In recent years, nipple piercings have taken the world by storm. Dozens of celebrities have hopped on the trend, from models, like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, to basketball player Dennis Rodman.
However, for many, this piercing is still a scary concept that leaves them with a lot of questions. As someone who bit the bullet and pierced their nipples, I’m here to finally answer those questions.
How much do nipple piercings cost?
Of course, the price of these piercings varies on where you live and where you choose to get your nipples pierced. The actual piercing of the nipples will likely run you anywhere from $20 to $50.
The nipple jewelry is a different story. Don’t try to skimp on the jewelry. Infections of these types of piercings are nasty and painful, so opt for higher-quality jewelry that your body won’t reject.
I chose to go to 814 Tattoo Co. in State College. I got a really good deal getting both done for $75 with decent quality jewelry. My piercer was also very friendly throughout the procedure.
Do nipple piercings hurt?
After three lobe piercings, a cartilage piercing, and a nose piercing, I am no stranger to going under the needle. I have a pretty high pain tolerance and barely flinched for my last five piercings.
Nipple piercings were a different story.
Nipples are a very sensitive area of the body because of the number of nerve endings in the skin. Sticking a needle through these nerve endings is, unsurprisingly, a very painful procedure.
Nonetheless, it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I went in expecting immense pain, and while it hurt, I was expecting way worse. The pain is temporary too, lasting a second or two at most. If you can handle that, then I would definitely recommend getting the girls pierced.
What is the healing process like?
To put the bottom line up-front: long. These piercings can take over a year to heal, and because the post is so long, they can often look healed on the outside before they are fully healed on the inside. So if you want to change your jewelry, speak with a professional to ensure the healing process is complete.
From more personal experience, they also bleed. A lot. Although many people get these piercing to specifically increase sensitivity in a sexual context, you are not going to want anyone to touch them. They are very tender and painful to touch for a long time after the procedure.
Furthermore, nipple play can increase the likelihood of infection, so tell your significant other sit out on that one for the time being.
What aftercare is recommended?
My piercer gave a solid aftercare routine to help my piercings heal quickly and safely. He told me to clean them with antiseptic on a q-tip every day, turning them if they are not too painful, to ensure that skin does not heal over them. On the day they were pierced, he also told me not to drink any alcohol. This is because alcohol is a blood thinner and would cause them to bleed a lot.
Other common aftercare tips include:
- Wear tight shirts and cotton bras to avoid snagging
- Do not be alarmed if you see blood or excretion around the piercing
- Avoid nipple play
- Do not pick at the nipple crust
To conclude, these piercings can be difficult but look amazing after. Despite the long healing process, I am very pleased with my piercings and the service provided by my piercer. Hopefully, after reading this article, you too will bite the bullet!