September 23, 2024

Nipple Piercing: Healing, Cost, Pain, Jewelry, Risks, Aftercare

Nipple piercings date back to the fourteenth century and had a brief period of popularity and revival in Victorian England. Historians believe that nipple piercing symbolizes erotic and lustful ecstasy.

What Is a Nipple Piercing?

A nipple piercing is located through the nipple of the breast. The piercing typically involves passing a needle horizontally or vertically through the center of the nipple, and jewelry such as a barbell, ring, or captive bead ring is inserted into the hole.

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What to Consider Before Getting a Nipple Piercing?

A nipple piercing enhances aesthetic appeal and can increase sexual sensitivity for most women, offering a bold form of self-expression.

However, it can be quite painful compared to other types of piercings, especially right after the piercing, not to mention when you rub against it or bounce up and down.

It also has a long healing time, and carries risks like infection or snagging. Proper care is crucial, and it may also affect breastfeeding for some women.

Nipple Piercing Pain Scale

Does nipple piercing hurt? On average, a nipple piercing ranks an 8 on a scale of 1-10. Compared to other types of piercings, a nipple piercing will hurt more than ear piercings but will hurt less than a genital piercing.

That being said, nipple-piercing pain varies from person to person. How painful a nipple piercing is will ultimately depend on how sensitive your nipples are.

Nipple Piercing Healing Time

On the faster end, your piercing might be healed in 4 to 6 months. However, it's not uncommon for a nipple piercing to take 1 year or even longer to completely heal.

Generally speaking, nipple piercings take longer to heal than many other body piercings. And it's impossible to know exactly how long the healing process will take until you get a piercing.

When Can I Change My Nipple Piercing?

To avoid infections and other complications, it is best to wait 12 months to change your nipple piercing. You'll need to be patient: nipple piercings can take 3 to 12 months to heal completely!

Nipple Piercing Cost

How much is a nipple piercing? On average, you can expect to pay $30-$60. That being said, the cost of an industrial piercing will depend on the piercer and the type of jewelry you get.

Remember that paying extra will likely be worth it if you get high-quality jewelry with an experienced, safe piercer. This is because you’re more likely to have a positive experience during and after your appointment as your piercings heal.

Nipple Piercing Pros and Cons

Pros

Nipple piercings are considered visually appealing and can enhance body confidence.
Some people report heightened sensitivity in the area post-piercing.
For some, nipple piercings can add a new dynamic to their intimate life, increasing pleasure during certain activities.
There’s a wide range of jewelry options to personalize the look.
Many find it an empowering, bold body modification.

Cons

The piercing process and healing can be painful due to the nipple's sensitivity (8 out of 10 on the pain scale).
The jewelry may catch on clothing, leading to discomfort or injury.
Full healing can take 6-12 months, requiring proper care to prevent infection.
Improperly pierced nipples might interfere with breastfeeding for some women.

Nipple Piercing Jewelry: Types of Nipple Piercings

Common types of nipple piercings include straight barbells (bars), horseshoe barbells (circular barbells), captive bead rings, segment rings, and dangles.

1. Straight Barbells (Bars)

Ashley Piercing Jewelry implant-grade titanium nipple piercing bar $22.9, SHOP NOW.

This is one of the most popular types of nipple piercings. The straight barbell origin can be traced back to ancient cultures, where body modification was revered as a powerful form of self-expression and spirituality. From ancient Rome to indigenous tribes, it symbolized strength, balance, and symmetry.

This type of nipple piercing consists of a straight metal rod, typically made of high-quality materials like implant-grade titanium or surgical steel. The barbell features threaded ends that secure the jewelry in place.

2. Nipple Clickers

Ashley Piercing Jewelry Half-circle nipple clicker ring 14g implant-grade titanium $24.9, SHOP NOW.

Nipple clickers, also known as clicker rings, are a unique and trendy option for nipple piercing. They consist of a circular or half circle ring with a hinged opening mechanism that clicks into place, creating a secure fit.

