Amiga Plus 1995 #2/Amiga Plus CD - 1995 - No. 2.iso/internet/faq/englisch/rec.arts.bodyart-piercing

Text File | 1995-04-11 | 196.4 KB | 4,889 lines

Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/part1
Last-modified: March 6, 1995
Posting-frequency: Monthly


This is Part 1 of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ file that is posted on
a monthly basis (during the first week of the month) and includes
information about everything that might concern piercing. If you would
like to know what rec.arts.bodyart is as a newsgroup and how to obtain
both the Piercing FAQ and the Tattoo FAQ via ftp, read the separate
postings entitled: "Meta-FAQ" and the "Welcome and Netiquette FAQ", posted
twice a month and maintained by Lani
Teshima-Miller ([e-mail]).


The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
 1--Introduction <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
 2--Piercings & Jewelry
 3--Getting A New Pierce
 4--Professional Piercers
 5--Care Of A New Pierce
 6--Problems And Hazards
 7--Healed Pierces
 8--Misc. Info
 9--Resource List

WHAT'S NEW IN THE FAQ?

I am still looking for additions to the female and male piercing
experiences sections. Please feel free to submit a written
account of your piercing experience (including piercing
technique, healing time, and what your piercing has contributed
to your life) to my address.

All texts written by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.

Although there is no copyright to the FAQ, it would be
appreciated if any reprinting or further distribution is
approved by Anne Greenblatt and the respective authors.

Please remember that body piercing is an inexact science - the
information contained in the FAQ is culled from group knowledge
and experience. Thus, opinions on almost all aspects may vary or
conflict. Remember that each person's experience is different .
One aspect of piercing that everyone agrees on - keep it safe
and keep it clean!

Table of Contents of the rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ:

 1--Introduction

 2--Piercings & Jewelry
    1. Suggested Metals For Body Piercings
       1a.  "Stainless Steel for Body Piercings" by Bart Z. Lederman
    2. Jewelry Sizes
       2a. Gauges And Equivalents
    3. Jewelry Designs
    4. Piercing Types And Their Suggested Jewelry
       4a. Female Genital Piercings
       4b. Male Genital Piercings

 3--Getting A New Pierce
    1. Choosing the right jewelry
    2. What to look for in a piercer
    3. Tools and technique
    4. Methods of sterilization

 4--Professional Piercers
    1. United States - professional org., jewelry & hospital suppliers
    2. Canada
    3. Beyond North America
    4. European Professional Piercers Association

 5--Care Of A New Pierce
    1. Cleaning Agents
    2. Healing Ointments
    3. Treating Facial Piercings
    3. Treating Mouth-Related Piercings
    4. Treating Body Piercings
    5. Treating Genital Piercings
    6. Care Instructions From Elayne Binnie
       6a. Lips, Labret And Cheek Piercings
       6b. Body piercings
       6c. Ear Lobe, Ear Cartilage, Tragus, Conch, Nostril,
           Septum and Eyebrows
       6d. Tongue Piercings

 6--Problems And Hazards
    1. Keloid Scars
    2. Methods Of Treating Keloids

 7--Healed Pierces
    1. Changing Jewelry
    2. Stretching Piercings
       2a. Knitting Needle Sizes
    3. Piercing Adornments
    4. Bdsm Play, And Chasity
    5. Play Piercing
    6. Hiding And Retaining Piercings
    7. Piercings and Surgery

 8--Misc. Info
    1. Piercings And Surgery
    2. History Of The Nipple Piercing
    3. Personal experiences
       3a. Tongue Pierce
       3b. Labret Piercing
       3c. Hand Web Piercing
       3d. Eyelet Piercings
       3e. Nipple Piercing
       3f. Triangle Piercing
       3g. Niebuhr, or Erle
       3h. Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing
       3i. Horizontal Clitoral Hood Piercing

 9--Resources List
       1. Books and Magazines
       2. Videos
       3. Online Sites




--
                              * Ardvark *
                            Anne Greenblatt
               Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart
                        > Piercing  Exquisite <
                                   *
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/part2
Last-modified: March 06, 1995
Posting-frequency: Monthly


The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
 1--Introduction
 2--Piercings & Jewelry  <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
 3--Getting A New Pierce
 4--Professional Piercers
 5--Care Of A New Pierce
 6--Problems And Hazards
 7--Healed Pierces
 8--Misc. Info
 9--Resource List

What's in this section:

 2--Piercings & Jewelry
    1. Suggested Metals For Body Piercings
       1a. Surgical Steel for Body Jewelry" by Bart Z. Lederman
    2. Jewelry Sizes
       2a. Gauges And Equivalents
    3. Jewelry Designs
    4. Piercing Types And Their Suggested Jewelry
       4a. Female Genital Piercings
       4b. Male Genital Piercings


 1. SUGGESTED METALS FOR BODY PIERCINGS-------------

To heal a body piercing successfully, the jewelry worn must be
of suitable material and design. The more inert the material,
the less the chance of metal allergy. The following are the
recommended metals used for body piercing jewelry, in
alphabetical order:

*Acrylic*
  Used where a more flexible piece of jewelry is desired.

*Gold*
  Solid gold of at least 14 karat. Gold-plated or gold-filled
  jewelry is not acceptable, as plating can eventually rub away
  or flake.

*Niobium*
  An elemental metal, strong yet flexible, the wide array of
  colors achieved through anodizing, not dyeing.

*Surgical Stainless Steel*
  The highest quality and most suitable body jewelry developed
  thus far is made of 316 L or LVM Surgical Stainless Steel.  The
  jewelry should be polished to a reflective shine and free from pitting
  and rough edges and should be annealed to be somewhat flexible and to resist
  metal fatigue.

*Titanium*
  An elemental metal similar to Niobium, also available in a
  range of colors through anodizing.

1a. Stainless Steel for Body Jewelry------------------
    by Bart Z. Lederman


There are literally thousands of different metal alloys; and
scores of corrosion resistant, or "Stainless" steels. Different
stainless steels are used for such diverse applications as the
turbine blades in jet engines, automobile exhaust systems,
medical instruments, and table ware; and the different types are
not interchangeable. A steel which will withstand the heat of a
jet blast might corrode if used in a kitchen knife or lawn
furniture. And while nearly any stainless steel would probably
be suitable for jewelry worn externally, such as a bracelet or
finger ring, when it comes to putting it inside your body in a
new piercing you should be much more selective about which metal
is used.

The environment inside the human body is actually quite harsh
and will corrode most metals, but there are some which are
resistant enough to be used for medical implants. As a result,
when discussing metals in r.a.b. people often refer to "surgical
stainless steel". It turns out that there is really no such
thing: at least, none of the industry references or selection
guides I can find use that term. There is, however, one steel
which is preferred due to it's outstanding resistance to
corrosion: it is commonly known as 316L. The steel selection
guides I have consulted list 316 and 316L as the metals of
choice for applications where corrosion resistance is important,
and where it is important that whatever comes in contact with
the metal, such as pharmaceuticals, are not contaminated. This
makes it a good choice for body jewelry.

Another alloy sometimes mentioned is 440C. This is very much
less resistant to corrosion than 316. It's used for cutlery
because it can be hardened, and could be a good choice for
scalpels and needles. But these things are in contact with the
body for only a very brief period of time, and often are
discarded after one use. 440C will not even resist salt water,
and probably shouldn't be used in piercings.

[Optional technical stuff: when most metals are exposed to
oxygen in air or water or body fluids, they will combine with it
to form an oxide. On common steels this is iron oxide or rust,
and it flakes off: so the metal underneath rusts, and the
process keeps going. Stainless Steels contain chromium, and
often other metals. When stainless steel is exposed to oxygen a
thin tough layer of chromium oxide forms on the surface and
adheres tightly, protecting the metal underneath from any
further reaction. If the oxide is scratched off, a new layer
forms almost instantly. The metal is protected from the
environment, and no metal leaches out into whatever is in
contact with it (like your body). 316 contains a high percentage
of chromium, plus nickel, manganese and molybdenum, and forms a
protective oxide better than most other alloys. 316L is the same
except for less carbon, making it easier to weld. 440C has less
chromium, no nickel, and less of other elements, and the oxide
layer isn't as resistant to corrosive environments.]

316L has other useful properties. It's fairly strong, is
reasonably easy to work with (bend, cut threads in, etc.), and
won't lose it's corrosion resistance if heated during normal
bending, soldering or welding. It can be made into springs, so
it can form jewelry which can be bent moderately for fitting and
will return to it's proper shape.

Care: there is little that should have to be done to keep
stainless steel jewelry looking good. Anything that gets on it
(like "crusties") should wash off with soap or detergent.
However, there is one thing you should NOT do: DO NOT USE STEEL
WOOL ON STAINLESS STEEL. If you use steel wool or kitchen
scouring pads, little bits of iron or steel (possibly too small
to see) could become embedded in the stainless steel. They will
rust, and the corrosion could spread under the protective oxide.
This can be fixed by etching with nitric acid (which is
dangerous), or by polishing off the surface with a safe
abrasive. Obviously, it's better to not use steel wool in the
first place.

How To Tell If You Have The Right Kind Of Stainless Steel:

Unfortunately, they all look very much alike. Only a chemical
test can really distinguish one from another. However: if the
metal is strongly attracted to a magnet, it is definitely the
wrong kind (such as 440). Unfortunately, just because it isn't
attracted to a magnet doesn't mean it's the right kind. The best
thing to do is to ask the person who makes or sells it exactly
what it's made of: if they can't positively identify it as 316L
or SAE 30316L or UNI S31603, buy your jewelry somewhere else. It
shouldn't be made from welding rod either: the alloy used to
weld 316L may not have the same composition as real 316L, plus
it may be coated with a flux containing things you really don't
want in your body.

The bottom line: you are probably getting a piercing to make
yourself look better, or to make yourself feel better, or both.
An infected piercing won't look or feel good, and you only have
one body. You should be selective about what you put in it.

[More optional technical stuff: Because there are so many
different metal alloys on the market, industry groups such as
the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) have set up a
numbering system to identify them. 316L is from the old SAE
system. The newer SAE number is 30316L, and the even newer
Unified Numbering System (UNI) number is S31603: but most people
recognize the old 316L designation so I have used it here.]

[Optional Trivia: I learned that "Stainless Steel" originally
was a trade term for a family of steels developed around 1916
for use in cutlery. "Corrosion Resistant" is a better general
term, but stainless seems embedded in the language now.]

Resources:  "Design Guidelines for the Selection and Use of Stainless
      Steel", April 1977, Committee of Stainless Steel Producers,
      American Iron & Steel Institute; SS 601-477-25M-GP.
            "Machinery's Handbook Revised", 21st Edition, Library of
      Congress #72-622276


 2. JEWELRY SIZES----------------------

For most piercings, rings facilitate easier cleaning and allow
for swelling.

For piercings made in flatter areas of the body (ie. where the
entrance and exit holes are not through parallel planes), the
straighter the section of jewelry that passes through the
piercing the less likely the piercing is to migrate or "grow
out." Thus, the basic guideline for sizing jewelry is to allow
the inside diameter of the ring to be at least 1/16" to 1/8"
wider than the length of the piercing.

Jewelry is measured by gauge (thickness) and inside diameter in
the case of rings or length from ball to ball in the case of
studs. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the jewelry.

When getting pierced, the needle and jewelry must be of the same
gauge; thus it is important to stay within the same gauge
system. If mixing gauges cannot be avoided, a needle of a
thicker gauge than that of the jewelry should be used.

Most jewelry manufactured in the US is gauged according to the
Brown & Sharpe system. Note that Silver Anchor uses its own
gauge system. Jewelry from the UK and Europe are manufactured by
metric gauge.


     2a. Gauges and Equivalents

Brown and Sharpe (used by most American manufacturers)
------------------------------------------------------
     gauge     inches     millimeters
    -----------------------------------
      20        0.032        0.813
      18        0.040        1.024
      16        0.051        1.290
      14        0.064        1.629
      12        0.081        2.052
      10        0.102        2.588
       8        0.128        3.264
       6        0.162        4.111
       4        0.204        5.189
       2        0.257        6.543
       0        0.324        8.230
      00        0.364        9.246

Silver Anchor
------------------------------------------------------
     gauge      inches         millimeters
    ----------------------------------------
      20     1/32 = 0.03125
      16     3/64 = 0.046875      1.19
      14     1/16 = 0.0625        1.59
      12     3/32 = 0.09375       2.38
       8      1/8 = 0.125         3.18
       6     5/32 = 0.15625       3.97
       4     3/16 = 0.1875        4.76
       2      1/4 = 0.25          6.35
       0     5/16 = 0.3125        7.94



 3. JEWELRY DESIGNS--------------

*Captive Bead Ring*

The basic ring design is the captive bead ring, or ball closure
ring. The bead is not attached to the ring--the tension of the
ring holds the bead "captive." With thinner gauges and larger
diameter rings, finger strength may be all that is necessary to
remove the bead. Otherwise, ring expanding pliers are used to
release the bead.

Rings can be fitted with a wide assortment of beads: Cubes,
skulls, hearts, coils, and tubes in steel, gold and niobium and
beads in semi-precious stones are just a few of the options. In
the case of gemstones, malachite and lapis should not be used
with genital piercings, as urine can break down the stone and
release copper. Also, gold and sterling can be discolored by
cleaning products, most notably Betadine, and chemical
sterilization liquids.

*Bead Ring*

Another basic ring design is the bead ring. The bead is soldered
to one end of the ring with a hole drilled into the other side
of the bead to receive the other end of the ring. The
disadvantage to the bead ring is that it must be twisted
sideways to open and close, which can eventually cause metal
fatigue, especially in the case of gold. Bead rings are best
used for more permanent wear.

*Seamless Rings*

"Seamless" rings are rings in which the ends are flat and
matched up as closely as possible. Inserting these rings into a
new piercing can be very difficult, and closing the rings
sometimes next to impossible.

*Circular Barbells*

Circular barbells are useful for those anticipating changing
jewelry often. In the larger gauges circular barbells can be
heavy.

Barbells and other studs are available with various designs of
threading:

  Internally threaded studs: The bar is threaded internally, and
    there is no risk of the threads damaging or getting caught
    on the inside of the piercing. When inserted initially, a
    guide wire or taper inserted into the needle and the bar
    will maintain the connection between needle and jewelry for
    easier insertion.

  Externally threaded studs: The threads are exposed and can
    irritate the piercing. With some externally threaded studs,
    the threaded section can be inserted into the end of the
    needle. Otherwise, the threads can be dipped in hot wax to
    minimize friction.

More unique jewelry designs intended for healed piercings are
available from various manufacturers - septum tusks, labret and
nostril spikes, jeweled rings, nipple retainers, nipple
stretchers, nipple shields, teardrop rings, nipple spreaders,
octagonal rings, Prince Albert "Bangers" and urethra tubes...for
more information on these and many more designs please see the
FAQ Address List for a listing of jewelry manufacturers.


 4. PIERCING TYPES AND THEIR SUGGESTED JEWELRY----------

The following contains brief descriptions of each piercing and
suggested jewelry, as well as references to publications
available detailing the history and origin of specific
piercings.

*Ear Lobe*

Usually, the ear lobe is the least sensitive piercing, in terms
of metals that can be worn after healing. Lobe piercings can be
stretched quite easily. The stretching process should, however,
be a gradual one. Eyelets can be worn to maintain a stretched
piercing.

Ear lobe piercings heal better and faster if a ring is the
initial jewelry. Sleeper studs installed with a piercing gun are
collection sites for bacteria and are difficult to clean.
Piercing studs tear a hole into the ear tissue whereas piercing
needles cut a clean hole. Also, the cleanliness of the piercing
gun method is questionable.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, barbells,
circular barbells (in the case of larger gauges, circular
barbells may not be best initially, as the weight of the jewelry
may prolong healing and be uncomfortable); 3/8" to 1/2" in
diameter.

*Cartilage*

Should be pierced using a needle one gauge larger than the
jewelry to be worn (e.g. 20 gauge bead ring, 19 gauge needle) to
allow for new tissue to form around the inside of the pierce and
for easier cleaning.

This piercing is often done with a gun; however, the stud
installed can be too short for the piercing, and both sides of
the stud are collection sites for bacteria. An ear cartilage
piercing should be treated as a body piercing.

Some people may encounter no irritation from sterling and other
metals, if worn for a short period of time. Cartilage piercings
should not be stretched more than a gauge larger. Cartilage
piercings have a tendency to develop Keloid scar tissue in some
people. Thus, it is best not to make multiple piercings too
close together in one session.

  Tragus: The prominence of cartilage in front of the opening of
    the ear canal. Ear cartilage suggestions follow here. Care
    must be taken when cleaning this and other interior
    cartilage piercings such as the Rook, Doth, and Conch -
    cleaning solutions must not be allowed to drip into the ear
    canal, as this could lead to permanent loss of hearing.

Of the interior ear cartilage piercings, the Daith is usually the most
successful, as it is not subject to pressure from sleeping and irritation
from daily activities.  Rook piercings are more prone to rejection.

Provided by Shannon Larrat ( [e-mail]):


                  _,------------._
             ,-'            6     `-.
           ,'     ,------------._    \   1 is the rook (topmost inner
         -'     |           4    `.   `    fold of the ear shell)
             6 ,   '--._          |    |
             ,'        ` `1       \    \       2 is a tragus (that triangle)
             |           `  `-.   |     |
             `-.        .         |     |    3 is a daith (through the fold of
                `-._         4`   |     |  cartilage tissue just above
          ,-----.   3_ `--        |    |           the ear opening)
          `-.      `---.          |    |
           2 |                4  ,'    ;     4 is a conch piercing
            ,'              ,--'     ,'
         ,-'      4      4,-'      ,'
         |       ___ ,--'        ,'
         `------'          5    ;
                          5    /                5 is a lobe piercing
     -.        5    5       _,'                 6 is a helix piercing
      `.                  ,'
         `           _.--'
             ` ----'

*Nostril*

Nostril Screws are the optimum jewelry choice for those wishing
the look of a stud. They feature a small curved "tail" at a
right angle to the stud that holds the jewelry in place without
the need for a clasp on the inside of the nose. Because nostril
screws are more difficult to clean and may not accommodate
swelling associated with a fresh piercing , it is recommended
that the piercing be well-healed before a screw is worn.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings in 20 to 14
gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter. As with ear cartilage
piercings, nostril piercings should be done with a piercing
needle a gauge larger than that of the jewelry to be worn.

*Septum*

The piercing should pass through the thin layer of tissue
between the septum cartilage and the flesh. This piercing can be
stretched after healing to accommodate eyelets.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells, septum retainers in 20 to 10 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2"
inside diameter. U-shaped septum retainers are available for
those who need to hide the piercing.  Rings are, however, easier to clean
during healing.

*Eyebrow*

The chance of the piercing growing out or migrating may be
reduced by reshaping the ring into an oval. This piercing is
usually made vertically, so that the ring encircles the eyebrow.
Elayne "Angel" Binnie offers a hallmark alternative eyebrow
piercing, made horizontally just beneath the hairline of the
eyebrow.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings in 18 to 14
gauge, 3/8" to 7/16" inside diameter; barbells 3/8" to 7/16"
post length. Rings should be at least 1/16" larger in diameter
than the length of the piercing.

*Nieburh or Erle*

This piercing is made through the tissue between the eyes (bridge of the
nose).  This piercing can be both difficult to both perform and heal.  This
piercing cannot be made too deep but must be deep enough that the piercing
does not migrate out/reject.

Initial jewelry: Barbell studs or curved barbells in 14 - 12
gauge, 3/8" to 5/8" in length, depending on the length of the
piercing.

*Lip & Labret*

Traditionally, the Labret piercing is usually made about 3/8" to
1/2" below the middle of the lower lip, through or just above
the cleft of the chin, although lip piercings can be made
anywhere along the outside of the lip. A labret stud should be
used to heal the piercing to avoid tearing, and a ring can be
worn after healing. A thinner gauge of ring may have a tendency
to tear the inside of the lip, especially on new piercings.

Labret studs and barbells tend to cause deterioration of the
inside of the lip and of the gumline; this deterioration is, in
most cases, minimal, and will only continue until a niche has
been formed for the ball or disc. Fishtail Labrets were invented
to counter this problem. Some piercers prefer to angle the Labret
piercing so that the disc/inside ball is above the teeth line.  This
placement will avoid gum/lip deterioration, but may present problems
with biting down on the jewelry inadvertantly.Please see Body Play, Vol. 2
#4, for a  very good feature on the Labret; PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part
19".

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, barbell studs,
Labret studs (inserted from the inside, a barbell with a disc in
place of the inside ball), Fishtail Labrets (a stud with a
"tail" at a right-angle to the stud which has a slight curve to
follow the curve of the gumline); gold and surgical steel in 18
to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter and post length. The
initial stud should be at least 1/16" longer than the width of
the area to be pierced to accommodate swelling.

*Cheek*

Initial jewelry: Labret studs; gold and surgical steel in 16 -
10 gauge, usually at least 3/8" in length. Precise measurements
are necessary to prevent nesting.

*Tongue*

Initial jewelry: Barbell studs; gold and surgical steel in 14 to
10 gauge. The initial stud should be at least 1/4" to 1/2"
longer than the tongue at its thickest to accommodate swelling.
Too short a barbell can lead to "nesting" of the balls. Please
see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 11" and PFIQ #38 for "Pierce
with a Pro, Part 25: Update".

If a large frenulum is present (web of tissue which runs lengthwise along
the underside of the tongue, usually present in most people to some
degree), the piercing should be made in front of it.

Tongue piercings made through the front and side edges of the tongue using
rings have been sudccessful for some people, but for most the presence of
a ring impedes eating and speaking.  If such a piercing is desired it is
important to use an initial ring large enough to allow for swelling and to
avoid piercing any large blood vessels which may be present.

*Navel*

The upper rim of the navel is usually pierced, unless the lower
is more prominent. The navel piercing is one of the most
difficult to heal, but also one of the most popular. Tight
waistbands, belts, and a high level of activity involving
bending at the waist can lengthen healing time. This piercing is
also subject to migrating, rejection, or "growing out."

In most cases, the piercing will remain red and discharge
considerably during the entirety of the healing process. Occasionally,
a ring of tissue will form around the entrance or exit wound, usually
during the second or third month of healing, most likely due to
irritation from clothing and/or daily activities rather than an
infection.  If this occurs, do not overclean.  Usually the "growth"
will diminish on its own.  Soaking the piercing in warm salt water in
place of a morning or evening cleaning often helps.  Please see PFIQ "Pierce
with a Pro, Part 18".

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells, curved or "L" bars in 14 to 12 gauge, 3/8" to 5/8"
inside diameter; 3/8" to 5/8" length for curved barbells.

*Nipples*

Nipple piercings can be made horizontally or vertically. Rings
are usually the initial jewelry in horizontal piercings. Some
piercers prefer to install a barbell initially, as this may
decrease the chance of the piercing migrating downwards due to
the weight and curve of a ring. If a barbell is to be used, it
should be at least 1/4" longer than the length of the piercing
to facilitate thorough cleaning. Barbells of the same length as
the piercing can be worn after the piercing is healed.

Barbells are used for vertical piercings, as a ring will tend to
stick out, and, if taped to one side or the other, can cause the
piercing to migrate diagonally. For heavy play (chains,
pendants, weights, etc.) captive bead rings smaller than 14
gauge should not be worn, as the bead may pop off. Also, the
larger the gauge, the less likely the jewelry is to tear the
piercing. Please see PFIQ #34 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 21:
Female Nipple Update"; PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 17"; PFIQ
#40 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 27: Male Nipple Update".

