BodyJ4You Blog
How to Get Rid of Piercing Bumps (and Keep Them Away)
You’ve taken the plunge and got yourself a brand new piercing. Congrats! But you’ve started to notice a pesky bump around your piercing, even though you’ve been doing your piercing aftercare. Don’t panic. These bumps can show up for anyone, even veterans. So, how do you make a piercing bump go away? In this blog, we’ll give you the complete breakdown of the best piercing bump treatment, including what to avoid and which products to use. *Psst* We’ve made a handy video if you’re more of a listener than a reader. 😉 What is a piercing bump? Before we get started telling you how to get rid of a piercing bump and piercing bump treatment, let’s pin down exactly what one is. A piercing bump is a hard piece of tissue that forms inside or near the piercing. They usually occur in areas of more dense tissue like the cartilage or your nose. There are a few types of piercing bumps: hypertrophic scarring, cysts caused by dead skin or hair, or swelling of infectious fluid. Not ideal. Do piercing bumps go away? The short answer is yes; most piercing bumps will reduce over time. Even a persistent cyst or abscesses will get better with the help of some home remedies or a specialist piercing bump treatment. However, if you are dealing with a keloid, it might be a different story. Piercing bumps vs keloid There is an important distinction between a piercing bump and a keloid. So, what is a keloid? It is a larger, rubbery (often permanent) scar. It will stand out from any other kind of bump because it will be much larger than the surface area of the wound. These troublesome bumps have three times more collagen than hypertrophic scars and 20 times more collagen than healthy skin. Unfortunately, keloids can’t be as easily taken care of with at-home piercing bump treatment. If you think you have a keloid, it’s best to go to a dermatologist as you might need steroids, a chemotherapy injection, or even have it surgically removed. This may all sound scary, but keloids are rarer than the average piercing bump. You’re more likely to experience keloids if you have a darker skin tone or if there is a family history of keloid formation. The long and short of it is if you haven’t had a keloid by the time you’re in your 20s, the chances are you won’t be getting one anytime soon. How to make a piercing bump go away Now that you’ve identified that you have a piercing bump and not a keloid, here is a step-by-step guide on how to treat it. 1. Find out what’s causing the issue It may sound obvious, but it’s the most important step. There are many factors that lead to skin irritation, especially around the site of new piercings and tattoos. It might be something in your daily routine, so think about what you’ve been up to since you got your piercing. Common causes of bumps include a new piercing snagging or getting caught on something. This can happen in the first sixth months after getting your piercing if you sleep on it funny or catch it on something like your headphones. Other causes include poor fitting or poor quality jewelry, dirt getting in the wound, changes in humidity, or dramatic changes in air pressure (so maybe hold off on getting that helix before your holiday ✈️ ). New piercings are really exciting, but it’s important to remember that they act like wounds, and the skin needs time to heal. So remember to wash your hands regularly before touching your piercing, and maybe stay off the animal cuddles until it’s fully healed. 2. Check the jewelry When getting a piercing, there are a few things you need to check the quality of the jewelry is one of them. This is why it’s really important to get your piercings done at a professional studio. While it may be tempting to try and save a few dollars on a cheaper piercing, you’re going to pay for it in the long run. Make sure your stud or ring is made of an appropriate material like stainless steel, surgical plastic, or even glass. Even if it’s made from a good quality metal or plastic, a poor-fitting piercing can cause just as many issues. When the jewelry is being fitted, there needs to be enough room for swelling. If you think your jewelry might be poorly fitted, go to a trusted piercing studio in your area, and they should be able to check the quality of your piercing. 3. Clean your piercing One of the most important steps of a piercing journey is aftercare. Cleaning your piercing every day will reduce the chance of cysts or bumps appearing. You don’t necessarily need anything fancy; an antibacterial soap should be enough. But if you want to take that bit of extra care, cleaning the piercing with a sea-salt solution will help protect against infection. 4. Get a piercing bump treatment @bodyj4you New!! Piercing Bump Aftercare Treatment,Scar Removal Shrinking Keloid Soothing Skin Recovery,Ear Lobe,Tragus,Nose,Lip,Natural Solution Oil Drop (10ml) #bodyj4you #piercingbumb #oiltreatment #piercingtok #bodyjewlery #soothingskincare #skincaretiktok #oildrops #aftercarepiercing ♬ original sound - BodyJ4You All these tips are great for avoiding getting an abscess in the first place, but what if you’ve already got a piercing bump? Well, then it’s time to try a piercing bump aftercare treatment. Oils such as BodyJ4You Bump Solution can reduce redness, swelling, and scarring. Apply natural aftercare like this two to three times a day. 5. Try home remedies We’ve already mentioned salt solutions, but there are a few remedies you can try with things you can find in your (or your mom’s) kitchen cupboard. Some bumps respond well to a herbal press, which can be made from camomile tea and hot water. The camomile reduces the inflammation and the heat can help draw out some of the irritation. The same can be done with tea tree oil and turmeric (which has antiseptic properties). If none of these work, apple cider vinegar is a very effective home remedy. A study conducted by the European Journal of General Medicine concluded that it was an effective remedy against infection due to its percentage of acetic acid. 6. Be patient Sometimes the best remedy for a piercing bump is time. As we mentioned before, when you get a new piercing, your body is healing from a wound — and it’s very good at doing that. Before you jump to try all the forms of piercing bump treatment, give the site time to heal, which can take a few weeks or months. Experts recommend waiting three to six months before changing your jewelry. However, if you have a piercing bump that won’t go away after more than six months, consult your doctor or your dermatologist.
