*OFFICIAL* Tattoos, Body Piercing, And Body Modification

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Im baaaccckkk	38.4%	[ 170 ]
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Total Votes:			[ 443 ]

[Jagger-Wolf]

Kaziezz

Hi there! I just got an industrial yesterday, and am a bit conflicted on the after care, so I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

My piercer told me to mix sea salt and warm water, and clean the area with a qtip. But prior to getting it done I had done research and many said to either dip the piercing in the water and hold it there, or to soak a paper towel in it and hold it on the piercing. The only reason I question what the piercer told me is because it doesn't seem like just cleaning the area with a qtip would be that effective, but I may be over thinking it.

So anyone with any experience if you could please let me know what you did, that'd be great. This is my first real piercing (aside from ear lobes as a kid) so I don't really have a lot of experience!

If you can do it comfortably, direct soaking is always better. Remember that it's not just any salt dumped into water, it's 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt (NOT table salt) dissolved into 8oz/1 cup of distilled water. Don't use tap water, it's frequently grosser than you think. Just pick up a gallon of distilled water for like $1 and use it just for making your salt soaks.

The best way to directly soak an ear piercing is to take a short, shallow glass bowl, like one of these:


And fill it very nearly to the brim with the hot salt water. Heat it to just a bit over bath-water hot. Lay a thick towel on the floor, put the bowl on it, then lie on your side and place your ear into the bowl. The insertion of your ear should push the water up and form a seal around the side of your head, completely submerging the piercing. Stay there for about 5-10 minutes at a time, 2 times a day. Rinse off with more distilled water, and you're done.

You can use the wet qtip method for in-between cleanings. Like if it gets crusty or a bit of blood throughout the day (blood is common through the first few days, don't freak out), you can just wipe them away that way. But direct soaking is always better.

[Sadismancer]

I have a dilemma.

My last tattoo was a disaster, but luckily came out looking decent barring a few scars. It was my seventh tattoo and I've never had issues before. It swelled up and got infected on day two, so perhaps it was the tattoo parlor, perhaps not, but I've always been there and had no issues prior. Yet this time I had red ink in a tattoo and I've never had red before. Apparently people can be allergic to certain colours.

My dilemma: I want more tattoos. I was thinking of getting something small, like a small Triforce symbol behind my left ear.

Should I? Just to see if it acts up again (I'll choose a different parlor too).

[Jagger-Wolf]

Shayochism

I have a dilemma.

My last tattoo was a disaster, but luckily came out looking decent barring a few scars. It was my seventh tattoo and I've never had issues before. It swelled up and got infected on day two, so perhaps it was the tattoo parlor, perhaps not, but I've always been there and had no issues prior. Yet this time I had red ink in a tattoo and I've never had red before. Apparently people can be allergic to certain colours.

My dilemma: I want more tattoos. I was thinking of getting something small, like a small Triforce symbol behind my left ear.

Should I? Just to see if it acts up again (I'll choose a different parlor too).

Strange reactions to red pigment colors, and black too, is a seemingly common thing, I'm dealing with a bit of that right now. Are you sure it was actual infection? Did you get antiboitics for it and everything? Two days seems pretty quick for a full infection to take hold enough to be identified as such.

Maybe try another shop. Or a different tattooist if you're committed to the same shop. Express your concerns and experiences to the new tattooist and they may have some insight for you on what possibly happened and ways to avoid it in the future. Try to get the brand name of the red pigment used last time and avoid that, I hear different brands have different recipes/chemical makeups for their colors and changing brands may avoid issues like this in the future if you have reactions to one of the ingredients.

[Sadismancer]

Jagger-Wolf

Shayochism

I have a dilemma.

My last tattoo was a disaster, but luckily came out looking decent barring a few scars. It was my seventh tattoo and I've never had issues before. It swelled up and got infected on day two, so perhaps it was the tattoo parlor, perhaps not, but I've always been there and had no issues prior. Yet this time I had red ink in a tattoo and I've never had red before. Apparently people can be allergic to certain colours.

My dilemma: I want more tattoos. I was thinking of getting something small, like a small Triforce symbol behind my left ear.

Should I? Just to see if it acts up again (I'll choose a different parlor too).

Strange reactions to red pigment colors, and black too, is a seemingly common thing, I'm dealing with a bit of that right now. Are you sure it was actual infection? Did you get antiboitics for it and everything? Two days seems pretty quick for a full infection to take hold enough to be identified as such.

Maybe try another shop. Or a different tattooist if you're committed to the same shop. Express your concerns and experiences to the new tattooist and they may have some insight for you on what possibly happened and ways to avoid it in the future. Try to get the brand name of the red pigment used last time and avoid that, I hear different brands have different recipes/chemical makeups for their colors and changing brands may avoid issues like this in the future if you have reactions to one of the ingredients.

