Piercing

First, let us say, thanks for choosing Tribute!

We pierce with LVM 316 Stainless steel. It is a low nickel Stainless Steel that is often used for implants like knees and other joints. It is chosen for its durability and hypoallergenic traits.

Our primary concern for initial piercings is that the jewelry needs to be made from inert, bio-compatible and durable materials. For this reason we also offer implant grade titanium options at an additional cost. These metals can be safely sterilized in a high pressure steam autoclave on site in our Ritter autoclave. This allows you to be assured the piercing you receive will have simplest and most trouble free healing. Other metals can result in a variety of adverse reactions like allergies, infections, and rejected piercings.

“But what about solid 14 or 18 karat nickel-free white or yellow gold, and platinum?”

These have their own appeals, but have drawbacks as well. Silver and gold are softer and can be scratched and introduce bacteria into the piercing while you’re healing, In addition they do not always tolerate the pressures and temperatures in the autoclave. They also greatly increase the cost of the initial piercing as well.

Platinum meets the durability test, but like the pure gold or silver, greatly increases the cost of the initial piercing as well.

“How do you pierce?”

We use single-use hypodermic needles for our piercings, these produce a clean piercing with smooth edges which is important for fast, worry free healing.

“Why don’t you use a piercing gun?”

We’ve all heard about, and some may have experienced, “the gun”. Used everywhere, it’s based on the same devices used to tag livestock. They are made of plastic and metal and cannot be sterilized. They operate on the principle of forcing a blunt metal stud through flesh causing tearing and unnecessary trauma, not to mention creating blood micro-spray which, as mentioned above, cannot be properly sterilized.

“Why is your minimum age for ear piercing 5 years old?”

We take a bit of extra time with our younger clients to make sure that they are fully aware and prepared for the procedure, providing they demonstrate a willingness to get pierced, and an understanding that piercings are permanent body modifications.

Under no circumstances do we ever pierce babies. This is for the safety of the infant (should the baby squirm during the process) and also because we don’t like doing anything that the individual who is getting pierced can’t consent to.

“How do I care for my fresh piercing?”

For best results, clean your piercing until it is fully healed. This may take several months depending on your piercing and your own body’s ability to heal.

First, remember to wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your piercing.

Use a sterile saline product on non-woven sterile gauze, and use it as a gentle compress for 5 minutes morning and evening. Wipe gently with a Q-tip to remove any visible blood. Don’t scrub, just remove what comes off after soaking.

Excess moisture can cause irritation, so dry your piercing well after cleaning using a clean paper towel or using the cold setting on a hair dryer.

Do not turn or rotate your jewelry. This is important, because anything that doesn’t come off after gentle cleaning can tear and irritate your piercing

Do not clean your piercing with agents such as alcohol or peroxide, or ointments like Neosporin, Polysporin, or Bactine. These products are not designed for piercings and in the case of harsh cleaners like alcohol and peroxide can actually hinder healing by irritating healthy cells.

Do not pull or pick the dried matter as it is attached to the healing tissue. Gentle cleaning after soaking only.

Try to avoid sleeping on the piercing. If you have an ear piercing, you can use a travel pillow to suspend ear in the middle of the hole while you sleep.

Why is there a bump near my piercing?”

There are a couple of causes and most of them are not serious. The most common is Hypergranulation tissue OR hypertrophic scarring. This is an over development of tissue that can form around your piercing.

Often mistaken for a keloid, they are mostly seen around nostril and cartilage piercings like helix, tragus, rook, conch, etc. They’re often caused by motion – if you’ve accidentally bumped, tugged on, or had your piercing jewelry caught on something, there is a good chance you may develop this kind of scarring. They should not ever be “popped, They can also be caused by playing, twisting and turning your piercing. (This is actually the most common cause).

The first step is to stop fiddling with the piercing and make an appointment with us.

Infections are rare in body piercings performed by professionals and taken care of properly by the client. They do happen sometimes through no one’s fault and it is important to recognize the symptoms. Normal symptoms of a healing piercing can include minor bleeding, bruising, discoloration and swelling. Tenderness, soreness, stinging, pinching and burning sensations are common. Secretion of a liquid whitish-yellow substance which forms a crust. Finally you will experience tightness around the jewelry.

If you experience extensive redness and the area is warm to the touch or you experience extreme tenderness extending a half inch or more from the piercing. You should contact your physician.

Remember that the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Tribute are always here to offer support and advice.