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Ear Stretching: What You Need To Know Before and After
Intro To Ear Stretching Ear stretching is a process that takes time and most of all patience. When stretching it is most important that you are paying very close attention to your ear lobes. Make sure there are no tears, cuts, or blowouts. When on your stretching journey, or even after, it is important to make sure you are still caring for your lobes with the right ear stretching aftercare products. Ear stretching is something that requires time, patience, and lots of attention. You have to always be keeping up with the care. That means paying attention to sizing, skin, cleaning, products, and doing some research. It’s a job but worth the work in the end! Ear Stretching Kit Recommendation If you are thinking about stretching your ears, you need to have the right material! Stainless Steel is best and highly recommended. BodyJ4You has a Stretching Kit of 37 pieces. This kit comes with tapers and tunnel plugs that go with each size you stretch to. Or if you prefer acrylic, BodyJ4You also has a variety to choose from! You also have the option of using silicone tunnels if preferred. Keep in mind everyone’s skin is different and what works for others might not work for you. This is where BodyJ4You comes in to help you find what's best in your stretching journey! Find what kit suits you! Shop here! Ear Stretching Aftercare Now that you have the jewelry, you need an aftercare product to stretch with. When stretching, you need a product that helps your skin to smoothly stretch and keep hydrated. At BodyJ4You we have a Gauge Stretching Balm. How this works: apply the balm to your ear lobes and around your ear stretching jewelry (plugs, tunnels, eyelets, hangers..etc). You then start to stretch. Remember to go slow and listen to your body. If needed, apply more balm to jewelry. Shop here! View our Ear Stretching Video to see a visual representation of how to stretch your earlobes correctly. More Aftercare Suggestions After you have stretched to a new size (gauge), it’s important to clean around your piercing so no buildup happens. This will help prevent infections or irritations. BodyJ4You has a Piercing Aftercare Solution to use on all piercings. Before cleaning, you should wash your hands and make sure everything being used is clean. If preferred to keep the piercing in, you could apply the solution to a q-tip, then apply the product around where the skin and jewelry touch. Make sure to get all around the jewelry and clean it very well! Or you can soak your lobes in solution to clean deeply. Shop here! Jojoba Oil is something that is highly recommended and widely used in the ear stretching community. It contains Vitamin E Complex, Vitamin B Complex, Silicon, Chromium, Copper and Zinc. Not only can it be used for your skin, but also for your hair. It's great to apply to healing skin or at whatever stage you are in your stretching journey. For best results, take out your jewelry and apply oil to your lobes. It is great to massage your lobes with oil for about 10 mins. This helps heal any wounds and helps strengthen your skin. Shop here! Maintenance The best way to keep your ears healthy is to try and clean them daily. For example, when you take a shower you can take out your jewelry and clean your lobes. After, massage your ear with the Jojoba oil. Then apply some balm and insert your jewelry. During this time you should also be examining your ear. Looking out for cuts or potential blowouts. If skins look a little too red or purple. If your skin seems to be thinning out, the jojoba oil is great as it helps thicken the skin. If really bad you must size down to help the skin thicken and repair itself. Be sure that whenever changing your jewelry, you are cleaning it well for the next use. BodyJ4You also has a 3 Piece Solution Set which includes the Piercing Solution, Gauge Stretching Balm, and Jojoba Oil. Shop here! How To Deal With Ear Issues? It's important to stretch properly in order to maintain healthy lobes. If ever there is discomfort in the ear, it is then best to size down. If you put too much pressure on your lobes it can cause a bad blowout. This can cause the skin to turn purple and turn inside out. If this is the case, you need to take out the jewelry immediately and size it down to an appropriate size. Pay extra close attention to the skin and keep it clean to prevent infections. After getting to your goal size, you want to make sure you stay there! Sometimes we get too comfortable and forget our gauges are even there. Be sure to be careful so that nothing hits, tugs, or hurts your lobes. Know what jewelry feels right for you. Nothing too heavy or something that can get caught. Be sure to also not play with your jewelry. You don’t want to be fumbling with it and something is not right. It’s possible that bacteria can get in or your jewelry can slip out. BodyJ4You babes with stretched earlobes! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you)
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Are Chokers Still In Fashion?