I ended up going to the hospital and had to get antibiotics with risk of staying in overnight >_> It was horrible and so it scarred in a few places (but it looks neat still, it was just black that scarred).

I think the infection seeped in after a few days since it was just swollen and extremely painful since day one.

I'll try a new place and see what happens Dx

[Kaziezz]

Jagger-Wolf

Kaziezz

Hi there! I just got an industrial yesterday, and am a bit conflicted on the after care, so I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

My piercer told me to mix sea salt and warm water, and clean the area with a qtip. But prior to getting it done I had done research and many said to either dip the piercing in the water and hold it there, or to soak a paper towel in it and hold it on the piercing. The only reason I question what the piercer told me is because it doesn't seem like just cleaning the area with a qtip would be that effective, but I may be over thinking it.

So anyone with any experience if you could please let me know what you did, that'd be great. This is my first real piercing (aside from ear lobes as a kid) so I don't really have a lot of experience!

If you can do it comfortably, direct soaking is always better. Remember that it's not just any salt dumped into water, it's 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt (NOT table salt) dissolved into 8oz/1 cup of distilled water. Don't use tap water, it's frequently grosser than you think. Just pick up a gallon of distilled water for like $1 and use it just for making your salt soaks.

The best way to directly soak an ear piercing is to take a short, shallow glass bowl, like one of these:


And fill it very nearly to the brim with the hot salt water. Heat it to just a bit over bath-water hot. Lay a thick towel on the floor, put the bowl on it, then lie on your side and place your ear into the bowl. The insertion of your ear should push the water up and form a seal around the side of your head, completely submerging the piercing. Stay there for about 5-10 minutes at a time, 2 times a day. Rinse off with more distilled water, and you're done.

You can use the wet qtip method for in-between cleanings. Like if it gets crusty or a bit of blood throughout the day (blood is common through the first few days, don't freak out), you can just wipe them away that way. But direct soaking is always better.

Thank you! Sorry I didn't reply earlier, gaia is weird on my phone.

Thanks so much for adding the last part. I assumed it was normal but didn't know really what to expect.

I know this type of piercing can take awhile to heal properly, so for how long should I be soaking it? Or changing how often I soak it if I should be doing so for a long time.
I've wanted it for awhile and did some research, but a lot of what I found was so lacking. It basically goes over 'don't let anything snag it' and like... duh.

Should I avoid wearing sunglasses with this type of piercing do you think? I don't want it to irritate the ear area.

Thanks so much for your help either way!! smile

[Jagger-Wolf]

Kaziezz

Jagger-Wolf

Kaziezz

Hi there! I just got an industrial yesterday, and am a bit conflicted on the after care, so I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

My piercer told me to mix sea salt and warm water, and clean the area with a qtip. But prior to getting it done I had done research and many said to either dip the piercing in the water and hold it there, or to soak a paper towel in it and hold it on the piercing. The only reason I question what the piercer told me is because it doesn't seem like just cleaning the area with a qtip would be that effective, but I may be over thinking it.

So anyone with any experience if you could please let me know what you did, that'd be great. This is my first real piercing (aside from ear lobes as a kid) so I don't really have a lot of experience!

If you can do it comfortably, direct soaking is always better. Remember that it's not just any salt dumped into water, it's 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt (NOT table salt) dissolved into 8oz/1 cup of distilled water. Don't use tap water, it's frequently grosser than you think. Just pick up a gallon of distilled water for like $1 and use it just for making your salt soaks.

The best way to directly soak an ear piercing is to take a short, shallow glass bowl, like one of these:


And fill it very nearly to the brim with the hot salt water. Heat it to just a bit over bath-water hot. Lay a thick towel on the floor, put the bowl on it, then lie on your side and place your ear into the bowl. The insertion of your ear should push the water up and form a seal around the side of your head, completely submerging the piercing. Stay there for about 5-10 minutes at a time, 2 times a day. Rinse off with more distilled water, and you're done.

You can use the wet qtip method for in-between cleanings. Like if it gets crusty or a bit of blood throughout the day (blood is common through the first few days, don't freak out), you can just wipe them away that way. But direct soaking is always better.

Thank you! Sorry I didn't reply earlier, gaia is weird on my phone.

Thanks so much for adding the last part. I assumed it was normal but didn't know really what to expect.

I know this type of piercing can take awhile to heal properly, so for how long should I be soaking it? Or changing how often I soak it if I should be doing so for a long time.
I've wanted it for awhile and did some research, but a lot of what I found was so lacking. It basically goes over 'don't let anything snag it' and like... duh.