These types of nipple piercings can be an excellent choice for those looking for an eye-catching and easy-to-use option for their nipple piercing.

3. Horseshoe Barbells (Circular Barbells)

Titanium nose ring curved barbell horseshoe 5 pcs Rosery Poetry

Ashley Piercing Jewelry Titanium curved barbells $18.9, SHOP NOW.

The horseshoe barbell derives its name from its distinctive curved shape, resembling the eponymous footwear. It features two removable balls or decorative ends that secure the jewelry.

4. Captive Bead Rings (CBRs)

16 gauge nose ring captive bead Rosery Poetry

Ashley Piercing Jewelry 16 gauge piercing ring captive bead $15.9, SHOP NOW.

With no specific historical origin, this circular jewelry design offers a timeless appeal. It features a continuous ring made of materials like implant-grade titanium or K gold, with a small opening where a removable bead is held captive between the ends of the ring.

The CBR gets carefully inserted by opening the ring slightly, sliding it through the piercing, and then closing it securely with the bead in place.

5. Segment Rings

Ashley Piercing Jewelry simple and minimalist ring $15.9, SHOP NOW.

Segment rings comprise multiple segments that fit together seamlessly, forming a complete ring. These rings offer a sleek, modern aesthetic with a smooth, uninterrupted surface.

They come in various materials, such as surgical steel, titanium, or gold, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences.

6. Seamless Rings

14K gold nose ring hoop seamless ring $89.9, SHOP NOW.

Seamless rings, also known as continuous rings, offer a sleek and minimalistic option for nipple piercing. These types of nipple piercing have no visible openings or clasps, creating a seamless, uninterrupted circle. It is one of the simplest types of nipple piercings.

They are typically made from high-quality materials like titanium, ensuring durability and compatibility with the body.

7. Nipple Shields

Nipple clicker ring nipple shield gold and silver titanium 14G with CZ $22.9, SHOP NOW.

Nipple shields consist of a decorative piece that covers the areola and surrounds the nipple. These types of nipple piercings can feature various designs such as intricate patterns, gemstones, or dangling elements.

On average, nipple shields can range from $30 to $100. Higher-end or custom-made nipple shields with precious metals or gemstones tend to be at the higher end of the price range.

8. Dangles

Ashley Piercing Jewelry 16 gauge titanium nipple ring medical grade $23.9, SHOP NOW.

These types of nipple piercings typically feature decorative elements like beads, charms, or chains that hang below the nipple jewelry. Dangles offer a playful and flirtatious look, allowing you to express your style with sophistication.

Nipple dangles can be paired with various types of nipple piercings, such as barbells or captive bead rings, to create a stunning and eye-catching combination

Nipple Piercing Size

The standard nipple piercing gauge size is 14 gauge (14G), which translates to a 1.6-mm-thick piercing. 16 gauge (1.2mm) also works.
The length of the nipple piercing is usually 9/16 inches (14mm) and can range between 3/8 inches (10mm) to 5/8 inches (16mm) long.
For your first nipple ring, at least 1/2 inch (12mm) in diameter is recommended, and larger may be necessary.

Recommended Materials

Titanium: Implant-grade titanium nipple jewelry is strongly recommended. It is lightweight, nickel-free, and won’t tarnish. It’s often recommended for those who are allergic to brass, nickel, and other metals common for jewelry.
Solid gold: 14-karat gold nipple jewelry can offer an elevated look. However, they may be more pricey and could tarnish over time. Also consider if you have allergies, such as an allergy to gold.
Surgical-grade stainless steel: If you opt for stainless steel, you should opt for surgical-grade steel. It often contributes to a smooth healing process and is extremely durable. However, it does contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities.

Talk through all material options with your piercer to figure out what’s best for you and your skin.

Can You Breastfeed With a Nipple Piercing?

Some mothers want to know whether breastfeeding will be affected by nipple piercings, and the answer is normally No. A woman's nipple naturally has 8-12 openings which cannot all be blocked by a well-healed piercing.

