Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a piercing cost?
Our pricing is straightforward: a flat $50 for any standard piercing, plus the cost of the jewelry you select. The starting price for both the service and jewelry begins around $130. Jewelry is priced depending on factors such as gemstone quality, gold weight, and other design elements. (Genital piercings are considered a specialty piercing and are have increased pricing.)

What material is our jewelry made of?
We only use jewelry made of Implant Certified Titanium (Ti6Al4V ELI ASTM-F136) and 14k-18k solid gold. Both titanium and gold jewelry are crafted with a high-polish finish to reduce friction, improve healing, and enhance aesthetic appeal. These materials are trusted by professional piercers for their safety, longevity, and elegance. We use Platinum by request.

I have skin sensitivities to certain metals, can I still get a piercing?
Absolutely! If you have sensitivities to certain metals, we can still help you get pierced safely. At our studio, we only use high-quality, hypoallergenic jewelry that’s specifically designed for sensitive skin. Many people react to nickel in low-quality jewelry, so we exclusively offer safe alternatives to ensure your comfort and promote proper healing.

• Implant-Certified Titanium (ASTM F136 )
  This is one of the safest options for anyone with metal sensitivities. It’s completely nickel-free, lightweight, and biocompatible, making it ideal for initial piercings and long-term wear.

• Solid Gold (14k or 18k, Nickel-Free)
  We offer only solid gold jewelry in 14k or 18k that is free from nickel. We opt to source gold from a vendor who utilizes Palladium as a substitute, This ensures a successful and luxurious option for those who prefer gold without risking irritation. We do not use gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry, as they can cause issues over time.

• Platinum
  Platinum is a great hypoallergenic alternative, though it is less commonly used due to its cost. It’s extremely durable and non-reactive, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

• Niobium
  Niobium is another excellent choice for those with sensitivities. It is similar to titanium in its hypoallergenic properties and is safe for initial piercings..

Do I need to make an appointment?
Walk-ins are always welcome, but we highly recommend booking an appointment to guarantee your spot and minimize wait times. Scheduling in advance allows us to better prepare for your visit, ensuring a smooth and timely piercing experience. While we do our best to accommodate walk-ins, availability can vary, so reserving your time helps us provide the best possible service without any unnecessary delays.

What is the minimum age to get a piercing?
To comply with New York State law, you must be at least 18 years old to receive a piercing at our studio.

Do you pierce minors?
We provide earlobe piercings for consenting minors between the ages of 8 and 17. A special appointment is needed for this service. Click [here] to access all the details and schedule your child’s appointment.

Can I bring my own jewelry for a new piercing?
We do not allow outside jewelry for new piercings. This policy is in place to prioritize your safety and ensure the highest quality standards for your piercing experience. All jewelry we use is carefully selected from trusted vendors, guaranteeing it meets industry standards for material safety, durability, and biocompatibility. Outside jewelry, even if it appears to be of good quality, may not meet these rigorous standards, and without proper verification of its material composition, there is a risk of irritation, allergic reactions, or improper healing. By exclusively using our approved jewelry, we can confidently provide a safe and professional service while ensuring optimal healing conditions for your new piercing.

Is an ID required for my appointment?
Yes, a government-issued photo ID is required for all piercings. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. Please be aware that we do not accept NYC Identification Cards, photocopies, or digital photos of IDs. To ensure a smooth check-in process, make sure to bring the original, physical ID with you.

Are infections common in piercings?
Infections are a known risk with any body piercing, though they are uncommon when proper hygiene and aftercare are observed. Infections may develop if the procedure is performed in unsanitary conditions or if aftercare instructions are not followed correctly. Research indicates that the likelihood of infection increases when the piercer’s technique or the client’s aftercare practices are inadequate.
Minor bacterial infections are the most frequently encountered, and they are typically easy to treat in healthy individuals. Severe infections are rare, but if you suspect one, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment is key to preventing complications that could arise from an untreated infection.

What is piercing rejection, and why does it happen?
Piercing rejection occurs when the body identifies the jewelry as a foreign object and slowly pushes it out, causing the piercing to move, become more shallow, or eventually close. A similar issue, known as migration, happens when the piercing shifts from its original position but remains in place and heals in a new location.