If you go to music festivals, clubs, shopping malls, or really anywhere with an age demographic between 10-60, you have most likely seen people wearing choker collars. Chokers are a great accessory for a variety of different looks but before we dive into the different types of chokers and how to style them, we are first going to talk about where chokers first originated! Origin and History of Chokers Wearing choker necklaces dates back to thousands of years ago with the first people to wear them being the Sumer empire in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Why did these women wear them you may ask? Women in these cultures wore them not just for appearance but for two main reasons: protection and power. Egyptian women especially believed that gold jewelry gave them superpowers because they associated it with the sun and life-giving powers of the Nile River. These chokers were elaborately decorated with multiple strands of beautiful beadwork and stones. After this period in time the next era that chokers were popular again were during the Renaissance. During Alexandra of Denmark’s reign as Princess of Wales, she became a notable figure in fashion and popularized her favorite piece of jewelry. They would continue to stay popular in the Art Nouveau period but faded after the Art Deco period in the 1930’s. They didn’t become popular again until the 90’s where they were a major hit. Today, with the rise in 90’s throwback culture, they may be more popular than ever with people donning them everywhere they go and truly embracing their inner 90’s aesthetic. Popular Chokers and How To Style Them Tattoo Chokers: These are one of the most popular types of chokers on the market today. They are the true essence of 90’s style and the nostalgia factor is why many people love to wear them. You can wear a simple black one or brighten it up with a rainbow or pastel color. They even have tattoo chokers with flowers or beads embedded into them and some even have charms! How to Style: You can create so many different looks with these types of chokers. Simple black ones are good for an edgy, alternative look and are paired best with crop tops, flannels, band tees, and tanks. Colorful tattoo chokers look good with vibrant colored clothing and also pair very well with bright festival outfits. Shop this set here!4 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) Leather Chokers with Rings: Another very popular type of choker are leather chokers that have rings in the middle. They come in many different colors such as black, white, and pink with black being the most popular color. They also can have different shaped rings such as hearts. Many people may associate these types of chokers with goth culture and that is very true but anyone can wear these types of chokers! They can be paired with many different looks! How to Style: Like black tattoo chokers, these also pair well with an alternative, edgy look and some may even create an entire black look when wearing them. They are perfect for wearing to concerts or a night out at the club. White and pink chokers are perfect for summertime looks and actually pair well with swimwear! Shop this set here! Leather Metal Spike Chokers: If you want to truly embrace the goth, punk, and/or metal scene then these are the chokers for you! These types of chokers were very common in the 90’s and come in a variety of different shapes. They are typically black in appearance and are rarely seen in other colors. How to Style: Like the two mentioned before, these types of chokers pair great with a metal, alternative style such as dark-colored flannels, black clothing, and band tees. They are definitely a very unique look and can be found on people in the mosh pits of your favorite metal/punk bands! Shop this set here! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) Velvet chokers: These are slightly more simple than the chokers mentioned above. They can come in a variety of different colors such as black, burgundy, blue, green, ect. Some may even have charms dangling from them. How to Style: They are super soft and can honestly be paired with most any look such as basic tees, crop tops, and even dresses. Can be dressed up or down! Shop this set here! Long Tie-Around Chokers: These types of chokers are long strands that can be tied around your neck typically more than once and can be styled a variety of ways. They come in a variety of colors such as black and burgundy. Sometimes they may have beads at the ends of them to give them even more pizazz. How to Style: These types of chokers are more fashionable than your average choker. They pair great with a basic tank but also can add a nice finishing touch to a dress. Shop this set here! No matter which style choker you choose, know that you are making a fashion statement by wearing one! Check out all of the beautiful different types of chokers that BodyJ4you has today!