Should I avoid wearing sunglasses with this type of piercing do you think? I don't want it to irritate the ear area.

Thanks so much for your help either way!! smile

Any piercing that goes through cartilage can take twice as long to heal as a comparable piercing through soft flesh. Cartilage has about half the bloodflow that soft flesh does, therefore longer healing times. Initial healing for an industrial I'd say is at least 6-8 months, erring on the longer end of average healing times, and full healing by around 12-18 months or so. This will vary person to person and with other variables, but those are averages.

I'd say soak it regularly for the first 2-4 months, easily. Over-soaking or soaking too frequently can be just a troublesome as not cleaning often enough, so just incorporate it into your regular morning and evening hygiene routines and you should be fine. You can also get a small bottle of saline wound wash from the drug store, some q-tips and a ziplock bag and carry them around with you to swab as needed if it gets crusty or bloody throughout the day. I don't really consider that "cleaning" in a traditional sense, more just maintaining cleanliness between proper soaks. It can also keep it from getting itchy, so you go to scratch it, then bump it, introduce dirty fingers, pick/scrape off scabs or crusties that can then make it bleed, etc. While cleaning, remember not to twist it, slide it back and forth, don't touch it. Make sure to rinse it with warm water while in the shower, too. The hot water helps loosen up crusties and scabs and help wash away naturally. No soap, it's not necessary.

Depending on your ear and head shape, the size of jewelry ends, and the particular shape of the sunglasses, if you can comfortably wear them, go for it. Just make sure the arms are washed and clean each time (even just quick a antibacterial wipe can work just fine).

[Kaziezz]

Jagger-Wolf

Any piercing that goes through cartilage can take twice as long to heal as a comparable piercing through soft flesh. Cartilage has about half the bloodflow that soft flesh does, therefore longer healing times. Initial healing for an industrial I'd say is at least 6-8 months, erring on the longer end of average healing times, and full healing by around 12-18 months or so. This will vary person to person and with other variables, but those are averages.

I'd say soak it regularly for the first 2-4 months, easily. Over-soaking or soaking too frequently can be just a troublesome as not cleaning often enough, so just incorporate it into your regular morning and evening hygiene routines and you should be fine. You can also get a small bottle of saline wound wash from the drug store, some q-tips and a ziplock bag and carry them around with you to swab as needed if it gets crusty or bloody throughout the day. I don't really consider that "cleaning" in a traditional sense, more just maintaining cleanliness between proper soaks. It can also keep it from getting itchy, so you go to scratch it, then bump it, introduce dirty fingers, pick/scrape off scabs or crusties that can then make it bleed, etc. While cleaning, remember not to twist it, slide it back and forth, don't touch it. Make sure to rinse it with warm water while in the shower, too. The hot water helps loosen up crusties and scabs and help wash away naturally. No soap, it's not necessary.

Depending on your ear and head shape, the size of jewelry ends, and the particular shape of the sunglasses, if you can comfortably wear them, go for it. Just make sure the arms are washed and clean each time (even just quick a antibacterial wipe can work just fine).

Thank you! That's basically what the piercer told me, is that it'll be 'healing' after 8 weeks, but it won't be completely healed up to six-twelve months.

Thanks for your help! There's so much information that is conflicting between different sources, and I really want to do the best by my piercing as I've wanted it for a long time.

[Jagger-Wolf]

Kaziezz

Jagger-Wolf

Any piercing that goes through cartilage can take twice as long to heal as a comparable piercing through soft flesh. Cartilage has about half the bloodflow that soft flesh does, therefore longer healing times. Initial healing for an industrial I'd say is at least 6-8 months, erring on the longer end of average healing times, and full healing by around 12-18 months or so. This will vary person to person and with other variables, but those are averages.

I'd say soak it regularly for the first 2-4 months, easily. Over-soaking or soaking too frequently can be just a troublesome as not cleaning often enough, so just incorporate it into your regular morning and evening hygiene routines and you should be fine. You can also get a small bottle of saline wound wash from the drug store, some q-tips and a ziplock bag and carry them around with you to swab as needed if it gets crusty or bloody throughout the day. I don't really consider that "cleaning" in a traditional sense, more just maintaining cleanliness between proper soaks. It can also keep it from getting itchy, so you go to scratch it, then bump it, introduce dirty fingers, pick/scrape off scabs or crusties that can then make it bleed, etc. While cleaning, remember not to twist it, slide it back and forth, don't touch it. Make sure to rinse it with warm water while in the shower, too. The hot water helps loosen up crusties and scabs and help wash away naturally. No soap, it's not necessary.

