Mythbusters of Piercing – Separating Fact from Fiction
Professional Piercing at Eternal Tattoo Inn
Introduction
In the vibrant streets of Thamel, Kathmandu, body piercing has become increasingly popular among both locals and tourists seeking unique forms of self-expression. At Eternal Tattoo Inn, recognized as one of the best tattoo and piercing studios in Nepal, we’ve heard countless myths and misconceptions about piercing that often prevent people from experiencing this ancient art form. Today, we’re setting the record straight by debunking the most common piercing myths with facts backed by professional expertise.
Myth 1: All Piercings Are Extremely Painful
The Fiction: Many people avoid getting piercings because they believe the pain is unbearable, regardless of the location.
The Fact: Pain levels vary significantly depending on the piercing location, individual pain tolerance, and most importantly, the skill of your piercer. At Eternal Tattoo Inn, our professional piercers in Kathmandu use techniques that minimize discomfort. Most clients describe the sensation as a quick pinch rather than severe pain. Ear lobe piercings typically rank lowest on the pain scale, while cartilage piercings may cause more discomfort but are still very manageable.
Expert Insight: “The anticipation of pain is often worse than the actual experience,” explains our lead piercer. “Most piercings take only seconds to complete, and the momentary discomfort is quickly forgotten when you see your beautiful new adornment.”
Myth 2: Any Jewelry Will Work for a New Piercing
The Fiction: You can use any jewelry you like for a fresh piercing, including fashion jewelry from local markets.
The Fact: Using improper jewelry for new piercings is one of the leading causes of complications. Professional piercing studios in Nepal, like Eternal Tattoo Inn, use only high-quality, implant-grade materials such as titanium, surgical stainless steel, or 14k gold. These materials minimize the risk of allergic reactions and infections while promoting proper healing.
Expert Insight: “The quality of initial jewelry is crucial for successful healing. Low-quality metals can contain nickel and other allergens that cause irritation, prolonged healing times, and even rejection of the piercing.”
Myth 3: Piercing Guns Are Safe and Effective
The Fiction: Piercing guns used in many mall kiosks and jewelry stores are perfectly safe for all types of piercings.
The Fact: Piercing guns cannot be properly sterilized between uses and can cause significant tissue trauma. They force a blunt stud through the skin, potentially causing scarring and prolonged healing. At Eternal Tattoo Inn, we exclusively use sterile, single-use needles for all piercings, which create clean, precise holes that heal more efficiently.
Expert Insight: “Professional piercers never use piercing guns. The blunt force trauma from guns can shatter cartilage and create ideal conditions for infections. Hollow needles, on the other hand, remove a small tissue plug rather than forcing the skin apart, resulting in less trauma and quicker healing.”
Myth 4: Piercings Never Close Up
The Fiction: Once you get a piercing, the hole will remain open forever, even without jewelry.
The Fact: Most piercings will begin to close relatively quickly when jewelry is removed, especially newer piercings. Even long-established piercings can shrink or close completely if left without jewelry for extended periods. The timeframe varies based on the piercing location, how long you’ve had it, and individual healing factors.
Expert Insight: “If you need to temporarily remove your jewelry, consider using a clear glass or bioplast retainer to keep the piercing open, especially for newer piercings that haven’t fully matured.”
Myth 5: Cleaning with Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide Is Best
The Fiction: Strong antiseptics like alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are the best way to keep piercings clean and prevent infection.
The Fact: These harsh products actually damage healthy cells and slow down the healing process. At Eternal Tattoo Inn, we recommend gentle aftercare using saline solution (salt water) for cleaning. Overcleaning can be as problematic as inadequate cleaning.
Expert Insight: “The body knows how to heal itself. Our job is to support that natural process with minimal interference. Gentle saline cleaning twice daily removes debris without irritating the healing tissue.”
Myth 6: Infections Mean You Should Remove the Jewelry
The Fiction: If a piercing becomes infected, you should immediately remove the jewelry to allow it to heal.
The Fact: Removing jewelry from an infected piercing can trap bacteria inside as the piercing closes, potentially leading to an abscess. If you suspect an infection, consult with a professional piercer or healthcare provider before removing your jewelry.
Expert Insight: “Most issues people identify as ‘infections’ are actually irritations that can be resolved with proper aftercare. True infections require medical attention, but removing jewelry should be the last resort, not the first response.”
Myth 7: You Can’t Get MRIs with Piercings
The Fiction: Having metal piercings means you can never get an MRI.
The Fact: While you will need to remove ferromagnetic jewelry before an MRI, many high-quality piercing materials like titanium and certain grades of stainless steel are non-ferromagnetic and MRI-safe. Additionally, temporary non-metallic retainers can be used to keep piercings open during medical procedures.
Expert Insight: “This is why material quality matters beyond just the healing phase. At Eternal Tattoo Inn, we can help clients select jewelry that works with their lifestyle needs, including medical considerations.”
Myth 8: Piercings Are Just a Modern Trend
The Fiction: Body piercing is just a contemporary fashion statement without cultural significance.
The Fact: Body piercing has deep historical and cultural roots across many civilizations, including in Nepal and throughout South Asia. Evidence of ear and nose piercings dates back thousands of years, with many traditional practices still observed today. Modern piercing builds upon this rich heritage while embracing new techniques and safety standards.
Expert Insight: “Understanding the cultural history of piercing helps us appreciate it as more than just fashion. Many of our clients in Kathmandu choose piercings that connect them to their cultural heritage while expressing their individual identity.”
Myth 9: All Piercers Have the Same Level of Expertise
The Fiction: Anyone offering piercing services has the same level of training and expertise.
The Fact: Professional piercing requires extensive training in anatomy, proper technique, sterilization procedures, and aftercare guidance. At Eternal Tattoo Inn, our piercers undergo rigorous training and continuing education to ensure the highest standards of safety and artistry.
Expert Insight: “Always research your piercer’s credentials and portfolio before getting pierced. A professional studio will be happy to discuss their training, show you their sterilization procedures, and answer all your questions before proceeding.”
Myth 10: Piercings Are Unprofessional in the Workplace
The Fiction: Having visible piercings will prevent you from finding professional employment.
The Fact: Workplace attitudes toward piercings have evolved significantly in recent years. Many companies now embrace diverse forms of self-expression, including piercings. Additionally, many piercings can be made less visible with clear or flesh-colored retainers when necessary.
Expert Insight: “We work with many professionals who balance their personal style with workplace expectations. From subtle, elegant pieces to retainers for more conservative environments, there are solutions for every lifestyle.”
Conclusion
At Eternal Tattoo Inn, we believe that informed clients make the best decisions about their body modifications. By dispelling these common myths about piercing, we hope to help more people in Kathmandu and beyond feel confident about expressing themselves through this ancient art form.
If you’re considering a piercing, we invite you to visit our hygienic studio in Thamel for a consultation with our experienced piercers. We’ll address any concerns you might have and help you choose the perfect piercing to express your unique style.
Ready to separate piercing fact from fiction in person? Book your consultation with Eternal Tattoo Inn today – Kathmandu’s premier destination for safe, professional piercing services.
