In this article, you will learn about nipple piercings, including their history, procedure, and aftercare. If you’re interested in getting a nipple piercing near Copenhagen, visit us at Ink and Needles in Albertslund. You can book an appointment by contacting us here.
History of Nipple Piercings
The exact origin of nipple piercings is unclear, but they gained visibility among Victorian women in the early 1800s, despite being a taboo topic. In the early 1980s, nipple piercings became popular in alternative punk circles, often using safety pins, which unfortunately led to infections due to improper jewelry choices.
How is a Nipple Piercing Done?
A nipple piercing begins with disinfecting the area and marking a dot on each side of the nipple with a sterile marker. Some prefer a downward angle, while others choose a vertical placement. The piercing should avoid the areola, and the final position is determined by the piercer based on individual anatomy. A 14 G needle is used for the piercing, and the jewelry is inserted quickly to minimize discomfort. Afterward, the area is wrapped to prevent bacteria and dirt from entering.
Nipple Piercing Jewelry
Nipple piercings can be performed on both men and women, but jewelry selection varies. Men typically require smaller jewelry due to smaller nipples. For women, proper placement and jewelry choice are crucial to avoid complications. It is advised not to pierce into the areola to prevent infections. Most piercers recommend a straight barbell for initial healing, while curved barbells may be better for women with inverted nipples.
If you plan to breastfeed, you can keep your nipple piercing but must remove the jewelry during nursing. Therefore, it is not recommended to get a nipple piercing during pregnancy.
Healing Process
It is essential to keep your starter jewelry in place throughout the healing process, which typically lasts 3 to 6 months but can vary. Avoid jewelry with pendants or large thickness during healing. Once healed, a variety of jewelry options become available. To find the right size, measure the width of your piercing and add 0.5-1 mm for comfort, considering that nipples can swell due to stimulation or cold.
Choosing the Right Jewelry and Materials
For your nipple piercing, the safest materials are ASTM titanium and ASTM surgical steel. Other materials like PTFE and niobium are also suitable. Coated jewelry should only be used if you do not have a nickel allergy and only after the piercing has fully healed. Anodized titanium and PVD-coated metals like zircon gold and blackline are excellent alternatives.
For more information on nipple piercings, visit our piercings page or check out our aftercare guidelines.