Ear and Other Piercings
Body modifications, like ear piercings, have been going on for thousands of years. When the first Neanderthal put a bone in the ear and received some grunts of enthusiasm from his tribal friends, the trend likely began. I pierced my daughter's ear when she was just two, much to the horror of her grandmother who felt that piercings made girls look "cheap". My daughter was certainly not cheap, and she sure looked cute in those little earrings.
Little did I know, twenty years later, I would be looking at my daughter with pierced eyebrows, nose, lips, belly-buttons, and tongue (and perhaps piercings in areas that Dads never see). She even worked for several years as a piercer.
I once visited her at the tattoo place and was absolutely horrified at the place people get pierced. I saw their catalogue of piercings: the penis (various locations), scrotum, nipples, the labia, the clitoral hood, etc. You name it, and someone will put a hole and some jewelry in it.
Piercings are done without local anesthesia as part of the experience. Screaming, apparently, is frowned upon. Since I am not a big fan of intentional pain, it never entered my mind to have a pierced anything. I will leave this world with the same number of natural holes that I had when I was born, and without jewels or chains hanging from anything.
Behind the confidential door of the examining rooms, I have seen many, many piercings; just about everything in the catalogue. A medical provider quickly learns to be non-judgmental in these situations. On the outside you either ignore it, or you might say, "Oh, I see you have a pierced _______."
Inside, you are saying, "Oh my God! She has a pierced ______!"
Most piercings done in reputable establishments are done under sterile conditions. Since hepatitis B, HIV, and other blood-borne diseases are a definite risk, this is nice to know.
The human skin, unfortunately, cannot be adequately sterilized, so infections are quite common until the piercings heal. Minor infections in the earlobe are easily treated; infections in the ear cartilage are more problematic. Unless ear cartilage infections are properly and promptly treated, the person could end up with a deformed, cauliflower ear.
Keloids, or hypertrophic scars, can also occur. Keloids are another thing that can permanently deform the outer ear. At least once or twice a month, I am fishing out an infected and embedded ear post in a child's ear.
I see a lot of nipple piercings in both men and women. Surprisingly, these do not get infected very often. Tongue piercings, painful as they are to have inserted, rarely get infected since they are constantly washed by protective saliva. The nasal mucosa is not the cleanest place on our body. Subsequently, nasal piercings get infections. Umbilical piercings take several months to heal, so infections are much more common in this area. Lastly, you take the most risk with genital piercings.
My daughter is thirty years old now, more mature, and has gone back to just having pierced ears again. Whew!
By the way, the picture is NOT my daughter.
Related Topics: Tattoo Trends: It's Not Just Sailors, ADA Dental Channel: Oral Piercing
Technorati Tags: piercing, jewelry, tattoo, body art
187 Comments:
That picture...! Ew..! I guess it's truely one of those "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" things, huh?
My ears were pierced as a young child as well. I've probably had them pierced 4 times now. All in the same place!
I take the earrings out because one of my ears will start to hurt and turn red...and then forget to put them back it or lose one of them. My ears have now been pierced so much in the same spot, I can go years without wearing earrings...and it doesn't grow back!
I have one set of ear piercings (which is kind of unusual nowadays), a septum piercing (that's the middle of your nose), a vertical labret, and a vertical hood piercing. I took out my bellybutton and tongue piercings, as I found them pointless and annoying. I had a set of nipple piercings, but got a bad case of bronchitis that led to sepsis, so they ended up getting infected and I had to take them out.
As far as infections go, nothing has ever gotten infected (aside from what sepsis caused). The only unusual piercing that you can see on me is my vertical labret, and you'd be amazed at the amount of jobs I cannot get unless I take it out. Overall though, it seems to be more socially acceptable than when I put in my septum (which sometimes makes mothers grab their children away and move to the opposite side of the room).
I think perhaps the most disturbing thing is that I bridge the gap. I don't dress like someone you'd see with piercings hanging off of their nose or lip.
But there's nothing wrong with piercings, if you know how to take care of them... and if you got them for you, not because you think it's cool.
Piercings taken to the extreme are body mutilation, not beautification. They are to get attention and for adornment. It's amazing what people will do for attention. I know I would try some other way and not put myself through the pain and scarring!!! I wish people felt more love and acceptance so they did not feel the need to have such things to draw attention to themselves. My girls and I only have one hole pierced in each ear. I guess we are the exception instead of the normal???
I have a total of 19 ear piercings - 4 lobe piercings in each ear, 4 in one cartilage, and 3 in the other. I've had minor infections in some of the cartilage piercings and both ears are slightly swollen, but I have no regrets. I love the look, and don't care what others think of it. I plan to get a rook piercing in each ear too. I already have earrings for it!
BTW, I'm 53. :-)
I always find it amazing that those who proclaim that they are individuals and non-conformists are really conforming to the most desperate extreme. They who pierce to the extreme will be the first to condemn "trendy" people. Are they that unintelligent to see that it is they who are followers?
I do not like any part of the body being pierced besides the ears. I guess I am old fashioned, but face it as we all get older the only piercings that are going to age well are ones in the ears, and that can be questionable in some folks as the ear lobes get larger as we age. Some folks need to think more about the future than just today.
My nose is actually infected now. I also have my belly button pierced and that got infected shortly after my nose got infected. Is this a problem?
