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.