What's the best way to take care of my body piercings?

To keep your piercings healthy and happy, make sure to clean them regularly with saline solution, avoid playing with them, and change your jewelry frequently – it's all about finding a routine that works for you!

How do I choose the right jewelry for my piercing?

When selecting jewelry, consider the type of metal, the size and shape, and the material – it's all about finding the perfect fit for your unique anatomy, so don't be afraid to experiment and try out different options!

Can I remove my piercing if I don't like it?

Yes, but be prepared for potential complications and pain – it's essential to take good care of your piercing from the start, so don't wait until it's too late!

Will my piercing leave behind scars or marks?

Some piercings may leave behind scars or marks, so it's essential to be aware of the risks – do your research and take necessary precautions to minimize the chances of complications!

How long does it take for a piercing to heal?

The healing time for a piercing varies depending on the location and type of piercing – be patient and take good care of your piercing to ensure a smooth healing process – it's worth the wait, I promise!

Can I get a piercing if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, but it's essential to find a reputable piercer who can work with sensitive skin and recommend the right jewelry and aftercare – don't be afraid to ask questions and advocate for yourself!

How do I know if my piercing is infected?

If you notice redness, swelling, or discharge around your piercing, it may be infected – seek medical attention immediately and take good care of your piercing to prevent further complications!

Can I get a piercing if I have a medical condition?

It's essential to consult with a doctor or a reputable piercer before getting a piercing, especially if you have a medical condition – they can advise on the best course of action and help you make an informed decision!

Body Piercing: Lessons Learned and What's Next

I've got a confession to make: getting body piercings has been a wild ride for me. After eight years of experience, I'm here to give you the lowdown on all the aspects and my verdict.

I've got 12 piercings, with three already removed, and two more planned for the future. Each piercing has its own review, which you can check out in my profile.

Helix

Microdermal

Tragus

Rook

Flat

Mochas

+ Body Piercing: An Art, Not Just a Rebellion

Picking a harmonious and comfortable-to-wear composition of jewelry is tough. In this case, the jewelry chooses the wearer, not the other way around. Everyone's got their own unique anatomy, which means not all piercings will work for you.

My piercer's journal in Moscow

+ Pain: A Personal Preference

This is totally up to personal preference. To be honest, I didn't experience any pain during the poking process. Even when I got the microdermal done, it was a breeze. A skilled artist will warn you about potential pain, take into account the thickness of your skin, elasticity, and other factors.

A blue microdermal on my collarbone, my friend drew it with ordinary liners in our dorm out of boredom

✦ Healing: A Crucial Part

Now, let's talk about healing. This is a crucial part. My hands took a while to heal, and the pain came and went. But overall, I didn't have any major issues. Swelling after the poking is normal, and I only had some minor problems with two of the three microdermals not sticking well on my collarbone. None of the poking sites bothered me after they healed, and I could go about my daily activities without any issues.

✦ Aftercare: A Must

I used hclorhexidine to treat my keloids. Later, I used Brine Healer and its analogs on fresh poking sites.

From left to right: Brine Healer, various opal wraps in different colors and sizes

✦ Downsizing: A Procedure I Wish I Had Taken Seriously

Replacing the base of the piercing with a shorter one is a procedure I didn't take seriously at first. I thought the longer base was necessary for proper healing. To be honest, I recommend always using a base bead or, if you want something more stylish, an opal or a diamond stud. I made the mistake of choosing detailed designs like feathers and snakes for my first two piercings, which often caused me issues. The long base would catch my hair and irritate me.

✦ An Expensive Delight

I've come to realize that besides the cost of the piercing itself, you'll need to factor in the cost of the base, the jewelry, and any necessary adjustments, like with microdermals. It's also crucial to maintain the cleanliness of the piercing and the jewelry. I've seen friends try to cut corners, only to struggle with healing and aftercare.

✦ The Lifestyle: A Nomad's Perspective

I'm a bit of a nomad, always on the move between cities and countries. I've got two studios, one in Minsk and the other in Moscow. The thing is, Belarus is a bit of a challenge when it comes to finding reliable, skilled microblading artists, so I always try to stick with the same people, even if it means traveling a bit further. I've had to get procedures done on the day of my departure more often than I'd like to admit. Luckily, my artists are top-notch – they're professionals who genuinely care about their work, and I've built a rapport with them over time. That's why I always go back to them, even when it's hard to find the time.

✦ Lessons from Friends' Mistakes

I've got a few horror stories that have taught me to never skimp on procedures or ignore my artists' advice.

One friend got a lip piercing from some random guy in a dorm, and by the third day, she had a nasty infection and a painful abscess. She ended up having to remove the piercing, but the scar is still visible.

Another friend was terrified of the pain involved in getting her nipples pierced, so she did it while drunk at a party. It turned out okay in the end, but it's generally not a good idea to get piercings while under the influence – or even after a few cups of coffee, for that matter.

There are people who've tried to save money by having friends or acquaintances do their piercings, but let's just say that's not the best idea. I'm lucky to have found artists who are worth the investment – their expertise, attention to detail, and personalized approach to each client's anatomy make every penny worth it.

✦ The Stigma of Body Modification

Before I say anything negative about body modification, you've got to think about your own piercings. I mean, not everyone realizes that earlobe piercings are the real deal when it comes to body modification. In everyday life, nobody really cares about your piercings, your style, or your aesthetic. But it's a different story when it comes to certain professions.