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Piercing Guns vs Needles: Which is Better?
When you’re getting your next piercing, you may end up having to choose between a professional that uses either a piercing gun, or one that prefers a needle. Depending on which one they use, you may end up with different results at the end of the process. But what’s the difference between the two? Before making a decision about which way you want to go, it’s a good idea to find out what you’re in for with either option. Today, we’ll be touching on the pros and cons of each, before making an assessment of which is generally better to go for based on the latest industry trends. Piercing Guns and Needles: The Basics To understand the core difference between the piercing guns and needles, it's helpful to understand each on their own. A piercing gun is an ear piercing instrument that drives a pointed starter earring through the lobe. These are reusable and commonly found in jewelry shops in shopping malls. As a result, they aren’t always used by people who have had sufficient training. Needles are commonly used as an alternative, and in the piercing space they are the same as those used by medical professionals. These needles are not designed to remove tissue, rather just opening up space in the skin for the jewelry to nestle gently into. Piercing Gun Pros & Cons One of the first positives about piercing guns is that they are relatively easy to use, and are widely accessible. You won’t struggle to find somewhere on short notice, although it can be risky to take a gamble on a new space you haven’t been referred to. Piercings from guns are cheaper if they come from a person that isn’t professionally trained to conduct them, and are very quick (a single pull of the trigger). The associated risks are however pretty high. Piercing guns are less versatile than needles: they are designed to be used exclusively for earlobes. Tissue trauma is more likely than with a needle, which can cause additional swelling and increase the risk of trauma. Needles for Piercings: Pros and Cons Needles are single-use objects, meaning they won’t be used from one person to the next. This offers a clean, sanitized solution that reduces the risk of infection. Done correctly, needle piercings should not be overly painful, as they are very sharp. They are versatile instruments that can be used in many different parts of the body, leaving room for you to explore from piercing to piercing. There is an important downside to keep in mind. Needle piercings require trained professionals, meaning that they will likely be more expensive than when you use someone with a piercing gun in a mall. The added cost for professional care may end up being well worth it, especially once the piercing has healed without any problems. The Better Fit Based on Your Needs Side-by-side, it looks like although piercing guns and needles both have a list of pros to keep in mind, the latter does seem to have less downsides to consider. Both involve relatively simple techniques, each of which poses its own risks. At the end of the day, the decision is yours to make based on your own needs. The BodyJ4You team is here to make the process of getting a piercing as simple as possible for you. Once you’ve decided the route you’re going to, check out our piercing kits and jewelry options for added inspiration.
