Needles for piercing

Types of needles for piercing

A needle for piercing is a hollow tube that creates a hole in the body so that jewelery can be inserted. They are especially important for ensuring that initial holes in new piercings can be safely and effectively filled with appropriate jewelry, which helps in the healing process. Different kinds of piercing needles include:

• Nose Piercing Needles: These are used for creating holes in the nostrils for nasal studs or rings. They are sharp and can easily create holes in cartilage.
• Eyebrow Piercing Needles: Needles used for eyebrow piercings are specially designed to create holes in the skin above the eye. They are usually curved to follow the eyebrow's shape.
• Oral Piercing Needles: Needles for piercing the lip or tongue are used to create holes in the fleshy part of the mouth. They are long and designed to create holes quickly and easily.
• Semi-Nasal Piercing Needles: These are used for piercing the middle section of the nose. They are shorter than regular nose piercing needles and designed to create holes in the soft part of the nose.
• Industrial Piercing Needles: Needles used for industrial piercings are specially designed to create a single hole in the ear that goes through two different sections. They are longer and thicker than other types of piercing needles.
• Septum Piercing Needles: Needles used for septum piercings are specifically designed to create a hole in the septum of the nose. They are sharp and can easily create a hole in the cartilage that separates the nostrils.
• Surface Piercing Needles: Needles for surface piercings are used to create a hole in the skin that goes through a small section of it. They are short and designed to create a small hole that won't leave much of a mark on the skin.

Professional piercers use different needles for different kinds of piercings to ensure they can create holes quickly and easily. The appropriate needle will depend on the specific type and location of the piercing.

How to choose needles for piercing

• Type of Piercing: The type of piercing will determine which kind of needle should be used. Certain types of needles should be used for ear cartilage and nose piercings. Larger gauge needles are necessary for piercings in more fleshy areas of the body, like the lip or nipples. Specific needles are also required for eyebrow and belly button piercings.
• Gauge Size: The gauge size of the needle will depend on the part of the body being pierced. A smaller gauge needle means a thicker needle and vice versa. A larger gauge needle will be required for piercings in more fleshy areas of the body.
• Sterilization: The needle should always be pre-sterilized and packaged to ensure that it has not been exposed to any harmful bacteria or viruses. Needles that are pre-sterilized and packed should be preferred over those that can be sterilized with steam or autoclave because they are single-use and disposable.
• Material: Needles made from stainless steel are the most popular choice for body piercings because they are sturdy and durable. Needles made from surgical steel are another option, but they are less flexible than stainless steel needles and can be more painful during the piercing process. Disposable plastic needles are often used for ear piercings because they are less painful than metal needles.
• Point Style: The needle piercing's point style will impact the pain level and healing time. Needles with a tapered point can be used for piercings in cartilage or skin because they create a smaller opening and cause less damage to the surrounding tissue. This can result in less pain and a quicker healing time.
• Brand: When purchasing piercing needles, it is essential to consider the brand and manufacturer. Needles from well-known brands and manufacturers are preferred because they are better quality and have been manufactured with better materials. Piercing needles from reputable manufacturers are more likely to be made from better surgical steel than those manufactured by lesser-known companies.
• Reviews: Reading reviews of needle piercing brands and manufacturers is essential because it will provide information on the quality and type of material used to make the needle. The reviews will also indicate whether the needle has been pre-tapered or whether additional tapering is required before use. Other information that can be obtained from the reviews includes the needle's flexibility and whether it is single-use or disposable.

How to use, install, and product safety

How to use

• Prepare the Equipment: Collect all necessary tools for the piercing, including the piercing needle, forceps, clamps, needle, jewelry, antiseptic solution, swabs, gloves, and marking tools. Ensure everything is sterile and ready for the process.
• Select the Site: Choose the site with good visibility and access for the piercing. Gently clean the area with an antiseptic solution to remove bacteria and ensure proper hygiene.
• Mark the Spot: Use a marking tool to indicate where the piercing will occur. Confirm the location with the person receiving the piercing, ensuring they are comfortable with the chosen spot.
• Sterilize and Prepare: Put on gloves and sterilize your hands thoroughly. Clean the piercing site again with antiseptic solution. Clamp the tissue at the piercing site using forceps or clamps to ensure stability and accuracy during the procedure.
• Insert the Needle: Remove the protective cap from the needle and insert it swiftly into the marked spot. Do this at a perpendicular angle to the tissue for a clean entry. Push the needle through quickly to minimize discomfort.
• Change the Needle: After inserting the needle, quickly slide the jewelry into place, attaching it to the needle. Pull the needle back through the jewelry to complete the insertion process.
• Withdraw Equipment: Remove the forceps or clamps carefully. Clean the newly pierced area with antiseptic solution and apply a suitable type of jewelry.
• Aftercare: Advise the person getting the piercing on proper aftercare measures. Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and ensure no complications arise from the piercing.