My mother had my ears done before I can remember, so they have just always been there. Right after my 18th birthday I got my belly button done..sort of a rebelious thing, was to scared to get a tattoo...it can not be taken out, way to permanent for me!!! But I still have the belly ring (i am now 27) and I think that I always will!! My stomach is flat and I know that it has no type of use, but I think that it really looks cute...ans so does my husband. My baby boy likes to play with it. I only dread that "But mom you have your belly button done". I have aloready thought of the reply...I waited until I was 18!!!! Of course my mom didn't know about it for a year and a half!! She does now, and won't talk about it..sort of acts like it isn't there!!
If you believe in body equalibrium, the center of your well being is just above your navel. This is your bodies center most balance and some believe is the source of all energy. Putting a piercing there with a stupid, yes I said stupid, piece of jewelry is probably somewhat dangerous, not that anyone who does that sort of thing ever thinks about what they are really doing verses how cool they think it is. Kind of like smoking or tattoos.
I am 41 years old and I have 3 piercings in each ear and one in my belly button. When I got pregnant, I took it out and then re-formed my hole months after I had my baby, hoping it would give me the incentive to get my stomach back into shape. Well, 4 years later and it is still not in shape, but it does make me feel sexy, even though only me and my husband are the only ones that see it and of course my 4 year old and that scares me a little, but she does not even want her ears piereced! I don't agree with all the personal piercings, but to each his own. I don't get upset when I see them, I just think, wow, that must have hurt. I actually like the eye brow, but am too chicken to do it and my family would die! I also want a tatoo, but I guess I am getting too old for that and I know it hurts, so I am scared to get it. I guess the belly piercing makes me feel a little on the bad side and I am not a bad person, but I do love that!
When I was 5 and my sister was 7, my mom had our hair cut so short that we looked like boys. To compensate, she let us get our ears pierced and we felt like our studs really stood out. Shortly after, the 3 of us were in a restaurant where a large party was going on. After it ended, the party's hostess came over and said to my mom that she was worried when we had walked in, but as it turned out, we were the 'two most well-behaved boys' she'd seen! My mom said thank you, and as the woman left, my sister and I just cried! (30 yrs. later, I still haven't bothered with any further piercings!)
I am a 31 yr old married mother of 2. To look at me, I'm an average all-american girl next door. I work at a college. A former cheerleader, former student gov't president, very active in my community, and true believer in to be healthy outside you have to be healthy inside:) I have 5 piercings total...1 in each ear, 1 nipple, 1 navel, and a hood piercing. I haven't worn earrings since high school. My other piercings are just for me...it does make me feel sexier. All my body art is located in places that still allow me to go to church with my grandmother. But I wouldn't trade my body art for anything. Each one symbolizes a piece of my life.
I made some typos in my previous post. It should be 6 cartilage piercings in one ear and 5 in the other. I shouldn't post when I have a headache. :-)
I've been wondering about the infection rate of corset piercings. I'd love to get one, but taking care of it seems tricky, and leaning against a chair back might not always be pleasant.
I think I'll pass on the face piercing. ;-)
I am a man. I am 42. I was reading the article and all the comments [13 of them] published underneath.
It made an interesting reading. I would like to ask one question to the Doctor. Is piercing really useful to people. The only scientific comment I saw in the whole list is one by "anonymous" which said "only piercings that are going to age well are ones in the ears".
I am asking the question because, it is our tradition to pierce the ears of children when they are young [normally not later than 1 year old]. Specifically in our tradition we do it when the child is 56 days old. It is painful as a father to see, but we also know that children forget the pain faster when they r younger.
I would appreciate if there is any medical/scientific benefits through piercing. Many thanks.
Proof positive most humans are glorified monkeys..monkey see..monkey do..I have had major piercings..surgical procedures..don't need to do any more harm to my body..that picture shows someone desperate for attention..too bad...really sad. I like some piercings. Ears..belly button..beyond that it starts to get silly...
I agree with your mother . . . piercings (especially things other than ear lobes) DO make girls look cheap. What ever happened to the "totally natural" look?! Piercings & tattoos do make girls look slutty. Here's one guy who appreciates women "just the way God made 'em"!
This man lives in my home town and comes into the library where I work.
He is a retired bank manager and has had most of his piercings done since retiring.
He may look quite scary but he is perfectly normal of course.
I have a tattoo and my nose and my ears pierced. But according to newspaper reports he has piercings everywhere!
All I can say, is "Do not sit opposite him when he is wearing his cut off denims!!!" EEEOOOO!
My Mom told me I could have my ears pierced when I turned 12 yrs old IF I stayed on AB honor roll. I did, I got them done & I was only allowed to wear studs, the studs my family bought me and they were awfully nice ones for a little girl! I learned that this was a precious gift given to me by working hard. I took that into my life. I am now 48 yrs old, have 2 college degrees but, I still only have piercings in my ears; 4 in one and 2 in the other, just "to be different". I'm a nurse and have seen alot of piercings in many strange and different areas. I'm open-minded and understand wanting to stand-out but, to put your life at risk or to stand-out just a little too much, I find a bit odd. I also think that tattoos are going a bit over-board now and I laugh when I think what these kids are going to say to each other when they're in Nursing Homes or when their grandchildren ask about them!!!!!
