
externally threaded at ball end.
Wholesale / Retail
TOUCAN PRODUCTIONS, 13 Sugarloaf Road, Summerland Key, Florida 33042
(305) 744-0133, fax (305) 744-0228, 1-800-858-1256
http://www.toucan.qpg.com/
http://www.toucanproductions.com
Toejangles@aol.com
Charles Atmore, owner and jeweler.
Manufacturer of jewelrty in in 14k and 18k yellow and white gold. Rings,
nostril screws, internally threaded decorative navel barbells, stone
settings.
Wholesale / Retail
[Every piece of jewelry I have ordered, including a custom Story of 'O'
ring, have been of excellent quality.]
WA CREATIONS, 501 N 36th St, Ste 291, Seattle, Washington 98103
(206) 632-5791
Jewelry in 18k yellow and white gold; custom work available and encouraged.
11B.5 JEWELRY IN ACRYLIC ONLY
=======================
CUSTOM ACRYLIC, 2217 Pemberton, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146
(215) 732-6792
Amy from MANTIS, with her own company.
Manufacturer of an extensive selection of high-quality acrylic
jewelry, including barbells and circular barbells.
GALLEON, 12517 Mustang Drive, Poway, California 92064
(760) 432-8502, fax (619) 748-6223
DGalleon@aol.com
Manufacturer of captive bead rings; threaded jewelry 11-00ga; solid plugs;
translucent and flourescent colors.
Wholesale only
[I received several samples. Consistently smooth polish; secure fit
between ring and bead, ends bevelled to reduce how far the ring must be
opened to remove bead; internally threaded jewelry threaded at both ends
with rounded ends, 8 rotations; plugs have grooves to fit o-rings. 3/98]
INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION, New York, New York
1-800-522-7722, fax (212) 366-5816
http://www.intcollection.com/
UV light jewelry.
Wholesale only
MANTIS, 831 N. Second St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123
(215) 574-8809
Manufacturer of an extensive selection of high-quality acrylic jewelry.
PRIMAL, PO Box 545, Fogelsville, Pennsylvania 18051-0545
(610) 398-4971
primalacrylics@hotmail.com
11B.6 JEWELRY IN GLASS ONLY
=====================
CHAOTIC ENTERPRISES, Millennium, 718 E. Speedway Blvd #117, Tucson,
Arizona 85719
1-800-378-7369, (520) 990-5444
http://www.tribalglass.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in clear and colored pyrex.
CLEAR IMAGE STUDIO INC., Melbourne, Florida
1-800-752-3696, fax (407) 728-9994
http://www.schmidtfamily.com/hays/clear.htm
jhays@iu.net
Manufacturer of plugs and bullets in clear and colored pyrex.
11B.7 PIERCING ACCESSORIES FOR HEALED PIERCINGS
=========================================
ACCESSORIES TO THE CRIME, 8424A Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 131, West Hollywood,
California 90069
(310) 967-4171
Over a dozen designs of sterling silver nipple shields; also available
in platinum and karat gold.
ALCHEMY CARTA JEWELRY, Gothica Studios, 1020 N. Duluth Ave., Sioux Falls,
South Dakota 57104
phone/fax (605) 338-2651
http://gothica.business-direct.com/goth2.htm
Shadewescompany@on-ramp.com
Cast sterling silver captive beads in Gothic themes.
ALCHEMY GOTHIC METALWEAR, Kensington Market, Kensington High Street, London
http://www.netlink.co.uk/users/blakrose/Alchemy/index.html
Sterling silver cast captive beads with Gothic themes.
BODY CHARMS BY KRIS, PO Box 1359, Toms River, New Jersey 08754-1359
guindalin@aol.com
Dangling sterling charms and earrings with large selection of gemstones.
BOUTIQUE MINUIT, 60 Gallerie du Centre, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
021 223 09 14
Piercing adornments and non-piercing body jewelry.
Retail
CHAINMAIL AND MORE, 1131-O Tolland Tpk. #157, Manchester,
Connecticut 06040-4034
(860) 741-2965, fax (860) 741-3049
http://www.sblades.com/
Sblades@aol.com
Wholesale / Retail
Chainmail designs to be worn on nipple and navel rings.