Multiple nipple piercings are not uncommon.  These can be crisscross
(alternating horizontal and vertical piercings) or all be in the same
direction.  Before attempting a second piercing the first piercing should
be allowed to completely heal.  There should be at least 1/8" of tissue
(depth) between the piercings to prevent pressure from the innermost
piercing from causing the outermost piercing to migrate out.

Some women may experience irritation or a delay in healing before and
during their period, or if they are subject to PMS.  Water retention
may cause the nerves in the nipple to become pinched against
the jewelry.

Men, on average, have more difficulty with nipple piercings migrating or
rejecting.  If a nipple is to be repierced after the initial piercing has
rejected, the first wound should be allowed to heal completely.  If a
large amount of scar tissue is present, it may be advisable to wait at
least 6 months to allow the area to recover.  The repierce should be made
behind the scar tissue from the initial piercing.  Piercing through the
scar tissue is usually difficult, painful, and can lead to more scar
tissue growth.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells in 14 to 12 gauge; men - 1/2" inside diameter or
larger, women - 5/8" inside diameter or larger. The inside
diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" wider than the
length of the piercing, especially in initial jewelry.

*Handweb*

Most piercers consider this piercing to be rather a novelty. The
piercing is usually made through the web of skin between the
thumb and forefinger (it must not intersect the muscle tissue).

Rate of infection is extremely high, due to the exposure to
bacteria during daily activities. Rate of rejection and
migration is also high, due to the nature of the tissue and hand
movements. Please see PFIQ #23 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 13".

Initial jewelry: Barbells in 14-12 gauge, at least 1/2" in
length to accommodate swelling.


Part 4a.  FEMALE PIERCINGS -------------------------

*Outer Labia, or Labia Majora*

Labia piercings can be stretched considerably after healing. For
infibulation (chastity) or heavy play (ie. chains, pendants,
weights), captive bead rings smaller than 14 gauge should not be
worn, as the bead may pop off. Also, the larger the gauge, the
less likely the jewelry is to tear the piercing. Please see PFIQ
"Pierce with a Pro, Part 5".

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells in 14 to 12 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter. The inside
diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" wider than the
length of the piercing.

*Inner Labia, or Labia Minora*

The amount of inner labia present varies with the individual -
some women may have flaps of tissue an inch or so wide, while
others may have the barest, thinnest inner labia, too thin to
hold jewelry. Please see PFIQ #37 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part
24".

Some women experience tearing or rapid outward migration of the piercing
due to the jewelry being pulled during daily activities.  Sometimes
switching to short barbells (provided the holes have not stretched so
much that the balls pass through the piercing) will eliminate tearing
or stretching.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14
to 12 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter.

*Clitoral Hood, or Prepuce*

Horizontal Piercing: If a circular barbell is chosen, the
piercing should be placed so that the clitoris is not pinched
between the balls. The horizontal piercing stimulates the
clitoris indirectly - the jewelry is positioned so that the bead
rests on the tip of the clitoris. Please see PFIQ #41 for
"Pierce with a Pro, Part 28".

Women with heavy outer labia which cover the hood completely may find a
tear-drop shaped ring more suitable, as the tapered end of the ring
prevents it from getting caught between the labia and twisted, causing the
piercing to heal crooked or migrate out.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings or bead rings in 16 to 12 gauge, 3/8"
to 5/8" inside diameter, depending on the depth of the piercing. The
inside diameter should be at least 1/16" wider than the length of the
piercing.

Vertical Piercing: The vertical hood piercing stimulates the
clitoris directly - the jewelry is in constant contact with the
clitoris. Some women have reported undue irritation and apparent
desensitization of the clitoris from the vertical piercing, if
the hood is too tight around the ring and the clitoris. Please
see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 22".

Initial Jewelry: Same as above; barbells, curved barbells in
16 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" long. Vertical piercings are best
done using an insertion tube, inserted between the hood and
the clitoris.

*Clitoral Triangle Piercing*

This piercing is made through the tissue beneath the shaft of the clitoris
and above the juncture of the inner labia. The area to be pierced can be
felt as a triangular shape beneath the shaft when the area is pinched with
the fingers. Not every woman is suited for this piercing. Please see PFIQ
#37 for a feature article.

Initial jewelry: Bead rings or captive bead rings in 14 to 12
gauge, 5/8" to 3/4" inside diameter, with allowance for
swelling.

*Isabella*

This relatively new piercing documented by Piercing World
Magazine is the vertical accompaniment to the Triangle piercing.
It is made beneath the clitoris, entering beneath the clitoris
and exiting above the hood.

Initial jewelry: Recommended jewelry is a slightly curve d
barbell, measured to fit the piercing. Flexible nylon barbells
have been recommended as well.

*Fourchette*

This piercing is a relatively new piercing. It is made through
the web of tissue at the back rim of the vaginal opening.

Initial jewelry: Rings of at least 12 gauge; better suited
jewelry may be a curved barbell of 12 gauge, 1/2" - 5/8" in
length. Please see PFIQ #37 for a feature article.

*Clitoris*

Mini- or dydoe barbells, barbell studs in 16 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" in
length. Captive bead or bead rings in 16 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside
diameter. Barbells are suitable for vertical or horizontal piercings;
rings are suitable only for horizontal piercings.  To be successfully
pierced, the clitoris should be at least 1/4" wide and loosely hooded. If
the hood is too tight, the piercing will most likely migrate out or be
continuously irritated by the pressure of the hood. The ring works best in
a clitoris that is exposed. Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 7".

*Princess Albertina*

Another relatively new and experimental piercing, this piercing passes
through the back wall of the urethra. In the piercing documented by
Piercing World magazine, a captive bead ring was used. Please see Piercing
World #19.


    4b. MALE GENITAL PIERCINGS----------------

*Frenum*

This piercing is made through the skin layer along the shaft of
the penis, usually along the underside, about 1/4" from the
ridge of the glans. A series of frenum piercings - called a
"Frenum Ladder" - can be made as well. A frenum piercing made at
the base of the penis has acquired the name "Lorum," short for
"lower frenum." Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 20:
Update"

Initial jewelry: Barbells in 14 to 10 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in
length, determined by measuring the length of the piercing;
captive bead rings in 14 to 10 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter;
after the piercing is healed, a ring measured to fit around the
erect penis just behind the ridge of the glans can be worn.

*Prince Albert & Reverse Prince Albert*

This piercing is performed with the aid of a needle-receptor
tube or a cotton-swab inserted into the urethra to "receive" the
needle tip. Please see PFIQ #6 for feature article; PFIQ #39 for
"Pierce with a Pro, Part 26: Update".

It is possible to have a Prince Albert with an intact foreskin, provided
the foreskin is not too tight and that the wearer can retract the foreskin
during healing.  Another option is to have the bottom edge of the foreskin
cut lengthwise to give the piercing "breathing room."  This procedure
should be performed by a physician and the foreskin allowed to heal before
the piercing is made.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
or curved barbells in 12 gauge or larger, 5/8" inside diameter or larger,
depending on the depth of the piercing. The diameter of the ring
is determined by measuring the length between the piercing to
the bottom edge of the urethra.  For curved barbells, measure from the
point of piercing to the top edge of the urethra.

*Ampallang*

The Ampallang is made horizontally through the glans (head). A
piercing intersecting the urethra (in effect two piercings)
allows urine to irrigate through the piercings and thus tends to
heal faster and be stronger than a piercing made above the
urethra. Please see PFIQ #11 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 6".

Initial jewelry: Barbells in 14 to 10 gauge; the length of the
barbell must be determined by measuring the penis while it is
erect, using calipers.

*Apadravya*

The Apadravya is made vertically through the glans, and is often
a continuation of the Prince Albert. Please see PFIQ "Pierce
with a Pro, Part 16". With both the Ampallang and Apadravya,
correct positioning is important to avoid intersecting the
cavernosa, the two channels of tissue which fill with blood
during an erection.

Bothe the Ampallang and Apadravya will bleed considerably during the first
week, and usually take 6 to 8 months to completely heal.

*Dydoe*

Not every man has enough ridge development for dydoe piercings.
Healing time can be lengthy, and this piercing can be subject to
migrating or growing out.   Healing time can be lengthy, and this
piercing is prone to migrating or growing out.  Please see PFIQ "Pierce
with a Pro,  Part 8". Dydoe piercings are usually done as a pair, at the
10:00 and 2:00 positions through the ridge of the glans.

Initial jewelry: Mini- or dydoe barbell studs in 16 or 14 gauge,
at least 3/8" post length.

*Foreskin*

This piercing can be very stimulating as the jewelry rubs
against the glans during sex. One large-diameter ring can be
worn through 2 piercings made on either side for infibulation. A
series of foreskin piercings can be made and barbells worn,
keeping the foreskin retracted.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells in 14 to 12 gauge, 1/2" inside diameter or larger.

*Hafada (Scrotum)*

Of all the male genital piercings, this piercing can be one
of the most difficult to heal because of the constant contact
with clothing and lack of ventilation. Piercings can be made
anywhere on the scrotum, though piercings made through forward
fold of skin may decrease the likelihood of rejection or
migration. Care must be taken not to puncture the testicle sac
itself, which can lead to very serious infection.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells in 14 to 12 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter.

*Guiche*

This piercing is made at the base of the scrotum, where the
inseam of a pair of pants is positioned. Attaching weights to
this piercing is said to be extremely stimulating. This piercing is
particularly prone to migration/rejection.  Please see  PFIQ #5 for "Pierce
with a Pro, Part 3" feature.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells in steel (gold and niobium tend to be too flexible to
maintain ring shape) in 12 gauge, 5/8" inside diameter - the
inside diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" larger than
the length of the piercing. Some men may find a curved barbell
to be more comfortable than a ring.

*Pubic*

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular
barbells in 14 to 10 gauge, 5/8" diameter or larger - the inside
diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" larger than the
length of the piercing.



--
                              * Ardvark *
                            Anne Greenblatt
               Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart
                        > Piercing  Exquisite <
                                   *
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/part3
Last-modified: July 26, 1994
Posting-frequency: Monthly


The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
 1--Introduction
 2--Piercings & Jewelry
 3--Getting A New Pierce  <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
 4--Professional Piercers
 5--Care Of A New Pierce
 6--Problems And Hazards
 7--Healed Pierces
 8--Misc. Info
 9--Personal Experiences



What's in this section:

 3--Getting A New Pierce
    1. Choosing the right jewelry
    2. What to look for in a piercer
    3. Tools and technique
    4. Methods of sterilization

 1. CHOOSING THE RIGHT JEWELRY------------


Most body piercings are intended to last a lifetime, if properly
performed and cared for. Occasionally, problems including
piercing migration or rejection, scar tissue growth, or metal
allergies may arise. These problems are difficult to predict.
However, certain tendencies have been noted.

First, the suitability of a particular piercing should be
discussed with the piercer. Piercings made in flat areas have a
greater tendency to migrate or reject (grow out). The optimum
area to be pierced is one in which the entrance and exit holes
of the piercing are located on parallel surfaces (eg. earlobe).
For example, a navel piercing is best suited to someone with a
deep navel and a distinct ridge.

Also, the individual's daily activities should be reviewed.
Navel piercings can be extremely irritated by tight waistbands;
the pressure can sometimes contribute to scar tissue build-up.

Jewelry choice can effect healing as well. Wearing jewelry of
the proper metal and dimensions is a must, especially during
healing. Jewelry in surgical stainless steel is most commonly
used initially. The steel should be 316 in grade, annealed, and
hand-polished to a highly reflective shine. Few people
experience allergic reactions to high-quality implant grade
surgical steel.

Jewelry of a gray and low-luster finish are most likely made of
steel 304 in grade (higher amount of possible allergy-causing
alloys), used for surgical instruments and knives, and/or
tumble-finished. Lower-quality jewelry is lower in price, but
should be avoided for new piercings.

Jewelry in Niobium and Titanium are also commonly used. Both are
elemental metals - no allergy-causing alloys are present. The
wide variety of colors available in these two metals is achieved
by anodizing - the jewelry is submerged in an electrolyte bath,
the applied voltage determining the resulting color. The
anodized layer is thin and can be scratched. Wrap pliers or any
metal instruments which may scratch the jewelry with surgical
tape.

Jewelry in gold of at least 14kt is usually recommended for
healed piercings, unless the wearer has had previous success
wearing gold initially. Metal allergies to the alloys of gold
are more than uncommon. To test for metal allergy, tape a nickel
and a penny to the inside of your elbow for 12 hours. If a rash
develops, you should choose jewelry carefully. Remember that
gold can become discolored by certain cleaning products -
notably, Betadine (povidone iodine), and chemical sterilization
fluids.

Platinum, another white metal, is being used for more
complicated custom designs and by a few manufacturers in Europe.
Platinum is, however, more costly than surgical steel. Sterling
silver is not an acceptable metal for healing piercings. Silver
oxidizes (tarnishes) quickly, especially when exposed to
cleaning agents and bodily fluids. The alloys of silver (notably
nickel) can cause extreme irritation which can lead to inf
ection. Over time, the oxidized layer can be absorbed into the
surrounding tissue and leave a permanent black or gray stain in
the skin. Silver should only be used to accent body jewelry -
eg. nipple shields, captive silver skulls or hearts, silver pend
ants. Note that silver can be discolored very easily by cleaning
agents. Silver can be easily polished with toothpaste.


 2. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PIERCER------------

The best way to judge a piercer is to look at his/her work. If
possible, talk to customers about their experience. If this is
not possible, ask to see a portfolio, specifically photographs
of the piercing you are interested in. The facility should be
clean, orderly, and well-lit. Instruments should be sterile.
Needle and jewelry should remain in sterilization packets or
sterilization fluid until they are to be used. Gloves, needle,
cork, towels, cotton swabs, gauze pads, and other disposable
items should all be new.

The area to be pierced should be thoroughly disinfected with
iodine solution (Betadine) or washed with Hibiclens. The piercer
should review technique, possible complications (ie. likelihood
of piercing rejection or "growing out"), and aftercare (both
oral and written instructions) before doing the piercing.

Inform the piercer of any medical conditions which may be
exacerbated by the piercing procedure. The piercer should
require your signature and proof of age on a detailed waiver
form. This form serves to protect both you and the piercer. Most
piercers require that you be 18 or over. If you are under 18,
some piercers may perform the piercing with parental consent
and/or presence during the piercing.

The piercer should answer any questions fully before and after
the piercing is performed. You should feel comfortable and at
ease, and not rushed. Most piercers have topical anesthetics
(xylocaine or lidocaine solutions, in viscous or ointment form)
available for Prince Albert and Clitoral piercings. Topical
anesthetics require a few minutes to be absorbed. Topicals have
little effect on areas oth er than mucous membranes. Topical
anesthetics require a physician's prescription in the US.
Injectable anesthetics are only available from a practicing
physician in the US.


 3. TOOLS AND TECHNIQUE------------

The piercing gun is not recommended for piercing. It is intended
to be used on ear lobes only. Even so, the studs installed are
of one length and too short to accommodate swelling and are very
difficult to clean thoroughly once installed, as the butterfly
clip backing can become clogged with discharge and dirt.

The action of the piercing gun is far more traumatic than the
piercing needle procedure - the studs are considerably duller
than a single-use needle, thus literally tearing a hole through
the tissue, whereas the needle slices a clean hole the gauge of
the jewelry to be installed. A cleanly made hole is especially
important in the case of cartilage piercings, notably upper ear
and nostril piercings, which many jewelry outlets fitted with
piercing guns are performing. Above all, most department store
or mall piercers do not adequately sterilize the gun itself nor
the area to be pierced. Most are supplied merely with a box of
gloves and a bottle of rubbing alcohol.

The needles used for piercing are hollow, beveled and sharpened
similar to the hypodermic needles used by medical professionals.
Piercing needles are available in single-beveled, double-beveled
("super sharp"), and dermal-punch styles. Most are about 2
inches in length. Most piercers in Europe use needles designed
for intravenous drips, which are fitted with a plastic sheath
that is threaded through the piercing, needle removed, and
jewelry fitted into the plastic sheath and pulled through.

Needles should only be used once, and disposed of via hospital
incinerator or disposal company. Aside from cleanliness
concerns, needles are dulled after one use.

Most piercers use forceps to clamp the area to be pierced.
Forceps commonly used are the Pennington (triangular head) and
the Foerster (oval head). Often, the serations on the head of
the forceps are sharp and should be filed down to prevent
irritation. The forceps should be clamped using the tension of a
rubber band wrapped around the handles. Clamping the forceps
using the teeth on the handles is extremely uncomfortable and
can cause bruising.

The forceps should be positioned so that the entrance and exit
marks are positioned at the same place within the openings. Some
piercers use sterilized, disposable cork to back all clamped
piercings. Others prefer to use cork only on areas of more
elasticity (i.e., inner labia, scrotum). The cork is also used
for freehand (unclamped) piercings such as the ear lobe. Keep in
mind that different piercers employ different techniques.

Method of jewelry insertion depends on the jewelry. In the case
of rings, the convex end of the ring will fit against the flat
hollow end of the needle. Unless a larger-gauged needle is used,
the ring will not actually fit inside the needle. When inserting
rings, contact between the needle and ring must be maintained,
or the piercing could be "lost."

Externally threaded barbells and Labret studs will fit into the
end of the needle if the threaded portion is thinner than the
gauge of the jewelry. Otherwise, the threads should be dipped in
melted candlewax for easier insertion and to prevent them from
getting caught on the inside of the piercing.

Internally threaded barbells are best inserted using a thin
insertion taper or wire, one end inserted into the barbell, the
other end inserted into the needle, which prevents the needle
and barbell from slipping apart. Any pliers used to tighten or
expand rings should be wrapped in surgical tape to prevent the
jewelry from being scratched.


 4. METHODS OF STERILIZATION------------

Proper sterilization of all instruments and jewelry used during
piercing is a must. Improper sterilization or lack thereof can
result in infection of the piercing and the spread of infectious
bacteria and disease-causing viruses.

The most complete and reliable method of sterilization is the
steam or chemical process "autoclave." Autoclave sterilization
is used by medical professionals and meets federal standards of
sterilization. The autoclave uses heat and pressure, and in some
instances a chemical bath to kill bacteria and viruses.

Instruments to be sterilized are placed in sterilization bags
which are then sealed with indicator tape. Both the bag and the
tape are marked with indicator strips which change color to
indicate complete sterilization. Pressure cookers may also be
used to sterilize tools and jewelry. Items should be "cooked"
for at least 30 minutes at 15-20 pounds pressure (270-300
degrees F).

Boiling is not a suitable method of sterilization.

Cold sterilization fluids, such as Control III and Wavicide,
should be used in conjunction with steam sterilization. Every
instrument should be able to be sterilized.

Piercing needles usually arrive from the manufacturer or
supplier pre-sterilized by autoclave, in sealed autoclave bags.
Piercing needles should never be used more than once. Aside from
cleanliness concerns, needles are noticibly dulled from a single
use. Pennington forceps, used to clamp the area to be pierced,
are professional medical supply stock, suitable for
sterilization techniques used by medical professionals. They can
be soaked in sterilization fluid and steam autoclaved. Insertion
tapers (of niobium or surgical stainless steel) can be cleaned
by the same method.

Other tools made specifically for piercing such as needle
pushers are manufactured to be safe for sterilization by
autoclave. Pliers used to open and close rings present certain
challenges to sterilization. These tools are usually not of the
high-grade steel used for forceps and jewelry, thus subject to
corrossion. These tools should be dried thoroughly after
sterilization, by a heat oven if possible. Any rubber or plastic
coating on the handles can easily be removed by slicing
legthwise with a utility knife. All surgical stainless steel
professional body jewelry can be safely sterilized by steam or
chemical means. Niobium and gold jewelry may be discolored by
certain chemicals such as chlorine solutions. These pieces are
best sterilized by steam or heat methods.





--
                              * Ardvark *
                            Anne Greenblatt
               Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart
                        > Piercing  Exquisite <
                                   *
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/part4
Last-modified: March 07, 1995
Posting-frequency: Monthly


The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
 1--Introduction
 2--Piercings & Jewelry
 3--Getting A New Pierce
 4--Professional Piercers  <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
 5--Care Of A New Pierce
 6--Problems And Hazards
 7--Healed Pierces
 8--Misc. Info
 9--Personal Experiences


What's in this section:

 4--Professional Piercers
    1. United States
       1a.  Professional Organizations
       1b.  Medical Supplies, Sterilization
    2. Canada
    3. Beyond North America
    4. European Professional Piercers Association


Piercers and piercing jewelry suppliers are noted with an
asterisk. Please note that when requesting a wholesale price
list, most manufacturers require proof of business/copy of
business license.

Comments regarding piercers and manufacturers are based on
reports provided by readers of rec.arts.bodyart.  The piercers
and manufacturers appearing on this list are by no means
endorsed by rec.arts.bodyart.

Last Revision: 03/07/95


 1. UNITED STATES-----------------------


Professional Organizations
==========================

ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS, 519 Castro Street, Box 120,
  San Francisco, CA 94114
  Non-profit organization started by staff members of Gauntlet, Body
  Manipulations, Nomad, Primeval Body, and Raelyn Gallina.  Publishes "The
  Point" newsletter which includes "cutting edge" information on techniques,
  products, sterilization, and laws that affect the piercing profession.  No
  membership is available at this time, as the group is seeking to define
  what a membership entails.
  Contact Michaela Grey at the Gauntlet Corporate Offices at [phone],
  ext. 107, or Richard White at [e-mail].

NATIONAL PIERCING ASSOCIATION, PO Box 14345, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
  [phone], 1-800-549-4NPA
  A for-profit organization.  Membership requirements and prices varies from
  individual to piercer to studio.
  [I've been promised more info from various people involved on numerous
  occassions, but this is all I have received]


Medical Suppliers, Sterilization
================================

Alfa Medical, 59 Madison Ave., Hampstead, NY 11550
  1-800-762-1586, [phone]
  Autoclaves and sterilizers repaired, bought, new, reconditioned.
  Full year warrantee.

H & M Service Center, 2900 Courthouse Road, Richmond, VA 23236
  [phone]
  Autoclaves and sterilizers repaired, bought, reconditioned.
  Full year warrantee on parts and service.

Mada Medical, 1-800-526-6370.
  Manufacturer of Madacide, hospital level disinfectant.  Non-toxic
  (perfect for jewelry presoak), avail. in several quantities, no dilution
  or activator needed.

Northbay Bio and Science Inc.
  PO Box 4319, Traverse City, MI 49685
  1-800-289-7786
  Autoclave testing available on a monthly basis for $78 for 1 year.


Piercers and Jewelry Suppliers
==============================


Alaska
======

RAE'S STUDIO ELITE, 2807 Turnagain Blvd., Anchorage
  Piercer: Adrianne Wolfe
  Review: Adrianne has been reported to be lacking in experience
  and technique, and her cleanliness is less than adequate.
  Please write to Nate Holm at [e-mail] for more
  details of his experience.


Arizona
=======

*HTC*, 3422 W. Wilshire Dr., Suite 18, Phoenix, 85009
  [phone]. Wholesale inquiries welcome.
  Manufacturer of surgical steel captive bead rings and more
  unusual captive jewelry, such as captive barbed-wire.  Custom
  pieces also available. Net subscribers get 10% off. Mention
  Steve Feltner sent you  (he highly recommends them).