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Everything to Know Before Getting a Nipple Piercing
Nipple piercings are gaining popularity all over the world. Traditionally, these rather simple body piercings at the base of the nipple have struggled to gain klout due to stigma and a host of misconceptions around getting them in the first place. If you’re thinking about getting a nipple piercing in the coming weeks, it’s good to quash any myths and to set yourself up for the best possible experience. This guide touches on everything you need to know before you start the process, including pain expectations, the possible complications you should be aware of, as well as the healing time you’ll need for it to be 100% sorted. Expected Pain Levels If you’re getting one or both of your nipples pierced, you should expect some pain during the process. Both during and for the week after it is done. Because of the high amount of nerve endings in the area, it is considered to be one of the more sensitive spots for piercings or tattoos. Although the immediate pain will go away during the course of the first seven to ten days, the spot may feel slightly tender and a bit irritated as it goes through the longer healing process. At the end of the day, the result will be well worth the effort. Go into the experience prepared to experience some discomfort, all the while staying mindful about why it is you’re doing it to begin with. Average Healing Time Any piercing requires going straight through the skin, your primary defense against infections every day. A foreign “disturbance” is going to put your skin under some duress, resulting in an immune system response. Nipple piercings can take a long time to heal based on where they are located and because you have to wear clothing as you go about your day. Expect an average total healing time of nine to twelve months, factoring in that additional complications might cause trouble along the way. Let’s detail what some of these might be so you know what you may be dealing with. Potential Complications Down the Line While the area is still inflamed, there is a greater likelihood that it can get infected, mostly due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissue around the wound. A clear sign of this is unusual redness, swelling and drainage that is clear in color. Other responses from the body may include a hot or sensitive nipple, fever, aches, rashes and general fatigue. If the redness spreads beyond just the area that was pierced, it’s important to see a medical professional to make sure everything is alright. A Boost for the Recovery Process At BodyJ4You, our aftercare products are specifically designed to give the healing process after getting any type of piercing a much needed boost. We’ve even added piercing kits to our catalog to ensure that the highest quality, safest products are out on the market. Nipple piercings are slightly more complicated than others, requiring more maintenance than the average piercing. That’s not to say that they aren’t worth the effort. Before you know it, you’ll be showing off the latest addition to your body on the beach in summer, or simply privately in the comfort of your own home.
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Piercing Pain Guide: The Most Painful Areas for Piercings and Tattoos
Body piercings and tattoos have long stopped being taboo, with millennials and Gen Z’s actively using them as a form of creative expression these days. Although Baby Boomer’s may still take some warming up to the ideas, times are changing (and have already changed) very fast. No matter how old you are, if you’re considering getting one or the other in the near future, you’re going to want to know about the areas that are most painful to do so. This guide will help with deciding exactly where you want the tattoo or piercing should go, before starting to get excited about what lays ahead. Why Do Piercings and Tattoos Hurt So Much? Although the pain does tend to subside quickly, it’s no secret that it hurts to get a tattoo or a piercing. This is simply a natural response to undergoing the needle-based injection of ink into the skin, or a hole being made somewhere on the body. Tattoos “damage” the skin to an extent to achieve the desired result, which is why painful swelling occurs too. In a more technical sense, tattoos and piercings hurt so much because they bring nerves into contact with a needle or piercing gun. A general rule to keep in mind when you’re choosing an area: the fewer nerves in the area, the less pain you are likely to experience. Consider Variable Pain Thresholds That said, we’re all wired differently at the end of the day. This makes it impossible to generalize and assume that one person will experience the same level of pain than another. There are a couple of indicators, many of which are based on scientific research, to suggest that a few factors might affect people’s pain threshold. These range from sex (women tend to experience pain more intensely than men), to age, weight and even experience. You won’t have a true idea about your pain threshold relative to tattoos and piercings if you haven’t done it at least once. Expectation Setting: Different Types of Pain When getting any tattoo or piercing, you’re likely to experience different types of pain based on how these are done. There are general sensations that people have experienced and shared, including background (or dull), burning, scratching, vibrating and stinging pain. An experienced tattoo or piercing artist will be able to tell you which one to expect based on where you’re getting your new creative addition. By setting a few expectations, you’ll be able to tell when things aren’t going according to plan, especially if it is your first time. Work with a professional that communicates openly about this, offering peace of mind that you are in good hands along the way. The Most Painful Areas for Piercings There are a couple of areas on the body that