CHAINMAILLE FASHIONS, 1706 Norris Dr., Austin, Texas 78704-2808
1-800-729-4094
http://www.chainmail.com/client/features/bodyperc.htm
randolph@realling.com
Chainmail designs to be worn on nipple and navel rings.
CHARMA SUTRA, Unique Body Accesories, 146 Newton St., Hayward, California 94544
1-800-784-4732
Waist and body chains, pendants made from a selection of beads, silver
and other metals.
THE DARK, CHANGES IN ARTITUDE, 7028 W. Waters Ave. #312, Tampa, Florida 33634
(813) 243-9848
http://www.artitude.com/dark/piercing.html
Sterling silver cast captive beads with Gothic themes.
FLAMING BONES, 676 S. Ave. 21, #100, Los Angeles, California 90031
(213) 225-1214
"Borneo" Joe, maker and distributor of traditional bone jewelry.
HEDONIA GALLERY, designs by Desiree Prinsen and Alexander Gravemaker
http://www.hedoniagallery.com
Nipple shields and nipple stretchers, large selection of designs; 18k gold,
sterling silver, Rhodium plated, gold plated.
IMPALED BY SHINY THINGS, 333, terrasse St-Denis Montreal, Quebec, H2X 1E7
http://www.inforoute.net/users/impaled/
Impaled@inforoute.net
Manufacturer of nipple piercing adornments and custom designs in stainless
steel, sterling, 14 & 18k gold, and platinum; shields, swords, "male" and
"female" symbol jewelry.
INDIGENOUS PIERCING WHERE?, New York, New York
(212) 465-7374
Supplier and manufacturer of a unique and consciously-aware collection
of genuine, exotic, handmade tribal jewelry of silver, hardwood, and
amber from Indochina and Southeast Asia.
JESSE JARRELL, P.O.Box 84983, Fairbanks, Alaska 99708
(907) 479-8798
http://www2.polarnet.com/~gjarrell/
http://204.164.99.240/art/jesse/index.html
gjarrell@polarnet.com
Manufacturer of jewelry in ivory, horn, antler and semi-precious stone;
rings, tusks, custom carvings.
[Jesse sent an Ourobouros ring of horn. The finish is exceptionally smooth
and the snake's head is highly detailed. 2/98]
MARCHE' NOIR, 512 King St. East #303, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 1M1 Canada
1-800-827-1990, (416) 364-8290, fax (416) 364-8830
http://www.marchenoir.com
noir@passport.ca
In the US: phone/fax 1-800-925-NOIR, (noir-usa@connectnet.com)
Manufacturer of a wide selection of detailed sterling silver beads and
charms to fit captive bead rings 18 - 10ga; limited selection of 316L
stainless steel rings with tapered ends.
ORGANIC, Erica Skadsen, PO Box 17656, Portland, Oregon 97217
(503) 240-0260
organic@spiritone.com
http://www.spiritone.com/~organic
Maker and distributor of jewelry in wood, bamboo, amber, and genuine
ethnic jewelry.
P.E. ADORNMENTS, PO Box 8253, Foster City, California 94404
(650) 578-1618
ardvark@best.com
http://www.best.com/~ardvark/charms-chains.html
Manufacturer of fine sterling silver body chains and piercing charms
with genuine semi-precious gemstones.
Wholesale / Retail
PLANET SPAZ, 1687 Kingman Avenue, San Jose, California 95128
(408) 294-8843
http://www.planetspaz.com/chains/watch_chains.htm
getstuff@planetspaz.com
Manufacturer of body chains in plated brass/steel. Specializing in
nipple to nipple chains, chain chokers, belly chains, and custom chain
apparel.
SOHO SALT MINES, see PLANET SPAZ
STREAMLINE SILVER / SCREAM BODY JEWELRY, 9410 Prototype Dr., Ste. A-11, Reno,
Nevada 89511
1-800-548-1262, (702) 851-2215
sstream@aol.com
Jewelry in 316L stainless steel, niobium; captive bead w/ rotating pendents;
limited selection of barbells.