*HTC BODY ADORNMENT STUDIO*
  3422 W. Wilshire Dr., Ste 4, Phoenix, 85009, [phone]

*HTC BODY ADORNMENT STUDIO*, 808 South Ash, Tempe 85281
  [phone]
  Reported as very professional, answering all questions, by
  Nate Holz ([e-mail]).

*MARK JONES*, [phone]. Email: [e-mail]
  Piercing by appt, Manufacturer of gold and niobium
  jewelry. Catalog available by request


Arkansas
========

BJL, P.O. Box 9804, Little Rock, 72219-0804
  Carries "Nipple Cuffs," non-piercing nipple jewelry


California
==========

* ANATOMETAL*, Blanchard MFG, Santa Cruz, [phone], fax (408)
  475-5513
  Manufacturer of surgical stainless steel (316L) and niobium jewelry.
  Featuring internally-threaded barbells in 16 to 6 ga. with counter-bored
  balls and captive bead rings in 18 to 8 ga. with counter-bored steel beads.
  All jewelry triple-polished by hand and fully annealed.  Niobium
  finish extremely smooth.  Excellent quality at a very reasonable price.
  Please call for a price list, or write to [e-mail].

*ANIA DESIGN STUDIO*, 4815 Hidalgo Ave., San Diego 92117-1607
  Tel. [phone], fax [phone].
  Staffed with professionally trained and degreed jewelers.
  Specializes in producing high quality body jewelry in 316L (fully
  annealed), 14 and 18k gold, niobium (to 0ga), and soon platinum.
  Both the basic designs and the intricate (high-relief arrow barbells,
  nipple shields, jewelled labrets,fossilized ivory plugs) avail.
  Wholesale and retail price lists avail. upon request.
  [I have found their jewelry to be of very high quality, good prices, good
  selection of gold designs. - A. Greenblatt 3/95]

ANUBIS WARPUS, 803 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 95064
  [phone]. Owned by Incubus Body Jewelry.
  piercers:  Laura Henry and Cooper (graduate of the Fakir School of
  Piercing).
  Laura is reported by Lizzard ([e-mail]) to be very
  professional, apt, and reassuring with an excellent bedside manner.

BODY ADORNMENTS, 1335 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, 93401
  [phone]
  Piercer: Gregorio Goss, with over 4 years' experience

*BODY ADORNMENTS JEWELRY*, 4110 Horizon Ln, Unit B, San Luis
  Obispo, 93401, 1-800-BDY-JEWL (239-5395), [phone] (Phone/Fax)
  Manufacturer of 316 LVM surgical steel, 14 k gold, titanium, and
  niobium jewelry; custom orders welcome; all jewelry undergoes 3-step hand
  polishing and 3-step tumble polishing processes, annealed, and chemically
  treated and is certified to be free of rough edges and pits;
  counter-bored steel beads standard with captive bead rings.
  High quality, very reasonably priced.  Call or write for a free catalog.

BODY MANIPULATIONS, 245 Fillmore, San Francisco, 94117
  [phone]
  Piercing, branding, and scarification.  All services done on a
  walk-in basis; ritual body modification by appointment.
  Manufacturer of basic jewelry designs as well as custom orders.

THE CAGE, 4502 Cass St (& Garnet Ave), Ste F, Pacific Beach
  531-9573
  Piercer: Anthony S. Berry

CLAW, 709 6th Ave, San Diego, [phone]
  Piercer: Aaron

KEN COYOTE, Santa Cruz, [phone]
  Trained by Fakir Musafar. Piercing in Santa Cruz and Santa
  Clara counties by appt.

THE CRYPT ON WASHINGTON, 1515 W Washington, San Diego, 92103
  [phone]

*DAKOTA STEEL, INC.*, 2827 S Rodeo Gulch Rd, #7, Soquel, 95073
  Phone/Fax [phone], Dealer Phone [phone]
  WHOLESALE INQUIRIES ONLY.
  Erik Dakota, formerly of Anubis Warpus. Advanced training by Fakir
  Musafar (1 of only 2 piercers with such training), and assistant
  instructor of the Fakir School of Professional Body Piercing.
  Piercing, branding, and cutting by appt only.
  Manufacturer of "Fakir" jewelry and double-bevelled piercing needles,
  jewelry in implant-grade surgical steel; counter-bored steel beads
  standard with captive bead rings.  Wholesale inquiries only.  Excellent
  quality, mid-range prices.

*THE EXOTIC BODY*, 1306 1/2 19th St, Sacramento, 95814
  (916) 447-OUCH, [e-mail]
  Piercer: Michael Hare, who also specializes in branding and
  scarification.  Manufacturer and distributor of surgical steel (316
  L), Niobium and Lucite jewelry and piercing supplies.  Very reasonable
  prices.

FAKIR MUSAFAR, Insight Books, P.O. Box 2575, Menlo Park, 94026
  Fakir teaches piercing classes and publishes _Body Play_
  magazine, available through this address.

FAKIR MUSAFAR PROFESSIONAL BODY PIERCING INTENSIVES
  Write to the above address for schedule, fee info.

*RAELYN GALLINA*, Box 20034, Oakland, 94620, [phone]
  Custom piercing and cutting since 1982, more recently branding.
  Manufacturer of 18 k gold jewelry; also carries surgical steel
  jewelry.  Highly recommended by several readers;  Boy Brent
  ([e-mail]) reports that she is compassionate, has an excellent
  bedside manner, and is the most focused piercer he has seen; piercings he
  has received from her have been well-placed and exceptionally quick to heal.
  $2 and legal-size SASE for brochure.

*GAUNTLET* (retail), 2377 Market St., San Francisco, 94114
  [phone], fax [phone]
  Gauntlet Piercer Training Seminars, course in the US and Europe,starting
  January 1995.  Contact Michaela Grey at the Gauntlet Corporate Offices
  at [phone], ext. 107.  In Europe, see IMAX, ITALY.
  Recomended by several readers.  Peter Boots
  ([e-mail]) received a double PA (with jewelry worn
  horizontally through the piercings, eventually) from Master
  Piercer Paul.

*GAUNTLET* (retail), 870 Huntley Dr, West Hollywood, 90069
  [phone], fax [phone]

*GAUNTLET* (mail order), 2215 Market St, Bx 801, San Fran. 94114,
  [phone], fax [phone], 1-800-RINGS-2-U (746-4728)
  Catalog $5, refundable with first order (retail orders only).
  Please include a declaration of 21+ in age.

*GOOD ART COMPANY* (Retail Store) 218 Pier Ave, Santa Monica,
  90405, [phone], [phone]
  $1 retail catalog. Maker of niobium, titanium, and 316 LVM
  stainless steel captive bead jewelry and surgical steel
  larger-gauged hollow tubes and bones.
  Wholesale inquiries welcome.

*HTC*, 3416 E. Broadway Ave., Suite B, Long Beach, 90803
  A second shop to their Arizona headquarters.  Manufacturer of surgical
  steel jewelry.
  Piercer: Ericka Smicenski
  Higly recommended by Darren Santos ([e-mail]).

*INCUBUS*, 325 A River St, Santa Cruz, 95060, [phone]
  Manufacturer of surgical stainless steel and niobium body jewelry
  and piercing needles and fetish-design t-shirts by  Michael Manning.
  [Jewelry quality is inadequate - under-polished, no evidence of
  annealing, hematite captive beads are not bored to fit the gauge
  of the ring. - A. Greenblatt 7/94]

PROFESSIONAL BODY PIERCING BY JACK, [phone]
  Call for an appt. Wide selection of jewelry available.

*KALAKE KAPTIVE BEAD*, 1021 F St, Sacramento 95814 [phone]
  Manufacturer of surgical steel and niobium captive bead rings.
  Large selection of niobium colors and beads.  Specializing in
  heavy-gauge niobium. Send SASE for price list and photo. Specify retail or
  wholesale price list.  [The rings that I have seen have been underpolished
  with a non-bored hematite bead. -A. Greenblatt 11/94]

NOMAD, 1881 Hays (at Ashbury), San Francisco, 94117
  [phone]
  Piercers:  Kristian (formerly of Gauntlet) and Blake (formerly
  of Body Manipulations), both with 7 years' experience. Blake
  was featured in the 2/94 issue of _Body Play_; Kristian will
  be featured in the next issue. Open Mon-Sun, 11am-7pm. Nomad
  is associated with Fakir. Carries jewelry by Fakir.
  Periodicals (including _Body Play_) available for sale or
  reference.

PAISLEY HOUSE HAIR SALON, San Jose, [phone]
  piercer:  Angel
  Piercings done with guns and needles;  above waist piercing only.
  Lizzard ([e-mail]) reports that instruments are soaked in
  Sidex and scrubbed in bleach, but not autoclaved.

*PRECISION METAL*, 415 S. Bernardo Ave., Ste 207, Sunnyvale, 94086
  Manufacturer of steel and niobium captive bead rings.
  [The rings that I have seen have been misshapen and under-
  polished and not annealed. --A. Greenblatt 8/94].

PRIMEVAL BODY, 4647 Russell Ave, LA 90027, [phone]
  Piercer: Crystal Cross with 8 years' experience (formerly of Gauntlet and
  Red Devil Studios, co-owner), Richard White (co-owner), Rick Oehler.
  Piercing by appointment and on a walk-in basis noon to 7pm, seven days a
  week.  Branding, scarrification, and yakuza beads by appointment only.
  Mention r.a.b and receive a 10% discount.

*RINGMASTERS*, P.O. Box 548, Sun Valley, 91353-0548
  Mail-order piercing jewelry and supplies and piercing kits.

SOMA STUDIOS, Santa Barbara
  [phone]
  Piercer/owner:  Aaron, formerly of CLAW, CA.
  Carries ANIA, Silver Anchor and Gauntlet jewelry.
  Highly recommended by LaSooz at ANIA DESIGN STUDIO.

STAIRCASE TATTOOS, 607 Front Street, Santa Cruz
  [phone]
  piercer:  Sharon Nickle, instructor at Fakir School of Professional
  Body Piercing.   Piercing by appointment, Wednesday through Sunday, noon to
  late evening.  Reported by Lizzard ([e-mail]) to be very
  knowledgable, reassuring, and employing high standards of cleanliness.
  Sharon no longer pierces at Staircase (9/94)

*STREAMLINE SILVER--SCREAM BODY JEWELRY*, 18662 McArthur Blvd.,
  Ste 457, Irvine, 92715, 1-800-548-1262
  Manufacturer of captive jemstone rings. Also carries
  distinctive sterling nostril screws imported from Nepal.
  Wholesale inquiries only.
  [Jewelry quality is inadequate - under-polished, visible pitting,
  scratch marks, and hematite captive beads not bored to fit the gauge of
  the ring. - A. Greenblatt 7/94]

DON TULLOUS, [phone], Sacramento, CA
  By appt only.  Most piercings available.
  Don has moved to Dallas, TX.

VOODOO THERAPY, 325 S. First Street, Suite D, San Jose, 95113, at the rear
  of the Dohrmann Building, first floor.
  [phone]
  piercers:  Cricket Keene, Michael Sims, and Ken Coyote and others, all
  attendies of the Fakir Pro Body Piercing Intensives.

Colorado
========

BODY GRAPHICS, 3925 B E 120th Ave, Mission Trace Shpg Ctr,
  Thornton, 80233, [phone]
  Piercer: Zach of Gothic Steel, Thursdays & Saturdays.

BOUND BY DESIGN, 1326 E. Colfax, Denver, [phone]
  Piercer: PJ; she also does scarring and branding.

*GOTHIC STEEL*, PO Box 481171, Denver, 80248, [phone]
  Handmade surgical steel, Titanium, Niobium jewelry, with
  tapered ends. Niobium in double polished anodized, blackened.
  Manufacturer of single-use dermal punches. Piercing by
  appt in area, and for any type of party or ritual. R
  etail and wholesale mail-order.

PIKE'S PEAK TATTOO, "High Altitude Tattooing & Piercing at its
  Finest", 519 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Sprgs 80903 [phone]
  [e-mail]
  Tattoo Artists / Piercers: Bud and Jim. Carries Gauntlet and local
  manufacturers' supplies in 316LVM SSS, niobium, titanium, 14k gold and
  acrylic.


Washington, DC
==============

ROSEY CROSS, 3061 M Street NW, Georgetown
  [phone]
  piercer:  Drew Lewis of TMD Enterprises
  Piercing on a walk-in basis Saturday 2-6 and 8-10 pm, Sunday 3-7 pm and
  Wednesday evening by appointment.
*  ROSEY CROSS IS CLOSED 12/94  *

PERFORATIONS / TMD ENTERPRISES, Custom Body Piercing By Drew Lewis, appt
  Only, Pager: [phone], Home/Voice Mail: [phone],
  Surgical stainless steel jewelry, fresh needles, reasonable
  prices.

LEATHER RACK, 1723 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC  20009,
  [phone]
  Piercer: Logger. Logger pierces at the store on Wednesday evenings
  from 7 to 10pm. Call to schedule an appt at the shop. Other
  days he works out of his home by appt only. Carries
  HTC, Gauntlet  and Silver Anchor jewelry.

LOGGER, Home/TDD [phone]

Florida
=======

*BRAVO* Mail Order, P.O. Box 76919, Tampa, 33675-1919,
  [phone], fax: [phone]. Wholesale inquiries welcome.
  (The pricelist I received was simply Silver Anchor+s price list with
  a new name at the top... - A. Greenblatt)

*BRAVO* Retail Store, 333 Falkenburg Rd N, Ste C-307, Tampa,
  33619, [phone]
  Piercer: Mike Natali, formerly of Silver Anchor, offers
  training in body piercing. Their surgical steel jewelry line
  is extensive and includes many unique pieces, and they can
  custom-make almost anything. Uses Brown & Sharpe gauges.

*LEATHER TIGER*, 1411 7th Avenue, Tampa, 33602, [phone],
    [phone]
    Piercer:  Doug Shelton (also a trained nurse); all piercers have some
    medical training.  Manufacturer of jewelry in surgical stainless steel
    (316L), niobium, and other precious metals.
    Catalog $3.
    (I have found their jewelry quality and customer service to be less than
    satisfactory. - A. Greenblatt 9/94)

*LEATHER TIGER*, 122 N. Orange Ave., Orlando,  32801
    [phone]
    Open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5 pm, 8 pm to midnight.
    All piercers have some medical training.  Piercing by appointment
    and walk-in.

*LEATHER TIGER*, 1412 Bay View Court, Ft. Myers, FL 33901
    [phone]
    Open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5 pm, 8 pm to midnight.
    All piercers have some medical training.  Piercing by appointment
    and walk-in.

*SILVER ANCHOR JEWELRY*, 1743 Partridge Blvd., P.O. Box 760,
  Crystal Springs, 33524-0760, [phone], fax [phone],
  1-800-848-7464. Catalog $4.00. Wholesale inquiries welcome
  Silver Anchor uses its own gauge system for jewelry and
  needles, incompatible with the Brown & Sharpe gauge system
  used by other piercing jewelry manufacturers. Silver Anchor
  does manufacture very unique pieces, such as urethra tubes for
  Prince Albert piercings and piercing shackles.
  Silver Anchor no longer offers piercing, but are referring
  clients to Jack Yount, [phone], who has about 3 years'
  experience in piercing.

TATTOO WORLD, Exotic Body Piercing, 3550 S Federal Hwy, Fort
  Pierce, 34982, 465-6255

*TOUCAN PRODUCTIONS*, 13 Sugarloaf Road, Summerland Key, 33042,
  [phone], fax [phone]  Wholesale inquiries
  welcome.  High quality, reasonable prices.  Wide selection styles in
  yellow and white gold jewelry (14k).

JACK YOUNT, [phone]
  Jack has about 3 years' experience in piercing.


Georgia
=======

*MODERN BODY / MIND ALTERATIONS*, 1-800-646-0393
  High-quality jewelry distributor by US maufacturers

PIERCING EXPERIENCE, Sacred Heart Tattoo, 483 Moreland Avenue,
   NE,  Little Five Points, Suite 5, penthouse, Atlanta, GA 30307
   [phone] or 1-800-646-0393
   piercers:  Brian Skellie, Kevin Corella, Dana Booker
   Call for information and appointments.  Highly recommended by Carrie
   ([e-mail]) who has received several piercings from Brian.

URBAN TRIBE, 1131 Euclid Avenue, Little Five Points, Atlanta, GA
   [phone]
   piercer:  Deann Cooper

Illinois
========

*BODY BASICS*, 613 W. Briar, Chicago, 60613, [phone]
  Piercers: Reverend  Mad Jack (all piercings), Anna Kaplan
  (female piercings only) and Hank. By appt only. Hours:
  Tues-Sat, 2-10 pm., They make their own jewelry. The shop also
  does tattoos. Catalog $5.00.
  Featured in Issue 5 (Feb. 95) of Tattoo SAVAGE.
  Recommended by several readers, incl. Marla
  ([e-mail]), who received a navel piercing from
  Hank; she found him to be very thoughtful in explaining things and
  to have a great "bedside" manner.

BOGART'S CASABLANCA, 502 E. John St., Champaign, IL [phone]
  Do not perform genital piercings.  call for hours.
  Piercers:  Travis, recommended by Folo (FL WAtkins, [e-mail]); he
  and his wife received nipple piercings.  Travis has some medical training,
  is concerned with safety and sterilization.  Folo warns that Bogart's
  employs other piercers who use guns on ears and noses.

CHRIS, [phone]
  Pierces in his home studio, by appt only. Chris has
  been piercing for about 12 years.

I'M NO ANGEL PRODUCTIONS, 2606 W. Farmington Rd., Peoria, IL 61604
  [phone]
  piercer:  Wanda Harper, currently apprenticing under Mad Jack of Body
  Basics.  Wide selection of jewelry.  May or may not do genital piercings at
  this time.  Contact Emily Marymont ([e-mail]) for
  reference.

MARK OF CAIN TATTOOS, 207 W. Green St., Champaign, IL, [phone]
  Piercer: Nick Wiggins, self-taught.  Does not perform genital piercings.
  Also the tattoo artist.  Reputed todo a good job, clean shop (health
  inspections required).  By appointment only.

TRIBAL PIG PIERCINGS, at Lady Hawke Ink, 8609 Giant City Road, Carbondale,
  62901
  [phone], voice mail 827-4487, ext. 3, [e-mail]
  piercer:  "Pig", relatively new to the field, attended a course at
  Fakir's School.  Worked as a dialysis technician for 10 years.
  Walk-ins welcome.  3 - 7 pm Wednesday and Thursday; Tuesday, Friday and
  Saturday 7 - ?
  Carries Pleasurable Piercings jewelry and supplies.  Practices OSHA
  standards for procedures and sterilization.

Indiana
=======

BODY ACCENTS, 5420 N. College Ave., [phone], Piercing by appt only.
  Above the belt piercing only.

FUTURE SHOCK, 6323 Ferguson, Indianapolis, 46220, [phone]
  and 101 E. Kirkwood, [phone].
  Carries Dakota Steel jewelry.

THE "M" PLAN, 407 S. College Ave., Bloomington, [phone]
  Tuesday - Sunday, 10am to midnight.  Advertised as "professional, sterile
  operation; 29 piercings available."

RED RING STUDIOS, 139 1/2 S 5th St, Richmond, 47374
  [phone], Located in the lower level of tangles Salon.
  Piercer: J.L. Weatherford, by appt only. Carries Gauntlet,
  Pleasurable Piercings, & Silver Anchor jewelry/supplies.


Iowa
====

ARBUCKLE'S TATTOO & PIERCING EMPORIUM, 97 1/2 16th Ave SW, Cedar
  Rapids, 52404, [phone]

LASTING IMPRESSIONS, 111 Main Street, Ames, [phone]

MOON MYSTIQUE, 114 1/2 E. College #16, Iowa City, 52240,
  [phone] Carries Gauntlet, Hellion House jewelry.
  Appts & walk-ins welcome.

SHANNON CLEVELAND (formerly of King Stingrays), Beaute'
  Techniques, 156 Old Capitol Mall, [phone]
  Trained by Raelyn and Mad Jack. This shop may be closed
  1/27/94


Kentucky
========

PAINLESS STEEL, Louisville
  [phone]
  By appointment.  Ritualistic piercing available.

QUEEN OF HEARTS, 829 N. Dixie Highway, Radcliffe
  [phone]
  Noon to 9pm Monday through Saturday, 1 to 4pm Sunday.  Closed Wednesday.
  Other hours by appt.

Louisiana
=========

ART ACCENT TATTOOING, 1014 N Rampart, New Orleans, 70116,
  (504) 596-OUCH
  Piercer: Annette

RINGS OF DESIRE, 1128 Decatur St, New Orleans, 70116,
  [phone]. Located upstairs from Boomerang.
  Piercer: Elayne "Angel" Binnie, formerly of Gauntlet LA.
  Open noon-8 pm. Closed Mon-Tues. Certified Master Piercer.
  Lani Teshima-Miller, Manager of the r.a.b Tattoo FAQ, and was
  very impressed by her professionalism, informativeness,
  friendliness, and 39 piercings! Recommended unconditionally.
  She suggests mentioning the Internet and r.a.b. when visiting
  the shop.


Maine
=====

PORTLAND TATTOO SHOP, Congress St, Portland, [phone]
  Piercer: Gabe. Orders jewelry from Pleasurable Piercings and
  Gauntlet.


Maryland
========

CAPITOL TATTOO, 7920 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, [phone]
  Piercings done; limited selection of jewelry.


Massachusetts
=============

HUBBA HUBBA, 932 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, [phone]

ADAM MEYERSON, 3 Horn Face, 45 Olive Str, Northampton, 01060,
  [phone]. Private appts only.

PRIMITIVE LEATHER, 267 Pleasant St, Northampton, 01060,
  [phone]
  Piercer: Annie B. (replacing Joe J.)

RITES OF PASSAGE, 107 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA , [phone]
  Piercer: Joe J. Trained by Fakir Musafar., Pierces Mon-Wed,
  and Friday 2:30-7pm, Sat 12:30-7 pm. Shop also contains
  artifacts from primitive societies.


Michigan
========

CREATIVE TATTOO, 307 East Liberty, Ann Arbor, [phone]
  Piercer: Barbara Pierce, by appt only. Apprenticed with Rev.
  Mad Jack of Body Basics.

*INSANE CREATIONS* / BODY JEWEL'S, G-4300 S. Saginaw St., Burton, 48529
  [phone], [phone]
  piercer:  Rob Petroff, with 5 years' experience; apprenticed
  for 1 year.
  Noon to 9 pm Monday through Saturday.  Recommended by Stephania
  Holdorf ([e-mail]), who has received 7 piercings
  from Rob, clean, professional, nice.

  Manufacturer of 316LVM surgical steel and niobium jewelry with counter-bored
  steel beads at very reasonable prices (retail and wholesale avail.).
  [The jewelry Rob sent was of excellent quality.  - A. Greenblatt, 2/95]

*DAMIEN LOUIS COMPANY*, 9 Ransom Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49503,
  1-800-6-DAMIEN (1-800-632-6436). Number out of service (6/94)
  Write for a free catalog. Wholesale inquiries welcome.
  Manufacturer of 316 stainless surgical steel. Surgical steel
  branding equipment soon to be available.
  Piercer: Michael, with three years' experience in piercing,
  and 1 year's experience in branding.

