What to know before you get pierced
So you are thinking about getting poked (pierced*). Maybe for the first time, maybe for the 10th time. Every experience is different from the last, and unique.
This fact can be a little nerve racking. The unknown. However, it's also normal to be wary of the unknown, and to be fearful of the unknown. What will it feel like? Can I compare it to something? How fast is it? Can I do it? Will I be ok?
Well here we are with a few answers, and helpful tips in hopes of providing you with a better understanding, of what to expect when you get pierced.. and how to make the procedure more comfortable.
The two common Q’s:
Q: Can I have this piercing?
A: The majority of people don’t know that most piercings are highly anatomy based. Everyone’s bodies are incredibly different (which is a beautiful thing, you’re a superstar baby). It is much more common than you think when we must advise someone against a piercing they want. In some cases, due to anatomy, we even have to flat out say no (we will always try to help you find an alternative that you will also love). Anatomy is the first thing we evaluate prior to performing a piercing. We will then tell you if it's safe or advise against it if it is not safe (improper anatomy, high risk of rejection, etc.). There are many reasons for this, all of which vary from person to person. Don’t worry, we’ll ensure you are informed of the “whys”. If we see it will be safe for you, we then move into helping you choose jewelry that will best suit your anatomy in terms of optimal healing and comfort. Each piercing is very different and comes with varying options and restrictions!
Q: Will it hurt, how much?
A: We are poking you, so yes. It will hurt. On the bright side, 8 times out of 10, it does not hurt as much as you think it will. Most procedures are very quick, and the actual piercing (where the peak of pain comes from) is generally only a couple seconds. With a deep breath in, and a deep breath out, the worst of it is done. As stated above, everyone’s bodies are very different. Each person is unique. What hurts for one person, may not hurt at all for another.
The tips:
1. You are going to feel nervous. You are human, and this is totally normal. Be sure to remind yourself that you will be ok. It's fast, and not as bad as you think. Working yourself up generally does not help. It triggers anxiety, and fear, making things worse than they actually are. The best thing to do is help yourself understand that it is fast, over quickly, and not as bad as you're imagining it to be. Talk yourself down, don’t work yourself up! Plus, we’re here to take care of you.
2. Moral support is encouraged. Bring someone with you that makes you feel safe. Someone grounding and calm. Being with someone close to you can bring a sense of comfort. Alternatively, bringing someone with you that is hyper, eccentric, and generally not calm or grounded can induce a more negative experience.
3. Eat a *LIGHT* meal or snack 30-60 minutesprior to your appointment- preferably something salty. You should also drink a quart of a sports drink, as these tend to have some salt, sugar, and other substances that will keep the liquid in your bloodstream longer. This will help you avoid feeling faint!
4. Post piercing, you may feel nauseous, faint, dizzy, or all of the above. This is a *very* common reaction to adrenaline/anxiety/nervousness. Though it doesn’t feel good, it does pass, so don’t worry. That feeling doesn’t last forever! Typically, you feel like yourself again within about 10-15 minutes! Again, we’re here for you.
This fact can be a little nerve racking. The unknown. However, it's also normal to be wary of the unknown, and to be fearful of the unknown. What will it feel like? Can I compare it to something? How fast is it? Can I do it? Will I be ok?
Well here we are with a few answers, and helpful tips in hopes of providing you with a better understanding, of what to expect when you get pierced.. and how to make the procedure more comfortable.
The two common Q’s:
Q: Can I have this piercing?
A: The majority of people don’t know that most piercings are highly anatomy based. Everyone’s bodies are incredibly different (which is a beautiful thing, you’re a superstar baby). It is much more common than you think when we must advise someone against a piercing they want. In some cases, due to anatomy, we even have to flat out say no (we will always try to help you find an alternative that you will also love). Anatomy is the first thing we evaluate prior to performing a piercing. We will then tell you if it's safe or advise against it if it is not safe (improper anatomy, high risk of rejection, etc.). There are many reasons for this, all of which vary from person to person. Don’t worry, we’ll ensure you are informed of the “whys”. If we see it will be safe for you, we then move into helping you choose jewelry that will best suit your anatomy in terms of optimal healing and comfort. Each piercing is very different and comes with varying options and restrictions!
Q: Will it hurt, how much?
A: We are poking you, so yes. It will hurt. On the bright side, 8 times out of 10, it does not hurt as much as you think it will. Most procedures are very quick, and the actual piercing (where the peak of pain comes from) is generally only a couple seconds. With a deep breath in, and a deep breath out, the worst of it is done. As stated above, everyone’s bodies are very different. Each person is unique. What hurts for one person, may not hurt at all for another.
The tips:
1. You are going to feel nervous. You are human, and this is totally normal. Be sure to remind yourself that you will be ok. It's fast, and not as bad as you think. Working yourself up generally does not help. It triggers anxiety, and fear, making things worse than they actually are. The best thing to do is help yourself understand that it is fast, over quickly, and not as bad as you're imagining it to be. Talk yourself down, don’t work yourself up! Plus, we’re here to take care of you.
2. Moral support is encouraged. Bring someone with you that makes you feel safe. Someone grounding and calm. Being with someone close to you can bring a sense of comfort. Alternatively, bringing someone with you that is hyper, eccentric, and generally not calm or grounded can induce a more negative experience.
3. Eat a *LIGHT* meal or snack 30-60 minutesprior to your appointment- preferably something salty. You should also drink a quart of a sports drink, as these tend to have some salt, sugar, and other substances that will keep the liquid in your bloodstream longer. This will help you avoid feeling faint!
4. Post piercing, you may feel nauseous, faint, dizzy, or all of the above. This is a *very* common reaction to adrenaline/anxiety/nervousness. Though it doesn’t feel good, it does pass, so don’t worry. That feeling doesn’t last forever! Typically, you feel like yourself again within about 10-15 minutes! Again, we’re here for you.
5. Have a back up plan. You may not have the proper anatomy to have the piercing you want. If that’s the case, it’s good to have a 2nd choice in mind. What’s another piercing you’ve been wanting or leaning towards?
In conclusion, there are a lot of feelings that come with a procedure like this. Yes, there may be feelings that aren’t amazing (nervousness, anxiety), but there are a lot of great emotions as well! Excitement, thrill, happiness… and memories. We only live once (and you’re totally going to live through this to tell the tale) so take a deep breath, swear if you need to (we don’t judge), and then take a look in the mirror. New sparkle, new love, new you. Who dis?!
In conclusion, there are a lot of feelings that come with a procedure like this. Yes, there may be feelings that aren’t amazing (nervousness, anxiety), but there are a lot of great emotions as well! Excitement, thrill, happiness… and memories. We only live once (and you’re totally going to live through this to tell the tale) so take a deep breath, swear if you need to (we don’t judge), and then take a look in the mirror. New sparkle, new love, new you. Who dis?!
