2D.2 Nipple Piercings
Description
This article is from the Piercing FAQ, by Anne Greenblatt with numerous contributions by others.
2D.2 Nipple Piercings
4 to 8 months
Nipple piercings can be positioned horizontally or vertically. Rings
are usually chosen as the initial jewelry in horizontal piercings
because they can be cleaned more easily than barbells. The diameter of
the ring should be at least 1/4" wider than the piercing. No more than
1/4 of the ring should be through the piercing. The ring should
comfortably flip up and down. A ring which is too small in diameter
will constrict the piercing and cause the piercing to migrate and
scar. The nipple will swell when newly pierced. Often, the nipple
enlarges permanently as a result of piercing. The ring must be wide
enough to accommodate swelling and potential enlargement of the
nipple. After the piercing has completely healed a smaller diameter
ring can be worn.
Straight and curved barbells are used for vertical piercings. Barbells
may be more appropriate than rings for horizontal piercings if the
wearer engages in contact sports or daily physical activities that
involve lifting and carrying. The barbell should be 1/8" longer than
the width of the piercing to accommodate swelling and potential
enlargement of the nipple. The barbell balls should be small enough
in diameter so that they do not create pressure against the areola
which can cause the piercing to migrate.
Jewelry which is too thin is more easily rejected by the body and more
likely to tear the piercing with strenuous play. For most people 14 or
12 gauge is appropriate. Larger gauge piercings can comfortably
withstand strenuous play. Sensation and stimulation usually increase
when larger gauges are worn.
Multiple piercings can be made perpendicular (alternating horizontal
and vertical piercings) or parallel to one another. Multiple piercings
should be made separately to prevent scarring and migration; the first
piercing should be allowed to completely heal before a second piercing
is made. At least 1/8" of tissue should separate the piercings to
prevent pressure from the innermost piercing from causing the
outermost piercing to migrate out.
Continue to:
My Books