TATTOOS & PIERCINGS BY MAGIC MIKE & LORRETTA, 2820 S Cedar,
  Lansing, 48910, [phone]

BARBARA PIERCE, 206 S. Main, Suite 205, Ann Arbor, 48104
  [phone]
  For reference contact [e-mail].

Minnesota
========

ABSOLUTE TATTOO, 714 Washington Ave., SE Minneapolis
  piercer:  Mike
  Contact Paul Rye ([e-mail]) for reference.

JOCK
  [phone]
  Contact [e-mail] for reference.

ST. SABRINA'S PARLOR IN PERGATORY
  [phone]
  Piercer: Jamie

Missouri
========

EXTREMUS BODY PIERCING, 4037 Broadway, Kansas City, 64111, [phone]


New Hampshire
=============

SIGN OF THE WOLF TATTOO, Weirs Beach, NH, [phone]


New Jersey
==========

PIERCINGS BY BILL GALES, By appt only., NJ/NYC area. 3 years'
  experience. [phone]

DRESSING FOR PLEASURE, 590 Valley Road, Upper Montclair,
  07043, [phone]
  Store hours Tuesday through Saturday, 12 noon to 6 pm,
  piercing by appointment.
  Carries Pleasurable Piercings jewelry and supplies.

HOLLY, [phone]
  Pierces by appt in southern New Jersey. Spends most weekends
  in Monmouth, and can arrange to pierce in that area.

IMAGES IN INK, Howell Mall, Rt. 9 South, Howell, NJ

PIERCINGS BY BARNEY MEDUNIC, 17 Hunter Circle Suite A, Sherwood Village,
  Easthampton, 08060
  (serving South Jersey and SE Pennsylvania (travel fees apply).  (609)
  261-6727, or [e-mail].
  Supporters of the APP.  Over 5 years' experience, attendee of Gauntlet
  Piercing Seminar.  Hygiene a prime concern.  Selection of jewelry
  in steel and Nb from Gauntlet, Rings and Things and Pleasurable Piercings.

*PLEASURABLE PIERCINGS, INC.* - Retail Store and mail order,
  7 Garfield Ave, Hawthorne, 07506, [phone], fax [phone]
  Piercers: "Wild Bill" and "Lovely Laura", by appt only.
  Manufacturer of surgical steel, niobium, and 14k yellow and
  white gold jewelry.  Rings feature counter-bored steel beads and
  are fully annealed.  Piercing kits, instructional videos.  Excellent
  quality at reasonable prices. Wholesale inquiries welcome.
  Catalog $3 refundable with first order.

RICHIE'S GUIDELINE TATTOO, 947 Hwy 9, South Amboy, 08879,
  [phone],
  Piercer: Dr. Mike

*RINGS AND THINGS*, 7 Midland Ave, Montclaire, 07042,
  [phone], Call or write for free catalog.
  Manufacturer of steel, niobium, and gold jewelry, featuring
  many, unique designs in geometric shapes, bi-colored niobium,
  and unique beads.

New Mexico
==========

HARDWARE, INC., 2622 Central SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
  [phone]
  Piercers: Matt Bailey and Shawn Taylor, both trained by Fakir.
  Carries Silver Anchor jewelry as well as specialty pieces.
  Subsequent piercings in a session $5 each.

RITUAL,
  [phone]
  Piercings by Chris Gierisch of Sachs.  By appointment only, free
  consultation available.  Privacy and confidentiality assured.
  Reported to be most eager to perform more complicate genital piercings,
  such as the Triple Reverse PA and Apadydoe.

SACHS, 3112 Central SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
  [phone]
  Piercer: Hardt

Piercers FORMERLY OF SACHS: Franzo and Chris Glerisch (now at SINE QUA NON).
  Reported to have over 10 years' experience between them.  Large
  selection of jewelry. Franzo can also be contacted through Sachs for
  house calls and functions, public or private.

ROB SCOVILLE, HOLE IN ONE
   [phone]
   Reported to be an excellent piercer with a talent for surface piercings.

*SINE QUA NON*, 147 Harvard Dr. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
  Piercer:  Eerin Atkinson, trained by Fakir.  He makes his own jewelry.
  Piercer:  Chris Glerisch, formerly of Sachs.
  Featuring striped niobium in any combination of colors and "tie-dye" niobium
  rings, like looking at an oil slick through a kaleidescope...

New York
========

ANDROMEDA, 33 St. Marks Place (between 2nd and 3rd Aves), New York, NY
   [phone],  Open 7 days, 12 to 9 pm.
   Call for information and free consultation.

*BIG JOE & SONS TATTOOING and JASON TODD DESIGNS JEWELRY*,
  PO Box 1374, 27 Mt. Vernon Ave., Mt. Vernon, 10550
  [phone], fax [phone]
  Piercer: Big Joe
  Manufacturer of surgical steel and niobium jewelry (grade unknown),
  supplied with a choice of gemstone or "silver-" or "gold-" toned bead.
  I was not able to reap any more specifics about their jewelry
  when I called.

*BODY DESIGNS*, 1319 Elayne Ave, Ste 1014, Bay Shore, 11706,
  [phone], [phone] (catalog/mail-order)
  Piercers: Mike and Lynn, featured in the premier issue of
  Savage. Manufacturer of surgical steel, gold, and niobium
  jewelry; very, reasonable prices. Retail and wholesale
  catalogs available.
  [Jewelry quality less than satisfactory - under-polished (pitting visible)
  hematite captive beads arenot bored to fit the gauge of the ring. The
  sample ring I received failed the magnetism test for starters. - A.
  Greenblatt, 8/94]

BODY DESIGNS (retail) and, SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL BODY PIERCING,
  1746 Sunrise Hiwy, Bay Shore, 11706, [phone]

CASSIOPIA, 38 West 8th Street, New York
   [phone]
   Open 7 days, 10 to 9 pm.

JOHN COBB, c/o BEHOLD, 365 Canal Street, New York City, 10013
  [phone]
  Inventor of the famed Uvula piercing.
  12 noon to 11 pm.

*GAUNTLET* (retail), 144 Fifth Ave (at 19th St), 2nd Flr, NY,
  [phone]
  piercers:  Mark Seitchik (Master Piercer, Store Manager), Autumn Asbury
  (apprentice), Keith Alexander, and Dan Kopka (Master Piercer).
  Featured in Issue 5 (Feb. 95) of Tattoo SAVAGE.

GILLIAN'S TOYS, c/o The Utopian Network, P.O. Box 1146, New
  York, 10156, [phone]
  Manufacturer of "Nipple Cuffs" - non-piercing nipple jewelry

LONG ISLAND CONNECTION, 2087 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow,
  11554. Carries Hellion House jewelry and supplies.

*DAN NATKIEL*, Rm. 306, 7th St Residence, 40 E. 7th St, NY 10003
  Manufacturer of surgical steel, niobium, and titanium jewelry.

PAT'S TATS, 102 Mill Hill Rd, Woodstock, 12498, [phone]
  Piercer: Pat Sinatra, By appt Mon-Thurs, walk-ins on Sun.

*VENUS MODERN BODYARTS*, 199 E 4th St (A and B), NY 10009,
  [phone].
  Piercers:  Maria and Lance.
  Manufacturer of a vast selection of surgical steel (316LVM), niobium,
  titanium, lucite and acrylic, and gold jewelry and hardware. Featuring
  striped niobium rings in a broad range of colors, mirror or matte (healed
  piercings only) finish niobium, and distributor of handmade gold jewelry
  (incl. jeweled barbells for eyebrows, nostril screws, etc.), one-of-kind
  captive designs, wood and bone tusks and plugs, ebony and fissilized
  ivory. The staff were featured in the June 1994 issue of _Tattoo Ink_,
  Vogue, and on the Today Show.
  [I received a Daith piercing from Maria - she was very professional,
  gentle and friendly (as was the entire staff).  -A. Greenblatt 12/94]

North Carolina
==============

FLESHWORKS, Raleigh, NC , [phone]
  Piercer: Danny. Has completed state classes on sanitation and
  sterilization.

INOVATIONS, Raleigh
  Piercer: David Shaw, with 2 years' experience.
  1 - 7 on weekends, by appointment only.  Carries Silver Anchor and K&K
  jewelry and supplies.

SKIN DEEP, 517 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, 27603
  [phone]
  Piercer: David Shaw


North Dakota
============

STERLING ROSE TATTOOING & PIERCING, 1344 Main Ave, Fargo, 58103,
  [phone], By appt only. Friends are welcome, but are not
  allowed in the piercing room.


Ohio
====

BODY WORK PRODUCTIONS, piercing by David Anthony, by appt Only,
  [phone], 10 years experience.

CHAIN LINK ADDICTION, 11623 Euclid Ave, Cleveland
  Piercer: David Anthony, with 10 years' experience.  Apprenticed under
  Linus Herrell, former owner of Body Language.  Currently working to
  establish regulations regarding safe body piercing in Cleveland.
  Carries Gauntlet, Silver Anchor, Dakota Steel, and Bravo jewelry and
  supplies.

8-BALL TATTOO, 2593 Indianola Ave, Columbus, 43202,
  [phone]
  Piercer: Mark

THE FLYING LEMUR, Strange & Unusual Books/Fetish Through Flesh
  Piercing, 13743 Madison, Lakewood, OH 44107, [phone]
  Piercer: Scott Patterson, 5 years' experience., Piercing kits
  available. Send SASE for info.

KINK'S, 1118 Race St., Cincinatti, [phone]
  piercer:  Andrew
  Contact Jill Blankenship ([e-mail]) for reference.

KUKULA'S, 636 N High St, Columbus, 43215, [phone]
  Carries Pleasurable Piercings jewelry and supplies.

PIERCINGS UNLIMITED, 2211 Scioto Dr, Springfield, 45506,
  [phone]
  Piercer: Max E. Nave, 15 years experience. by appt only.

PIERCOLOGY, 874 North High Street, Columbus, [phone]
  Piercer: Pat McCarthy (formerly of Kukula's).  Contact Sarah (young@
  kenyon.edu) for reference.


Oregon
======

*AFTERGLOW FX*, PO Box 3893, Central Point, OR 97502
  (503) 664-917,  fax [phone]
  Manufacturer and supplier of surgical stainless steel and niobium
  jewelry in the basic designs.  Captive bead rings are flat-tipped.
  Also carry piercing supplies and publications on piercing and tattooing.
  Prices are mid-range.
  Send $2 for catalog.

ATTITUDES, 1017 S.W. Morrison, Studio 312, Portland, 97205,
  [phone]
  Piercer: Ahna, Reported by several readers to be very clean,
  professional, and, businesslike.

BAD ATTITUDE, 3312 SE Belmont, Portland
  235-6990
  Piercer: Shane Fire, trained by Fakir
  Variety of jewelry available.

BODIFICATIONS, 87825 Norman Ave., Veneta, OR 97487
  [phone]
  piercer:  Magnus, with 3 years' experience, by appiontment only.

BODY MODIFICATIONS, [phone]
  piercer:  Slasher, makes his own jewelry, by appointment only.

SPARTACUS LEATHERS, 300 SW 12th Ave, Portland, 97205,
  [phone], 1-800-666-2604
  Carries Hellion House jewelry/piercing supplies, will ship,
  anywhere in US.

GERD, [phone], Recommended by Spartacus. He does all
  piercings except, mouth related.

INFINITY, 2138 E. Burnside Rd., Portland
  piercer:  Katherine
  Contact Catherine Dalton ([e-mail]) for reference.

DARRYN LAGAIPA, [phone], Received her training from
  Gauntlet. $30 plus jewelry and needle.

*GARY RICHMOND*, Custom Jewelry, [phone], Highly
  recommended by Boy Brent ([e-mail]) for custom pieces, including
  ourobouros rings!

Pennsylvania
============

ACCENT IN INK, Castle Shannon, [phone]

BODY WORKS, Pittsburgh
  Piercer:  Molly.  Reputed to use silver wire which she cuts to length
  for most piercings requiring rings; questionable hygiene.

BOTH WAYS, 203 S. 13th St., Philadelphia, 19107
  (215) 985-BEGG, 1-800-429-7529, fax [phone]
  Piercer:  Jean Paul;  Manager:  Shawna
  Carries Gauntlet, Silver Anchor, Hellion House, Rings and Things,
  Pleasurable Piercings jewelry.  Reported to be expensive (both jewelry and
  piercings), but Jean does very good work.  Tuesdays.  Call for hours.
  Contact [e-mail] for reference.

CAPTAIN SHARKEY'S BODY PIERCING, at Eddie's Tattoo,
  605 S 4th St., off South St., Philadelphia, [phone]
  Recommended by Barney Medunic ([e-mail]) to be quality work,
  proper sterilization, assorted jewelry.

*HELLION HOUSE* RETAIL SHOP and IRON CITY INK, 1814 Penn Ave.,
  Pittsburgh 15222,
  [phone]
  Piercer: Gary Morgan, 8 yrs experience.
  Manufacturer of surgical steel rings and barbells,
  individually hand-polished to yield a highly reflective and
  smooth finish; niobium captive bead rings in solid or combined
  colors; wide selection of gemstone beads and steel beads bored to fit the
  gauge of the ring. Wholesale and retail price lists available
  upon request. His jewelry is carried by a number of shops
  across the US.
  Please write to [e-mail] for pricelist via e-mail.

INFERNO, 618 South St, Philadelphia, 19147, [phone], fax (215)
  627-5523
  Carries Hellion House and Pleasurable Piercings jewelry and supplies.

INFINITE BODY PIERCING, 626 South 4th Street, 1/2 block from South St.,
  Philadelphia, [phone]
  piercers:  Jim Weber and Tiffany Suhm (both formerly of Inferno)
  Carries Pleasurable Piercings jewelry.
  Recommended by several readers including Edith ([e-mail]), Joshua
  ([e-mail]), and Nina Karp ([e-mail]).

BOTH WAYS (formerly LEATHER ROSE), 210 S. 13th St. (between Walnut & Locust),
  Philadelphia, 19107, [phone], fax: [phone]
  A contract piercer operates out of the store. Carries Hellion
  House and Gauntlet jewelry and supplies.

SLACKER, 1312 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, 15203 , [phone]
  Piercer:  Gary Morgan (see Hellion House).

THE TAT HOUSE, 43 Dansbury Terrace, East Stroudsburg, 18360
  [phone]
  Piercers:  Wendy and Ridge.  Reported by Pete Hagemeyer ([e-mail])
  to be experienced, professional, hygienic, and caring.

Tennessee
=========

DOWNTOWN TATTOOING & BODY PIERCING, 667 Monroe Ave., Memphis
  piercer:  Clay, reported to be hygienic, professional, and caring.
  Pager for Clay [phone]

IAN, 1715 Church St., Nashville, 37204
  [phone]
  piercer:  Ian, graduate of Fakir's school.  Carries Dakota Steel and Lucky
  jewelry.

JERROD, Memphis, Pager: [phone]

PUSS N BOOTS, 2149 Young Ave, Memphis, 38112, [phone]
  Carries Incubus jewelry at very reasonble prices. No
  piercings.

UNDERGROUND ART, 2287 Young Ave, Memphis, [phone],
  Piercing and Tattooing. Carry Incubus jewelry.


Texas
=====

CRIMSON DRAGON TATTOO STUDIO, 2928 Guadalupe St., Austin, 78705
  [phone]
  piercer:  Miles
  Carries Pleasurable Piercings jewelry and supplies.
  Texas Board of Health Tattoo Licence.

FORBIDDEN FRUIT, 2514 Guadalupe, Austin, 78705, [phone]
  Piercer: Bear, formerly of Planet K. Pierces Wed-Sat. Walk-ins
  and appts welcome. Carries Hellion House, Pleasurable
  Piecings, Gauntlet jewelry.

EUROPA BOOKSTORE, at Dobie Mall, 2048 Guadalupe St., Austin,
  78705, [phone], Fax: [phone]
  Carries PFIQ and other piercing publications only.

OBSCURITIES, 4000-B Cedar Spgs Rd, Dallas, 75219, [phone]
  Piercer: Alan Falkner, w/ advanced training by Fakir Musafar
  (1 of only 2 piercers w/ such training).

PLANET K, 1516 S. Lamar, Austin, 78704, [phone]
  Carries Gauntlet, Pleasurable Piercings and Silver Anchor
  jewelry/supplies.
  Piercer: "Bear" comes up from the San Antonio store most
  Sundays.  Has 6 yrs experience and the work looks good.

PLANET K, 2138 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, [phone]
  Piercers: Dage and Quinn. Carries Pleasurable Piercings
  jewelry/supplies.

*SKIN & BONES*, 3603 Parry Ave., Dallas, 75226, [phone],
  [e-mail]
  Piercer: Stace Maples, self-taught with training by Elayne Binnie.  Has
  performed over 6000 documented piercings.  Other piercers in the shp
  include Rocky Acosta (formerly of Rituals in CO) and Dave Woodard (with
  over 1500 documented piercings to his credit).  Two apprentices also
  work in the shop.  Customers receiving piercings performed by an apprentice
  are not charged a piercing fee and receive 20% the jewelry.
  Jewelry available retail and wholesale.
  Mention r.a.b and receive 20% off jewelry.

ZOOM, 812 W 12th St, Austin, 78701, [phone]
  Carries Hellion House, Pleasurable Piercings jewelry/supplies.


Utah
====

5TH AVE TATTOO, Salt Lake City, Utah


Virginia
========

A'CCENT TATTOO, Gloucester Pt Shpg Ctr, Rte 17, PO Bx 1199,
  Gloucester Pt, 23062, [phone]
  Piercer/tattooist: Brian, professionally trained by "Deus" at
  Red Dragon Tattoo Studio.

BLOOD AND INK, Madison Heights, 24572, [phone]
  Carries Pleasurable Piercings jewelry/supplies.

BODY WORKS TATTOOING, 66 E Market St, Harrisonburg, 22801,
  [phone]
  Piercer: Anne Greenblatt of Piercing Exquisite; every other Saturday -
  please call Anne for appointments and more information.

G-NATION, PO Bx 3401, Charlottesville, 22903, [phone]
  Piercer: "Little Arni." Exclusively at Red Dragon Tattoo
  Studio on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall, 201-L E Main St,
  Charlottesville, 22901, [phone], "Custom Body Piercing
  Jewelry and Body Manipulation Consultation" Piercing by appt
  or by Walk-in.

PIERCING EXQUISITE - PE ADORNMENTS (in-home private studio),
  1302 W 41st St, Richmond, 23225, [phone]
  Piercer: Anne Greenblatt, 2 years' experience. By appt only.
  Carries Anatometal, Body Adornments, and Pleasurable Piercings
  jewelry & supplies.  Custom orders via other manufacturers welcome.
  Specializing in more unusual "starter" jewelry (multi-colored niobium),
  and a wide range of high-quality surgical steel jewelry.

RICK'S TATTOO, 4818 Lee Hwy, Arlington, 22207, [phone]
  Selection of jewelry limited; quality of sterilization and piercing
  reported to be substandard.


Washington (State)
==========

BODY CIRCLE DESIGNS*, PO Bx 1081, Poulsbo, 98370, [phone]
  Wholesale inquiries only. Manufacturer of distictive surgical
  steel captive bead rings, captive tube rings, septum spikes
  and tusks, and gemstone beads. Their captive rings feature
  tapered ends (flat tips) for easier insertion.

FANTASY UNLIMITED, 102 Pike, Seattle, [phone]
  Piercing by appt Fri & Sat.

VYVYNN LAZONGA OF DERMAGRAPHICS, 94 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA.
  [phone]
  Noted tattoo artist Vyvynn does limited piercings.

PAINLESS RICK+S TATTOO PARLOR, 303 NE Birch St., Camas, 98607
  [phone]

PINK ZONE, Seattle
  Opened by Cricket (see VOODOO THERAPY, CA and WA CREATIONS, WA).

SEATTLE LEATHER MERCHANTILE, 1204 E. Pike St., Seattle, 98122
  [phone]
  2/6/95  Seattle L M no longer performs piercing.

SIN, 616 E Pine, Seattle, , [phone]
  Piercing and scarification by appt. Fetish shop.
  piercer: Al D. (formerly of Seattle L. M.); 10 years' experience;
  occassionally teaches for Fakir's School.  Reported by Boy Brent
  ([e-mail]) to be an exceptionally good piercer, with impressive
  knowledge and professionalism (he received his Guiche from Al).  Say that
  Boy Brent sent you.

SKINPRINT TATTOO, 234-1/2 Wells Ave, South Renton,
  [phone], & 12840 Pacific Hwy SW, Tacoma, [phone]
  Piercer with about 15 years experience. Carries Body Circle
  Design jewelry. No appt necessary.

LAMAR VAN DYKE AT TATTOO YOU, 1017 E. Pike St., Seattle,
  [phone]. All types of body piercing.

*WA CREATIONS*, 501 N 36th St, Ste 291, Seattle, 98103,
  [phone]
  Piercing, branding, cupping by Cricket, trained by Fakir
  Musafar. Manufacturer of solid 18k gold nostril screws,
  fishtail labret studs, continuous and captive or fixed bead
  rings. Custom work available and encouraged.
  See VOODOO THERAPY, CA.

Wisconsin
=========

STEVE'S TATTOOS/GOLD'S BODY PIERCING, Madison
  piercer:  Andrea
  Contact W. Annis ([e-mail]) for reference.

TIE ME DOWN, 1419 E Brady St, Milwaukee, 53202, (414) 272-DOWN
  Owner/Piercer:  Melissa Strobe

TIGER ROSE and BODY PIERCING, Madison
  One reader ([e-mail]) approached the owner about having a
  Prince Albert performed and the owner vehemantly stated that "Those things
  never heal, your making a mistake," as a demonstration of his knowledge
  of piercing.

 2. CANADA-----------------------

*BLACK STAR*, Ottowa, Ontario Canada, [phone]
  Manufacturer and importer of surgical stainless steel jewelry.

BLACK SUN, Mont-Royal Street Studio, [phone], Montreal
  Full piercing service, by appt only.
  Piercer: Pierre. Good selection of jewelry.

BODY PIERCING BY TEE, Toronto, Ontario, [phone]

DENISE ROBINSON BODY ART (aka DEXTRA), PO Box 53063, Ottowa,
  K1N 1C5, [phone], Geek Love BBS [phone] for
  booking appts online. Piercing by appt only.  Will travel.
  Health Board Approved. Carries Body Circle Designs and HTC
  jewelry. Custom orders available.

*FUTURE SKIN TATTOO*, 218 Rideau St, Ottowa [phone],
  1-800-837-0438 for jewelry enquiry (ask for Tanya)
  Piercer:  Denise Robinson (see above entry).

HOT LINES LINGERIE, 349 Dalhousie St, Ottowa , [phone]
  Piercing services provided by Black Star.

NEW TRIBE, 232 A Queen St. West, Toronto M5V1Z6, accross from City TV
  [phone]
  piercer:  Steve.  Book appt. with Mike.
  Highly recommended by ([e-mail]), who notes that he does not use
  a clamp.

NORTHBOUND LEATHER, 19 St. Nicholas St., Toronto, [phone]

PRIAPE, 1311 Ste. Catherine E., Montreal, [phone]
  Carries Gauntlet jewelry and supplies.

QUINN'S OF KENSINGTON, 116 10th St NW, Calgary, T2N 1V3,
  [phone]
  Piercer:  Rick Gilmour. Trained by Fakir; very professional
  and non-intimidating.