Someone that commented before said that, 'I like some piercings, ears and belly button, but after that they just get silly.' I TOTALLY dissagree. I think that belly button piercings are just about the trashiest thing anyone could have. I personally like ear piercings and septum piercings, but I hate that EVERYONE at my school is getting their septums pierced. It used to be cool and kind of interesting, but not its just the 'scene' thing to do.
I am 59 years old and I will have another birthday before the year is out! I had my ears pierced at the age of twenty-one. My (then) husband thought that ear pierces were attractive and of course, I was very much in love. There were five children from that relationship, three of them boys, and when each of the boys got one ear pierce (left ear, cultural thing) I used the extra one and got a second pierce in my left ear. I have considered a nose-pierce (I think they look great on East Indian women) but have never gotten one. What I DID do, after many years of thinking about it, was to get a tattoo in the very middle of my back, just at the waistline. It is simple and meaningful to me, and as far as I know, that is one place that does not sag as one ages. I am very happy with it. I do not recommend it to others, and yes it was painful. As with anything else in life, choices are predicated on one's own beliefs and life-style. Rules still apply ... everything in moderation, nothing to excess.
I,also,am a nurse. I personally have no tatoos or piercings. I do not care if others choose to do either of them. I must however confess that thoughts run through my mind when I see someone who has their entire body covered with tatoos or piercings. A young male that I work with has about 60% of his body tatooed. About half of that was self inflicted. Frankly, some of them are very odd looking. One entire leg is covered with a figure/face of the grim reaper. He might think this is "cool" now but he is "stuck" with this for life. I guess what I am saying is that before you get a tatoo you should weigh the fact that it is permanent. Yes, you can get some removed. It is painful and leaves a permanent scar. I'm not even sure that an MD would remove one the total length of a leg (for example). Certain piercings are not remotely attractive. Ears are one thing. Tongues, lips, etc-anything that can be easily visible to others-can have a revolting effect on the viewer. You might not think this to be true. For example: once you have worked in a nursing home that has aides/CNA's with the nose rings, tongue piercings, etc, you realize the effects it has on the elderly. It can be downright scary to many of them. Our local nursing home recently passed a policy that any piercings that are readily visible (including tongue)-the jewelry MUST be removed prior to start of shift and can not be placed back until after the wearer is done working for the day and clocked out. Most had no problem with that. I guess when all is said and done, I'd like to ask that people just stop and think about the long term effects their choices will have on them (like in 25-30 years-will you still be happy with that grim reaper?). For those who prefer to tatoo and/or pierce to the extreme-just be careful who does them for you and where they are done (sanitation, degree of health risk, etc). If you notice an area of redness, be concerned. If it is also warm to the touch, it is also inflammed. See a doctor. The doctor will not judge you. He/she will just treat you for the infection-which is very important! Enjoy your tatoos and piercings-and be safe!!!
i have my ears two, sets on the lobe and one in the top, i also have my nose pierced because i always wanted it, i never was one to go with "whats cool" i did it for myself, my family forgets its there but i look at myself everyday and see it, im a mom and its important for me to have little things like that for only me, and when my kids grow up and say they want something pierced i'll have a serious discussion with them as to where and why. just like my tattooed dad took me for my first piercing, ill take mine, and it'll be a special thing for both of us.
I work at claires club and before that was an icing.. I have seen my share of piercings. the most amazing is when little girls come in asking to get their belly button done when we don't even pierce those. They get younger and more brave. I am not sure when they will stop
People do not get body parts pierced for attention. They do it b/c they like it.
I previously had my ears pierced four times in each ear. Which included my cartridge.
I even had my eyebrow pierced as soon as I turned 18.
Unfortunately, I no longer have my eyebrow pierced b/c it got infected 5 months after it was pierced.
If I wasn’t a parent, I would re-pierce it again.
I am 29, almost 30 and I have several piercings... I started with my ears, done as a very young girl, now I have two in each ear, then as I got older, maybe I was 21 I did my tongue... later I eventually did my nose. I love them all and I would feel strange without them all. I am a professional, I work in a doctors office and no one even notices my nose or my tongue, unless the topic is brought up and I tell them about it.. I also have two tattoos. I see nothing wrong with piercings, as long as you keep it realistic... nothing like the picture above!!!
That's out of control!
I believe that the individuals that partake in body modification, just to stand out or be different are doing it for the wrong reason. I am 23 male and have five tattoos and a rook (inner ear cartillage) piercing(I had my toungue peirced but took it out after biting it one too many times while I was eating my breakfast) and I can honestlt say that I dont regret any of them.
The trick to body art is that you get these modifications for you and you alone..only because you like how they look or what they symbolize. There is nothing more tradgic than a person who will scar themselves just for a little of attention. I also think that piercings (exept on the nose for some strange reason) and/or tattoos are exteremly attractvie on women.
I find that body modification is a personal thing. Many say, "oh, you will regret that when your older" or "that will look saggy in 30 or 40 years"
That is fair enough. But what they dont realize is that person, if done for the right reasons, wont care that the tattoo they got is a little saggy, or that people stare at the ring in their lip. They will see a reflection on a time of their lives or an occasion that prob. will give them great joy, or remind them of a point of their life that they survived. Those who are serious about body art know the risks that they take, and what could be in store for them in the future. Some of the posts on this site act as though anybody who does this never thinks about that.
Also, each person has his or her own view on beauty. If people cannot look past a nose piercing, then i pity them and the fact that thier shallowness may be preventing them from knowing a beautiful person. There is also nothing stopping the person thats offended from simply looking away.
