Piercings And Tattoos / Question
Published: January 7, 2004

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Hi, I'm 15 and I want my nipples pierced. I can get them done with out my mom knowing, but for myself, is there any big risk I'll be risking if I get them done?

Signed: Nipple Piercing

Dear Nipple Piercing,

 

You are right to be concerned - piercing can cause infection when it is not done safely.  You can avoid problems by making sure you choose a reputable place - you might ask someone for a recommendation, as well as asking the people who work there about safety precautions before you let them pierce you or even give them any money. 

 

Here are some ways you will know if the place you choose is safe:

• The studio should have a working autoclave for sterilizing all reusable equipment. Autoclaves should be clean and in good working order. They must be regularly maintained and tested often for accurate spore termination.
• Your piercing artist should wear medical gloves at all times. Their ungloved hands should not come in contact with your skin or any of the piercing equipment or jewelry. Period.
• You should not be pierced anywhere on your body with a piercing gun, squeeze piercer or any other object other than a clean, sterile body piercing approved needle. Also, the jewelry placed in your new piercing should be a captive bead ring or barbell, not regular stud jewelry intended for piercing gun use.
• The forceps, needle, jewelry and any other metal equipment should be removed from an autoclave bag, with gloved hands, in your presence. You have no way of knowing if that equipment is clean if you don't watch them pull it out from the bag. An autoclave bag is a long, skinny pouch used to hold the equipment during sterilization. It remains in the pouch until it is time to use it on a client.
• Also, be aware of the laws in your area.  Many towns are passing laws making it illegal for minors (people under the age of 18) to be pierced without their parent or guardians consent.

The staff at a legitimate, safe piercing place should have no problem describing their safety precautions to you.  If they are not forthcoming in answering your questions, find another place.  If you notice any problems with your piercing as it heals, be sure to consult a doctor immediately.

 

For more good information about what to consider, read our answer to Considering Nipple Piercing and Pierced Belly Myself.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

While 93% of teenage women report that their first intercourse was voluntary, one-quarter of these young women report that it was unwanted. ⁷