BME: Facial Piercings Facial Piercings Ear Piercings There are a multitude of options when it comes to piercing the ear. Every little bit can be done, and with just about any gauge. Keep in mind that when piercing cartiledge, the needle or dermal punch should be one gauge larger than the jewelry, to allow the skin to properly heal. Also, shine a flashlight through the ear to check for blood vessels. Healing time for cartiledge piercings is 8 to 12 weeks, and about 4 weeks for lobe piercing. Eyebrow After healing, a retainer may be worn for minimum visibility. For many people, an eyebrow is not a permanent pierce, as it slowly migrates out over several years. Healing time is 6 to 8 weeks. Nostril, Septum A septum is the most "hideable" facial piercing, as a staple-shaped retainer may be worn, which flips up inside the nose. The piercing may be done with this retainer. Usually the piercing is done between the thin skin between the septum cartiledge and the flesh at the bottom of the nose, but for some people, the cartiledge must be pierced. Also, the piercing may be initially done with a dermal punch for extreme stretching potential. Healing time for nostrils is 6 to 8 weeks. Healing time for septums varies more, depending on the individuals nose structure; usually being 6 to 12 weeks. Bridge AKA: Nieburh, Erle (or Earl, or Earle), Nasium, Assyrian This is a particularily difficult piercing, both to do, and to heal -- getting it to heal straight isn't easy. It can't be made too deep, but must be deep enough to avoid migration. Healing time is 6 to 8 weeks. These facial piercings are best cleaned with Bactine, or a solution containing benzalkonium chloride, two times a day. Any crusty formation around the piercing and on the jewelry should first be softened and removed with a cotton swab dipped in warm water or warm salt water.Apply and rotate the cleaning agent through the piercing. Allow the piercing to soak for one to two minutes before rinsing with warm water. Try to avoid make-up, foundations, and powders during the healing process. Cover your piercings with your hand or a tissue when using hair spray. Tongue Use an antibacterial mouthwash for at least one minute after putting anything in your mouth other than water (including cigarettes). For some people constant mouthwash use may be too strong. In this case, use salt-water. Avoid oral sex and wet kissing during the initial healing period. Twice a day put a few drops of Anbesol liquid on both sides of the piercing to soak off any dried material. Anbesol also helps to stop keloids from forming. Try to avoid alcohol and spicy foods, and try to do everything slowly (ie. eat small bites slowly, and speak slowly at first). In larger sizes, a large gauge labret stud may be worn to avoid having huge balls in your mouth. Healing Time is 4 to 6 weeks for total healing, about 1 week for your tongue to become mostly functional again. Piercings around the rim (non-centred) are possible but take longer to heal. Labret, Lip, Cheek These should be cleaned on the outside as other facial piercings, and on the inside as tongue piercings. Initial jewelry should be larger to accomodate for swelling. Warm salt water rinses are also recommended for faster healing. Healing Time is 6 to 8 weeks. Proper jewelry for a labret is a labret stud (ball on the front, disc on the back). Properly sized, it should not cause any deterioration of the gums or lip. Fishtail labrets are not a whole lot better in this -- their primary advantage is that they can be done more easily in smaller gauges (18). Theo / Scrumper This is the piercing through the frenulum of the upper lip. It is a far from official title, and there are surely many local names for this piercing. As far as healing, it is a very viable piercing, and looks best on someone who's lips retreat when they smile. This piercing was christened by Stainless Studios.