On the other hand, I do pity the impressionable people who get them because they think that it will change thier lives and make them more attractive. If you dont love yourself first then a piericing certainly is not going to chnage that. I also dont believe such young children going and getting modifications, as they often have no meaning behind it as they get it done other than, "im going to be so cool when i go back to school" etc
I hate the fact that so many get it done just to follow a trend and cause those of us who get it as a symbol to be grouped into the same class. Perhaps more of the grey areas need to be seen, instead of just the black and white.
For all of you who say that getting piercings and tattoos are horrible and sluttish, what right do you have to judge them? It’s their body, it’s not like we’ll have it when we die, so why not have it decorated when you’re young and have fun with it? People for ages have been doing piercings (along with other body artwork) all over body and gauging it. For the most part you can always let a piercing grow shut or get the tattoo removed. If people weren’t so judgmental maybe society would be a better place and people would feel more at ease with themselves.
I am thinking about getting my nose pierced. I was going to do it for my 30th birthday last Friday and had a few second thoughts. I would like feedback on having my nose pierced. I am going to get a tiny dimond when I have it done. I think it looks sexy. I have my ears pierced seven times and have two tattoos. I am nervous about infection and what kind of risk if any to my newborn nursing daughter.
i think you should get it done. i have mine done and i love it!!
If you really want it, go for it. So long as you've thought the decision through and it's not an just an impulse (and judging by your questions I'm sure this is not), you'll probably appreciate this piercing your whole life. Small diamond studs can really enhance one's natural beauty, in my opinion.
About the baby...I'd talk to a doctor first. With proper care, there should be no infections, but it might be safest to wait until you've finished nursing before getting pierced.
I have no clue why people would say peircings beyond ears are trashy. I have my ears peirced and I have my nose peirced and I think it looks great. I have a small diamond stud in my nose and I would recommend that to everyone and anyone that wants to get their nose peirced. It really looks great. To those of you that don't like it, I guess that's your opinion and that's just fine.
PLEASE HELP -
I have a fat belly, once in a while i have pus and blood coming out. I clean it extra (cause i always clean it), but this time it is pus and hurts. Now being piercing experts, what should i do., By the way i think it a cyst
Please help
I got my belly pierced when I turned 19, which means Ive had it for 9 years, and NO it was not because I wanted attention or everyone else was doing it. I think it looks nice! I did it for me, know that just becuse were pierced doesnt mean we want your attention! your not that important. No one ever sees it unless I'm wearing a bathing suit.
And for those of you who dont take care of it until it heals like anything else, yes it will get infected, thats just common sense.
Thiking about taking it out now just feels like I'd be losing a part of me.
I got my tongue pierced when I turned 18 and left for college. It was done about a month before my family found out about it. My mom freaked out and gave me this big lecture about how dangerous they are and why I shouldn't have it. I got it done for the simple fact that I had wanted one for years and was told I could not get it done. I think people should just do their own research when it comes to these things and choose whether you want it or not and do not just go along with the crowd or with what someone else says. If it makes you happy then go for it. Also it isn't nearly as bad as a tattoo...most holes close up.
I have one tattoo and one peircing.
I have a tattoo on one shoulder and a genital peircing in the frenum. I like my tattoo and my peircing very much and I'll tell you why...
My tattoo has a meaning to me that I have felt for years so I am quite happy with it. As for my peircing... I am a highly sexual person and my peircing heightens my pleasure and sensativity and I love it and have even considered more. Not many people I have met are open to the idea of having their genitals peirced, especially males, and, for good reason. It hurts...
But I chose to do it and have no regrets. I know some people will gasp at the thought of a peircing there, but I feel no reason to be judged for expressing myself and my individuality. I am not embarressed about it nor will anyone ever make me feel ashamed.
I find peoples reactions about it to be quite amusing some times. :)
I had mine professionally done at a well respected establishment with clean materials and I will continue to go there for future peircings and tattoos.
Some people will go to extremes with body art/modification but that's just that person expressing him or herself usually in a non-destructive manor. A self-destructive form of body modification is people who cut themselves. I have a couple friends who have had problems with cutting themselves for what ever reason. I don't understand why they would inflict pain on themselves. Some people have said the same about me. I got my peircing for pleasure. I've never fount cutting myself to be something pleasurable.
ahh.. yea. i have a question..
would it be okay to get two cartilage piercings (one on each ear) in the same day!? i dont have any cartilage piercings, so i dont really know!? how bad does it hurt?
"I am thinking about getting my nose pierced....I would like feedback on having my nose pierced. I am going to get a tiny dimond when I have it done. I think it looks sexy. I have my ears pierced seven times...."
I love my nose piercing. If you have gotten 7 ear piercings, you can handle a nostril one. I'll go ahead and assume that one of those is a cartilage, and tell you that initially nose doesn't hurt as much. Once it is freshly pierced, your nose will be a bit sore and maybe a little red for a couple days. The only issue I have ever had (over a span of nearly two years) was getting boogies stuck behind it when I've been sick XD. In that case, I just take the stud out (once it's completly healed of course) to blow. The healing process was relativly quick also, a few weeks at the most; but of course, times vary from person to person.
To the person asking about two cartilage piercings in one day:
If you are getting one in each ear,go for it. If you are wanting two in one ear, I would hold out. First cartilage piercing is rather painful, and having two in one ear might be a little bit overwhelming.
