How to Safely Self-Pierce with a 16 Gauge Needle: Tips for Ear and Nose Piercings
Would you like to enhance your style with piercings but prefer to avoid the solidarity and discomfort that often comes with professional piercings? Managing a 16 gauge needle in the comfort of your own home is possible and can be significantly less painful if done correctly. Let's delve into the process for ear and nose piercings.
Preparation and Safety
The first step is to ensure that you have the necessary tools and materials. You'll need a 16 gauge needle, a pair of forceps, a small box of alcohol, and two sewing needles with approximately 6 inches of string. Other than that, a pack of sterile earring backs will be useful when you're ready to transition to jewelry. Safety is paramount, so make sure to follow these steps in a clean, well-lit setting.
Cleaning Your Tools
Begin by immersing the 16 gauge needle and the sewing needles with the strings in a small glass of alcohol for a few minutes. This sterilization process is crucial to prevent infection. Keep the alcohol easily accessible during the procedure.
Preparing the Area
Your next step is to freeze the target areas. For earlobe piercings, place ice cubes on the ears for a few minutes prior to beginning. Nasal area can be pre-cooled as well. This helps to reduce pain and ensures a more comfortable experience. Gather your earlobes and make two small dots on each ear where you want to place the piercings. Use these dots as your reference points to ensure clean lines and symmetrical piercings.
The Piercing Process
Now comes the actual piercing. Take the 16 gauge needle and, applying gentle but firm pressure, push it through the earlobe. Although it might seem challenging, the earlobe is less sensitive compared to other areas, which can make the process more bearable. To make it easier, start by guiding the needle through the center of the dot you made. After piercing one ear, immediately pierce the other with the same needle, ensuring both are aligned perfectly. Next, take a sewing needle and string, threading the string through each piercing and tightening it with a big knot. This loop will serve as a stabilizing line until you're ready to add jewelry.
Post-Piercing Care
Once the piercing is complete, you'll need to gently pull the sewing strings through the new holes several times a day over the next few days. Dab the earlobes with alcohol a couple of times daily to keep the area clean and prevent infection. After about a week, you can try to fit some earrings into the holes to see if the piercings are ready. If everything is clear and you're free of infection, you can proceed to wear your chosen jewelry.
Additional Tips for Nose Piercings
Nose piercings can also be self-done, but they require a slightly different approach. You'll need to consider the nose cartilage, which is more complex and delicate than earlobes. It's often recommended to start with a probe and then advance to a needle. However, for those familiar with the process and confident in their technique, the same method can be adapted. Remember, the key is to maintain sterility and handle everything with care.
Conclusion
Embarking on a DIY piercing journey requires meticulous planning and careful execution. Whether you're looking to pierce your earlobes or your nose with a 16 gauge needle, the process can be surprisingly manageable with the right preparation and precautions. Safety and cleanliness are the foundation of any successful DIY piercing. By following these steps, you can enjoy the satisfaction of your own jewelry while reducing the risk of complications.