are known for being more painful than others. Knowing about these will help you to make a more informed decision about where you should be getting yours. Genital and nipple piercings are typically very painful, mostly because of the amount of nerve endings in these areas. Nose and dermal piercings come in a close second, although the latter can be relatively painless if it is done in an area that isn’t very nerve heavy. Think carefully about trying one of these four types of piercings, especially if you’re a first timer or have a low pain threshold to begin with. Higher Pain Spots for Tattoos Just like with piercings, tattoos also have a few places on the body that tend to cause more pain than others. Areas that are close to bones, where the skin is very thin or where the space is devoid of too much fat may lead to high to severe pain levels. Tattoos are generally highly painful when they are in the armpit, rib cage, ankles, shins, groins, lips or behind the knees. These spots can be tricky to tattoo to begin with, so make sure you are working with an experienced artist who can answer your questions and get you the exact outcome you’re looking for. If you’re wanting to gauge things first, with an intention to come back and get another tattoo later, stick to a more common area like the forearm, shoulder or one of your calves to keep things simple. Quick Tips to Reduce Pain During Either To make sure you have as little pain as possible during the piercing or tattooing process, there are a couple of precautions you can take on the day. It’s important to go in sober, as having thinner-than-usual blood can cause additional complications in the moment along with potential problems during the healing process. Eat a full breakfast and drink lots of water, preferably after a good night’s sleep to give your immune system a boost. Ask to take a few breaks in the process if the pain is starting to feel too much. Use mindfulness techniques like meditation to focus on other things while you’re sitting in the chair. Breath deeply through the process, and enjoy a casual conversation with a friend or the artist to help the process feel shorter than it actually is. Additional Support If you have any questions about the tattooing or piercing process, the BodyJ4You team can help. We’re happy to help wherever we can to offer you more peace of mind about the incredible process you’re about to embark on. If you’re looking for specific piercings, gauges, belly rings, glass jewelry and more, we’ve got you covered. Our high quality products have been tried and tested and are designed in a way to make the process as seamless as possible. All you have to worry about now is the creative side of the process, and in a couple of weeks you’ll be showing off your brand new ink or piercing with a broad smile on your face. Relax, and enjoy the ride.
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Tattoo Aftercare: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Ink Looking Fresh
So you’ve made the decision to get some new ink this year. Hell yes! This is an exciting decision that should be embraced with open arms. Doing so means planning everything from the design to who will be doing it, right through to how you’re going about preventing infection and keeping the tattoo looking its best over time. You’ll (hopefully) be living with it for the rest of your life after all. If you’re about to get a tattoo for the first time, or you’re a returning customer looking to get some fresh ink, the recovery process is exactly the same. Here are the basics for you to be mindful of. Why Tattoo Aftercare is Important Any time you open your skin, your body is vulnerable to scarring and infections. Aftercare is essential to minimize the risk of either, and to help your new work of art heal as quickly as possible. The tattoo artist has an important role to play here. If they can’t give you advice on the best way to go about aftercare, they might not be the best person to do the tattoo itself. Moisturizers and creams are a godsend when it comes to recovery. Check out our video on the benefits of using a tattoo aftercare cream to learn more about what they can do. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Body Piercing, Fashion Jewelry (@bodyj4you) Early Stages: Preventing Infection The #1 goal during the early recovery process should be to prevent infection. Although only a small amount of people experience complications after getting a tattoo, with more people getting tattoos these days, the number is on an upward trajectory. Preventing infection requires thorough yet delicate cleaning twice a day along with some antibacterial ointment, cream or moisturizer. Our 100% vegan balm is a popular choice for many people, along with the full recovery soap kit. Fresh Looking Ink Part of the aftercare process when you’ve gotten a tattoo is committing to reducing fading and keeping the ink looking fresh. There are a couple of things you can prioritize to make this happen. Firstly, do what you can to keep it out of direct sunlight where possible. Try not to scratch the tattoo either. Never soak a tattoo until it is fully healed, and stay away from alcohol or recreational substances during the healing process. Do what you can to avoid situations that might wear on your tattoo and hinder the healing process, perhaps even ruining the design in the long run too. Expert Advice When You Need It The BodyJ4You team consists of experts that have been refining their craft in the body and fashion jewelry space for over 16 years. Aside from offering a range of options for creative expression, we are also committed to helping to make the recovery process after getting a tattoo or going through ear gauging as simple and painless as possible. Products are quality checked and created by following strict safety regulations. We’re happy to offer any advice on the process, the best options for your needs, as well as celebrating your new body ink or piercing with you.