[I have had 5 cartilage piercings in each ear.]
I have my ears gauged,my lip was pierced took it out fur a job interview,and I'm getting my tonge pierced.
Piercings are just something to have fun with.
As long as you don't take it too far.
I have one piercing in one ear and three in another. I also have my navel pierced. I have done none of these because of peer pressure or to "fit in" OR "stand out." I did them because I wanted them done as a way to express myself. A body is just a vesssel, nothing more, so if a person believes that their trueself is not their vessel, they should be able to change it as they wish-wether it be a sex change, piercings, tattoos, etc. I am considering getting my nasal septum pierced, I have wanted it done for about 9 years now, because I am interested in mysticism and the occult and for me, it symbolizes my interest. Knitting is important to me, so I may get a "Hell's Knitter's" tattoo. This is an inside joke between my friends and I, so it'll always be a memory of good times with my friends. Any sort of body modification I do for myself, and to get grouped in with people who get things done for the wrong reason is a bit upsetting for me.
I have my bellybutton, nose and ears piercied. And just recently i got a piercing in the middle of my ear. On my left ear everything is all good but on the right side my ear got irratied, i took out the earring. Now my ear is swollen n the skin is all wrinkled. Does that mean that the skin on m ear is now rotten?
Just for the record, that guy in the picture went to an extreme that typical people will probably never see. I have 2 tattoos and currently 5 piercings, although I am getting 2 more piercings for my birthday. I have 2 in each ear (first set done at 6months old by my doctor) and my right nostril. I will be getting a navel and vertical clitoral hood piercing, because they both look cute, and the second i hear will slightly enhance your sexual experience.
So, I would like to say that many women are born with natural beauty, but it honestly does not matter whether or not you add to it. It's all in personal opinion - some people think it makes you look like a tramp to have a lip pierced, others think that it looks good. Everyone has different opinions, and in terms of getting a piercing, don't be a follower - do it because you want it.
It is really, really important that you go to a decent place to get it done though. All the things your parents tell you about getting diseases from parlors is true - going to the wrong one may cause you to get a disease of some sort. Search around, ask people, ask to meet with the piercist and make an appointment. When you go to get it done, make sure he/she opens everything right in front of you (Same goes with tattoos). You should not feel pressured at all. If you don't feel comfortable, you have the right to leave. And when you do get the piercing, make sure you take care of it.
The piercist may tell you to rotate your new jewelry or not. Only wash it about 2 per day - no more or less. Less than 2 and you will get it dirty. More than 2, and your body will not be able to heal effectively. Use a mild antibacterial, or even just a saline solution to get it clean if you're not prone to infection and have a good immune system.
And yes, you can definately get more than one piercing at a time. I got my 2nd holes in my ears and my nose piercing in the same day.
I think it's a shame that a lot of people are so judgemental. Having a tongue ring or a belly button ring does not make you a lesser person, or unprofessional. All it should ever indicate is that you are into different things than the people who do not have these piercings. We all have different styles, and what we wear or have on our bodies is a way to show them. Some decorate their homes different, some dye their hair different clothes. None of these things make you a bad person, an unprofessional worker, or a crazed lunatic. These are all just things that have been instilled in peoples' minds as they become adults.
Anyway, there are my 2 cents on the issue. Happy piercing, everyone!
This picture is "photoshopped" and is in no way real.
However; beyond trends, there is an entire experience, through and beyond the healing process, by which one experiences potentially great return, involved in creating and enlarging fistulae.
If it's not for you, who cares? But, don't condemn it.
I would like to know why others choosing to get pierced concerns you. I see it as a method of self-expression, and to each their own.
I have had many piercings, none of which, in my opinion, have had anything to do with you. I did not do it to shock you, to offend you, to entice you. I did not do it to showcase my non-conformist views. I did it because I liked the way it accentuated my looks. I did it because I wanted to try something new.
I thought long and hard about each piercing I have ever had, and made sure I did it in an exceptionally clean environment. And even though my likes have changed and I have long since removed the majority of my piercings, I have never regretted getting them, because it was something I did for myself, and not for or inspite of you.
Help. My 18yr old daughter is plannng to get her nose pierced at the end of the week. Both my wife an I have tried unsuccessfully to talk her out of it. I am hoping to somone will pass on some compelling arguments to relay which will change her mind. Thanks
I love the ignorant people who've commented. I have three piercings in my face and I'm far from trashy. Some of us just enjoy body modification, it doesn't make us bad people.
I'm terribly afraid of needles.. Always have been, always will be. So no amount of peer pressure is going to get me to put one in my body unless I want it there. I have two piercings in each earlobe, the first pair stretched to a 0g. I also have my traigus (that little nubbin in your ear.) done. I also have one small tattoo of a horseshoe, and just got finished with my second tattoo.. a cherry blossom tree that starts at the middle of my hip and ends near the top of my ribcage. They hurt like hell, I'm not doing it for attention!
Honestly, piercings and tattoos are getting to be more and more common, which will eventually lead to them being more socially acceptable. If it really bothers you, try and live above it? Don't put people down for it, don't call them trashy or low class.. It's not just a small subculture of people that take part in body modification. It's not mutilation or a cry for attention. It's an individual's choice, let them make it and don't be so quick to judge!