Wholesale only
TOMBSTONE BODYWORKS, 405 Main Street, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118
(904) 252-1498, (904) 255-3022, fax (904) 252-7141
tombstoned@juno.com
Manufacturer of sterling silver captive beads and charms.
Distributor of WILDCAT COLLECTION body jewelry
Wholesale / Retail
$1 for color pricelist / $2 outside US
11B.8 PIERCING SUPPLIES / NEEDLES
===========================
Most of these companies only sell to professional studios and require
proof of business (resale certificate, business license).
AUSTRALIAN BODY PIERCING AND TATTOO SUPPLIES, PO Box 1194, North Fitzroy 3068,
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
61-3-9482-4356
http://www.ozarcade.com.au/customer/00477/homepage.htm
austbod@vitel.com.au
Jewelry, tools, supplies
BALOE, Netherlands
00 31 (0)36 5361762, fax 00 31 (0)36 5364351
http://www.webonline.net/branches/t/baloe.htm
Catalogue available for Studios only.
CUSTOM TATTOO SUPPLIES, Dorpsstraat 88, P.O.Box 60, 1693 ZH Wervershoof,
Holland
Tel. 31(0)228-583317, fax. 31(0)228-582322
http://home.worldonline.nl/~tattoo/
tattoo@worldonline.nl
Piercing needles, tools, ultrasonic cleaners, autoclaves.
ECLECTIC STAINLESS STEEL, PO Box 1321, New York, New York 10028-0010
(212) 628-4881
Tools, supplies, metal working supplies.
Wholesale / Retail
MICRO-VAC INC., 5905 East 5th Street, Tucson, Arizona 85711
1-800-729-1020, (520) 325-2968, fax (520) 327-6659
Tools, supplies. Needles in medical gauge.
Distributor of jewelry in 316L. Basic designs, limited gauges. Barbells
externally threaded, one side only. Rings with hematite beads.
Wholesale only
MULTITEK SERVICES, 4 Victor Rd., London, NW10 5XD England
0181 9605759
Wholesale / Retail
PIERCING PRO'S INC., 5925 Newport Avenue, Portage, Indiana 46368
(219) 764-2759, pager 1-800-483-0094 pin#4916862
Contact Jim Trafny <jimie1@juno.com>
Piercing needles, tools, supplies.
Onsite consultations for studio design and training programs.
THAT'S THE POINT INC., 1405 Avenue Z, Suite 157, Brooklyn, New York 11235
1-888-764-6800 (888-POINT00), (718) 934-4228
http://www.thats-the-point.com
billy.b@worldnet.att.net
Contact Ken Howard
Manufacturer and distributor of jewelry in 316L stainless steel, titanium.
Supplies, tri-bevel piercing needles.
Wholesale only
THUNDERFIRE CREATIONS, 1202 E. Pike St., Piercing Hole #1148, Seattle,
Washington 98122
(206) 329-4211
thnderfire@aol.com
Piercing needles (short length)
Wholesale only
VITA NEEDLES, Massachusettes
(617) 444-1780
Stubbs (Medical) Gauges; 100 pcs. minumum, shipped non-sterile.
Wholesale only
11B.9 NIOBIUM AND 316L STEEL WIRE SUPPLIERS
=====================================
Providing raw materials for body jewelry manufacturers.
REACTIVE METALS STUDIO, INC., P.O. Box 890, Clarkdale, Arizona 86324
(602/520) 634-3434
reactive@sedona.net
http://www.callamer.com/~ezecho/rms/rms.html
Niobium and titanium.
GOODFELLOW CORP., Suite 140, 301 Lindonwood Dr, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355
(215) 640-1612, 1-800-821-2870, fax 1-800-283-2020
Niobium wire.
SALEM SPECIALTY BALL COMPANY, INC., PO Box 584, Canton, Connecticut 06019
(860) 693-7808, fax (860) 693-7811 and 7818
http://www.tiac.net/users/salemsp
salemsp@tiac.net
Supplier of balls in any material or metal.
SMALL PARTS, INC., 13980 N.W. 58th Court, Miami Lakes, Florida 33014
(305) 557-8222, (800) 423-9009
Supplier of 316 balls and wire, nylon, teflon, hypodermic tubing.
