by T. Scott Randolph

Created on: June 24, 2010

There are many disadvantages to getting a body piercing. The least of which is what your parents or grandparents might think. Of course depending on what the piercing is,  it may effect your ability to get a job. These are trivial disadvantages. We need to discuss the problems that can arise that are serious.

Body piercing is an invasive procedure. You are inserting a piece of metal (usually) into the skin. Your body doesn't want it to be there. It is up to the piercer to put it where it belongs. Just because you think it will look cool or sexy in a certain place, doesn't mean that it will work. This is one of those times that you need to listen to the body piercer.

Speaking of body piercer's. You need find one that is truly a professional. I have spent over 11 years perfecting my profession. That doesn't even take into the account the thousands of dollars that I have invested over the years. Plus keep in mind, being a professional piercer is like a doctor in the idea that it is an on going learning experience. Even holding the rank of a Master Piercer, I learn something new every day.

There are many things that can go wrong with even a routine piercing. This could be classified as a disadvantage. Almost any place that you would want to get a piercing, you will be close to a blood vessel. Think of the human circulatory like a tree. You have the major articles as the trunk, but there are still veins and articles that branch out. Any of these can bleed quite a bit if the Piercer happens to hit it.

Another huge disadvantage of getting a body piercing is the chance of getting an infection. Most people are worried about HIV/Aids. Since the virus will only live in Oxygen for between 20 and 30 seconds this is not the one you need to worry about. Hepatitis, staph, and other infections, on the other hand are of great concern. If the piercer is a professional and is using sterile equipment, the risk is greatly reduced. The biggest problem comes from customers. They don't listen to the piercer about not touching the piercing, aftercare and healing time.

All of these problems fall into the category of disadvantages of body piercings. The sad part is that they are all easily fixed. If people would do what they are suppose to, piercings could and would be very safe.

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