I have been wanting to get my nose pierced for 3 years. The only reason why I haven't is because it doesn't comply with my school's dresscode. My parents are totally chill about it primarily because nose piercing has been a part of Indian culture for a pretty long time. While I don't live in India, I'm proud of my culture and have no uneasy thoughts about get my nose pierced. Those who frown at nose piercings, specifically the ones rooted in culture and tradition, are ignorant pigs. Oh, and for those who think nose piercings make a girl look "cheap", my 76 year old grandmother has had her nose pierced since before she was married and she is the definition of beautiful.
I have 12 ear piercings, 7 lobe, 3 cartilage, 1 tragus and 1 daith. My nose pierced once, my naval and my tounge. I got them done because I think they look good. Its up to the person what they do their body.
Although i agree with the fact it can scare some elderly people in care homes or not, I work with people with dementia and most of them love my piercings, although i do take my lobe ones out 'coz the can be easily grabbed. I think the elderly are much more accpeting of different people, eg i hav hair an inch long on 1 side of my head curving around my neck to much longer on the other side, its cherry red, my piecrings are usually quite visible, but they are all very accepting because they are pleased to have someone to talk to them, unlike some of their "conventional" relatives who do not take the time to visit them.
having piercings is just like wearing differnt clothes. you wouldnt judge some1 if they were wearing a coloured top you didnt like.
I am an honnest caring profesional, look past the pircings, take the time to talk to me and you will find out im not as scary as i look.
i had gotten my nose pierced once and it got ripped out by accident and i couldnt get it back in so i let it close up and about a month later i got it done again and it was fine for the first 6 weeks and then out of nowhere a bump pops up and i thought it was a pimple so i ignored it and let it be it had been there for a month and finally i got worried and asked my neighbor who is a nurse and my mom's friend's girlfriend who also is a nurse and they both said it was infected so i took it out and began treating it today but if i could have i would have done anything to stop the infection
because it is embarassing to say you had to take your nose ring out because it got infected it makes a person sound dirty and noncaring...oh and belly rings are not trashy my mom has one
Keloids usually come only when the piercing is done with a "piercing-gun", wich is very common in ordinary jewelry shops. And the piercing-guns can't be totally sterilized because of the plastic parts that would melt. So no-one should get anything pierced in a place where they use those guns.
I have many piercings and with proper care they have never infected. Don't do your piercings yourself!
Piercings, at least in my own case, are a personal thing. I started many years ago and it wasn't so much the look (although it is a positive) as the adrenaline rush just before a needle runs through your flesh. I'm 15 now, having my first piercings at age 7. I have a lip piercing I did myself two years ago, 7 piercings going up one ear and 4 on the other, 4 of which I did myself, too. I've pierced my tongue webbing but I found it was just annoying so I removed it. I get asked a hell of a lot why I want my piercings in because I'm such a "beautiful young woman" and the truth is if you don't have any and you talk down upon it, you're just a hypocrit.
There's a lot of ignorant people commenting here. I have two piercings in each lobe, one gauged, and one I never wear. I got the first holes when I was 5, and the second for my 14th birthday. For my 19th birthday I got a clitoral hood piercing, and over the year I also got a labret, a navel, and an anti-eyebrow. My anti-eyebrow was never meant to be permanent - because of the bone structure of the face, the piercing eventually pushes through the skin. I also had to remove my navel piercing when I was 7 months pregnant with my son because the skin just couldn't support the piercing any longer.
For my 21st birthday, I got my first tattoo - my best friend and I got matching tattoos that I drew myself. They are beautiful and they will signify the bond we have had through the worst and best times of our life.
Tomorrow, I plan to go with her to get another piercing.
I am not a trashy person. I am a good mother, and I am studying to be a geneticist, so I am not dumb. And I'm definitely not a trend-monger. I don't do any of my body modification for other people. It is for me, and for my definition of beauty. I am a beautiful young woman, and my piercings do not detract from that, only enhance it.
I'm a female and already have peircings, and want to get a lip peircing. But I was recently told by my surgeon that I have keloids, they formed after my gallbladder surgery. and I was wondering if my lip would keliod. and I was also planning to get a tattoo too.
I am a 26 year old female office professional. I have a number of piercings.... tapered ears (1/2 inch holes as well as 1/4 inch holes) in my lobes, cartilage piercings, and a labret (middle lip). I also have a number of tattoos... I'm currently working on a full back piece and have a 3/4 length sleeve on my right arm.
HOWEVER, I am a professional, and no one (whether at my office or elsewhere) sees my piercings or my artwork - yes, I said artwork rather than tattoos. I have them for ME. Not for the public. Not to scare people. Not to influence others to get work done. I did it all for ME. I love the art, and I LOVE that it will be permanent! Every tattoo and every piercing (my holes are too big to return to normal) is there forever, and unlike most people's assumptions on here, I HAVE thought about the future.... I will be the 85 year old lady in the nursing home covered in tattoos. The elderly's ears stretch anyway, mine will just be a bit bigger... and my jewelry will be better and more creative than everyone else's, just like they are now. Sure, my tattoos will sag and get wrinkled along with my skin, but I have taken all that into account with my artist, so we went big so when I am 85 they will still look good.
