Are you considering getting a piercing? Before you head to a jewelry store or mall kiosk, it’s important to know the truth about piercing guns. They may seem convenient, but they come with significant risks.
Piercing guns cannot be fully sterilized, putting you at risk of infections like hepatitis and staph infections. The excessive pressure and blunt force trauma from piercing guns can also lead to longer healing times and cartilage damage.
In contrast, needle piercings done by professionals offer a safer and more effective option.
Key Takeaways
- Piercing guns cannot be fully sterilized and pose a higher risk of infection compared to needles.
- Piercing guns use excessive pressure and blunt force trauma, leading to longer healing times and increased chances of infections.
- Piercing guns are more likely to cause cartilage damage and deformities compared to needles.
- Needle piercings should be done by a professional piercer in a studio or tattoo shop for better outcomes.
Sterilization and Infection Risks
You should be aware that piercing guns cannot be fully sterilized and can harbor microorganisms, increasing the risk of infections.
Piercing guns, commonly used in jewelry stores or mall kiosks, are small plastic devices that pierce the skin at high speed. Unlike needles, piercing guns use blunt force to push starter earrings through the ear. These guns are operated by individuals with minimal training.
Sterilization is a major concern with piercing guns, as they cannot be fully sterilized due to their plastic material. While they are cleaned with antiseptic wipes, this method does not ensure sterility. Studies have shown that piercing guns can spread hepatitis and staph infections.
Compared to needle piercings, piercing guns pose a higher risk of infection. It is important to consider these risks and opt for safer alternatives when getting a piercing.
Longer Healing Times and Infections
Using a piercing gun for your ear can lead to longer healing times and an increased risk of infections. When a piercing gun is used, excessive pressure and blunt force trauma are applied to your ear, resulting in slower healing compared to needle piercings.
The studs used by piercing guns are often too short for healing piercings, restricting blood circulation and impeding the healing process. This, in turn, increases the chances of developing infections. It’s important to note that piercing guns pose a higher risk of infection compared to needles due to their inability to be fully sterilized.
Moreover, the use of piercing guns can also cause cartilage damage and deformities, which may result in permanent scarring or visible breaks in the ear. To ensure a safer and faster healing process, it is recommended to have your ear pierced by a professional using a needle.
Cartilage Damage and Deformities
Excessive force applied by a piercing gun can cause cartilage damage and potentially lead to permanent scarring or visible breaks in your ear.
When a piercing gun is used, the excessive pressure and blunt force trauma can be particularly damaging to the delicate cartilage in your ear. This can result in the cartilage shattering and causing permanent scarring or deformities.
Your ear may easily fold down or show visible breaks or lines as a result of the damage caused by the piercing gun.
It is important to note that piercing guns are more likely to cause cartilage shattering compared to needles.
To avoid these risks, it is recommended to opt for needle piercings done by a professional piercer in a studio or tattoo shop, where proper techniques and sterilization procedures are followed.
Needle Piercings and Professional Process
Opting for needle piercings done by a professional piercer in a studio or tattoo shop ensures a safer and more sanitized process. When you choose to get pierced by a professional, you can be confident that they have the necessary training and experience to perform the procedure correctly.
In a professional setting, the piercer will provide a private area for the piercing and offer a variety of jewelry options to choose from. They will also ensure that the area is properly cleaned and sterilized, and they will wear gloves throughout the process to maintain a hygienic environment.
Safety Concerns With Piercing Guns
When you choose a plastic device to pierce your skin at high speed, there are important safety concerns to consider. Piercing guns, although commonly used in jewelry stores or mall kiosks, pose significant risks.
One major concern is the inability to fully sterilize these guns due to their plastic composition. Cleaning them with antiseptic wipes does not guarantee sterility and can leave behind harmful microorganisms. Studies have shown that piercing guns can spread infections like hepatitis and staph.
Additionally, the excessive pressure and blunt force trauma used by these guns can lead to longer healing times and increased chances of infection. Moreover, the force exerted by piercing guns can cause damage to cartilage, resulting in permanent scarring and deformities.
It is therefore crucial to consider these safety concerns and opt for needle piercings performed by a professional in a controlled environment.
Why Needle Piercings Are Preferred
If you want a safer and more effective piercing method, needle piercings are preferred over using piercing guns.
Needle piercings offer several advantages over their gun counterparts.
First and foremost, needle piercings are performed by professional piercers who have received proper training and follow strict hygiene practices. They take precautions to ensure the area is clean, wear gloves, and use sterile equipment.
Additionally, needle piercings cause less trauma to the skin and cartilage compared to piercing guns, resulting in faster healing times and a lower risk of infections.
The longer jewelry used in needle piercings allows for proper blood circulation and reduces the chances of complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Piercing Guns Safer to Use Than Needles?
Piercing guns are not safer than needles. They pose a higher risk of infection due to their inability to be fully sterilized. The excessive pressure and blunt force trauma used by piercing guns can also cause longer healing times and cartilage damage.
Can I Sterilize a Piercing Gun at Home Before Using It?
No, you cannot sterilize a piercing gun at home. Piercing guns are made of plastic and cannot be fully sterilized. They can harbor microorganisms even after cleaning, increasing the risk of infections.
How Long Does It Typically Take for a Piercing Done With a Gun to Heal?
It typically takes longer for a piercing done with a gun to heal compared to a needle piercing. The excessive pressure and blunt force trauma from the gun can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infections.
Are There Any Special Care Instructions for Healing Piercings Done With a Gun?
For healing piercings done with a gun, it is important to follow proper aftercare instructions. Keep the area clean with saline solution and avoid touching or twisting the jewelry. Seek professional help if any signs of infection occur.
Can Piercing Guns Be Used to Pierce Cartilage Safely?
Yes, piercing guns should not be used to pierce cartilage safely. The excessive force and blunt trauma they cause can lead to cartilage damage, scarring, and deformities. It is best to go to a professional piercer for cartilage piercings.