Installation

• Professional Piercing: It is highly recommended that all body piercings be performed by a qualified professional. They have the training, knowledge, and experience to perform the piercing safely and effectively. Professional piercers also have the necessary equipment and tools to ensure that the piercing is done correctly and in a sterile environment.
• Choosing the Right Piercing Location: When selecting a location for the piercing, it is important to consider factors such as the anatomy of the body, circulation, and nerves. Avoid placing the piercing in areas with high blood vessels or nerve endings, which can cause pain or complications during the procedure.
• Aseptic Technique: Proper aseptic technique is crucial to minimize the risk of infection. All equipment, including the needle, must be sterilized and cleaned before use. Wear gloves and maintain a sterile field throughout the procedure.
• Jewelry Selection: The right jewelry can aid in healing the piercing and prevent complications. Avoid using cheap or substandard jewelry, as it can cause irritation and delay the healing process. Professional piercers can recommend suitable jewelry for the type of piercing.

Product Safety

• Sterility: All piercing needles are sterile and packaged individually to prevent exposure to bacteria and other pathogens. This ensures the needle can be used in a controlled environment to minimize the risk of infection.
• Single Use: These needles are designed for one-time use only. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of infectious diseases.
• Controlled Sharpness: Piercing needles are manufactured with a controlled sharpness that allows them to penetrate the skin quickly and with minimal discomfort. This reduces the risk of tissue damage and promotes a smoother piercing process.
• Quality Materials: Body-piercing needles are made from high-quality materials like surgical stainless steel, which is known for its non-reactive and corrosion-resistant properties. This minimizes the risk of allergic reactions and ensures needle safety.

Functions, features, and design of needles for piercing

Function

• Creating a Piercing: Piercing needles create a small opening in the skin or cartilage, allowing for the insertion of jewelry. The needle's sharpness and thickness enable it to cut through tissue cleanly, minimizing damage to surrounding areas.
• Minimizing Trauma: The design of the needle helps reduce trauma to the tissue. This is especially important in delicate areas where excessive trauma can lead to complications or slow healing.
• Facilitating the Insertion of Jewelry: After the piercing is created, the needle can be used to help insert the initial piece of jewelry. The hollow design of the needle allows the jewelry to be pushed through the new piercing without introducing a separate, larger piece of jewelry.

Feature

• Size and Thickness: Piercing needles come in various gauges (thicknesses), with lower numbers representing thicker needles. The gauge chosen depends on the body part being pierced and personal preference.
• Material: Piercing needles are typically made of stainless steel, which is strong, sharp, and allows for easy insertion.
• Type of Point: Different needles have varying points, such as a diamond or wedge shape. This can affect how easily the needle penetrates the tissue.
• Hollow vs. Solid: Hollow needles allow for the immediate insertion of jewelry into the piercing, while solid needles require separate jewelry insertion.

Design

• Sharpness: Needles are very sharp to facilitate a clean piercing with minimal tissue damage.
• Packaging: Sterile piercing needles are usually packaged in sterile, sealed packages to ensure they remain clean and safe for use.

Q&A

Q1. What are surgical steel needles?

A1. Surgical steel is a type of stainless steel used to make body piercing needles. The steel contains a small amount of chromium, making the needles rust-resistant and non-reactive to rust. The carbon content in the steel ensures that the needles are strong enough to pierce the skin.

Q2. Can one reuse a piercing needle?

A2. No, piercing needles are intended for single use only. They are sterile when packaged and are stored in a plastic container for easy visibility. Once the needle has been used, it should be discarded in a suitable sharp container. Never attempt to clean and reuse the needle, as this poses a risk of infection.

Q3. What is the difference between piercing needles and cannulas?

A3. Cannula/ piercing gun is a device used to create a hole in the ear for the insertion of studs. On the other hand, piercing needles are hollow, sharp, and single-use. Needle nose pliers create a precise hole that allows for the easy insertion of various types of earrings. Using cannulas can cause bruising and swelling in the pierced area, which can be treated with ice and over-the-counter medication.

Q4. What are the different sizes of piercing needles?

A4. Piercing needles come in various sizes, from 14G to 20G. The gauge indicates the thickness of the needle. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the needle. Needles with a lower gauge number are commonly used for cartilage and thicker skin.