I suppose what I'm trying to say here is this: not every tattooed & pierced person is "conforming" or "trying to get attention" or "doesn't think ahead"... we are the professionals that you see and speak to every single day and respect. But our work lives are different than our home lives, just like everyone else.... we just prefer to decorate our skin - which is, after all, our permanent home. Why shouldn't we decorate it the way we choose? And preferably, without judgment. If your child is afraid of those with ink, maybe it is because people like you are pulling the kid away and showing the child that these people are scary and intimidating and even LESS of a person for how they look. That, to me, seems a bit discriminatory. Try teaching these children that people are different and like different things, and not to be afraid of something new.
As for the gentleman who asked if there was any scientific or medical benefit to piercings and/or tattoos.... not really. Some people claim there is a sexual benefit for certain piercings (none of which I have). Also, there have been studies done where it has been found that tattoos have a cooling effect on people who live in very hot desert regions (similar to the effects of Henna/Mehndi applications). Other than that, percings and tattoos are strictly adornments and religious applications.
benefits.....well, personal self acceptance..but thats simply mental
scientific..well.. sexual for certain types of piercings...but ultimately, no, not really. and absolutely no scientific benefits for tattoos.
to the guy asking about the corset....VERY high rejection rate, slightly lower infection rate....theres almost no chance of actually keeping a corset piercing permenant...my friend got a 40 point corset...he ended up ripping most of them out himself as they were already half rejected...plus, very hard to care for considering you cant reach...buuut.. aesthetically.... gorgeous!!
as of now ive taken out 3 nostril piercings (parents) 5 ear piercings (infections, work), 2 tongue web piercings (ripped out..not painful though)
i now have my septum and vertical labret pierced, my nipples, and 8 lobe piercings total.....
makes getting a job a bit more interesting, but makes me happy. ive tried taking some of them out... i jsut feel incomplete, theyve grown to become a part of who i am. tattoos.... i love them..but, im a very transient person, i change too much and too fast to have something that will be forever, i admire those that do though...especially older people who still show off their old ink.
body modification should hopefully be self completion...not a power trip with your parents or a scream for attention.
my names savvy.. if needed..pinklymayo476@aol.com
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ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO I GOT A BELLY RING DONE NOW BEING A TYPE ONE DIABETIC IT ENDED UP GETTING INFECTED. I DON'T KNOW IF ITS BECAUSE I SLEEP ON MY STOMACH HAVE IT COVERED UP ALL THE TIME AND IT WASN'T ABLE TO BREATH IDK. I HAVE OTHER PIERCINGS THAT ARE GOOD NO PROBLEMS BUT SINCE I TOOK OUT THE RING IT FEELS ALL HARD AND BUMPY WHAT SHOULD I DO BESIDES CLEAN IT WITH ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP.
I got my bellybutton piercing done in late December of 2006...it was all fine and starting to heal until around late March when it got infected from i dont know what. How can i heal it and get rid of the infection? what medicines or ointments or solutions could i use? Or what's the best and quickest way?
The man in the picture looks so gross. How can anyone do that to themselves. What I really want to know is, when he drinks, does the liquid come out of the 300 holes in his face?
He's going to regret this when he is older. What a waste of money too.
I am 13 years old and I have my ears pierced,nose and getting my belly button done in 5 days , whoever says bellybuttons are trashy has issues they're so cute and makes your belyy worth looking at I can't wait !!
oops i meant "belly"
Think about it this way: You guys all remember people you've seen pierced. You've all given a reaction, whether it was disgust/amazement. . what have you.
So apparently, it's a method of standing apart that works.
I think that the hatred or dislike of piercings/tattoos are just a misunderstanding. Not everyone is doing it "just to be cool." So why judge EVERYONE with some ink or a few holes?
Whatever happened to "Love Thy Neighbor?"
Those people that are saying "you'll regret it when you're older".. I don't see why I would regret doing something that made me happy at the time I did it. I think a lot about every mod I have and usually love each one so much I could never regret having it.
And I think a few saggy tattoos are the last thing I am going to be worrying about when I'm 80..
I think 1 ear piercing on each ear will be all right and maybe 1 or 2 will be ok also but like millions on your face and private parts NOT OK!!!I mean not to be mean but you should have stoped this from happening.Do you think she looks in the mirror and thinks "what have i done ?"Maybe you can convince her from taking them off and let the holes close so you can see her beautiful face. =-) I'm going to get a piercing sometime this week and i'm just 10. But not any piercing on my FACE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Most of the posts above were just left by ignorant people. Piercings and tattoos are a form of expression, not meant to seek attention. I'm young. 13. But I'm not stupid or ignorant. I like the way piercings look on people, although it seems some people are only getting pierced to fit a stereotype. I agree with the former comment. Septum piercings were really rad, but now everyone is getting them. Trendy or scene? Your body is art, if you choose to decorate it, it proofs you are unique. Not slutty or trashy. I don't really think that the girl in the picture is extreme. An example: Jeffree Star. He is becoming increasing popular, and he has a lot of tattoos, along with most bands. No one seems to think less of celebrities if they get body art, so why is it such a large issue in society? Add me on myspace? www.myspace.com/whitelightxrefraction.
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I think you're a hypocrite. You pierced your daughters ears at the age of two without her consent, and then talk about how you would never have anything pierced yourself. You make me sick.
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Oh people, people. Piercings are so temporary. Relax, please. I have had my ears pierced since I was in kindergarten-- Had my second holes in 6th or 7th grade-- Had my bellybutton in 9th grade-- And just got my forward helix. I have never *knock-on-wood* had an infection in any of my piercings. I am by no means a freak or a loser. In fact, I am a well-known, upstanding part of my community.
