How to Prepare for Piercing Appointment

Getting new piercings is always an exciting experience, but it can also make you feel a little nervous or anxious. Here is a guide to help you prepare for your piercing so that you feel more relaxed and confident leading up to it.

Choose Your Placement Wisely

When choosing piercings, consider your anatomy and pain tolerance. Standard piercings are less painful, while cartilage piercings may require more healing time and aftercare. Choose a piercing that matches your style and commitment to care.

Do A Health Check

Pay attention to how you feel in the days leading up to your scheduled piercing appointment. It's crucial to pay attention to how you're feeling and only proceed with the piercing if you're in top form. If you have any symptoms of a cold or the flu, or you simply feel unwell, it's better to cancel your appointment, even if it's last minute. 

When you're sick, your immune system becomes weaker, which can not only make you feel tired and drained but also slow down the healing process of your new piercing. This can result in a longer overall healing time. Whether you start feeling unwell days before your appointment or even on the day itself, it's a good idea to give your body a minimum of 2-3 weeks to fully recover before rescheduling your piercing appointment.

Stay Hydrated

Ensure you drink enough water in the 24-48 hours before your piercing appointment. Keeping your body well-hydrated is crucial for maintaining healthy and supple skin. When your body is dehydrated, your skin becomes thinner, making it more prone to cracking and bleeding during the piercing process or while it's healing. Dehydrated skin is also more susceptible to infections, especially during the piercing procedure.

Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine

It's imperative to have a clear mind when getting pierced, so never come for your appointment under the influence of alcohol or any other substances. It's recommended to steer clear of alcohol and caffeine for at least 24 hours before getting your piercing. These things can dehydrate your body and thin your blood, which can cause problems like bruising, skin cracks, and a more uncomfortable piercing experience in general.

Take Plenty of Sleep 

Take a good sleep of 7-8 hours before the appointment. Research has actually shown that lack of sleep can lower your pain threshold and make the piercing feel more intense. When you're well-rested, not only does your immune system function better, but it also aids in the healing process. On the other hand, if you don't get enough sleep, it can potentially slow down the healing of your piercing. This can lead to prolonged swelling, discomfort, and an increased risk of infection. 

Find Ways To Reduce Stress

It's totally normal to feel a little anxious before getting a new body piercing, especially if it's your first time piercing your lobe or cartilage. Stress can make our muscles tense up and make us more sensitive to pain. Additionally, stress can lead to increased inflammation, causing more swelling and slower healing. To combat this, incorporate stress-relieving activities into your daily routine at least 1-2 weeks before your appointment. 

Prep with a Satisfying Meal

To make sure your piercing goes smoothly, eat a full meal 3-4 hours before your appointment. If you're pressed for time, have a healthy snack 1-2 hours before. It's important to stabilise your blood sugar beforehand to avoid dizziness and fainting, as well as excessive bleeding. Don't skip meals leading up to your appointment, and make sure to eat well the day before and the day of your piercing.

Choose Comfortable Clothes

You'll feel more relaxed and less stressed if you choose comfortable clothing for your piercing. Tight clothes can make you uncomfortable and increase the risk of feeling lightheaded. So, leave the tight jeans or formal wear at home and go for loose, comfy clothes like sweatpants, relaxed-fit jeans, or flowy dresses to make your piercing experience more enjoyable.

Follow Your Piercer's Aftercare Instructions Closely

To avoid infection and other potential side effects, proper aftercare for your piercing is crucial. Carefully follow your piercer's aftercare instructions, and ask about any specific recommendations. Take notes or set reminders on your phone to stay on track. Remember to always wash your hands with soap and water before touching or cleaning your piercing.