What to Expect

When it comes to ear piercing, there are many options available. Anyone could go to a mall, a retail shop, or a tattoo shop that offers body piercings. The only problem with this is that these settings are not ideal for the average customer, especially babies. Many families across America wish they were able to have their ears pierced by someone with deeper medical knowledge; someone that understands the importance of safe, sterile techniques, the healing process, and proper education. Even more, many people wish that they can have this done in the comfort of their homes. And that’s why we are here.

Our team is made up of licensed health care professionals that are experts in their craft, so you are getting a piercer with skills like no other. We only use sterile, single-use piercing cartridges to make sure no blood-borne bacteria or viruses are hanging around from other clients. To avoid the development of nickel allergy, a very common result of ear piercing with cheap material, we only use a medical grade piercing device, along with piercing earrings made up of titanium and bio-compatible plastics for those who need extra protection.

On the booking page, you will select your desired ear piercing service and view our current inventory of piercing earrings that are meant to be worn for 6-8 weeks. No need to decide now, the earrings will be brought to your appointment.

Make sure you have identification for the appointment. Our piercers need to verify that you are at least 18 years old to be pierced, or are the legal parent/guardian for any minor. Also, for babies 2 months and up, we need to verify that a DTaP immunization has been received before being pierced.

For safety purposes, we ask that all pets be secured/put away before the piercer enters the home.

After confirming the desired services, location of the piercing, we use our medical piercing device and your beautiful piercing is done!

After the piercing, all parts that come in contact with the client are thrown away, even the marking pen! While our technique is safer than any other, whenever there is a puncture in the skin, even an ear piercing, there will always be a risk for complication and/or infection. This risk for ever developing an infection is greatly minimized when proper after care instructions are followed. We do everything in our power to educate you on ways to greatly minimize risks, and development of nickel allergy.

Nickel Allergy, whats the big deal?

Did you know that hardly anyone is born with a nickel allergy, yet ear piercing is the #1 way most develop it? According to most studies, up to 25% of the population suffer from nickel allergy, an annoying, skin allergy than can show up as hives, rashes, blisters, tenderness and swelling. It is most commonly developed after nickel is absorbed into the skin, and is extremely common when individuals have their ears pierced with nickel containing metals, even gold and steel, because the nickel is absorbed into the bloodstream through the fresh piercing. It is extremely important for all piercings to be done with high quality medical-grade materials, at least until the skin is completely healed, usually 1 year after a piercing. Many people, mostly women, often have tender, crusting and swelling near their ear piercing site after wearing certain earrings, and 9 times out of 10, ignore it or assume that this is a normal part of wearing jewelry. This why are we so focused on using medical-grade materials that have the lowest amount of nickel, as in titanium, or materials that are 100% nickel free, such as our bio compatible medical plastic.

Titanium is a metal that is the top choice for medical implants. It is safe, and has the least amount of nickel of all metals used for the body. Additionally, titanium has a strong bond with nickel, meaning it is unlikely for the nickel to be absorbed into the body.

Medical grade plastics, such as bio compatible plastics, are used for many procedures such as stiches and joint hardware. These plastics are very compatible with our bodies and contain ZERO nickel! We highly suggest that anyone with a nickel allergy get new piercings with nickel free materials only, such as our bio compatible plastic piercing earrings. These earrings have the same beautiful designs as the others, but with a hardened plastic post.

Blomdahl makes extremely beautiful, affordable nickel free and titanium jewelry at wonderful prices. Visit BlomdahlUsa.com and coupon code MEDGEM10 for a special discount!

tips and special considerations

Infants and Babies: Infant’s ears are so tiny and thin at birth, but start to thicken up and take on a normal shape within the first 2 months. It is also at this time that babies are eligible for their DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) immunization. While ear piercing can be done very safely with the right equipment and technique, babies immune systems are not well developed, especially during the first year of life. To minimize the risk of developing any tetanus infection, we strongly suggest to wait until the baby has completed at least 1 DTaP immunization. A waiver is available if the parent or guardian chooses not to follow this recommendation.

Other tips for babies: Give baby a bath right before appointment to that piercing site is not in contact with bath water for at least 24 hours. Does the baby have a favorite parent or adult? This would be the best person so soothe the baby if the ear piercing startles them.

Pain: Many describe our ear piercing technique as a quick pinch, then a warm, subtle throb for a minute or so. After a few minutes, many say that any discomfort has disappeared. Some clients ask about Lidocaine 5%, a popular over the counter topical numbing cream used before many procedures such as tattoos and piercings. Discuss with your healthcare provider if this may be appropriate for you or the client. We do not recommend ever using numbing cream on babies. Because lidocaine 5% works on the outer surface of the skin and may not penetrate deep enough to avoid discomfort completely, many avoid the extra expense.

Healing: In general, it can take any where from 6 weeks for a lobe piercing and 12 weeks for a cartilage piercing to heal enough before taking out the temporary piercing earrings. Even after 6-12 weeks, the skin that has healed is very thin, and can take up to 12 months to fully be able to handle frequent jewelry changes. During the initial 6-12 weeks it is important to keep the piercing as dry as possible. If you need to swim, or prefer baths, try to wait until a week to soak in water. Always rinse extra well, dry well, and apply aftercare after wetting the piercing site

FAQ

  • What can I expect at my appointment?

    We check and make sure we know exactly where we are piercing before we begin. You then choose what piercing earring you like. Next your ears will be cleaned and marked, and the piercing will be performed. The the piercer will discuss with you the aftercare instructions.

  • Do you use a piercing gun?

    While the piercing devise looks similar, we use a special patented mechanical device that closes the sterile cartridge containing the piercing earring by applying quick and forceful pressure. This is different from the piercing guns you’d see at the mall because your ears, skin, piercing earring NEVER come in contact with the piercing device.

  • Why does nickel free jewelry matter?

    When you get your ears pierced with materials that contain nickel, there is a high chance you will develop a nickel allergy. You may struggle with random soreness, crusting, oozing, and swelling in the piercing site unless you switch to nickel free jewelry. With Med Gem Piercing, we only use materials that are medical grade and contain virtually zero nickel. This minimizes the risk of ever developing a nickel allergy from piercing, and promotes faster, easier healing.

  • The piercer is a nurse, am I receiving nursing services?

    No. Med Gem Piercing stands out because all of our piercers are also medical professionals that bring their knowledge, skills, and experience into their piercing practices. This means that your piercing is performed by someone with a deeper knowledge of the ears, skin, safety, keeping things sterile and the healing process. This leads to better results and less complications!

  • Can you pierce multiple people at the same appointment?

    Yes! If you have 2 or more people wanting a piercing service, simply book an appointment with a primary service for the first customer, and then add an “add-on” service for the additional customers. Each customer will have to fill out a consent and waiver form at the appointment.

  • What about minors?

    All minors under 18 years old must have their parent or guardian sign the consent form for them, and must be present at the time of the appointment. We pierce babies starting at 2 months and up, so long as they have their first DTaP immunization. While we pierce children at any age, it is STRONGLY recommended to hold off piercings for 1-4 year olds due to an increased risk for infection and other complications.