Depending on your ear and head shape, the size of jewelry ends, and the particular shape of the sunglasses, if you can comfortably wear them, go for it. Just make sure the arms are washed and clean each time (even just quick a antibacterial wipe can work just fine).

Thank you! That's basically what the piercer told me, is that it'll be 'healing' after 8 weeks, but it won't be completely healed up to six-twelve months.

Thanks for your help! There's so much information that is conflicting between different sources, and I really want to do the best by my piercing as I've wanted it for a long time.

When in doubt, always consult a professional. Preferably the piercer who performed your piercing in the first place, but any good, reputable professional will do. The internet has some good advice, but also a LOT of bad advice, so be very aware and careful of your sources Try to follow your piercer and/or the shop on any social media they may have, any other professionals on social media, stuff like that. I follow the APP (Association of Professional Piercers) on Facebook and Tumblr, The Modified World on Youtube, and some piercers and shops I've had interactions with in the past on their social media. So then you'll always have access to good advice, pictures of good work, good resources they may post, etc.

[PeachyPosterior]

Hey all!
I'm planning on getting a medusa piercing since I'm finally in a workplace that will allow facial piercings.
I was thinking 14g but I'm curious of how it would look after healing with the jewelry removed. Just because this workplace will allow it doesn't mean my future ones will.
I know everyone's body heals differently, but my google searches seem to have left me coming up short for a decent image of what to expect.
Does anyone have pictures of what theirs looks like without the jewlery? Or a good reference image?
What about with a skin colored retainer? I've never used one so I don't know how obvious they are.

[ectogasm]

Got my anti-tragus done, and I find with my tragus and anti-tragus are the most sore piercings.
It's been about week and still a bit sore and swollen but no sign of infection! It's done with a ring and my conch has been changed to a nice fancy stud to help with the healing of my new anti-tragus.
Actually, it's a bit itchy.
I'm in love with my new jewelry and piercing!!
emotion_kirakira


Edit: I actually came prepared and brought saline solution with me for the weekend (was in the city for a few days)
And my piercer said I was a keener and she loved it!

☠

[Proxie Aeror]

I haven't been here for like 4 years or so. But I needed to come share a thing. My trifecta is complete. I have now had 3 suspensions, scarification, and my new friend...

Webpage Title
Webpage title


Last nights edition :3

Or not...

[mimickyu]

Why do people post so rarely in this topic... crying

My list of body mods that I want is evergrowing. The more I stretch my tongue piercing, the more I think about getting my tongue split. I also want to get my ears pointed eventually... Those two mods won't happen anytime soon, though (if ever, since I might change my mind about them if enough time passes by).

I really can't wait to get my first tattoo. There aren't that many good tattoo artists around where I live, and it's really hard to decide where to go. I was thinking I'd get my instep tattooed first, don't know if that's a good place to start pain-wise but at least the tattoo will be easy to hide if necessary.

[Lishamisha22]

I used to have 3 lip piercings for years in my college days then took them out for 'proffessionalism'. I miss them, and have considered gauging them so I can wear at least one of them.
I also had to take out my labret piercing due to it rubbing against my teeth and gums. Not cool!


I do look forward to getting a few tattoos!

[Jagger-Wolf]

Lishamisha22

I used to have 3 lip piercings for years in my college days then took them out for 'proffessionalism'. I miss them, and have considered gauging them stretching them so I can wear at least one of them.
I also had to take out my labret piercing due to it rubbing against my teeth and gums. Not cool!


I do look forward to getting a few tattoos!

Fixed that for ya.

If you had issues with jewelry rubbing on your teeth or gums, stretching the one that did it may not be a good idea. Larger sizes, and up to a point requiring actual lip plugs, can be even more dangerous than traditional jewelry. If you want to stretch any labret, make sure you tell your piercer that you plan to do so so they can make absolutely sure you're anatomically suited to it, and that they place it properly knowing you're going to stretch it.

[Lishamisha22]

Jagger-Wolf

Lishamisha22

I used to have 3 lip piercings for years in my college days then took them out for 'proffessionalism'. I miss them, and have considered gauging them stretching them so I can wear at least one of them.
I also had to take out my labret piercing due to it rubbing against my teeth and gums. Not cool!


I do look forward to getting a few tattoos!

Fixed that for ya.

If you had issues with jewelry rubbing on your teeth or gums, stretching the one that did it may not be a good idea. Larger sizes, and up to a point requiring actual lip plugs, can be even more dangerous than traditional jewelry. If you want to stretch any labret, make sure you tell your piercer that you plan to do so so they can make absolutely sure you're anatomically suited to it, and that they place it properly knowing you're going to stretch it.

Gauging or stretching so I can get the jewelry back in without it being repierced.