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couldbemage -> RE: DIY nipple piercings? (7/27/2009 4:06:32 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: CallaFirestormBW
quote:
ORIGINAL: HandSolo
This has shown up twice in this thread, and it isn't really accurate. A piercing needle is no different from a hypodermic needle, I suspect they originate from the same manufacturers. They don't create a hole any different from the one made if you donate blood; it's a small, clean cut. By all means do use a piercing needle, for sterility, not the design. In the olden days, I pierced myself many times, using a nail which I had sharpened in the same manner as a hypodermic (I learned to work metal from a machinist). No problems I haven't experienced or witnessed from professional piercings or from using proper needles. I have had to give up on one home-grown, and one professional piercing, a nipple, and the web between my thumb and forefinger, respectively. Most of the others, I took out after a week or two, because I really don't like permanent body modifications, but I am drawn to the sensation.
Ah, having seen and held and sterilized professional piercing needles of 8-22 gauge sizes, I can tell you that they -are-, in fact, both tapered and hollow. Larger-gauge needles (12g and larger) do actually remove a 'tunnel' of tissue, similar to a fine needle biopsy procedure. Occasionally, especially where very large-gauge holes are desired, a dermal punch is used to remove a clean section of tissue.
Informationally, a hypodermic needle (usually in 26-18 gauge) is -also- tapered and hollow. Needles (whether piercing or hypodermic) are also made of surgical stainless steel, which has been finely polished so that it is nearly completely smooth, with no flaws in the metal that might hold bacteria, etc. Nails are often made of steel alloy, and may be dipped in a number of substances, including phosphate and zinc, in order to help them last longer and move through wood more easily. None of these substances is healthy when in contact with open wounds.
To each their own, but since there -are- viable options out there, I wouldn't suggest using nails, safety pins, sewing needles, or other tools not meant for the procedure. It may not do any harm at all--but I guess it doesn't seem worth the risk to me, when getting a piercing needle (and a capture cork) is pretty easy.
Dame Calla
I've both had and done many piercings. Including large gauge, like 6.
Needles do not cut round holes.
They cut crescent slits, but typically only the entry wound is a clean cut crescent. It's real obvious looking at the scars on my knees.
....and if you haven't figured it out, I do hook suspensions.
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