Nipple piercing is polarizing: Anyone who doesn't already have one is either in the "I absolutely want one" camp or in the "over my dead body" faction. People are always going to look at them, regardless of whether they really like them or not. The pieces that made the 90s so big are currently experiencing a revival, which they owe to various faces of pop culture.
We spoke to celebrity piercer Brian Keith Thompson , who told us right at the start, "I have pierced surgeons, cardiologists and gynecologists, nipples of the highest disciplines." He also pierces stars such as Beyoncé, Jessica Alba, FKA Twigs, and many more.
If you're ready to learn absolutely everything about nipple piercings, then keep scrolling - and scrolling, and scrolling. We've asked absolutely everything .
Do more men or women get their nipple piercing?
"A lot more women, especially since Kendall Jenner joined us. Rihanna deserves a little credit too for paving the way for the hype. But Kendall pushed it even further."
Do people get both nipples pierced more often or just one?
"Many women are currently getting both nipples pierced. This is relatively new. Until last year, it was almost exclusively single piercings."
What is requested more often: barbells or rings?
"Barbells are much more popular right now. They're more subtle under clothing and heal faster because they don't move quite as much. They also allow for more swelling."
In addition, it is much more likely that a ring will get caught on clothing, for example, than a barbell.
Which metal is the best for nipple piercing?
Thompson himself prefers titanium for those who need to be a little more economical because it is hypoallergenic and rarely causes problems. Gold or platinum work just as well, of course, but are more expensive. You can of course also work with stainless steel, but it should also be of high quality. Cheap steel often contains nickel residue, which can quickly lead to allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
How much does it really hurt?
Thompson calls it “totally tolerable,” but spend enough time on Reddit boards and chatting with those who have experienced it and you'll find it's considered one of the most painful piercings. But , it's also incredibly fleeting. “It's like one, two, done,” Thompson says. “It's short-lived pain.”
How long does the healing take?
On average it lasts a few months, sometimes up to a year.
However, some people do not accept a piercing. Signs that your body cannot cope with it are constant redness on and around the nipple. Please pay attention to this and do not wait too long to remove the piercing if it becomes very red.
"The first few days after the piercing will be bad anyway, because the area is still very sensitive. But it goes quickly," said Thompson - which should not lead to the false impression that it is indestructible. "Many people think that after two or three weeks they are so well that they no longer need to be careful."
Can you pierce any type of nipple? Even those that are turned inward?
“I’ve never seen a nipple that I couldn’t pierce,” Thompson said.
Are pierced nipples always hard?
“No, not hard, but a little more defined.”
Is there anything I should avoid after the nipple piercing?
The area should be kept clean and away from any sources of irritation, which means ideally not touching or moving it. Realistically, this means touching or moving it as little as possible.
Take us through how a nipple piercing works.
First of all, look for a studio that looks clean and has been recommended to you or has received good reviews online. Listen to your gut feeling when you enter the studio, that is always a good indicator. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions.
Piercing is usually done discreetly behind closed curtains or in another room. The piercing you have chosen is sterilized and the nipple is disinfected and cleaned.
You will then usually be asked if you would like to lie down, just in case you faint.
"Some piercing studios don't clamp anything," says Thompson, "but I prefer to use two clamps on the nipple and then I'm good to go." A few deep breaths and then the needle goes in - be careful: if a piercing gun is pulled out at this point, put on your top and run out.
Normally, the jewelry is then inserted and a plaster is stuck on.
Is it normal to bleed afterwards?
Yes, both during the procedure itself and during the week following. If bleeding continues, you should speak to your piercing studio and, if necessary, go to a doctor's office.
What should you expect a few days after the piercing?
In the first week after piercing, the nipple will probably bleed a little and be sore. Your breasts will also be very sensitive in general. Also, be prepared to clean your nipples once every evening .
What is the most common reason for follow-up treatment?
"The nipples often swell more than expected. That's why many customers have to come back to us and have a larger barbell piercing put in," says Thompson. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple undertaking. However, you shouldn't take too much time.
How do I care for the nipple piercing?
A mild soap and a little warm water is enough - and then please do not rub or dab dry, but let it air dry. The soap should also not contain any perfume.
One point we can't stress enough: Don't touch! Neither your breast nor the piercing. It's best to wear a soft fabric bra and try to avoid your nipple for a few weeks.
How do I know if the nipple is really inflamed and I need to see a doctor, or if the area is just a little sore and needs time to heal?
Inflammations are not as common as you might think. Actual inflammation manifests itself in, for example, a slight fever, swollen lymph nodes, and an inflamed injection site . Swelling and redness, often coupled with feelings of tension and slight pain, are normal. If these are intense and accompanied by itching, it could be an allergic reaction or the fact that you simply need a larger piercing to give you more room to swell. In any case, one thing is certain: don't be afraid to ask at the piercing studio.
Can you change the piercing yourself?
“Yes, once it has healed, you can change the piercing yourself,” says Thompson.
Will the hole close up completely if I leave the piercing alone for long enough?
Most of the time, even if the nipple is healed and you've had the piercing for years, the hole will close up — almost. There are exceptions, of course, and some holes stay open for years without jewelry, but it's pretty uncommon.
What happens if I need to remove the piercing for a medical procedure?
You can get a kind of placeholder that is suitable for such procedures and is easy to insert and remove, also for example for X-rays.
How long do you really have to wait before you can touch the nipple?
The less touching, says Thompson, the better, because the fewer bacteria there are. " For at least three or four weeks, there should really be minimal touching." And then, please, only with freshly washed hands and not in the club toilet.
Does a piercing make the nipple piercing more sensitive?
Yes and no. The nervous system, which is responsible for the actual sensitivity, does not suddenly become more sensitive. However, nipples tend to protrude a little more after piercing, which is enough for many to perceive them as more sensitive. There is no black and white answer to this.
What about scars – what would be the worst case scenario?
Every piercing will leave a scar. You can partially control this by making sure that irritation is kept to a minimum. (Once again, and everyone: DO NOT TOUCH.)
Other factors, on the other hand, cannot be influenced because one does not know in advance exactly how well one's own body reacts to the respective metal.
Can you breastfeed if your nipple has healed?
"Yes, absolutely," says Thompson, "that's one of the most common questions." But that doesn't mean you shouldn't pay attention to how your breast and baby are doing. But you'll notice that yourself. In theory, though, there's nothing to worry about.
Which hurts more: nipple or genital piercings?
"Well, there are some genital piercings , especially on men, that make you step away for a moment," says Thompson and laughs.
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