Exotic Piercings

From LoveToKnow Tattoos

Exotic piercings are not a typical body modification. This type of piercing is often done on a part of the body that is difficult to modify, has a longer healing time, or involves one piece of jewelry going through more than one hole. These exotic piercings should be done by someone who is professional, experienced and is respected by his peers in the body modification industry.

Types of Exotic Piercings

There are many types of exotic piercings. Some of them have their origins in tribalism; others are based on spiritual and personal expression. No matter what your motivation is for getting an exotic piercing, be sure to follow all the instructions given to you by the artist regarding hygiene and follow up care.

Exotic Ear Piercings

Pierced ears are quite common, at least when you are talking about pierced ear lobes. But there are several places on the ear that are not often pierced due to healing time or the thickness of the cartilage.

Industrial or Scaffold Piercing—this piercing is a combination of two holes that are most often connected by a barbell. If more than one industrial piercing is done on the same ear, it is sometimes called an ear cage. The healing time will range from three months to one year.

Anti-tragus—Though the healing time for this piercing is not very long, it is still uncommon. The reason for this is that few people have an anti-tragus that is thick enough to pierce. The average healing time for this piercing is eight to sixteen weeks.

Rook—A thick fold of cartilage on the inside of the upper ear is called the rook. Piercing the rook can be quite painful due to the density of the cartilage. The healing time tends to vary on this particular piercing from two months to one year.

Taking a look at a piercing chart of the ear may help you decide if one of these piercings is what you are looking for.

Exotic Facial and Oral Piercings

Facial piercings are not uncommon, but some require more involved care than others.

Cheek piercing—This piercing can cause minor nerve damage that will create permanent dimples on the face. If this piercing is done from the cheek into the mouth, it can leak a saliva-like, smelly fluid called lymp. The alternative to a full piercing to the cheek would be to use microdermals.

Labret—This piercing is on the lower lip. Placement must be done correctly, otherwise damage to the teeth and gums can occur. The healing time for this piercing is three to four months.

Uvula—Many piercers will not perform this modification. The gag reflex can interfere with the performance of this piercing procedure. There is also the possibility of cutting the uvula in half, and the risk of jewelry being swallowed.

Torso Surface Piercings

Surface piercings require vigilant care to prevent rejection and migration. Many of these modifications are very interesting and expressive, and many consider them worth the work to maintain.

Madison—This piercing has a very high rejection and migration incidence. It is also nearly impossible to heal. In a study done by the Association of Professional Piercers, twelve subjects with a Madison piercing were observed over the course of three years. Within the first year, nine of them experienced migration, and the other three had not healed. By the third year, only one person had healed completely and was still wearing the jewelery.

Corset Piercings--A surface piercing that looks like the lacings of a corset is an uncommon and beautiful piercing. These piercings are temporary and are often used for promotional photographs. If a corset piercing is intended to be a permanent modification, extreme care must be taken to not place pressure and tension on the piercings. This is true not only for the initial healing period, but also as a part of routine care after healing has taken place.

Caring for Piercings

Administering proper care to your exotic piercing will help determine its healing time and ability to remain viable. Follow the instructions you are given by your piercer regarding how to care for the particular modification you have. Sometimes followup care will involve modifying behaviors or activities, as well. Practicing good hygiene will be the first and foremost recommendation made to you. Soap and water goes a very long way to prevent bacterial infections of the tissues. Do not allow yourself to become dehydrated when you are healing. Adequate fluid intake promotes cell regeneration.

If you do experience an infection, get medical treatment for it right away. A minor infection can be cleared up with antibiotics. If infection is allowed to grow, it can even become deadly.

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