I studied medicine, and I'm currently a master's student in psychology. When I was interning during my medical training, one of my patients saw a tattoo on my classmate's hand and started harassing her, calling her a 'freak' and accusing her of having HIV and being irresponsible. He even threatened to physically harm her and refused to take her medication.

In psychology, people often get 'called out' for tattoos and piercings, saying it's a sign of self-destructive behavior. But the truth is, those people are few and far between. Most people who get tattoos or piercings aren't trying to harm themselves or others. It's all about personal expression and choice.

Teaching is a field where appearance is often scrutinized and judged. For a long time, teachers have been expected to present a certain image, one that's professional and polished. There's no room for self-expression or individuality. I've been fortunate enough to avoid any serious criticism, but I have had people make jokes about my piercings, saying I'm 'pierced from head to toe' or that my earrings point to my 'sensitive areas.' But those were just harmless jokes that I could laugh off. When people find out I have 15 piercings, they often assume they're all hidden under my clothes.

My right ear today

✦ I Didn't Get the Piercing I Wanted, But I'll Be Back!

I'm talking about nipple piercings. I've been thinking about this for almost five years, but I was too nervous to do it. I worried that the bars would show through most clothing. At one point, I was even concerned about the o-rings. Small o-rings make the piercing look really nice.

Over the years, I've been researching nipple piercings through friends' experiences. Some people pierced one and then the other, while others did both at once. Everyone's process was different. In the summer of 2025, I saw a post from my piercer on their private women-only profile (I'm only sharing this because it's relevant to my story). It had photos of successful and unsuccessful piercings from other piercers. I learned that on a larger chest, the piercing might not even take. I booked a consultation, but I was really worried that I'd be turned down. I spent hours scrolling through their posts, hoping that the piercing would be okay.

I got rejected. I have an 8, but I'm 15 kg overweight, so my piercer said that my large chest would be a problem. The thing is, when you have a larger chest, the nipple gets squished and becomes flat. You can get the piercing, but it'll just fall out after a month. I'm really grateful to my piercer for explaining the anatomy and piercing process in detail. Now, I'm planning on losing weight, including a potential breast reduction surgery. Honestly, I'll probably need to get the surgery before I can even think about getting the piercing.

I wanted to clarify my chances of getting pierced after weight loss and breast surgery. According to the piercer, I have a 5% chance, but I'm holding onto that hope. When I decide to tackle weight loss, I'll take things as they come. It's not a quick process, though – safely shedding pounds will take around a year, and the post-operative period is about six months. So, that's my plan for the future.

✦ A Touch of Sensuality

Considering I don't have any genital piercings, there's still a bit of a reaction. I really enjoy being bitten on the earlobe – the helix bites are something special.

My left ear today

✦ The Accidental Piercing That I Handled

If I had to sum it up and avoid duplicating my review, my earlobe piercing is similar to getting a thumb pierced. I asked for a piercing under the helix, but there was a slight misalignment, resulting in a piercing I didn't want. I recommend bringing a chatty friend along who can help you ask questions and alleviate any doubts you have about the procedure.

Thumb piercing

✦ The Piercer's Composition

One thing that caught my eye was the metal color variation. I personally prefer silver, but there's a noticeable difference in tone between them. If you're unsure, you can always consult a stylist to help you choose a mix of pieces that suit your taste. Some stylists even offer pre-curated collections from their existing inventory. The selection has definitely improved over time – there are now so many beautiful options to choose from!

✦ What's Unlikely to Happen to Me?

Piercing my belly button. While it's a stylish choice that highlights individuality, it's just not my thing – and I'm more of a 'pouch' person, anyway. Face piercings. My job requires direct interaction with people, so facial piercings would likely be distracting. Hands, feet, or any microdermals except in areas where I'd normally get them. I'm cautious about potential issues with wear and tear, and these areas seem like a less-than-ideal choice due to constant movement and clothing interaction. Tunnels. For me, personally, this piercing style isn't aesthetically pleasing – although I do like how it looks on others. My tongue. Despite its popularity, I've seen cases where the enamel wears off, and people experience dental issues like tooth migration.

I'm not ruling out the possibility of falling in love with a new piece and getting another piercing in the future. My mom, for instance, is currently skeptical – she thinks I have too many earrings, but I disagree, so we'll see what happens!

One of my favorite stories is about my mom. I got my first microdermal at 19, and I remember it like it was yesterday. I was eating breakfast, telling my mom I was going to meet my sister, and I was getting a piercing on my neck. I always said neck, but technically it's on my collarbone. My mom just said 'okay' and didn't think much of it. But an hour later, she calls me and asks, 'Is it on your neck?' She was a little clueless, but she wasn't opposed to it. She just didn't know what it was. I loved my microdermals, by the way.

Microdermals

✦ Which Piercing Would I Recommend as a First-Timer?

I'd recommend a helix. It's the most beautiful and versatile option that goes with almost any jewelry. You can get rings, flat bars, or something more intricate. Luckily, the internet makes it easy to explore different options and find the perfect piece, whether it's from a specialty store or your own piercer.

✦ My Takeaway

I don't regret my bad experience, as you can probably tell. It taught me what I really like and what feels comfortable for me. I love sharing my experience with others to help them be prepared and avoid unnecessary stress. I get that not everyone will be positive about this stuff, but everyone has their own opinion. Usually, I just want people to step out of their comfort zones and check out modern trends with an open mind.

Don't let someone else's opinion or uncertainty hold you back from trying out a new look or style. You'll never know what you like if you don't give it a shot.

Share your piercing experience with us. What's a piercing you've been thinking about getting for ages, but just can't seem to commit to? And what's one piercing you'd never in a million years get?