How I see it is if your body tends to overreact to foreign objects, then don't put your body through it and if you don't want to pierce yourself... then don't. I got my ears pierced both times because i wanted to (And yes, even in kindergarten.) As for me, the piercings I get are in my favorite areas. I love my ears, so I adorn them (And not to the extent that they look like a hunk of scrap-metal.) I adorned my stomach because i like that part of me too. It's all based on personal opinion.
To sum it up: If it's not your body, why should what you think matters? If it's not hurting you, why should it matter to you? So many of these arguments are based on stereotypes. Do not use a stereotype as a basis for an argument, it makes you sound like a close-minded "Old Betty."
Individuality is a beautiful thing. You don't have to like what others are doing, just don't thrust your personal tastes onto others.
Im 14 and i want three piercings. snake bites (which are two piercings on the bottom lip) and my navel (or belly button) I don't think its really following the crowd. i want them for myself and not to show off. i don't even have my ears pierced. (they closed up about a month after i took them out because i forgot about them.) My mother wouldn't mind if i got them either, because i have the right body for the belly button, and the snake bites is some trend i've adored for years. not many people have snake bites, so its almost original too.
whoever thinks piercings are immature and wrong should stop talking and fall in a ditch.
sorry but thats how i feel
and PS: Don't say I'm immature and wrong because this is what i believe. I'm my own individual and am probably more mature, respective, and courteous than half of you on here.
i have gauged my ears to 00's, so almost an inch in diameter, have two lip rings, an eyebrow piercing, nipple rings, a bar through the skin over my adam's apple, and a prince albert! i love getting pierced.....its better than drugs, right?
why is tha people think it is ok to have one pair of earrings in their ear and think everything else is mutilation or crazy? you know our bodies are not even meant to have that one set of earrings. thats so hypocritical. its ok to pierce your ears but not your nose or your tongue. please dont say your old fashioned. that just means that was the normal thing to do back then. i have my tongue pierced to a 2g. and i had 2 sets of earrings in my ears. one at 1/2" and one at 1". while i was going up to 1" it got horribly infected and i am going to the doctors tomorrow. why is that everybody thinks that all people with abnormal piercings are trying to get attention. i forst got my ears pierced because my brother had his done. then i gauged them instead of cutting myself. it helped my emotional pain go away or i atleast forgot about it. i had them because i myself liked them. do not preach about how horrible body piercings are. get to know the people. they are just like you and i. nothing different but a couple more holes. why would somebody gauge they ears out(which hurts bad) to get attention when most people think its sickening to look at? tell me that.
todd
well wat do u fink of ear stretchings (making peircing holes bigger if u dont no) i have mine done to 5mm at da mo and plan 2 go to 12mm i take care of it sterelise the jewlerry b4 i put new 1s in and clean it everyday alot of ppl hate it and fink it looks crap but i like it and fink its cool lookn im only goen to 12mm cos if u go more dan 16mm den it will never close over and i mightnt always want it im 17 do u fink im being immature and senseless doen this evn thoue i have everything planned and know wat im doen
Wow, some of you are really judgemental. You keep saying "leave it as God intended", well what happened to looking passed the surface and letting God do the judging? Piercings do NOT make one look "cheap" and "slutty", but having such an ignorant opinion is pretty cheap and disgusting!
I'm a guy who is now 58. I had both my ears pierced when I was 18. I liked them so much I now have 10 earrings in each ear. Also my nipples done twice. I don't care what other people think. It is self expression.
I have 5 piercings on my body. I recently (saturday) had my second rook piercing put in and I love it. I chose to get my piercings not because it was the "cool" thing to do or becaues "everybody was doing it". I chose to get my piercings because they're more an accent rather than the entirety of my character. I am currently a student in a Nursing program and I know that I will keep my earrings in until a boss (i.e. someone who pays my paycheck) tells me to take them out.
As for piercings being "slutty" and "cheap", this is a sterotype. If some people choose to live up to it then so be it, however, one should not be judged based on decisions they've made for themselves. The cleanest person on the outside could be the sluttiest or cheapest person one has ever met, and while this is cliche, looks can be deceiving.
I'm 15 and currently have 7 piercings. 6 in my ears and my belly button. I turn 16 this week and for my birthday I am getting a rook piercing and also 1 more in the lobe of each ear. I am getting them done because I want them and no other reason. I want them because I like how they look and I think they will suit me. None of my friends have very wacky piercings or anything so I do not feel that I am doing it to follow the crowd but also accept that a lot of people do it so I'm not saying I'm a non conformist. I just don't like the way some people think of piercings they are shallow minded. I have no issue with people who don't wish to have them fair enough it's your body but when you look down on people who have more than the normal 1 in each ear then it's just dam inconsiderate and you need to leave us to make our own decisions. Just for the record I plan to be an army officer when I'm 18 after completing my a levels so it's not just thugs and wastes of time who get piercings done. Quit judging cos it's pathetic.
oh yea p.s. i'm in air cadets too which is highly disciplined and teach dance. My students love my piercings and I take them out for cadets. If anything piercings are artwork and a responisibility if you can handle it then go for it. If everyone was as open minded as those 7 year olds the world would be a better place.