QUORUM COLORS BODY STUDIO
  222 King St. W., Hamilton, Ontario
  (905) 522-BODY
  Piercer: Colin McColgen, with 7 years' experience
  Recommended and Reported to be friendly, reassuring staff and
  environment by JM Bowman ([e-mail]).

RAPTOR TATTOO, 222 King St. W., Hamilton, Ontario, (905) 522-BODY
  10026 102 Street, Edmonton, [phone]
  Piercers: Nadine and Noni
  Reported to be friendly, hygienic, and thorough by Sabina Trupia (strupia@
  gpu.srv.ualberta.ca).

SKEW SKIN PIERCINGS, The Love Connection, 556 Quellette Ave., Windsor,
  [phone]
  Piercer: Syx ([e-mail])
  2-6pm Friday and Saturday, by appointment only.
  Recommended by Burdick Russell ([e-mail]).

* STAINLESS STUDIOS, Queen and Spadina, Toronto
  [phone]
  Open 7 days a week, 12 to 10 pm.  Manufacturer of body jewelry.
  Reported and recommended by Shannon Larratt ([e-mail]) to be very
  professional (all-forcep piercing) and very reasonably priced.

STUDIO AUROBOROS, 580 Yonge Stt (corner of Wellesley), Toronto,
  [phone]
  Piercer:  Lilith, 7 years' experience; privacy assured.
  Tues-Sat, Noon-8pm. Price includes jewelry, made onsite.
  One reader has reported Lilith lacks "bedside manner" and
  did not answer questions fully.

TATTOOS BY JOEYY AND BEAR, 7225 104 Street, Edmonton, [phone],
  [phone]
  Piercer: Larry
  Contact Pierre Honeyman ([e-mail]) for reference.

URBAN PRIMITIVE DESIGNS, 473 Church St, #2, Toronto,
  [phone]
  Piercer: Tee, Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 7 pm.


 3. BEYOND NORTH AMERICA-----------------------


Australia
=========

BODYLINK BODY PIERCING, Daw Park, South Australia,
  [phone] after 5 pm.
  Piercer:  Chris (male).
  Jewelry supplied, reported to be of good quality and reasonably
  priced.  Piercings by appointment only.

LYNETTE ROSE, Brisbane, [phone]
  Piercing by appt; some jewelry available.

THE PIERCING URGE, 206 Commercial Rd, Prahran, [phone]
  Piercing by appt; jewelry available.

*AJ'S JEWELRY*, 1st Flr, 143A Oxford St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010,
  [phone]
  Manufacturer of surgical steel, titanium, gold and silver
  jewelry. Jewelry made to order; mail order service available.

*BOWERBIRD DESIGNS*, 2nd Flr, 472 George St, Sydney, NSW,
  [phone]
  Manufacturer of surgical steel, gold, and silver jewelry.
  Jewelry made to order.

DAVID, c/o PO Bx 95, Westgate, Sydney, NSW, 2048, [phone]
  Piercing by appt only.

THE PIERCING URGE, 1st Flr, 143A Oxford Strt, Darlinghurst, NSW,
   2010, [phone]
  Piercing by appt. Sydney branch of THE PIERCING URGE in
  Melbourne; on the same premises as AJ's Jewelry and Happy of
  Mischief Moon, tattooist.

POLYMORPH, [phone], Piercing by appt, Wed-Sat.

RINGED MEN, PO Bx 712, Rozelle, NSW, 2039,
  email:  [e-mail]. Contact for info. Ringed Men
  is a social club, not a business.


Austria
=======

TATTOO STUDIO VIENNA, Kegelgasse 6 (corner Bechardgasse), 1030 Vienna
  tel. [phone], fax [phone]
  Tattoos by Andy and Mike and Guest Artists, Body Piercing by Appointment
  Platinum jewelry available.

FREIZEEITVEREIN "PRIAPOS", Lehrbachgasse 4/1, A-1120 Wien,
  Vienna, Austria, [phone]
  Custom-made high-quality gold and platinum jewelry and
  non-piercing nipple jewelry.
  Piercers:  Alexandra and Andreas. You must be 18.

SIEGFRIED
  Hygienic piercing service, medical doctor available (as required by law),
  local anesthetic available, privacy assured, reasonable prices.
  Contact [e-mail] for reference.

Denmark
=======

MS METTE HINTZE'S PIERCING CLINIC, The Black Universe,
  Studiestraede 16, DK-1455 Copenhagen K., [phone]
  or 31 57 82 47, She also offers piercings not commonly
  available:  Niebuhr (between the eyes), Pieper (a triple
  Niebuhr), Reversibello (shaft of the penis), and Triangle
  (skin under the clitoris). Has recently released a video in
  Europe on her various piercings. No longer visits Finland.


Finland
=======

HARNESS, Kalevankatu 28, Helsinki, Phone: [phone]
  Piercer: Marko, Wed-Sat, 3-6pm. Carries Wildcat
  jewelry/supplies.  Contact  Yazka Jani


France
======

MR. OLIVIER ROCQUET, 5 Montee Du Grapillon, 01460 Montreal La
  Cluse. Mr. Rocquet speaks only French.


Germany
=======

ARS SUBCUTAN, Alphornstrasse 41, 68169 Mannheim, 0621 3189183
  Very clean and friendly studio. 10 years' experience piercing
  in his home and as a nurse practitioner. Wide selection of
  jewelry.

ARTCORE, Karlsruhe, 49.721.30254
  piercer:  Tom
  Tuesday - Thursday, 1 - 7 pm.  Appointments recommended.
  Contact Alex ([e-mail]) for reference.

BALDOS STUDIO, 5500 Trier, Postfach 2764,
  +0651 2 83 35 ab 20 Uhr

CUTGLASS PIERCING STUDIO, Munchen, 089 263508

*F.S. BODY FINARY*, 81207 Munchen, Postfach 600733
  "Die Lust auf Intimschmuck. Beratung einsetzen Verkauf."
  "The pleasure of body-jewelry.  Info included w/ purchase."
  Infos gegen 10, -DM

BERNHARD KELLNER, Elsa-Brandstromstrasse 3, 30453 Hannover

LGS SEX SHOP, Bochumerstrasse 76, D-45886 Gelsenkirchen,
  [phone]. Piercings performed Wed by a medical doctor.
  DM60.00 per piercing.

SUZIE Q PLEASURE AND PAIN, c/o Tattoo You, Sirnauer Strasse 23,
  73728 Esslingen

RUNA SCHMAHL, Tatau Obscur, Leonhardstrasse 19, 14057 Berlin

MATTHIAS SCHMITT, Tattoo Connection, Belziger Strasse 53, 10823
  Berlin

HEIKO SCHNEIDER, Endless Pain Tattoo, Am Grundwasserwerk 17,
  22041 Hamburg

Italy
=====

*IMAX INTERNATIONAL, for GAUNTLET, Riccione
  Gauntlet Piercer Training Seminars starting January 1995.
  Contact Max Grassi.
  phone 39.541.642.160, fax 39.541.643.542

Luxembourg
==========

*CREATIVE ART COLLECTION*, Postbox 1317, L-1013 Luxembourg,
  Intimschmuck-katalog, 150 fotos, DM 30.-, (overseas, US $30),
  Their catalog is well worth the cost!  It includes full colour close-up
  photos of  multiple female genital piercings, intricate gold jewelry,
  nipple shields, stirrup style barbells, and a video collection.  Catalog
  and videos focs on the eroticism of body piercing.  If you want
  specialty designer body jewelry, this is the source. In German.

The Netherlands
===============

TATTOOING & PIERCING STUDIO, Kloveniersburgwal 135, 1011 KE
  Amsterdam, +020-257812

JAN DEHAAN, Box 52, 2150 AB Nieuw-Vennep

BODY MANIPULATIONS, Stromarkt 11, 1012 SW Amsterdam,
  +020-623344. Prices: HFI50 for below waist piercings, HFI15-
  40 for facial piercings.


Norway
======

OSLO PIERCING STUDIO, Munkegt.1, Pb 617 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo,
  [phone]


Scotland
========

BODYARMOR PIERCING AND TATTOOING, by Roxx-n-Wreckage,
  25 A Dundas St, Edinburgh EH3 6QQ, Appt only, 031 558 3717
  Located downstairs in West and Wild Bookshop.


Sweden
======

BARBARELL STUDIO, Fjaerde Longgatan 6, Gothenburg
   mailing address:  Box 31172, S-400 32, Gothenburg
   Voice and fax [phone]

IPIS - INTIMSMYCKADE PAR I SVERIGE, Box 710, 114 79 Stockholm
   tel/fax [phone]
   A club for pierced couples.  Piercing available.

JAN KOPRIWA BODY PIERCING STUDIO, Laderverkstan, Rosenlundsgatan 30A,
  Stockholm
  Voice 46 (0)8 6586935
  Piercing by appiontment only.

TATTOO EAST STREET, Ostgotagatan 77, Stockholm
  Voice 46 (0)8 7020659

Switzerland
===========

BOUTIQUE DANA, Grossackerstr. 5, CH-9006 St. Gallen,
  +071 25 31 95


United Kingdom
==============

ALAN OVERSBY - "Mr. Sebastian Ink", 321 Panther House,
  Mt Pleasant, London WC1, 0181.837.3226

*ASGARD INTERNATIONAL*, Specialist Surgical Steel Jewellery, PO
  Box 69, Southampton,, SO16 5AB, tel/fax [phone]
  Manufacturers and suppliers of solid ball closure rings, Prince's Wands,
  Labret studs with jewels, silver flligree nipple shields, nipple
  spreaders, and body piercing kits.
  Email [e-mail] for current price lists.

ASGARD BODY PIERCING, Southampton
  Piercer: Warwick and Angie. EPPA Members.

*BLAKE HOUSE STUDIOS*, Blake End, Rayne, Braintree, Essex CM7 8SH
  Catalog 4 pounds 50 (overseas 5 pounds or $15), refund w/
  order over 25 pounds.

*BODY ART JEWELRY*, Publications Limited, PO Box 32, Great
  Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 5RD. Catalog 4 pounds 50, refundable
  on first order of 25 pounds or more.

BODY ART STUDIO, 201 Two Mile Hill Rd,, Kingswood, Bristol,
  01179 603923
  Piercer: Phil Barry. Environmental Health Office approved.
  Foreskin bead implants available.

BODYGRAPHICS, Piercing & Tattooing, 19 Pratt Street, Soham,
  Cambridgeshire CB7 5EH, 0353 720023
  By Appointment Only

MICK BREW, Medical Practitioner, North East & London by
  arrangement: BM Apex, London WC1 N3XX

*MR. CARTER*, Barbary Products, Uplands, Watledge, Nailsworth,
  Glos. GL6 0AP, 01453.834426. Mr. Carter is a jeweler, and
  besides producing basic items like barbells and captive bead
  rings, also produces elaborate "works of art" for body
  adornment. A catalogue is available. Also sells his jewelry
  through various London retailers. Visit by appt.

CHORLTON BEAUTY SALON, Manchester
  Piercer: Kim, EPPA member.

COLD STEEL, PROFESSIONAL BODY PIERCING. Member of the European
  Professional Piercers Association. All recognised piercings
  performed. All prices include surgical steel jewelry. tel.
  [phone], or  [phone]. Ask for Grant.

*THE GOLD SHOP*, 22 Sydenham Road, London SE26 5QW, 0181 690 2872
  Gold and silver body jewelry

IGIGI, COLCHESTER PIERCING CLINIC, 21 Eld Lane, Colchester CO1 1LS.
  01206 562323.  40 minutes outside of London.
  Piercer:  Mike Robinson.
  Highly recommended by Liz Strauss as sterile, reasonably priced, relaxed
  atmosphere.  Piercings performed in the evenings.

INKHOUSE, Leicester, tel. [phone]
  Piercer/tattooist:  Martin

INTO YOU, 144 St. John St., London EC1V 4JT, 0171.253.5085,
  Piercer:  Teena Maree.  Tattoo artist: Alex Binnie.
  By arrangement only.

SIMON; Body piercing and jewelry 0181.533.4083

THE LONDON PIERCING CLINIC, tel: [phone] weekday
  afternoons or [phone] all hours.

*MERLINS EAR & BODY PIERCING JEWELRY*, 23 Susans Road,
  Eastbourne, East Sussex, [phone], fax [phone].
  Manufacturer of high grade surgical stainless steel(316) ear and
  body jewelry at very reasonable prices.  A few gold designs are
  available.  Stainless steel jeweled nostril screws available for
  #7.50.  Mention Julie Brandon ([e-mail]) sent
  you.

METAL-MORPHOSIS, 10/11 Moor Street (end of Old Compton
  Street), Soho, London W1V 5LJ
  tel.: [phone], fax: [phone]
  mobile appts.: 0831 511 844, mobile inquiries: 0956 327 140
  Piercer: David J. Visa and Mastercard accepted.
  Hours: 11am to 7:30pm Mon-Sat, or by appt. Carries Wildcat 316
  stainless steel jewelry. Environmental health approved.
  Charges about 20 sterling for the first pierce, less for
  subsequent piercings in the same session, plus jewelry.
  Recommended by Martin Reilly ([e-mail]).

*PW MULTITEK SERVICES*, 4 Victor Rd, London, NW10 5XD,
  tel. [phone]. Piercing kits (surgical needle, ring, bead
  and guide wire),  15mm, 20 mm, 25mm diameter rings available,
  16 gauge (1.6 mm) stainless steel - pounds 10 per set.
  Illustrated catalog pounds1 coin or stamps.

*P.A.U.K.*, 153, Tomkinson Rd, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 8DP
  Manufacturer of gold (9 ct. with 18 ct. gilding), surgical
  stainless  steel, sterling silver, and plastic (barbell)
  jewellery. All jewellery enquiries welcome. Publisher of
  Piercing World magazine.

PIERCING BY OSSIE NEWCASTLE 0191.2320.257

PATRICK, South London, 0181.658.7180 (London Piercing Clinic),
  01860.797.114 (24hr portable phone). Charges 15-70 pounds per
  piercing, including jewelry.

PERFORATIONS BODY PIERCING STUDIO, 16 A Little Preston St,
  Brighton BN1 2HQ, 01273 326577. Noon-5:30pm Mon-Sat.
  Piercer:  Warren Deane.  Located downstairs from Wildcat.

*JARED SANDERS*, Custom Body Jewelry Manufacturer
  Fully illustrated catologue available. Surgical steel, silver and gold.
  Send A4 size S.A.E. to Jared Sanders, P. O. Box 537, Castlefield, High
  Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 3QL, tel. [phone] for fully
  illustrated catalog.

TATTOO EROTIQUE 01582.505839, 01836.285105

TATTOOTIME - Professional Tattooing & Body Piercing, 173 North Street,
  Bedminster, Bristol 3, 01179-530401

*WILDCAT INTERNATIONAL*, 16 Preston St, Brighton, BN1 2HN,
  01273 323758. A wide range of stainless steel jewelery, in
  the basic designs and in more elaborate and unusual designs
  (padlocks, teardrop bead rings, a wide selection of septum
  spikes and tusks). Custom orders very welcome.



 4. EUROPEAN PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS ASSOCIATION--------

Note: EPPA membership merely requires payment of annual dues to
P.A.U.K. The EPPA is not a quality-regulated group.

UK MEMBERS

Phil Barry-Bristol-01179.603923 (Chairman of the Assn)
Ty Bowers; Blackpool; 01253.402260
Jake; Birmingham; 0121.2365250
Mark Morell; Birmingham; 0121.6226602
Mark; Chester; 01244.310481
Brian Clarke; Coventry; 01203.387396
Micky Bee; Coventry; 01203.680713
Dave Ross; Colchester; 01206.766810
Bob Franklin; Cornwall; 01326.373574
Carey; Derby/Nottingham; 01332.872445
Dave Dark Angel; c/o Blackpool, Derby/Ashbourne; 01253.402260
Margaret and Peter; Durham; 0191.4103951
Brent; Dunstable; 01582.663749
Keith Elbourne; Dunstable; 01582.570190
Garry Simpson; Luton; 01582.505839
Brian Clarke; Leamington; 01203.387396
Gordon Cooper; London, Edmonton; 0181.8039540
Chris Connet; London, Kingston; 0181.5461010
Lal Hardy; London, North; 0181.4448779
Andy Dixon; Kensington, London; 0171.9372861
Jock Robinson; London; c/o Body Art in Bristol
Grant Demsey; London; 0181.9048864
Tony Skinner; Reigate; 0181.073.7226
Sylvia; Middlesex; 0181.8136205
Cushia Adamson; Central, London; 0171.3281413
Kim Lock; Manchester; 0161.7474524
Mark Morrel; Manchester; c/o 0121.6226602
Tym Taylor; Manchester; 0161.8820773
Clive Povey; Norwich; 01603.630292
Chris Tree; Oxford; 01865.200651
Robo Sherwood; Northampton; 01604.30720
Darren Stares; Portsmouth; 01705.822105
Tim Sweet; Plymouth; 01752.673695
Toby-B-Tim; Readich; 01860.718164
Ian of Reading; Reading; 01734.598616
Kevin Sandever; Ringwood; 01425.480606
Dave Booth; Sheffield; 01142.760550
Mark Pettigrew; South Benfleet; 01268.416324
Warwick Newson; Southampton; 01703.325059
Stephen Keeling; Stoke on Trent; 01782.284002
Darren Lovell; Suffolk; 01440.703803
Alan Balser; Swindon; 01793.643264
Lee Hooper; Swindon; 01793.436743
Derek Osbourne; Telford; 01952.883135
Brain Carville; Windsor; 01753.867447
Spike; Wolverhampton; 01902.713440
Kieth Banks; Yeovil; 01935.28912
Les Hoskins Brown; Scotland; 0186.2642737
Craig MacDonald; Glasgow; 0141.9464736
Jacqueline Geddes; Scotland; 01698.372516
Cath Watkins; Cardiff, Wales; 01462.454479
Nick Green; Clywd, Wales; 01978.290876
Dave Fleet; Blackwood, Wales; 01443.837410
Doc Jones; Pontypridd, Wales; 01443.486552


AUSTRALIA

David Edwards; 61.25509948

DENMARK

Mette Hintze; 45.33323303
Smykkemesteren; 31.28.32.24

FRANCE

Joe Marina; Nantes; 40.73.01.30
Panic Zoran; Toulouse; 16.62263596
Michael, Tattoo Martin; Muthouse; 89.064690

GERMANY

Ars Subcutan; Alphornstrasse 41; 68169 Mannheim;
  0621.3189183. Very clean and friendly shop. Piercer with about
  10 years' experience of piercing in his home; nurse
  practitioner. Wide range of jewelry.

Suzie Q - 0711.357277

ISRAEL

Avi Vanunu (Johnny Two Thumbs); Tel Aviv; 97235270416

NETHERLANDS

Denis Overway; Amsterdam; 638.8590

SWEDEN

Erik Jeppenson; 009.4635.111287
Barbarella; 46.031.147968

SWITZERLAND

Yves Martin; 077.227.562

USA

Silver Anchor; Florida; [phone]
----------------------------------------------

Niobium Wire and Jewelry Suppliers (not body piercing oriented)

Reactive Metals Studio, Inc., P.O. Box 890, Clarkdale, AZ  86324
  [phone].  Niobium wire.

Goodfellow Corp., Suite 140, 301 Lindonwood Dr, Malvern,
  PA 19355; [phone]; 1-800-821-2870; fax [phone]
  Niobium wire.

-----------------------------------------------------

Please let me know of any corrections or additions at
[e-mail] or [phone].






--
                              * Ardvark *
                            Anne Greenblatt
               Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart
                        > Piercing  Exquisite <
                                   *
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/part5
Last-modified: 01/04/95
Posting-frequency: Monthly



The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
 1--Introduction
 2--Piercings & Jewelry
 3--Getting A New Pierce
 4--Professional Piercers
 5--Care Of A New Pierce  <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
 6--Problems And Hazards
 7--Healed Pierces
 8--Misc. Info
 9--Personal Experiences

What's in this section:

 5--Care Of A New Pierce
    1. Cleaning Agents
    2. Healing Ointments
    3. Treating Facial Piercings
    3. Treating Mouth-Related Piercings
    4. Treating Body Piercings
    5. Treating Genital Piercings
    6. Care Instructions From Elayne Binnie
       6a. Lips, Labret And Cheek Piercings
       6b. Body piercings
       6c. Ear Lobe, Ear Cartilage, Tragus, Conch, Nostril,
           Septum and Eyebrows
       6d. Tongue Piercings



 1. CLEANING AGENTS ---------------------

Recommended general cleaning agents:

HIBICLENS: Should be diluted 1 part Hibiclens to 3 parts water.
  * Recently, there has been some discussion of removal of Hibiclens
  from the market as an Over The Counter product and reclassified
  by the FDA.  Hibiclens has proven to be very irritating for most people.
  Anyone who decides to use Hibiclens should watch carefully for any signs
  of irritation or failure of the piercing to heal properly.

BETADINE: Or a solution of Povidone-Iodine, Betadine soaps and
  skin cleansers, and povidone-iodine based liquid soap (Clearly Natural
  brand).  * Long-term use of Betadine / Povidone-Iodine solutions can
  induce an insensitivity to the product (growth of resistant bacteria) as
  well as allergy.  Long-term use has also been known to cause growing skin
  cells to rupture.  Thus it is recommended that excess solution be rinsed
  away thoroughly.

  (*  based on information provided by Michaela Grey, Ass'n of
  Professional Piercers)

BACTINE: And other solutions of benzalkonium-chloride (Pierced Ear Care
  Solution or Sensitive Ears Solution, usually available at ear piercing
  salons).  Some people may be sensitive to the solution and should
  dilute with 25% water.  Bactine need not be rinsed away;  thus it is
  excellent for use on facial piercings.

TRICLOSAN-BASED LIQUID SOAPS:  Any soap used should be low-pH, deodorant
  and moisturizer-free. Brand names include Liquid Dial, Almay Hypo-Care,
  Clearly Natural, and Softsoap.  Soaps are best used in the shower, should
  be lathered up before applying to the piercing,  and the piercing rinsed
  thoroughly.

Remember that what works best for one person may not work for
you. If you experience an adverse reaction to a particular
product (itching, redness, irritation) switch to another
product. In the case of an extreme allergic reaction, contact a
physician.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE should NEVER be used on a fresh piercing. The peroxide acts
to  break down the newly formed tissue.

ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL is not an adequate disinfectant by itself.

BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE solutions containing alcohol are fine.


 2. HEALING OINTMENTS ---------------------

Healing ointments include Betadine ointment, anti-bacterial or anti-biotic
ointments containing any combination of bacitracin zinc, Neomycin, and
Polymyxin- B Some people are allergic to bacitracin zinc or Neosporin
(neomycin). It is advised that use of anti-bacterial ointments be limited
to the first five days to one week ONLY.  A small amount should be used,
the excess removed.  Excessive or prolonged use can lead to desensitivity
to the active ingredients in the product and limits air circulation to the
piercing.

Vitamin E gel can also be applied to the piercing, especially in the case
of dry skin, which is common with nipple piercings.  However, some people
have experienced allergic reactions to vitamin E.


 3. TREATING FACIAL PIERCINGS----------------

Ear, eyebrow, nose - piercings are best cleaned with betadine,
an ear care solution, or gel containing benzalkonium chloride.
The cleaning agent should be used twice to three 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.