TI SPECIALTIES, PO Box 356, Grover Beach, California 93483-0356
(805) 489-8155, (800) 475-9791
fax (805) 489-6776
http://www.callamer.com/~ezecho/tispec.html
Specializing in niobium and titanium products and anodizing.
TUBULAR ACADEMY, P.O. Box 6616, Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801
1-800-537-3067
http://www.goldballs.com/
Sales@Goldballs.Com
Manufacturer of balls in 14kt and 18kt gold, sterling silver.
11B.10 MEDICAL SUPPLIERS / STERILIZATION SERVICES
==========================================
ALFA MEDICAL, 59 Madison Ave., Hampstead, New York 11550
1-800-762-1586, (516) 489-3855, fax (516) 489-9364
http://www.sterilizers.com
ss@sterilizers.com
Contact Shlomo Savyon
Autoclaves and sterilizers repaired, bought, new, reconditioned. Full
year warrantee. Complete line of sterilization supplies available.
Sterilizer monitoring and spore testing available.
CARE-TECH LABORATORIES, 3224 South Kingshighway Blvd., Saint Louis,
Missouri 63139
1-800-325-9681, (314) 772-4610, fax (314) 772-4613
In Canada: Canadian Theatre Products, (604) 904-9577, contact Mark Morin
http://www.caretechlabs.com
Skin disinfectants, Satin brand antimicrobial soap for aftercare,
Techni-Care brand surgical scrub for prep, TECH 2000 alcohol-free oral rinse
for aftercare.
CIDA
http://www.cidanet.com
Distributor of medical products including Epi-Wash soap.
CLIVE CRAIG CO., distributed by DUX SALES, Oxnard, California
1-800-833-8267, (805) 488-1122, fax 1-800-444-5170
Peel Vue sterilization pouches
COASTAL BIOTECH SERVICES, PO Box 2868, Tybee Island, Georgia 31328
1-800-748-5687
Sterilizer Monitoring System (spore test).
CROSSTEX
http://www.crosstex.com
Manufacturer and distributor of surface disinfectants, ultrasonic cleaner
fluid, exam gloves, sterilization bags.
DISCIDE, see PALMERO HEALTH CARE
MADA MEDICAL, 60 Commerce Road, Carlstadt, New Jersey 07072
1-800-526-6370, (201) 460-0454
Manufacturer of MadaCide, non-toxic hospital level disinfectant.
NORTHBAY BIO AND SCIENCE INC.
PO Box 4319, Traverse City, Michigan 49685
1-800-289-7786
http://www.nbbs.com
northbay@nbbs.com
Sterilizer Monitoring System (spore test) and on-site Bioview monitoring
systems available; quarterly newsletter on infection control.
PALMERO HEALTH CARE, 120 Goodwin Place, Stratford, Connecticut 06497
(203) 377-6424
Maker of Discide, non-toxic hospital level disinfectant.
Call for distributor information.
PEEL VUE, see CLIVE CRAIG CO.
UNIMAX SUPPLY CO., 503 Broadway, New York, New York 10012
(212) 925-1051, 1055
fax (212) 925-7424, 1-800-9-UNIMAX (864629)
Manufacturer and distributor of sterilizations supplies and tattoo
supplies (although many products such as skin disinfectants are a
used for piercing).
VIRO RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
800-395-9929
viro@viroresearch.com
http://www.viroresearch.com/index.html
Manufacturers of triclosan soaps, VIONEX (chloroxylenol) hand washing
products, Envirocide hard surface disinfectant.
11B.11 INSURANCE BROKERS
=================
O.S. BRUNER AGENCY, INC., 3901 N. Meridian #9, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
(317) 926-2391
TAT-INS@worldnet.att.net
Contact Agent Ray Pearson
PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM INSURANCE BROKERAGE, 1200 Van Ness Ave, Suite 200,
San Francisco, California 94109
(415) 885-1331
Professional and general liability on a claims-made basis, coverage
for procedures on list of acceptible piercings; property insurance
an option; developed with assistance from the Association of Professional
Piercers
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Ardvark
Anne Greenblatt
Manager of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ
Piercing Exquisite
http://www2.ba.best.com/~ardvark/
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"You will not sink my cheerio!" HNB
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