In some cases, piercing the nipple can damage milk ducts and cause them to break in severe cases. When the milk ducts are damaged, body tissues will repair them with granulation, which may obstruct the milk ducts and compromise their functionality.

In addition, obstructed milk ducts can impede milk flow during breastfeeding and cause milk retention, breast enlargement, or even the formation of lumps.

Potential Risks

With proper care, your nipple piercing is likely to heal beautifully with no issues. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, you'll notice problems. The two main ones are a bump on or near the piercing and pus leaking from the piercing.

1. Bumps on Nipple Piercing

In many cases, a bump near the piercing is a sign of an abscess. If you notice a bump, it's a good idea to visit your doctor.

However, if you're hesitant about going, you can also get your piercer's opinion on the bump first. Experienced piercers are familiar with potential complications and should be able to identify a piercing-related abscess.

2. Nipple Piercing Crust

You notice crusting on the edge of the piercing. This can happen for several months, and even some healed piercings form crusts from time to time. As your piercing heals, you should notice the amount of crusting start to decrease.

Cleaning is important, as the crust can grow bacteria. If that bacteria enters the healing piercing, it can lead to infection.

3. Your Piercing Is Leaking Pus

If your piercing is leaking pus, you'll see fluid that looks different from the clear to the slightly yellow lymphatic fluid that comes out of nearly every new piercing. Pus is thick and usually looks yellow, green, or brown. In most cases, it has an unpleasant odor.

4. Nipple Piercing Infection

If you notice either one of these signs, you might be developing an infection. Infections in your nipple can quickly become systemic and cause serious issues. Make sure you see a doctor sooner rather than later.

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Nipple Piercing Aftercare

If you want to make sure your piercing heals fast so you can try out new jewelry, the best way to increase the odds of that happening is to take good care of your nipple piercing. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

The support of sports bra may provide protection and feel comfortable, especially for sleeping.
Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
Avoid getting in the water that might be dirty.
Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline solution made for wound cleaning or soap and water to prevent infection.
Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that may rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
Use hypoallergenic jewelry like implant-grade titanium and 14- or 18-karat gold. Surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions
Don't move the piercing unless you're cleaning it. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
Wait until your piercing heals before changing out your jewelry.
Watch for potential signs of infection and consult your piercer or doctor if it becomes infected.
Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest, as that can speed up the healing process.

Even if your aftercare is perfect, you may find that your piercing takes a while to heal. Some people's bodies just take longer when it comes to healing. Do your best to be patient, and you'll be enjoying your new jewelry soon!

How to Clean Nipple Piercing?

It is recommended to use sterile saline that you buy from the store, rather than homemade saline, for cleaning your piercings. Homemade saline may be too salty for delicate piercing sites, leading to dryness and delayed healing.

Using mild, fragrance-free soap and water to clean your piercing site is also an option.

If you prefer homemade salt solution. You can start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with one cup of distilled or boiled (for at least 20 minutes) water. You may choose to use less of the salt mixture like 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon if you want a weaker solution that’s less likely to burn or sting. Stir the solution until it dissolves.

If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid using them for daily cleaning as they can damage cells.

Then proceed with the following steps to clean your piercing:

Soak a cotton ball, a paper towel or non-plush cloth with the solution. Avoid fabrics that could snag and pull the jewelry or leave fibers behind. Gently saturate the piercing and cleanse it. Don't remove the jewelry!
If you have a sterile saline wound wash that you buy from stores, then spay it while healing.
Ensure you cleanse the piercing of any discharge or crusty material.
Take clean gauze or cotton swabs and pat the area dry.
Never scrub, poke, prod, or scrape at the piercing.
Be sure to repeat this process at least 2-3 times a day or as advised by your piercer.

Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on how to keep your piercing clean once it has been placed.

In the End

Even if your aftercare is perfect, you may find that your piercing takes a while to heal. Some people's bodies just take longer when it comes to healing. Do your best to be patient, and you'll be enjoying your new jewelry soon!