The cleaning agent should be applied and rotated through the
piercing. Make-up, foundations, and powders should be
avoided during the healing process. When using har spray, cover
your piercings with your hand or a tissue.

*NEVER USE HIBICLENS SOLUTIONS ON FACIAL PIERCINGS!*

Hibiclens Can Cause Blindness And Hearing Loss If It Gets Into
Your Eyes And Ears.


 3. TREATING MOUTH-RELATED PIERCINGS----------------

Tongue piercings should be cleaned with Gly-oxide or PerOxyl 2, cleansing
antiseptics for the mouth containing carbamide peroxide (10%), twice a day
and after meals. It is imperative that one of these products be used -
Listerine alone will not adequately guard against infection.  Listerine
diluted 50% to 75% should be used as a mouth rinse after eating or
drinking anything other than water. Rinse for at least one minute.

Mouth related piercings - lip, labret, cheek - should be cleaned
on the inside as described for tongue piercings. The outside
piercing should be cleaned following the instructions for facial
piercings. Warm salt water rinses are also recommended for
faster healing.


 4. TREATING BODY PIERCINGS----------------

Recommended cleaning agents include Hibiclens (diluted one part Hibiclens
to three parts water), Betadine or Povidone solution or soap, and low-pH
liquid soaps or cleaning products (please see product listing above).
Avoid using deodorant or moisturizing soaps on your piercings. Any crusty
secretion around the piercing or on the jewelry should be removed with a
cotton swab and warm water prior to cleaning. The cleaning agent should be
rotated through the piercing and allowed to soak for three minutes. The
piercing should be rinsed well to remove any residues.

Warm salt water soaks work wonders to remove crusty deposits and
secretions during healing, and decrease the healing time as
well.


 5. TREATING GENITAL PIERCINGS----------------

Genital piercings should be cleaned following the instructions
for body piercings. However, the cleaning products may irritate
the urethra in both men and women and the vagina in the case of
women. Urinate after cleaning to flush out any residues in the
urethral opening. Women should take care not to let any cleaning
agent enter the vagina, as yeast infections may result from the
depletion of bacteria.

Genital piercings should be cleaned after intercourse as well.
Use of a condom is recommended during the healing period, and
oral contact should be avoided. Also, certain lubricants and
spermicides may irritate piercings.


 6. CARE INSTRUCTIONS FROM ELAYNE BINNIE----------------

 The following care instructions are approved for reprinting
through rec.arts.bodyart by Elayne "Angel" Binnie (former
manager of Gauntlet Los Angeles), Rings of Desire, Inc., 1128
Decatur Street, 2nd floor (above Boomerang), New Orleans, LA
70116, phone [phone]. Any form of distribution of these
care instructions must be accompanied by this paragraph, and
must remain intact within each section. You may contact her if
you have any questions about these care instructions.

 6a. Lips, labret and cheek piercings according to Elayne
     "Angel" Binnie

Healing time: 6 to 8 weeks

Cleaning solutions: --For inside the mouth: Listerine or other
antibacterial  mouthwash and Gly-Oxide or Peroxyl (available in
the oral  medications section of any pharmacy).

--For the outside surface: Ear Care Antiseptic, or Bactine
diluted 50/50 with water.

Instructions:

1. Rinse mouth for 60 seconds with Listerine after anything goes
in your mouth other than water or ice. This includes coffee,
tea, soft drinks, all food, smoking or eating utensils. If you
are not ingesting very often, rinse 12 to 24 times daily. Keep a
small bottle of Listerine with you so that you can rinse often.

2. Twice daily, rinse for two to three minutes with Gly- Oxide.
Do not omit this step! This foams inside your mouth, so you
might want to rinse with water or Listerine afterwards.

3. Keep dirty hands, fingernails, pens, etc. out of your mouth.

4. Refrain from oral sexual contact during the 4 to 6 weeks of
initial healing. This includes French (wet) kissing as well as
oral sex, even if you are in a monogamous relationship.

5. With clean hands, check twice daily to make sure the ends of
your labret stud are on tightly (if applicable). To clean hands,
use antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial).

6. Do not play with the piercing for the first 4 to 6 weeks
beyond the necessary movement for speaking and eating. This can
cause complications, such as the formation of scar tissue.

7. Twice daily, use a cotton swab (Q-Tip) saturated with Ear
Care Antiseptic solution to remove any crusty blood plasma
formation from the exterior of the piercing and jewelry. Cleanse
the post or ring witht he solution, and gently move the jewelry
to work the solution onto the inside of the piercing.

Hints and tips:

--Swelling of the lip is normal during initial healing. This
can be reduced by sucking gently on clean ice, especially
during the first few days (shaved or chipped ice, or small
cubes are easiest). Cold foods (ice cream and frozen  yogurt)
are soothing. --Leave the initial jewelry in for at least 6 to 8
weeks  before changing it. Allow something to remain in the
piercing at all times for 6 to 9 months or longer. You may  find
that even after years, your piercing may shrink or  close. If
you like it, leave something in it.

----------------------

 6b. Care Instructions for: Body Piercings according to Elayne
     "Angel" Binnie

Healing time dependent on location of pierce

Cleaning solutions: --Betadine (or other 10% Povidone Iodine).
Note: Do not use Betadine on gold jewelry, as it will  tarnish.
--Hibiclens diluted 50/50 with water.  Note: Pre-diluting
Hibiclens in a clean empty container is  most convenient.

Instructions:

Body piercings need to be cleaned twice daily during the entire
healing period. Most people clean in the morning and at night in
the shower.

1. This is most important: Do not touch healing piercings with
dirty hands!!! Prior to your twice-daily cleanings, wash hands
thoroughly with antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial) and hot
water. As an extra precaution, you can wear disposable latex or
vinyl gloves.

2. After washing your hands, remove any crusty formation from
the piercing and jewelry. The formation comes from a secretion
of blood plasma, which is normal. Removal of this crust is best
accomplished by rinsing or soaking. A clean cup of warm water
can be sealed over the area to soak directly, for a few minutes.
If any stubborn crust remains, use a cotton swab (Q-Tip)
moistened with warm water to gently scrub away any foreign
matter. Never pick with fingernails or fingers! Note: As long as
the piercing secretes this liquid that forms the crust, the
piercing is still healing, and cleaning procedures should be
continued.

3. Pour a small handful of the cleaning solution into your clean
palm and apply it gently to the piercing and its surrounding
area. Hibiclens will suds lightly, while Betadine will not.
Cleanse the jewelry and rotate the ring back and forth several
times to work the solution into the piercing >From each opening.

4. Allow the solution to remain in the piercing to clean for 3
to 5 minutes.

5. Under running water, carefully rinse the area and rotate the
jewelry back and forth to completely remove the cleaning
solution from inside the piercing. Your piercing will likely get
irritated if you donUt get all the solution out, so rinse
thoroughly.

6. Finally, pat dry with tissues or other clean, disposable
paper products. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria, so keep them
away from healing piercings.

Hints and tips:

--Leave your initial jewelry in during the entire healing
period.
 --If you like your piercing, leave jewelry in at all times.
Body piercings can shrink and/or close very quickly, even  after
years.
 --Avoid oral contact or rough play, as well as contact from
others' bodily fluids during healing. If you have a genital
piercing, you must use latex barriers (condoms, dental  dams) to
prevent such contact even if you are in a  monogamous
relationship.
 --Make sure your bedding is clean. Change your sheets often
while your piercing is healing.
 --Threaded jewelry (barbells, circular barbells, etc.) should
be checked twice daily to make sure the ends are screwed on
tight.
 --To accelerate healing, take a multi-vitamin/mineral
supplement with zinc (i.e., Vicon-C).
 --After the first week of healing, use a mild salt-water
solution of 1/2 tsp to 1 cup of warm water for your pre-  soak,
instead of plain water.
 --You can use salt water several more times a day to
accelerate healing. Soak for a few minutes, rinse, then pat  dry
with disposable paper products. Do not rotate jewelry  with salt
water - that should only be done with twice-daily  with your
cleaning solution.
 --Many doctors have no training or experience with piercings,
and may offer poor advice. In the event that you do get an
infection, the jewelry should be left in the piercing to  allow
drainage of pus. If the jewelry is removed, the holes  can close
and result in an abscess. Feel free to contact us  for
suggestions on treating infected piercings.

------------------

 6c. Care Instructions for pierces of: Ear Lobe, Ear Cartilage,
     Tragus, Conch, Nostril, Septum and Eyebrows according to
     Elayne "Angel" Binnie

Healing time:   Septum, lobe: 4 to 6 weeks.  Eyebrow: 6 to 8
weeks.   Nostril, Cartilage, Tragus, Conch: 2 to 3 months

Cleaning solutions: --Ear Care Antiseptic or Bactine diluted
75/25 with water.  Note: Do not use Hibiclens for ear pierces,
as this could  lead to deafness!

Instructions:

Piercings must be cleaned 2 to 3 times daily during the entire
healing period, although over-cleaning can be irritating.

1. This is most important: Do not touch healing piercings with
dirty hands!!! Prior to your twice-daily cleanings, wash hands
thoroughly with antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial) and hot
water. As an extra precaution, you can wear disposable latex or
vinyl gloves.

2. Saturate fresh cotton swabs (Q-Tips) with the cleaning
solution, and use the swab to gently scrub any crusty formation
from the jewelry and its surrounding area. This is a normal
secretion of blood plasma, and will continue to appear during
healing.

3. Use a fresh swab to apply the cleaning solution to the
jewelry, and gently rotate the ring to slide the solution onto
the inside of the piercing. Use a different swab for each
piercing surface. Never dip a used swab into the bottle.

4. At the end of your bath or shower, run clear water ov the
piercing and jewelry to remove any soap or shampoo residue. This
will also help loosen up the crust. Don't use cloth towels to
dry the area. Use tissues or other clean, disposable paper
products. It's a good idea to clean after your shower.

5. Clean your telephone receiver inside and out with Lysol or
other disinfectant. Avoid contact with your piercing to any
public telephone.

6. Make sure your bedding is clean, particularly your pillow
case.

7. Leave the jewelry in the piercing without changing it for the
entire initial healing time (see above). For several months
after the initial healing time, do not try to leave the piercing
empty, as the hole can shrink or close. If you like your
piercing, leave jewelry in it to avoid any problems.

8. In the event that the piercing secretes a thick pus discharge
instead of the more liquid blood plasma, you may wish to see a
physician for evaluation and possible antibiotic treatment. If
you do have an infection however, do not remove the jewelry as
this may worsen your problem. Topical antibiotic ointments
should not be used for more than a few days as they prevent air
circulation to the piercing, which is important for healing.

---------------

 6d. Care Instructions for: Tongue Piercings according to Elayne
     "Angel" Binnie

Healing time:  4 to 6 weeks

Cleaning solutions:

--Listerine or other antibacterial mouthwash and Gly-Oxide or
Peroxyl (available in the oral medications section of any
pharmacy).

Instructions:

1. Rinse mouth for 60 seconds with Listerine after anything goes
in your mouth other than water or ice. This includes coffee,
tea, soft drinks, all food, smoking or eating utensils. If you
are not ingesting very often, rinse 12 to 24 times daily. Keep a
small bottle of Listerine with you so that you can rinse often.

2. Twice daily, rinse for two to three minutes with Gly- Oxide.
Do not omit this step! This foams inside your mouth, so you
might want to rinse with water or Listerine afterwards.

3. Keep dirty hands, fingernails, pens, etc. out of your mouth.

4. Refrain from oral sexual contact during the 4 to 6 weeks of
initial healing. This includes French (wet) kissing as well as
oral sex, even if you are in a monogamous relationship.

5. With clean hands, check twice daily to make sure the balls on
your barbell are on tightly (if applicable). To clean hands, use
antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial).

6. Do not play with the piercing for the first 4 to 6 weeks
beyond the necessary movement for speaking and eating. This can
cause complications, such as the formation of scar tissue.

Hints and tips:

--Swelling of the tongue is normal during initial healing. This
can be reduced by sucking gently on clean ice, especially during
the first few days (shaved or chipped ice, or small cubes are
easiest). Cold foods (ice cream and frozen yogurt) are soothing.

--It is common for the tongue to feel uncoordinated for a while
after your piercing. This will pass.

--If you remember to keep your tongue level in your mouth while
eating, the jewelry will not come in contact with your teeth.

--Plaque can form on tongue jewelry (particularly the bottom
ball of a barbell). Scrub with a toothbrush (gently during
healing). After the tongue is healed, rinse mouth with Plax or
other anti-plaque product.

--All healing piercings secrete blood plasma. In other areas of
the body, this dries and forms a crust. Inside the mouth
however, it doesn't have a chance to dry. Do not be alarmed if
you see a secretion coming from the piercing, this is very
likely the liquid blood plasma, and a normal part of healing.

--If you like it, leave something in it. Even after an extended
period, the hole may shrink or close if you take the jewelry
out.





--
                              * Ardvark *
                            Anne Greenblatt
               Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart
                        > Piercing  Exquisite <
                                   *
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/part6
Last-modified: June 4, 1994
Posting-frequency: Monthly


The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
 1--Introduction
 2--Piercings & Jewelry
 3--Getting A New Pierce
 4--Professional Piercers
 5--Care Of A New Pierce
 6--Problems And Hazards  <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
 7--Healed Pierces
 8--Misc. Info
 9--Personal Experiences


What's in this section:

 6--Problems And Hazards
    1. Keloid Scars
    2. Methods Of Treating Keloids


 1. KELOID SCARS-----------------

Keloid scars are raised blister- or pimple-like formations of
scar tissue which form in or around a piercing. Keloids may be
red, itchy, and inflamed, and may change size over time. Keloids
seem to occur most frequently in ear piercings (both lobe and
cartilage) and nostril piercings. Labret, nipple, and navel
piercings have also been known to be affected. There is no way
to predict whether or not a keloid scar will develop in a
particular piercing - a first or second lobe piercing may heal
perfectly, but the next piercing will flare up into scar tissue.
The piercing technique used (piercing gun, hollow piercing
needle, or even sewing needle) may or may not make a difference.
different people have had different and vast experiences.

Irritation of the piercing during healing, such as changing
jewelry before the piercing has fully healed or pulling or
tearing of the piercing, may increase the likelihood of scar
tissue developing. With cartilage piercings, scar tissue is more
likely to form if the ring is too small in diameter for the
length of the piercing, or if the stud is too short, which is
often the case of sleeper studs with butterfly clip backs
installed with a piercing gun.

Bacterial infections can also irritate the piercing enough for a
small lump of scar tissue to form.

 2. METHODS OF TREATING KELOIDS--------------

Removing the jewelry at the first signs of keloid formation and
allowing the piercing to heal closed will often get rid of the
keloid, or minimize its size.

Existing and healed keloid scars can be removed surgically,
under local anesthetic, by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
Surgical removal of the scar tissue does not gaurantee that more
scar tissue will not form.

Scar tissue may also be injected with cortisone or other
steroids. A large or deep scar may require more than one
session. The cortisone acts to shrink and break down the scar
tissue. Possible side effects of cortisone injections are
unwanted hair growth, yeast infections, and other steroid-
related side effects.

Some people have reported diminished keloids with the
application of tea tree oil, available in most health food and
organic stores.

Vitamin E, applied during healing, may decrease the formation or
chance of formation of scar tissue.

Several piercers have recommended the application of a paste of
distilled water and aspirin, for 20 minutes twice a day.

One dermatologist I've spoken to about keloids says that once a
keloid begins to form, the presence of the jewelry will continue
to irritate the area and the scar tissue will continue to grow
until the jewelry is removed. He also said that cortisone or
steroid injections with the jewelry in place may help shrink the
keloid some, but that with jewelry present, the keloid will
never completely disappear. Also, the injections tend not to
work so well in cartilage layers. His advice is to remove the
jewelry. He also said the tendency to form deep scar tissue is
hereditary.




--
                              * Ardvark *
                            Anne Greenblatt
               Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart
                        > Piercing  Exquisite <
                                   *
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/part7

Last-modified: March 6, 1995
Posting-frequency: Monthly

The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
 1--Introduction
 2--Piercings & Jewelry
 3--Getting A New Pierce
 4--Professional Piercers
 5--Care Of A New Pierce
 6--Problems And Hazards
 7--Healed Pierces  <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
 8--Misc. Info
 9--Personal Experiences


What's in this section:

 7--Healed Pierces
    1. Changing Jewelry
    2. Stretching Piercings
       a.  Knitting Needle Chart
    3. Piercing Adornments
    4. Bdsm Play, And Chasity
    5. Play Piercing
    6. Hiding And Retaining Piercings
    7. Piercings And Surgery


 1. CHANGING JEWELRY------------------

Once a piercing is healed, jewelry must be changed as desired.
It is important to wear jewelry of the same gauge as the
original piercing - too small a gauge and the piercing may
shrink around the smaller jewelry; too big and the piercing may
stretch uncomfortably. With some piercings the jewelry must be
of a certain design. Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for reference.

Changing jewelry is most easily achieved by lubricating the
piercing and the new piece of jewelry using anti-bacterial
ointment. The ointment clings to the jewelry and will provide
medicating benefits if there is any damage to the piercing.
Place a small amout of ointment onto the existing jewelry, using
a cotton swab. Rotate the jewelry, thoroughly lubricating the
piercing. In the case of captive bead rings and seamless rings,
this can be done after opening the ring, which can be
challenging if the ring is slippery. The new jewelry should be
sterilized or at least soaked in cleaning solution, and ready to
be inserted. Slide the existing jewelry through the piercing
until the end is flush with the surface of the skin. Use the new
piece of jewelry to push out the existing jewery, maintaining
contact between the two pieces of jewelry within the piercing.
Remove excess ointment with a cotton swab before closing the
jewelry. In the case of barbells, tighten the ball(s) with a
tissue wrapped around your fingers. Never use pliers to tighten
barbells - finger strength should be enough to tighten the balls
securely. If pliers are used to close or open rings, wrap the
plier tips with surgical tape - this will prevent scratching and
marring of the jewelry.

In the case of barbells with external threads, cover the threads
with orthodontal wax or dip the threads in hot candle wax to
prevent the threads >From tearing the inside of the piercing.
The wax can be removed with rubbing alcohol.

 2. STRETCHING PIERCINGS---------------

Only well-healed piercings should be stretched. Stretching is
not recommended if there is any scar tissue present around the
piercing. Piercings should only be stretched a maximum of two
gauge sizes (for example, from 14 gauge to 12 gauge) to prevent
tearing and irritation. Expect the piercing to be sore for a day
or so after stretching. If the piercing does tear or if there
are any secretions or crusty formations around the piercing
after stretching, treat the piercing with the aftercare products
used when the piercing was healing.

Piercings can be stretched using insertion tapers, available
from most jewelry suppliers, or knitting needles, which are
manufactured in the same Brown and Sharpe gauge system used for
piercing jewelry. The instrument used to stretch the piercing
should be thoroughly cleaned, sterilized if possible. Lubricate
the piercing with anti-bacterial ointment with the existing
jewelry. Lubricate the tip of the taper with ointment. Insert
the taper into the piercing with a twisting motion. You may feel
or hear the piercing "pop" as it stretches. Push the taper
through until the thickest end is flush with the surface of the
skin. Insert the new jewelry following the instructions above
for changing jewelry. Most insertion tapers have a concave end
to receive the jewelry.

If you are stretching more than two gauges up and do not wish to
purchase intermediate jewelry, you can wear the tapers or insert
nylon cord of he same thickness into the piercing, wrapping tape
around the ends to prevent it from falling out. Fima clay has
been used successfully as intermediate jewelry as well.

Piercings can be stretched using weighted jewelry. Be careful of
tearing - too much weight on too thin a gauge can easily tear a
piercing. The thinner the gauge, the easier the piercing will
tear.

To accomodate eyelets, piercings need to be stretched two gauges
larger than the eyelet guage, in order to accomodate the flanges
of the eyelet. Please see Julian Hurt's posting on eyelets in
the Unisex Piercing Experiences section for more details.

Cartilage piercings stretch very slowly, if at all.To acquire a
large-gauged cartilage piercing, it is usually best to make the
initial piercing large using a dermal punch to core out the
cartilage.

2a. Knitting Needle Chart--------------------
    provided by M.A. Olds


UK      Metric     USA
# 000   10   mm    # 15
# 00    9    mm    # 13
# 0     8    mm    # 11
# 1     7.5  mm    -
# 2     7    mm    -
# 3     6.5  mm    # 10.5
# 4     6    mm    # 10
# 5     5.5  mm    # 9
# 6     5    mm    # 8
# 7     4.5  mm    # 7
# 8     4    mm    # 6
# 9     3.75 mm    # 5
-       3.5  mm    # 4
# 10    3.25 mm    # 3
# 11    3    mm    -
# 12    2.75 mm    # 2
# 13    2.25 mm    # 1
# 14    2    mm    # 0
# 15    1.75 mm    -

Please note that the sizes of actual needles may not be right on the spec
(based on my experience), so anyone who want precision needs to measure to
be sure.


 3. PIERCING ADORNMENTS---------------

The bead of captive bead rings can be replaced with sterling
skulls, hearts, and other ornaments which have been specially
drilled, available through most jewelry suppliers.

Decorative beads from craft stores and other sources can be worn
in the captive bead ring as well. With thinner gauges, it may be
difficult to find beads which will not slip all the way around
the ring.

Decorative beads can also be worn between the balls of circular
barbells. this also prevents the jewelry from getting caught on
things.

When decorating your piercings, be careful to avoid anything too
heavy to avoid unwanted stretching or possible tearing.

 4. BDSM PLAY, AND CHASITY-------------

Heavy bondage play - chains, restraints, and weights - should
only be practiced on heavy-gauged jewelry, at least 12 gauge. If
any pain is experienced, play should be stopped immediately.

Nipple clamps may be used on pierced nipples, with the jewelry
in place, though the clamps should be placed vertically rather
than horizontally. Only use nipple clamps on well healed
piercings.

Creative chastity restraints can be made using lightweight chain
and clasps. For example, labia piercings can be locked together
using lightweight padlocks. Be creative but let common sense
guide you. With genital piercings, do not wear anything subject
to corrosion by urine and other body fluids other than
temporarily.

 5. PLAY PIERCING--------------

Play piercing is popular among some S/M circles and is used to
experience the heightened sensations of piercing without having
to install jewelry. Play piercings should only be made through
the surface skin and through the noted piercing locations.

Play piercing needles are available, presterilized, through most
jewelry and piercing suppliers. These needles are usually of 22
gauge, designed the same as piercing needles. Hypodermic needles
can also be used. Needles used in play piercing should only be
used once and should be disposed of via hospital incinerator or
placed in a sealed container containing chlorox.

Sterilization methods for piercing should be followed. The area
to be pierced should be disinfected with betadine or hibiclens
just prior to piercing. The piercer should wear latex gloves. In
an established relationship where contact with body fluids is
not a concern, the piercer may just wash his/her hands
thoroughly with hibiclens or anti-bacterial soap.

After the needle is removed, the area should be treated with
betadine or bactine to prevent infection.

Again, let common sense guide you. If you are unsure of an area
of the body and what lies beneath the skin, do not pierce!


 6. HIDING AND RETAINING PIERCINGS---------------

For some of us piercing enthusiasts, work, weddings, and visits
with relatives may require us to hide our piercings,
temporarily. There are several options, depending on the
piercing.