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Laser Tattoo Removal: How to Care for Your Skin During and After
Ever since tattooing started to become more mainstream, laser tattoo removal has been a prominent feature around the world too. Tattoos are technically considered “permanent”, but as a result of the latest technologies it is possible to remove them partially or fully with the right treatment. If you’re about to go through the process for the first time, you might have a lot of questions on your mind. Our quick guide over here should tell you everything you need to know about what to expect, how it works and most importantly of all, how to care for your skin as you go about each session. What is Laser Tattoo Removal? Laser tattoo removal is a non-invasive process that breaks up the tattoo pigment colors with a high-intensity light beam. Q-switched lasers are typically used, although there are other options available and simultaneously being developed as technologies change and improve. Black tattoo pigment can absorb all last wavelengths, meaning it is one of the easier colors to treat effectively. Specific lasers can be used to treat other colors and these are equally good at removing tattoos completely over time. Be mindful that it might take several sessions to achieve the desired result. Immediate Protection After Treatment Laser tattoo removal is not a pain-free process. You should expect mild levels of discomfort, but if you managed to get through the process of getting the tattoo without too much panic or stress, you should be fine. Laser removal sessions are a lot shorter than the tattooing process, although it will take about a week or two for the skin to heal after each session. For the first two to three days, cover the area with antibiotic healing ointment. Keep it bandaged and only remove the bandage after 72 hours. Do what you can to keep the area as dry and clean as possible too. Other Things to Avoid During the Healing Process Aside from keeping the area bandaged, clean and dry, it’s important for you to remember a few other important things. Don’t do any vigorous exercise during the first three days, and be careful not to do anything that will leave you sweating a lot during the full healing process. Don’t pick at any scabs or blisters that might form to avoid scarring. Exposure to the sun is a no-no, as is drinking too much alcohol. This might result in avoidable accidents, bumps or scrapes in the area, which will ultimately hinder the healing process and set your follow-up appointment back by some time. A Helpful Product for Positive Results Earlier, we mentioned applying an antibiotic healing ointment to the area after every laser session. The BodyJ4You team is very proud of its natural, paraben-free Laser Aftercare Box, which has been designed to promote healing and can be gently massaged into the affected area. The product can be used two to three times a day to moisturize and maintain the skin too. Our unique blend of oils and flower extract is tried and tested and one of the best offerings in the market today. We look forward to helping you with the healing process after every laser tattoo removal session.
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Piercing Healing Times: How Long Each Piercing Takes to Fully Heal on Average
If you’re keen to get a piercing soon, it’s good to know about more than just what to expect during the process of getting it. Understanding the healing process will give you a holistic view of what you’re about to do, as well as a realistic idea of how long it’s going to take for it to be 100% healed. Every type of body piercing has its own normal healing time, which can be influenced by the size of the piercing, how thick the tissue is in the specific area, or just how well your body tends to heal in general. Today, we’ll take a look at the piercings with the shortest healing times, as well as those with the longest recovery periods. Piercings with the Shortest Average Healing Times Keep in mind that there is no “one size fits all” rule for every single piercing, especially as people are wired differently and our bodies respond in different ways to piercings, tattoos and so forth. Generally, piercings inside the mouth, like the tongue, tend to heal within three to six weeks. The face (including lips, eyebrows and earlobes) have a healing time of around six to eight weeks. These are the piercings that have the shortest average recovery times, and are a good choice if you’re a first-timer. Those with the Longest Average Healing Times Piercings with a longer average healing time include the curve of the ear (two to four months), nostrils (four to six months), nipples (three to six months), belly button (up to six months) and the vagina or penis (anywhere from two to six months). These areas are slightly more complex for piercings as they offer different challenges relative to the ones mentioned earlier. Although it shouldn’t be a deterrent that they will take longer to heal, it’s good to set realistic expectations so you know what you’re in for right from the time you sit in the chair to get the piercing. Signs of a Fully Healed Piercing Although you should never use the discharge as the primary indicator that the piercing has healed fully (this is expected to happen during a specific period of the healing process), combined with other factors it is an eventual signal that everything's 100%. Look out for the jewelry being loose and moving freely wherever the piercing is, without any pain or discomfort. The edges of the piercing holes should also be smooth, pulling inward. Talk to the specialist who is piercing you about the specific indicators to keep an eye on during the process, based on where you’re getting it to begin with. Encouraging the Process At BodyJ4You, we’re at the forefront of encouraging the healing process with products that are designed to offer support and relief where possible. Our gentle numb cream helps with local pain after body modifications, laser treatments on tattoos or even after cosmetic procedures. The same goes for our popular aftercare soap cleaning solution and piercing saline spray, which specifically soothes any pierced area right from the start of the healing process and during the course of keeping the area clean. No matter which piercing you decide to go with, you’re in good hands when you choose one of our products to make the journey as safe and easy as possible.
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