Laura Ljaze
Body Piercing

Like many of today's popular piercings, the nipple piercing originated in pre-historical cultures around the Mediterranean, where they were used as a ritualistic introduction into adulthood. The practice of piercing nipples also spread into the Roman Empire where it was used to signify status on the battlefield. Nowdays, however, the Nipple piercing has been adapted as one of the most daring and popular piercings available.  A Nipple piercing is a great option for both men and women who are looking for a body mod that they can easily disguise.

There are several myths surrounding nipple piercings which may put you off, however provided you have your piercing done at a reputable studio and you follow the aftercare detailed below, it is a safe piercing that looks great. The two main concerns we hear regarding nipple piercings are:
 
Will it reduce nipple sensitivity? The simple answer is No... As long as your piercing is performed and cared for correctly, there should be no reduction in nipple sensitivity whatsoever and in fact, some people have reported it actually increases the feeling in that area.

Can I still breastfeed with pierced nipples? Having a nipple piercing will not stop you from being able to breastfeed safely in the future, however you must always remove any jewellery and clean the area before nursing. It is also important to remember that nipple piercings can take up to a year to heal, so it is not advisable to have one done if you are intending to breastfeed within that time.

How old do I have to be?  Due to the sensitive nature of the area, there are certain factors to take into account before you go ahead and decide to have a nipple piercing, mainly being:  The legal age of consent for male Nipple piercings is 16 years old, however the legal age of consent for female Nipple piercings is 18 years old. This is due to the rates of development and the anatomical functions of the female versus the male Nipple. At Ljaze Body Piercing Nipple piercing is aged 18+ for everyone, no exceptions.

Will it hurt?  The whole procedure is usually very quick.  Surprisingly, Nipple piercings are actually one of the lesser painful piercings that you can receive. Though the Nipples are a sensitive part of the body, it would seem that the piercing is actually very tolerable, with the majority of people reporting it to feel like 'a sharp pain and stinging sensation' that lasts just a few seconds whilst the piercing is performed. It is assumed that the rush of adrenaline and endorphins are what helps customers cope with pain from piercings plus the fact that they are very quickly over. However, each individual experiences pain differently, so it is impossible to say with certainty just how much your piercing may or may not hurt.  You will also experience soreness whilst the piercing is healing which can be improved by wearing loose fitting clothing and sports tops whilst also ensuring you do not knock or catch the new piercing.

Healing: The amount of time it takes for your nipple piercing to heal depends on your anatomy. Generally female Nipple piercings take, on average, between 3-4 months to heal to the point where you can remove jewellery and put it back in. Whereas male Nipple piercings take roughly 3 - 4 months to heal completely. This difference in healing periods is directly related to the anatomical structure of a female and male nipples.

When caring for your Nipple piercing, ensure that you:

• Refrain from touching the piercing to allow the tender tissue to heal and to reduce the risk of inflammation and pain.
• Avoid applying lotions, moisturisers, perfumes to the area.
• Avoid swimming until after your piercing has healed.
• Clean both exit holes of your piercing twice a day.
• You should not remove your jewellery during the healing process. The jewellery must be kept in at all times or you can risk the piercing closing over.

You can dramatically reduce your risk of any problems by following this advice.

Jewellery: The best types of jewellery for a nipple piercing is a Barbell.  An important thing to bear in mind when choosing nipple jewellery is that if it is large and decorative there is a small risk that it may cause problems for your piercing and delay healing.  When you are first pierced you will be pierced with Titanium Jewellery, this jewellery is a lot bigger than needed. This is to accommodate any swelling you may encounter post piercing, however rare it happens its always best to play it safe to ensure a stunning healthy healed piercing.  All of Our Titanium Body Jewellery is made from Ti6-Al4-V ELI Medical Grade Titanium, the only grade conforming to ISO 5832-3:1996 and comes from UK suppliers direct, only the best available for our clients. 

DISCLAIMER: Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your Piercer. These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor.