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| | | The cost of a body piercing varies depending on the location of the body being pierced, the type of piercing and the individual piercer. | | |
| Typical costs: | - A body piercing typically costs $20 to $55 for earlobes, ear cartilage or cheek.
- A body piecing typically costs $30 to $65 for the eyebrow, nose, navel or nipple.
- A body piercing typically costs $40 to $85 or more for a medusa (a piercing above the lip), the tongue web or the surface of the body, such as at the nape of the neck.
- Body piercings are considered cosmetic and are not covered by medical insurance. However, treatment for complications from a piercing, such as infection, would usually be covered.
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| What should be included: | - The piercing artist will disinfect the area, then use a hollow needle to pierce the skin -- or cartilage -- and then insert the body jewelry. The piercer should provide detailed aftercare instructions based on the type of piercing.
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| Additional costs: | - Piercing costs usually include basic body jewelry, but jewelry upgrades cost extra. The body jewelry used should be made of implant-grade materials.
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| Discounts: | - Some piercers offer discounts for multiple piercings, repeat customers or groups.
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| Shopping for body piercings: | - Make sure the piercing studio you choose is licensed by your local health department and follows meticulous health standards -- including the use of a properly functioning autoclave machine for sterilization, use of gloves and only using equipment from individual sterilized and sealed packages. They also should never use a piercing gun, since these cannot be properly sterilized. The Association of Professional Piercers offers a detailed guide on how to choose a reputable piercer and a search-by-state function.
- Tip: Once you have located a studio, ask how long the piercer has been practicing and ask to see before-and-after photographs of previous work.
- Body piercing risks include: blood-borne diseases, such as hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis and HIV; allergic reactions, skin infections and scars or keloids, which are bumpy areas caused by a build-up of scar tissue. Oral piercings can cause dental problems, such as damage to gum tissue or cracked teeth.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated November 2007 |
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