Nostril piercings can be disguised as facial blemishes by
coating the ball of a nostril screw with any of a variety of
colored nail polish - flesh tones are available to mix and match
with your own coloring. Remove the jewelry before applying the
nail po lish, and let it dry thoroughly. The jewelry may require
more than one coat. The nail polish can easily be removed with
nail polish remover. Labret studs may also be disguised in this
manner.

Nylon ear studs are available from most department stores and
earring kiosks. The stud usually has a flat disc and is held in
place by a rubber barrel clasp. These studs are intended to
replace normal earring studs when the wearer is allergic to
metals. These studs can be used to disguise nose and ear
piercings using nail polish as described above, and to retain
ear and nose piercings during surgery. The only drawback is that
the studs are only available in one thickness equivalant to 20
gauge.

Nylon cord, such as fishing line and weed-trimmer line, can be
matched fairly well to various gauges. Thicker fishing line
works for 18 gauge. Weed-trimmer line, sold in small spools at
the hardware store, will work for 16 through 10 gauge, depending
o n the manufacturer. You may have to do a lot of comparison
shopping to find an equal thickness. The packages state the
metric thickness of the cord, so you can compare measurements.
File the ends smooth with a nail file prior to inserting the
cord. The ends can be flattened with a hot knife to prevent the
cord from falling out, or the ends can be wrapped with tape. For
piercing retention during surgery, tape the cord flat against
the skin, if possible.

In the case of well healed piercings, hypoallergenic false
eyebrow glue can be used to hold the nylon cord in place. The
glue can be removed with warm water or rubbing alcohol.


7.  PIERCINGS AND SURGERY (by S. Dorsey) ---------------

    At times, when going in for a hospital stay, you are asked to
remove your jewelry.  Some people have expressed some skepticism that this
is really necessary.

        The problem begins when we talk a little bit about radio waves. RF
(radio frequency) signals don't behave like conventional electricity, and
can be radiated outward from an antenna into free space.  If your body is
energized with RF uniformly, it won't do you any harm until you take hold
of a metal object, which will radiate that signal outward and tend to give
you a burn on the area where you touched it.  Frequently technicians will
work on an energized AM broadcast antenna (where the whole tower is the
antenna).  So long as they jump onto the tower without touching both the
tower and the ground, they are perfectly safe, but they have to be very
careful about keeping tools insulated and staying away from sharp points
on the structure.  Working around high voltage RF fields, one is advised
to remove watches and wire-rimmed glasses, let alone labial piercings.

    Now, you ask what this has to do with the hospital stay.  Well,
the primary problem that we come to is that whenever you have an
electrical pulse that is very short and abrupt, with a fast risetime, high
frequency radio signals will be generated.  This is why running the vacuum
cleaner interferes with the TV reception, for instance, because the abrupt
opening and closing of the curcuit by the motor brushes causes a large
number of high frequency harmonics to be generated.  Lightning is another
excellent example of the phenomenon.  (If you want a mathematical way of
thinking about this, imagine trying to represent a discontinuous function
as a Fourier series... it will require an infinite number of terms each of
which represents higher and higher frequency products.  If you don't know
what this means, don't sweat it, though.)

    The heart defibrillator is probably the best example of this,
however.  It uses a very high voltage pulse with a very short risetime to
stimulate the heart muscles when the heart has gone into convulsions.
While it has saved the lives of many people, the side effects from having
short risetime pulses going through your body can be pretty severe,
especially if you have hidden jewelry somewhere.  What is worse is that
the patient who is receiving this is probably not in any state to inform
the doctor that there is something wrong.  So follow the man's instruction
and remove the jewelry.  It might not be a problem, but it might also save
you from serious injury in an emergency.

Short note: Diathermy equipment also has similar effects, though patients
undergoing diathermy probably have a better grip on what is happening to
them and the effect isn't so severe.  Frankly, does anyone still use
diathermy these days, anyway?  I haven't heard about it for years....

- Scott Dorsey
  [e-mail]

--
                              * Ardvark *
                            Anne Greenblatt
               Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart
                        > Piercing  Exquisite <
                                   *
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/part8
Last-modified: March 06, 1995
Posting-frequency: Monthly


The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
 1--Introduction
 2--Piercings & Jewelry
 3--Getting A New Pierce
 4--Professional Piercers
 5--Care Of A New Pierce
 6--Problems And Hazards
 7--Healed Pierces
 8--Misc. Info  <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE
 9--Personal Experiences


What's in this section:

 8--Misc. Info
    1. Piercings And Surgery
    2. History Of The Nipple Piercing
    3. Personal experiences
       3a. Tongue Pierce
       3b. Labret Piercing
       3c. Hand Web Piercing
       3d. Eyelet Piercings
       3e. Nipple Piercing
       3f. Triangle Piercing
       3g. Niehbuhr, or Erle
       3h. Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing
       3i. Horizontal Clitoral Hood Piercing


 1. PIERCINGS AND SURGERY-------------


    At times, when going in for a hospital stay, you are asked to
remove your jewelry.  Some people have expressed some skepticism that this
is really necessary.

        The problem begins when we talk a little bit about radio waves. RF
(radio frequency) signals don't behave like conventional electricity, and
can be radiated outward from an antenna into free space.  If your body is
energized with RF uniformly, it won't do you any harm until you take hold
of a metal object, which will radiate that signal outward and tend to give
you a burn on the area where you touched it.  Frequently technicians will
work on an energized AM broadcast antenna (where the whole tower is the
antenna).  So long as they jump onto the tower without touching both the
tower and the ground, they are perfectly safe, but they have to be very
careful about keeping tools insulated and staying away from sharp points
on the structure.  Working around high voltage RF fields, one is advised
to remove watches and wire-rimmed glasses, let alone labial piercings.

    Now, you ask what this has to do with the hospital stay.  Well,
the primary problem that we come to is that whenever you have an
electrical pulse that is very short and abrupt, with a fast risetime, high
frequency radio signals will be generated.  This is why running the vacuum
cleaner interferes with the TV reception, for instance, because the abrupt
opening and closing of the curcuit by the motor brushes causes a large
number of high frequency harmonics to be generated.  Lightning is another
excellent example of the phenomenon.  (If you want a mathematical way of
thinking about this, imagine trying to represent a discontinuous function
as a Fourier series... it will require an infinite number of terms each of
which represents higher and higher frequency products.  If you don't know
what this means, don't sweat it, though.)

    The heart defibrillator is probably the best example of this,
however.  It uses a very high voltage pulse with a very short risetime to
stimulate the heart muscles when the heart has gone into convulsions.
While it has saved the lives of many people, the side effects from having
short risetime pulses going through your body can be pretty severe,
especially if you have hidden jewelry somewhere.  What is worse is that
the patient who is receiving this is probably not in any state to inform
the doctor that there is something wrong.

    Another problem here concerns electrocautery equipment, which
uses a very localized RF current to fuse tissues and blood vessels.  While
this equipment has resulted in much reduced surgery times and fewer bleeding
problems, it can also result in stray RF travelling around in the patient's
body.  Usually a secure ground is attached to the body in the area where
work is taking place, but if that ground develops a poor contact, RF leakage
throughout the body can take place.

    So, follow the instructions and remove the jewelry.  It might not
be a problem at all, but it might also save you from serious injury in an
emergency, and it's not all that difficult to do.  A little bit of nylon
cord can save a lot of injury.

Short note: Diathermy equipment also has similar effects, though patients
undergoing diathermy probably have a better grip on what is happening to
them and the effect isn't so severe.  Frankly, does anyone still use
diathermy these days, anyway?  I haven't heard about it for years....




 2. HISTORY OF THE NIPPLE PIERCING-------------

The prepared by "Boy Brent", with a bibliography.

A hundred years ago they were piercing a lot more than their
ears. In the 1890s nipple piercing was very much in vogue for
Victorian women.

In _Anatomy and Destiny_ (Bobbs-Merrill, 1974, p. 97), Stephen
Kern explains that: "In the late 1890s the 'bosom ring' came
into fashion briefly and sold in expensive Parisian jewelry
shops. These 'anneaux de sein' were inserted through the nipple,
and some women wore one on either side linked with a delicate
chain. The rings enlarged the breasts and kept them in a state
of constant excitation...The medical community was outraged by
these cosmetic procedures, for they represented a rejection of
traditional conceptions of the purpose of a woman's body."


_The Golden Age of Erotica_ (Paperback Library, 1968, p. 264),
by Bernhardt Harwood:

"No more perfect example of Victorian extremism can be found
than the unbelievable breast piercing craze that swept London in
the 1890s. This barbaric [!] practice achieved fantastic
popularity among seemingly sane, civilized English women, who
submitted to the excruciating pain of having their nipples
pierced in order to insert decorative gold and jeweled rings.

"In an attempt to explain what had driven so many females to
embrace such a crackpot fad, a fashionable London modiste wrote
a letter to a popular magazine, which stated in part, "For a
long time could not understand why I should consent to such a
painful operation without sufficient reason. I soon, however,
came to the conclusion that many ladies are ready to bear the
passing pain for the sake of love. I found that the breasts of
those who wore rings were incomparably rounder and fuller
developed than those who did not. My doubts were now at an
end...So I had my nipples pierced, and when the wounds healed, I
had rings inserted...With regard to the experience of wearing
these rings, I can only say that they are not in the least
uncomfortable or painful. On the contrary, the slight rubbing
and slipping of the rings causes in me an extremely titillating
feeling, and all my colleagues to whom I have spoken on this
subject have confirmed my opinion."


                            * * * * *

Titrings, a bit of History

by D. W. Jones

  Titrings turn out to have a longer history than most of us
seem to believe these days. A titring is a ring worn through a
piercing in (or just behind) the nipple. Today, such rings are
growing in popularity in certain segments of the population,
amon g both men and women. The required piercings can be
obtained, for a fee, in many cities, and there are jewelers who
make jewelry specifically intended for wearing in such
piercings.

  Some may object to the name titring, preferring the propriety
of the term nipple-ring. It seems odd to seek a proper sounding
name for a piece of jewelry most people in our society would
consider inherently improper, and I prefer the term titring for
the same reason I'd prefer to call a ring worn through the
earlobe an earring, not an earlobe-ring. I see no point in being
annoyingly specific about exactly what part of the ear is
pierced. Similarly, a ring worn through the nostril is,
according to Ind ian women I've met who routinely wear such
jewelry, a nosering, not a nostril-ring. The terms I prefer are
short, descriptive, flow off the tongue with little effort, and
generally likely to be based on common and sometimes vulgar
English instead of on Latinate or scientific usage.

Citations:

Adams, Cecil. "Chain Letter", from _More of the Straight Dope_.

Fuchs, Eduard. _Illustrierte Sittengeschichte vom Mittelalter
bis Zur Gegenwart, Das Burgerliche Zeitalter Erganzungsband_.
Albert Langen, Munich, 1912:

  This book turns out to be in 6 lavishly illustrated volumes
(over 500 pages per volume) and Kern's citation was incomplete.
The book is a complete history and commentary on all aspects of
sexuality, from erotic art to clothing through the ages, along
with courtship, nudism prostitution, and much more.

The passage cited by Kern is on pages 67 and 68 of the
supplement to Volume 3, in the chapter titled "Erster Teil,
Erganzungen und Exkurse."

In 1898 a single Bond Street jeweller is supposed to have
performed the nipple-boring operation on forty English ladies
and young girls, and the lady quoted above also confirmed the
spread of this custom among the fashionable women of London. In
fact many ladies, instead of rings, had small chains fastened
from breast to breast, and a celebrated actress of the Gaiety
Theatre wore a pearl chain with a bow at each end.

I have not read Pelham's work in its original context, but it
appears that both he and Fuchs made extensive use of the same
English source, one article in "Society", a journal unavailable
to me. I would like to find other sources, but have not yet done
so.

Titrings have an interesting collection of names in other
languages:

In French, "des anneaus de sein", literally, rings of the
nipples or rings of the breasts. I looked up "sein" in Larousse,
and the word appears to properly translate as anything from
bosom to tit, depending on context or convention.

In German, "der Busenringen", an archaic term, literally "bosom
rings." In German, "Brustwartzenringe" is the common term today,
literally "nipple-rings" (nipples are "breast-warts" in German).

In German, "intimschmuck", or in Swedish, "intimsmycke",
intimate jewellry or decorations, refers to all kinds of
jewellry worn "below the neck".


 3. PERSONAL EXPERIENCES-------------


    3a. Tongue Pierce

by Harry Ugol ([e-mail])


I got my tongue pierced last June. The piercing itself hurt much
less than my other piercings. The reason the piercing hurt a lot
less is that the tongue is different from most other pierceable
body parts; the tongue itself is muscle instead of skin. For one
thing that means it has no nerves on the inside and few pain
receptors on the surface. The striations in the muscle also make
it much easier to physically pierce; the needle tends to slip
between them - unlike a regular piercing, this one resembles
pushing an embroidery needle through a piece of fabric.

The morning after the piercing my tongue was swollen and *very*
tender, both of which are normal (a longer barbell is initially
used for tongue piercings; the barbell is replaced with a
smaller one once the swelling goes down). "*Very* tender" means
it hurt to talk and it HURT to eat; I was not a happy camper
that day.

The pain started to diminish within 24 hours. Within two days I
was no longer in serious discomfort.

The healing regimen for a tongue piercing is slightly different
than for most other piercings; Neosporin and Hibiclens and Ivory
soap and such are not good things to put in your mouth. Instead,
you use a *lot* of Listerine - before the piercing itself and
after every meal and toothbrushing. I went through a giant-sized
bottle in a week.

You also use a substance called Gly-Oxide, a hydrogen peroxide-
like compound dissolved in glycerin, which foams up nicely when
you drip it on your tongue. Putting anything fun in your mouth
other than food and drink is strictly out; aside from the
standard still-healing-piercing infection dangers, cocksucking
is no longer a low-HIV-risk activity if you have an open wound
in your mouth. That phase lasted 6 weeks, I think, although more
conservative estimates call for 2-3 months.

Like the septum piercing, a tongue piercing is not really
noticeable if you don't want it to be. It takes a little more
self-control - you have to remember not to throw your head way
back when you laugh, and not to stick your tongue out for
emphasis when talking - but I haven't had any problems with
scaring the horses at work. Nor does the piercing get in my way;
since the bar was downsized, it's basically a pair of metal
balls riding just above and just below the surfaces of my
tongue.

Sex with a tongue piercing is a *lot* of fun!


 3b. Labret Piercing---------------

This section by Anne Greenblatt

My first try at a lip piercing was towards the corner of my
mouth, just below the edge of my lower lip. We used a 19ga
needle for the piering, installing a 20ga 3/8" diameter surgical
steel bead ring. The thin gauge of the ring proved to be a
mistake - the second day I noticed the inside of my lip had
started to tear upwards. A nasty infection settled in that
evening. I drained the piercing as much as I could with hot
compresses and removed the ring. The infection cleared with the
help of antibiotics. All that's left is a tiny red mark just
below the edge of my lip.

My second and existing lip piercing was done with a 14ga needle,
installing a 16ga Labret stud in the center of my lower lip,
about 1/2" below the edge of my lip. The labret stud is similar
to a barbell. Instead of a ball on the inside of my lip, the
stud is backed by a disc about 3/16" in diameter. A ball screws
onto the front of the stud. Since the jewelry is inserted from
the back, an insertion taper was used in the piercing process.
The 14ga needle was inserted through the front, then the 16ga
insertion taper was inserted into the needle, the taper threaded
through the piercing, and the jewelry pushed through, pushing
out the taper.

Before piercing, the outside of my lip was disinfected with
betadine and the inside was disinfected with listerine for 5
minutes and numbed with benzocaine (found in Oragel). The entire
process was very quick and a lot less painful than many of my
other piercings, including nostril and tragus.

Aftercare of the labret piercing included cleaning the outside
hole with ear care gel containing benzalkonium chloride and
applying vitamin E gel. The inside of the piercing was cleaned
with Gly-Oxide, and I rinsed my mouth with diluted (50%)
Listerine after eating and brushing teeth. The piercing healed
in about 6 weeks.

There are several designs of Labret studs available. The most
common is the steel disc-backed stud, available from Pleasurable
Piercings and Gauntlet. A possible problem with this design is
that the disc may, over time and wear, become unsoldered from
the post. Another problem some have experienced with the disc is
gum erosion, and erosion or "nesting" of the inside of the lip
beneath the disc.

The second design, manufactured by Silver Anchor, is a stud with
a screw-on ball in the front, with the stud wrapped around
itself into a loose coil at a right angle to the stud. This
design is similar to a nostril screw, and eliminates the chance
of the disc becoming lost. The third design is the Fishtail
Labret. Once again, the stud and back are a continuous piece,
except that the back is approximately an inch long, bent at a
right angle, and slightly curved to follow the shape of the
gumline. The fishtail style is available in gold (WA Creations)
and steel (Dakota Steel and Silver Anchor).


 3c. Hand Web Piercing-----------------

This section  by "Surf", and edited by Anne Greenblatt

I'm on my second hand web pierce. The first one (Had it done
first week in July 1993) lasted about 3/4 months before it grew
out. I'm figuring that was because I had it in my right hand,
and I am right handed, so the had got a lot of use.

I missed that pierce so much that I had it redone on my left
hand in mid-December 1993. It's still with me, and it seems to
be healing great.

The first time, I had it done at Gauntlet San Francisco. The
piercer marked entrance and exit holes on my hand and positioned
the pennington foreceps over the marks. The marks were farther
back that I had first imagined they would be, but I'd never seen
a hand web pierce before, either. Once the foreceps were in
place, the piercer stretched the skin out a bit and he shone a
light through the skin to make sure that nothing of importance
was in the bundle of skin as well. He got the needle lubed with
an antibiotic salve and butted the needle against the top-side
(back of hand side) of my hand web (oh yes - he disinfected the
area first with a betadine pad). He held a cork to the bottom
(palm side) of the web and quickly pushed the needle through.

I don't remember much pain at all, but then again, I had just
had my nipple done (my first pierce ever!) minutes before.
Anyway, the piercer got my jewelry ready to insert and in a
moment he was fastening the ball-end. I have a 12 ga SSS barbell
with a 1/2" shaft as my jewelry for the pierce.

The second time around was similar, but there were differences
in the technique. I had it redone at Tie Me Down in Milwaukee.
The piercer there seemed less experienced, at least with hand-
webs, but not so as to scare one off. I forget what he cleaned
the area of my hand with, but he soaked the jewelry in Hibiclens
to disinfect it. He marked the depth of the pierce noticably
deeper than the first time, but that was fine by me. This
piercer didn't use a cork on the exit side, and he pushed the
needle through from palm side first.

For the jewelry insertion, he mentioned that he wasn't used to
Gauntlet's barbells where the ball screws into the shaft, but
rather the ones where the shaft screwed into the ball. With thal
kind he could screw the shaft into the end of the needle for
insertion. Because of this, he had problems with insertion and
had to guide it in with an insertion taper. Since the taper was
larger than the hole, it was a painful little process, but when
the jewelry was in, I felt better about the pierce than I had
the first time around - I could flatten my hand right away. The
first time, it took a few days before I could do that.

The aftercare was pretty much the same both times. I would
alternate soaking my hand in a solution of hot water and
betadine and a hot salt-water solution. Use the betadine soak
only if the jewelry isn't gold, though. I would soak about 10
times a day - more if feasable. When the water cooled down, I
would reheat it in the microwave and re-soak. I'd keep this up
as long as I could. The betadine soaks especially reduced
swelling when my hand was acting up. I would try to keep my hand
unbandaged as much as possible, but I was wearing them a lot
during the first week, and for the first few weeks while I
slept.

After about 2 weeks, I had an initial healing that would allow
me almost normal use of my hand, as long as I watched it and was
careful. At first, I would wash the pierce with hibiclens, but
am now using an antibacterial soap (easier on the hands and
still kills germs). I would still recommend hibiclens on the
fresh pierce, though. During the initial healing, I would swab
some betadine over the freshly washed or soaked pierce to keep
the germs away as long as possible.

I had relatively little swelling of my hand web area after the
first week both times I had it done. Even less the second time.
Now I would even mistake the thing for being fully healed (even
though I know it's not inside)! There is no swelling at all
anymore. I put lotion on the area when it gets dry (and believe
me, the area gets really dry at times after piercing!). If the
area dries out, it can get tender and hurt if bumped, but some
lotion takes care of that.

All in all, I love the pierce. It is my favorite of all mine
(eyebrow, hand, nipple, navel, PA) because it is so rare, and it
looks wicked. From my expierence, I feel that a lot of people's
reservations about this pierce getting in the way are
unwarranted. Sure, there are some instances where it would be in
the way, but for normal (whatever that is, right?) use, it's
fine!

I am in Wisconsin and I'm wearing winter gloves all the time
with no problems. I was waterskiing last summer and I could hold
the tow line without a problem. Pretty much the only hindrance
is the time spent explaining to people that I am not totally
insane and that it didn't hurt (nonetheless I love to show it
off.... I'm proud of my metal!)).

I would expect the true healing time to be 6 months, or a full
year just to be sure. The times I mentioned above were my
experience only. I've been told I'm a fast healer, so my
experiences won't necessarily apply to everyone, but I have had
really good experiences with the hand web despite the first one
growing out.

One last recommendation - however you're handed, don't get that
hand pierced. Like I said, when I had my right hand pierced, it
grew out primarily because that had went through a lot more use
than did my left hand. I just never realized it until I paid
that much attention to my hands because of the piercing.


 3d. Eyelet Piercings--------------

This section by Julian Hurt, and edited by Anne Greenblatt

[Please note that Julian has much experience with piercings, and
that this section is to provide information and in no way is to
condone beginners from trying the same. Most people who wish to
stretch out their piercings do it the regular way--stretching it
a little at a time over a long period.]

Rings large enough to fill large (00 - 4) gauge earlobe
piercings tend to be fairly heavy. The weights often are
sufficient to automatically cause further stretching of the
holes. An alternative to heavy jewelry is to wear light-weight
eyelets. Eyelets essentially are stainless surgical steel or
gold tubes that have been flared outward on both ends. They are
hollow in the center and look like narrow grommets. Pleasurable
Piercings carries eyelets from 4 gauge to 00 gauge and Gauntlet
lists them from 10 gauge to 00 gauge.

Eyelets can be worn as the sole insert in a lobe piercing or
with smaller gauge rings inserted inside them (thus allowing
light weight rings without allowing the larger holes to grow
closed). For illustrations of these two styles see respectively
_Modern Primitives_ page 176, and page 3 of _Piercing Fans
international Quarterly Number 18_. eyelets occasionally are
called "earlets" or even "retainers." Eyelets are very effective
visually when combined with additional rings or studs higher on
the ear.

Eyelets are sized by the diameter of the tubing at its narrowest
point and flare out so that the outer edge of the flare is the
next even gauged size. thus the flange of a 4 gauge eyelet
flares out about 0.025" and requires a 2 gauge hole. In order to
insert an eyelet, one needs a hole the size of the outer flange
(2 gauge larger than the eyelet size). After the eyelets are
inserted the holes gradually will shrink'fill in towards the
size of the eyelet.

The standard method for inserting eyelets is to begin with well-
healed piercings and gradually stretch them out. (See the FAQ
and the article in _PFIQ number 18_, pages 23-30, for
information on various stretching techniques.) When they are
stretched to the stated gauge of the desired eyelet they then
are stretched using an insertion taper of the next even gauge,
and then inserted.

