Do Piercing Guns Do Damage? The Truth About Piercing Guns
Yes, piercing guns do cause damage. While seemingly quick and convenient, the mechanism of a piercing gun inflicts blunt force trauma on the skin and cartilage, increasing the risk of complications compared to needle piercings.
The Problem with Piercing Guns: Blunt Force Trauma
What is Blunt Force Trauma?
Unlike a hollow needle that cleanly removes tissue to create a smooth channel, a piercing gun uses force to push a blunt, often dull, earring through the skin. This blunt force trauma crushes and tears the tissue, leading to several potential problems.
Why Blunt Force Matters
The crushing and tearing action of a piercing gun can lead to:
- Increased Pain: The process is generally more painful than a needle piercing because the tissue is being damaged rather than cleanly separated.
- Extended Healing Times: The damaged tissue takes longer to heal, making the piercing susceptible to infection during the healing process.
- Scar Tissue Formation: The trauma can lead to more significant scar tissue formation, potentially resulting in unsightly or uncomfortable bumps around the piercing site.
- Cartilage Damage: This is particularly problematic in cartilage piercings (like the upper ear). The blunt force can shatter or crack the cartilage, leading to deformities, chronic pain, and increased risk of infection.
Hygiene Concerns: A Breeding Ground for Bacteria
Gun Sterilization: Not Always Enough
While piercing guns are often wiped down with antiseptic solutions between uses, many components, especially those within the gun’s mechanism, are difficult or impossible to properly sterilize. Sterilization requires an autoclave, which uses high pressure steam to kill all microorganisms. Simply wiping with alcohol is insufficient to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.
Bloodborne Pathogens: A Real Risk
The potential for bloodborne pathogen transmission, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, is a significant concern when using piercing guns. If the gun comes into contact with the blood of one client and is not properly sterilized before being used on another, the risk of transmission is real.
Single-Use Cartridges: Not a Guarantee
Even with single-use earring cartridges, the gun itself can still be a source of contamination if not properly sterilized. The earring studs themselves may be sterile, but the part of the gun that holds and propels the stud is not always sterilized to the same level as medical equipment.
Piercing Gun Materials and Their Issues
Low-Quality Jewelry
Piercing guns often use low-quality jewelry made from materials that can cause allergic reactions or irritation. Nickel is a common culprit, and many people are sensitive to it. The initial jewelry should be made of implant-grade materials, such as surgical stainless steel, titanium, or niobium.
Butterfly Backs: A Problematic Design
The butterfly back earrings used with piercing guns are designed to be easily attached, but they are not ideal for healing piercings. They can trap dirt and bacteria, hindering the healing process. Additionally, they are often placed too tightly against the earlobe, restricting airflow and promoting infection.
Professional Piercers: The Safer Alternative
Needle Piercing Advantages
Professional piercers use sterile, single-use needles to create piercings. This method offers several advantages:
- Clean and Precise: A sharp needle cleanly cuts through the tissue, minimizing trauma and promoting faster healing.
- Sterilization Guaranteed: Needles are individually packaged and sterilized, ensuring a sterile environment for the piercing.
- Proper Jewelry Placement: Professional piercers understand the anatomy of the ear and other body parts, allowing for precise jewelry placement that minimizes the risk of complications.
- Implant-Grade Jewelry: Professional piercers use high-quality, implant-grade jewelry that is biocompatible and less likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation.
- Expert Aftercare Advice: They provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.
The Importance of Training and Licensing
Reputable piercing studios employ piercers who have undergone extensive training in anatomy, hygiene, and piercing techniques. They are also often licensed and regulated, ensuring they adhere to strict safety standards.
FAQs: Addressing Your Piercing Gun Concerns
1. Are piercing guns ever safe?
While it is possible to minimize risks with strict adherence to hygiene protocols, the inherent design of piercing guns makes them less safe than needle piercings. The blunt force trauma and the difficulty of complete sterilization are ongoing concerns.
2. Can you sterilize a piercing gun?
Complete sterilization requires an autoclave. While some parts of a piercing gun can be wiped down with antiseptic, the internal mechanisms are difficult, if not impossible, to effectively sterilize.
3. What is the risk of infection with a piercing gun?
The risk of infection is higher with piercing guns due to the tissue damage they cause and the potential for contamination. Bacteria can easily enter the open wound and thrive in the damaged tissue.
4. How do I know if my piercing is infected?
Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, pus discharge, and a fever. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention immediately.
5. Can I use saline solution on a piercing gun piercing?
Yes, cleaning your piercing with saline solution (a sterile salt water solution) is an important part of aftercare. Clean the piercing twice a day to remove crust and debris.
6. What are the best materials for initial piercing jewelry?
Implant-grade surgical stainless steel, titanium, and niobium are the best materials for initial piercing jewelry as they are biocompatible and less likely to cause allergic reactions.
7. How long does a piercing gun piercing take to heal?
Piercing gun piercings typically take longer to heal than needle piercings. Earlobe piercings can take 6-8 weeks, while cartilage piercings can take several months to a year.
8. What happens if my cartilage piercing gets infected?
Cartilage infections are more serious than earlobe infections. They can lead to cartilage damage and require aggressive treatment, including antibiotics and potentially surgery.
9. Can I get a keloid from a piercing gun piercing?
Yes, you can get a keloid from any piercing, but the risk may be higher with piercing gun piercings due to the increased trauma to the tissue. Keloids are raised, thickened scars that can grow beyond the original piercing site.
10. What are the signs of cartilage damage from a piercing gun?
Signs of cartilage damage include pain, swelling, tenderness, and a visible deformity of the ear.
11. Can I get a piercing gun piercing removed?
Yes, you can remove a piercing gun piercing. If you are experiencing problems, it is best to have it removed by a professional piercer or medical professional to minimize the risk of further damage.
12. Is it safe to get a piercing gun piercing at a mall or salon?
Generally, it’s advisable to avoid getting piercings at malls or salons unless they have trained and licensed piercers who adhere to strict hygiene standards. A dedicated piercing studio is typically a safer option.
13. What questions should I ask a piercer before getting pierced?
Ask about their training, licensing, sterilization procedures, the materials used for jewelry, and their aftercare instructions.
14. Are all piercing studios the same?
No, not all piercing studios are the same. It’s important to research and choose a reputable studio with experienced and licensed piercers.
15. What is the best way to prevent complications after getting a piercing?
Following the piercer’s aftercare instructions meticulously is the best way to prevent complications. This includes cleaning the piercing regularly with saline solution, avoiding touching the piercing with dirty hands, and wearing comfortable, high-quality jewelry.
Conclusion: Choose Safety and Expertise
While the convenience of piercing guns might be tempting, the potential risks to your health and well-being are not worth it. Choose a professional piercer who uses sterile needles and implant-grade jewelry. Your ears (and your health) will thank you.