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Before you go for your first body piercing be sure that you have researched and have found a good artist who follows correct hygiene procedures. This, in itself, should help to put your mind at rest knowing that you are in safe hands.

If you are going to have a lip piercing then you should refrain from eating and drinking directly beforethe piercing procedure takes place as you want your mouth area to be clean and fresh to avoid infection. You are not advised to eat or drink for about two hours after the piercing either, so to make sure that you are not going to be really hungry or thirsty try eating a couple of hours before hand and have plenty of liquid. By liquid I don't mean alcohol as you want to be sober when you have a piercing done so you are fully aware that all is well.

Your piercing artist should wipe a sterile solution on any areas where you are to be pierced, such as your eyebrow or navel. Be doubly sure that the area is clean by making sure yourself before going into the establishment.

Research what you are having done and be aware of the procedure that is to be followed so that you are not taken by surprise. Body clamps are often used and can seem worrying if you are not expecting them!

If possible take a friend who already has had a piercing, and so is familiar with the procedure, with you. They can reassure you and take your mind off of whats going on.

If you have any worries or concerns then don't hesitate to discuss them with your piercing artist. They should be able to dispel your fears and give you any advice that you need about after-care too.

If you are like me then you may faint at the sight of blood. This can be frustrating for the fainter and embarrassing. Hopefully you will not be seeing much blood and your artist will take good care of you so that you don't have to worry. If this is concerning you then it is one of the things that you may want to discuss with the artist before going ahead. Rest assured that an experienced artist will have seen it all before and will know what to do.

The artist will give you advice for caring for your new piercing. Gather this information before, rather than after the event whilst you can take it all in. It is most likely that they will give you a leaflet about safety and care to take away with you.

Buy yourself what you need to care for your piercing, most likely cotton wool, sea-salt, antiseptic and paper towels, in advance.

If you are still incredibly nervous then it may be that you are not ready. There is no shame in this so don't be afraid to change your mind.

Learn more about this author, Bridget Webber.
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