The taper temporarily stretches out the hole to accomodate the
wider flanges, and then when the eyelet is in place, the tissue
shrinks to the original gauge. Gauntlet warns, "CAUTION: To
accomplish piercings large enough for eyelets great patience is
required. Never push stretching too fast or the earlobe can be
torn. When the hole is large enough for an eyelet, facilitate
insertion and avoid damage to the earlobe by using a convex
insertion taper of the next larger size."

It is also possible to insert eyelets in fresh piercings.
Piercing needles are available up to 6 gauge from Pleasurable
Piercings. One could pierce to the next size larger than the
eyelet (e.g., pierce to a 6 gauge for insertion of an 8 gauge
eyelet) but the eyelets would tend to fall out in normal wear.
Anecdotal evidence indicates it is fairly routine to stretch
fresh piercings to the next gauge with out tearing by using a
well-lubricated (with anti-bacterial ointment) insertion tapers
inserted fairly rapidly with a strong twisting motion. Then the
eyelets can be inserted in standard fashion by following the
taper just as one follows a piercing needle with jewelry.

The hole will snap back against the narrow part of the eyelet.
In at least one case documented in rec.arts.bodyart postings, a
person was innitially pierced at 6 gauge in both lobes and had
them immediately stretched to a 2 gauge using the technique just
described with a 2 gauge insertion taper. The piercing was done
as an experiment by Wild Bill of Pleasurable Piercings at the
request of a piercing-knowledgeable customer. As a precaution
intermediate sized jewelry was on hand so that the stretching
could be abandoned mid-way if any tearing had occorred. The
stretching was only slightly more intense than the 6 gauge
piercings which were relatively painless.

When eyelets are the initial insertions in fresh piercings, care
is simple. Sensative Ears is used a number of times daily to
irrigate the piercings. In the first few days there may be some
swelling so that the flanges pop below the surface of the
earlobes. As crusting loosens from the cleaning solution, gently
po the eyelets so that both flanges are outside the hole.
Regardless, once the eyelets are properly placed and loosened by
the irrigation, grasp the flanges between thumb and forefinger
and gently rotate them in the hole. These care techniques were
used with the fresh 6 gauge piercings stretched to 2 gauge
described above, and they healed without complication in 4
weeks.

When eyelets are inserted by stretching they generally remain in
place during normal daily activity. But when drying ones ears
with a towel, cleaning the eyelets, or sleeping they do have a
tendency to pop out unexpecedly. They also are small enough to
easily be lost down drains. Thus one is advised not to clean
them over sinks, not towel in the shower, etc. One way of
preventing loss of the eyelets is to insert small rings or wire
through them.

 3e. Nipple Piercing-------------


This section by Phaedrus

I pondered whether or not to crosspost this to rec.arts.bodyart
and I chose not to. Mainly because I am rather unfamiliar with
that group, and there is enough non-vanilla in my post to
warrant not posting there. If a reader familiar with r.a.b.
feels that this experience would benefit that group, then by all
means feel free to repost it there.

All names used herein are used with the consent of the owner of
said name. And if you were there and I did not mention you by
name, it is only because I forgot to ask you. It is not because
I have forgotten you.

Right. Onward.

It's been a full 7 days now, and I -think- I've processed enough
to be able to post my piercing experience in a more or less
coherent fashion.

I've been wanting a nipple piercing for over a year now. Some of
you here back then may recall when I first posted about wanting
one. Part of the waiting has been pondering, part because the
time was not right.

So the time was right last weekend. Beverly Block had told me
that she had been trained in piercing. We had talked about it a
little over a year ago, and nothing had been said since. When I
saw Bev at a Berkeley lunch on Friday, I asked her if she would
do it at a ritual the next night.

After lunch and running amok in a certain storefront in Oakland,
we headed across the bay to the Gauntlet. It was wonderful
having Bev with me. She got into a professional argument about
ring gauges for male nipples with a worker at the Gauntlet. And
while Bev conceded the point, it felt good having a knowledgable
advocate with me. I picked out a beautiful gold ring and Bev
specified a needle and something with the ominous name of
"pusher". At several points, the Gauntlet person discussed
technique with Bev. Most delightful.

The next afternoon, I opened the Gauntlet bag and checked out
the needle for the first time. I won't say that I came close to
backing out, but I will admit that I thought about it.

That night at the ritual, after opening circle, Bev told those
present that I was to be pierced next. I wanted people who
-wanted- to be there to be present. It may sound strange, but I
wanted people to be there because they wanted to be present, not
because I wanted them there. I have to ponder that further
sometime -- there's something odd there.

Anyway. I notice that Bev is a little nervous and encircle her
bicep to get her attention. We lock gazes, and I tell her to
breathe with me. She calms and returns to preparation.

I'm a little nervous, mainly because I do not know what to
expect. My first piercing ritual, and I'm the piercee. Figures.
I feel as if the ring is -already- in place, and the ritual is
only matching realities.

I have my symbols: a length of black ribbon, an amethyst about
my neck, a pewter earcuff. I mention to STella that our symbols
are so much a part of us, and she tells me that we -are- our
symbols. Once again, dear STella, dead on target.

It's time, and I lay down on the table clad only in my standard
black playparty briefs. People gather about me, and I make it
clear at some point that I -want- to be touched. It was at this
point that I closed my eyes and did not open them until I looked
at the ring in my body.

I concentrate on my breathing and feel the wonderful energy from
my friends about me. I could almost sense the boundaries of the
safespace that encircled us.

Bev fastens the hemostat on my left nipple and it -HURTS-.
Goddam, it hurts. The stub-your-toe kind of hurt. Oh, lovely,
the needle isn't even present yet and I'm a'hurting. Oh, well, I
think.

The pain from the clamp starts to subside. I'm conscious mainly
of my friends touching me. I can't distinguish who is touching
me where...all I can feel is being enfolded in love and caring.

Bev tell me to accept the needle into my body, and it flows into
me. No sensation of pushing, more like the needle was sucked
into me. There is no pain, but rather an intense sensation that
I have no name for. There is, however, and ragged edge to this
sensation, and I do not allow myself to feel that. Rather, I
passed that edge on to my rage which holds an image of my
father. Let him feel that ragged edge.

The sensation is an icy clarity similar to that clarity that
follows a mind-shaking insight. That's the closest I can come to
describing it. I hear a most unusual sound, and realize that I
am "screaming". I call it a scream only because I do not know
what else to call it. I have never heard a sound like that
before. It is not coming from any higher level center of my
brain. It feels like it is coming from a deeper, animal part of
my physical brain.

Bev asks me if I want to look at the needle, and I tell her no,
thank you, I hate needles. This evokes laughter from the circle.

Suddenly a rush starts at my head and travels down my body and I
realize that Wolf is out. I feel full of the Power around me,
and I hear my body start to growl. A "Yes!" comes from a person
over my head, and the circle feels even more together somehow.
Since Wolf usually only comes out for self-defense or toppish
rather violent lovemaking, I keep an eye on him. This situation
is neither and I do not want him loose. He behaves, enjoying the
feeling of the Power the ritual has evoked.

I'm so busy watching Wolf that I do not notice Bev taking the
needle out or inserting the ring. I do notice that something has
happened to disturb Bev, though I haven't a clue what it was.
There's some sort of blaming going on, so I pull out the old
joke about the blame stage of a project should be the -last-
phase of a project and we aren't there yet.

Bev tells me that I can look at the ring now, but before I do I
make a Gift to those with me.

I finally open my eyes and look into a small mirror Bev is
holding. It is -beautiful-! Just how it is supposed to look. The
realities have merged, and that brings me a warm glow of
completion.

Ah. The gold ball is lost. That was the disturbance earlier. No
matter. Even that occurrence feels right to me. The entire
sequence of events feels perfect to me. I would not change a
thing.

The circle slowly dissipates, and STella stays close to me as I
slowly rise up in stages. Very slowly. I stumble about the
dungeon for a bit, just to prove to myself that I can, then
collapse on a handy bed. People wander by and now and again a
friend cuddles and talks with me.

To those of you who shared this wonderful event in my life with
me: thank you. I feel a bond with each of you. And, now that I
am back in Illinois, I miss you terribly. It's funny, but all I
have to do is look at my ring to remember the feelings of being
with you in that circle.

And thank you, Beverly. You nor anyone else could have done
better.

Postscript: the next day, I got an amethyst bead to replace the
gold one that was lost. The ring achieved its proper state much
faster because the original bead was lost. I am very pleased.

And, btw, my nipple is healing -very- nicely.

Phaedrus


  3f. Triangle Piercing----------

This section by Susan

Well....I got mine done by Raelyn Gallina in mid-February. I was
expecting a very painful experience; a lot of people had told me
it would be much more intense than my clit hood piercing.
Actually, it wasn't. I don't know if it was my (mostly) lack of
nerves this time - the clit hood was my first non-earlobe
piercing and I was scared to death - or that I was more
psychologically ready for this one or what, but it was not
nearly as bad. Bled like crazy, though. I think happy thoughts
about blood - keeping the wound clean and all that. It was
swollen at first, but the swelling went down in about a day. It
was a bit interesting to sit and cross my legs for about two
days, and then it itched for a day or so. After that, I've
hardly noticed it except occasionally when I manage to get it
twisted a little in sitting or something. At six weeks, I would
call it fully healed, and it has been almost no trouble. I
cleaned it first twice a day for about a week then once daily
with Triadine (generic Betadine). I am wearing a surgical steel
captive bead ring in it.

Actually, I shouldn't say I've hardly noticed it. Rather I have
hardly noticed any *pain* from it. For the first few days it was
so intensely *pleasurable* I had trouble concentrating - it was
a perfect, intimate touch in *exactly* the right place, if you
know what I mean.... *grin* Thankfully, that hypersensitivity
has faded a bit. But I still have only to think about it to be
able to feel like someone has placed one exquisitely delicate
finger, just so... my, this is distracting to write.... :)

I'm delighted with the piercing, and recommend it highly to
everyone who has the right anatomy for it (not every woman has
enough flesh for this one, don't get your heart set on it until
you are sure it can be done).

It also goes beautifully with the clit hood piercing, which is
also horizontal with a matching ring. They sort of nest around
my clit. I am thinking of getting another clit hood piercing
above the existing one, so that I will have a set of three rings
in a row.



3g. Niebuhr Piercing -------------------------------
by  Denise "Ambient" Robinson

Niebuhr... When I saw the first photos of them, I thought, my goodness,
what a STOOPID IDEA.  Little did I know I would come to enjoy it
immensely.  "Why?" people always ask me...  Well, my response is so that
people will make eye-contact with me(having tremendous ta-tas can be a
disadvantage, ya know).  My main reason is that its an originality thang.
Noone I've ever seen in person has one, and I wanted somethang visible to
set me apart.  Purely poseur.  I refuse to pierce anyone with it for that
reason. The other reason is the Pain In The Ass Factor.

It definitely receives a high PITA rating for many reasons: the actual
piercing, healing, and visibility.  The piercing itself can be rather
dangerous considering the location of major nerve trunks and blood vesseld
in the area.  Make sure your piercer pinches the area they're about to
pierce before poking you to ensure they're not hitting any major nerves.
If you feel pain any where other than where the pinch is, ferget it.  If
you don't have much skin in that location, you may as well nevermind- if
you can't go too deep, it'll reject *fast*. Apart from the pinch method,
thats about the only difference in method from any other piercing.  Clean
it, mark it, clamp it, poke it.  We used a 14ga surgical steel barbell
between 5/8"-3/4"long (to allow room for cleaning) with 3/16"balls (to
allow me to see around the thang!).  I wouldn't use any larger of a gauge,
simply cuz I wouldn't like the potential visible bulge under theskin.  It
shouldn't be a painful piercing.  Unfortunately, the piercer to whom I went
ended up taking about 3 seconds to get the needle through, having not used
a cork (supposedly to ensure it being straight), so I admit that it *did*
hurt, but I feel that it *shouldn't* have hurt that much, done quickly. Oh
yeah, for the first 72 hours, I experienced caked blood on the balls of
the jewelry, hence I recommend holing yerself up for a weekend so's not to
freak out your friends... I've used Bactine (Benzalkonium Chloride) to
clean mine with great results... Twice a day, and any time I get
excessively sweaty or dirty. Healing a surface piercing seems to be a
full-time job for about six months. Neglecting it for a few days, or
playing rough with it seems to be enough to set it off (but then of course
it could be considered to be a good thang- a nice barometer for your
health, so long as you don't mind pus excreting from between yer eyes). As
for the visibility thang, it can be real frustrating wearing glasses or
sunglasses, or having braids or dreadlocks that catch in the thang.  If
its not 100% straight, boy, is it ever obvious.  And if it starts to
reject, it ain't a pretty sight. So far I've been lucky, and it seems to
be nice and even and straight. I must say, if this actually stays put, I'll
be incredibly loathe to ever remove it.  Its among the few of my piercings
that really feels like it belongs.


3h.  Vertical Clitoral Hood Piercing---------------------
     by WD Ferguson

In the summer of 94 I had my intro into below the neck piercing with the
ever popular navel ring. I wanted another piercing before I was even off
of the table and I had a nipple piercing about a month later. About that
same time I was exposed to the benefits of genital piercings through
conversations with my piercer but was still a little skitish. I had a
second nipple pierced and began stretching my ears, all the while trying
to prepare myself for a genital piercing. Most of my concerns centered
around exposing myself to the piercer, I felt uncomfortable with the idea
even with the piercer being female because of severe scarring on my inner
thighs and outer labia from childhood surgery. We began to discuss the
piercing and I originally wanted a clitoral piering but the piercer felt
uncomfortable so we settled on a vertical clithood piercing low down
towards the glans, which is well exposed. I was finally settled on doing
it and got up the nerve to tell her about the scars, she just shrugged and
said it made no difference, which took a weight off of me. The piercing
itself was done with a 12 gauge needle and receiving tube as my hood is
very loose. I was very nervous and shaky before the piercing and I found
the cleaning painfull as the glans is very very sensitive. It felt a
little strange to have the recieving tube directly on my clit so I held
very still , soon I felt a very intense sharp pain but I barely had time
to suck in my breath before it was over. She instilled a 12 gauge 5/8 SSS
captive bead hoop and sent me on my way with strict care instructions
echoing in my head . I found that the rolling of my wheelchair down the
sidewalk was a whole new experience, every bump in the sidewalk an
interesting tickle. My healing time was suprisingly rapid with one day of
light bleeding, one day of itching and two days of plasma secretion before
I was completly healed. A pleasent change compared to months of fighting
with a navel and trangus. Its been a few months now and the sensation is
still nice but alittlte to mild so Im getting bored. I plan to instill an
8 gauge 3\8 or 1\2 inch barbell to heighten the sensation some more. I
think I will enjoy the barbell more because I tend to get caught up in the
hoop so I play a little more gingerly than Id like. Despite my recent
complants, Id still rate this as my favorite piercing , well worth the two
seconds of pain.



3i.  Horizontal Clitoral Hood Piercing----------------------
     by Beth Young

10 Days ago I decided to get a clit hood pierce.  I had been thinking
about it for several months but hadn't quite got up the nerve to do it (it
is my first non-ear pierce).  Around Thanksgiving, I went to one (of two)
piercing places to talk to the piercer and test his knowledge of
piercing.  I didn't want to be pierced by somebody that knew less than
me.  And while I will admit I don't know alot, after reading the FAQs and
talking/listening to people on the R.A.B, I knew what questions to ask
and what kinda of answers I should get.  So, I talked to Jay for about 30
mintues that time and went back to talk to him 2 other times before I
decided to just DO IT.

I made the appointment for a Saturday afternoon.  I wasn't really nervous
when I got to the shop but then I had to wait.  Jay was working on a
tattoo and another girl was waiting to get her tongue pierced.  So, I
waited and waited and then waited some more.  That was the hard part.  The
longer I sat there, the more nervous I got.  Michelle, Jay's assistant,
came out to talk to me.  She told me what to expect and gave me the
cleaning instructions.  After an hour of waiting, it was my turn.  Jay set
up the privacy screen and then started telling me what he was doing to as
he set up the piercing station.  We talked about the jewerly and how the
piercing will stretch some with normal walking and that I might want to
get a larger guage ring after the pierce was healed.  After the station
was prepared, he stopped and took the time to tell me what he was going to
be doing to insure of the proper placement of ring and that the placement
would take longer than the actual piercing.  Then he smiled and said "drop
'em".  *deep breath* and I was ready to get pierced.  Jay cleaned the
piercing site and then measured and marked the piercing site and then
clamped on the forceps.  (This sounds easy but it did take the most time!)
Then Jay said to take a deep breath and let it out, Deep breath and
exhale, Deep breath and that was when he pushed the needle thru.  I kinda
sucked in my breath and then it was done.  In the time it took for me to
take that deep breath, it was over.  I can't say that it
hurt, there was a slight sting and some pressure and then nothing.  I
could feel the needle and I could definatly feel the ring sliding thru.
It was great!

The cleaning instuctions were easy, use anti-bacterial soap to clean the
ring/piercing site 2-3 times a day and use Neosporine (sp?) on it once a
day for the first 3-4 days.  It bled a little that night after I had got
home and a little the next day.  I just cleaned the ring several times to
remove the blood.  I haven't had any problems with it.  I tried wearing
jeans about 4 days after the piercing and it made it tender so I went back
to wearing sweats/ stretch pants or dresses. I am wearing jeans today
and it isn't causing the problems that it did last week.  I know it isn't
healed completely but it isn't as tender as it was. :)  I would do it
again in a heartbeat! :)

Beth Young (Phoen)
[e-mail]




--
                              * Ardvark *
                            Anne Greenblatt
               Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart
                        > Piercing  Exquisite <
                                   *
Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/part9
Last-modified: March 06, 1995
Posting-frequency: Monthly


The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is broken up into 9 parts:
 1--Introduction
 2--Piercings & Jewelry
 3--Getting A New Pierce
 4--Professional Piercers
 5--Care Of A New Pierce
 6--Problems And Hazards
 7--Healed Pierces
 8--Misc. Info
 9--Resource List  <---YOU ARE READING THIS FILE


 1. BOOKS AND MAGAZINES-------------------------

BODY ART
  Publications Limited, PO BOX 32, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk,
  NR29 5RD  England
  Note: Body Art imposes self censorship to stay on the legal
  side of the rigid Pommy obscenity laws. They show body
  modifications for anthropological and decorative purposes, not
  for sexual purposes. Body Art does not show the same level of
  explicit material that you will find in PFIQ.


BODY PLAY AND MODERN PRIMITIVES QUARTERLY
  Insight Books, PO Box 2575, Menlo Park, CA  94026-2575  USA
  Sample copy US$12, $14 Airmail. 4-issue subscription, US$45 or
  $55 Airmail. This publication produced by Fakir Musafar.


EROTIC PASSION
  Published by Creative Art Collection, Postfach 1317, L-1013
  Luxembourg. Distributed in Germany by: ZBF-Vertriebs GmbH,
  Schlossbergstrasse 23, D-6200 Weisbaden / Shiernstein


FLESH CANVAS
  Rodan Publishing, PO Box 139B, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9YQ
  England. tel. [phone], fax [phone] pounds
  ($4.95 US) single issue. 28.30 pounds / 12 months. Equal
  coverage of tattoos and piercings above the waist, with
  photographs of the piercing process.


IN THE FLESH
  Published semi-annually by OB Enterprises, Inc., Suite 2305
  450 Seventh Ave., NY, NY 10123-0101. Single copy: $4.95


MODERN PRIMITIVES
  Re/Search Pub., 20-B Romolo St., San Francisco, CA  94133 USA
  US $18.00, ppd. Send SASE or 4 IRCs for a catalog.


PIERCING FANS INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY
  Gauntlet, Inc., 2215-R Market St,, Ste 801, San Francisco, CA
  94114. Write for order form. Signature & declaration of 21+
  age required.


PIERCING WORLD
  Published by P.A.U.K., 153, Tomkinson Rd, Nuneaton,
  Warwickshire,  CV10 8DP England. Quarterly, full-colour
  publication. Annual Subscription: pounds16 UK, pounds20
  Europe, pounds25 overseas. Subscription to PIERCING WORLD
  brings automatic membership of P.A.U.K. Detailed color and
  B&W photos of piercings and tattoos, unusual jewelry designs,
  multiple piercings, piercing techniques, including all genital
  piercings. The magazine also includes a classified ads section
  and a list of EPPA registered piercers. Piercing World is also
  available through Pleasurable Piercings, 7 Garfield Ave,
  Hawthorne, NJ 07506, at $10 for single copy.


TATTOO SAVAGE
  Published quarterly by Paisano Publications,Inc.
  Subscriptions: PO Box 1025, Agoura Hills, CA 91376-1025
  [phone]. Single issue:  $4.95
  The magazine does a shop feature every issue, both tattoo and piercing
  (featured in passt issues Gauntlet NYC, Body Basics,  Paul Booth).


 2. VIDEOS-------------------------

CREATIVE ART COLLECTION, Postbox 1317, L-1013 Luxembourg
  Offers and extensive video series, portraying the eroticism of piercing.
  Their catalog is well worth it as well, featuring full color closeups of
  extensive female genital piercings, elaborate rings and barbell-style
  stirrup jewelry and nipple shields.

THE "HOLE" EXPERIENCE
  Prince of Pain Productions, Body Basics, 613 Briar, Dept. 0B,
  Chicago, IL 60657.  $69.95 plus $10 S & H.

MISTRESS OF THE RINGS (VHS)
  25 minute video on the art of body piercing, featuring Mette
  Hintze of the Black Universe in Copenhagen, who talks about
  and demonstrates piercings, from ear lobes to genitals.
  Approx. DKR250
  Det Dansk Filmvaerksted, Steen Shapiro and Anne Marie
  Kuerstein, Versterbragade 24, DK-1620 Copenhagen V, Denmark
  tel: [phone], fax: [phone]


PIERCING WITH A PRO VIDEO SERIES (VHS, PAL, BETA)
  #1 - The 9 Traditional Male Piercings - $69.95
  #2 - The Female and Unisex Piercings - $49.95
  + postage. Available through Gauntlet catalog
  (see PFIQ entry above)


PIERCING NIPPLES (VHS)
  By Pleasurable Piercings, Inc., $39.95 US + postage.
  Pleasurable Piercings, 7 Garfield Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506
  [phone]. Navel, nostril, septum piercing videos
  available soon.


PIERCED AND PAINTED (VHS)
  75 min of tattooing & piercing; "explicit scenes of body
  tattooing, full frontal nudity & actual genital piercing."
  $29.95 US. 1-800-748-7853. In Canada:  1-800-361-7361


WILDCAT INTERNATIONAL VIDEOS (PAL, VHS)
  16 Preston St, Brighton, BN1 2HN England, [phone]
  Wildcat offers a very wide selection of videos, mostly "show
  off" collections featuring heavily/uniquely pierced & inked
  men & women. Contact Wildcat Int'l for catalog, availability.


3.  ON-LINE--------------------------------

BODY MODIFICATION EZINE
  http://www.io.org/~glider/bme.htm/
  email contact [e-mail] (Shannon Larratt)

  This is a www site devoted to all forms of body art and modification;
  many 24 bit pics, text, programs, links to other sites.  For beginners
  (basic jewelry designs) and veterans (surface piercing techniques).
  None of the piercing images available at this site are intended to be
  presented in an erotic context and should not be construed as pornography.




--
                              * Ardvark *
                            Anne Greenblatt
               Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart
                        > Piercing  Exquisite <
                                   *