Both rejection and migration can result from several factors, including incorrect placement, improperly designed or thin jewelry, the use of harsh aftercare products, or accidental trauma to the piercing site. However, even with ideal placement, high-quality jewelry, and proper aftercare, rejection can still occur without any clear reason. It’s a natural response of the body attempting to protect itself from what it perceives as an intrusion.

Will nipple piercings affect breastfeeding?
Based on extensive professional experience, there is no evidence to suggest that nipple piercings prevent or significantly interfere with breastfeeding. The structure of the milk ducts, which consists of multiple tiny channels, ensures that even if a few ducts are affected by the piercing, the remaining channels can still function normally. As a result, milk flow is typically unaffected, making it highly unlikely that a standard nipple piercing would completely block milk production or delivery.

However, certain precautions should be taken during the breastfeeding period to ensure both safety and comfort. Most importantly, jewelry should always be removed before nursing. Leaving jewelry in place can pose a serious choking hazard for the baby and may interfere with proper latching, potentially causing discomfort for both mother and child. It’s also common for a small amount of milk to pass through the piercing site, but this is entirely harmless and does not affect the quality or safety of the milk.

Why is downsizing my jewelry important?
Downsizing refers to replacing the initial jewelry with a shorter post once swelling has subsided. When a piercing is first done, extra room is necessary to accommodate swelling. As healing progresses and the swelling reduces, the initial jewelry becomes too long.

Excessively long jewelry can cause irritation, snagging, and movement, which may lead to renewed swelling and complications. In oral piercings, long jewelry can damage teeth and gums. Downsizing reduces these risks and helps the piercing heal correctly. It’s important to have a professional piercer handle the downsizing, as the piercing is still healing and not ready for self-management.

Missing the ideal downsizing window can cause issues like migration or a change in the piercing’s angle, especially for ear cartilage piercings. These problems can result in permanent damage or even piercing failure.

Is it safe to get pierced while pregnant?
We do not pierce anyone during pregnancy. The body’s immune system undergoes significant changes, which can hinder healing and increase the risk of complications. Even existing healed piercings can become problematic during pregnancy.

Additionally, in the rare event of an infection or complication, there is a potential risk to the pregnancy. It’s best to let your body focus on the complex task of supporting your pregnancy.

Can I get pierced after pregnancy?
We recommend waiting at least three months after giving birth to allow your body to recover and your immune system to return to normal. For nipple piercings, wait at least three months after you stop producing breast milk.

Is it safe to get pierced while nursing?
Aside from waiting three months post-delivery, there are no increased risks associated with getting pierced while nursing. However, for nipple piercings, it is advisable to wait three months after you have finished breastfeeding.

Do I need to remove my jewelry for medical imaging?
In most cases, it’s not necessary to remove body jewelry for medical imaging, such as MRIs or X-rays, unless the jewelry is located in or near the specific area being examined. High-quality jewelry made from non-ferromagnetic metals, such as titanium or implant-grade stainless steel, typically does not interfere with MRI machines or pose safety risks. These materials are non-reactive to the magnetic fields used in MRI scans, making them safe to wear during the procedure.

However, caution is needed with low-quality or unknown metal jewelry, as it may contain ferromagnetic materials that can react to the magnetic field, potentially causing discomfort, image distortion, or, in rare cases, a safety risk. If you’re unsure of the composition of your jewelry, consult both your piercer and medical provider beforehand.

CT scans, which use X-rays rather than magnetic fields, can be more sensitive to metal jewelry. Depending on the location of the piercing, jewelry may cause artifacts or distortions in the images, which can affect the accuracy of the scan. Therefore, if the piercing is near the area being scanned, removal of the jewelry is often required.

If you need to remove your jewelry for a procedure but are concerned about the piercing closing, non-metallic alternatives, such as retainers made from glass, can be used. These materials are safe for imaging and help keep the piercing open during medical examinations.

Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider regarding jewelry removal for imaging procedures

Can my health condition affect piercing healing?
Certain health conditions can increase the risks associated with getting pierced, making it especially important to take extra precautions or consult a healthcare professional beforehand. Individuals with weakened immune systems—such as those who are immunocompromised or managing chronic conditions like diabetes, lupus, or HIV—may experience slower healing and face a higher risk of infection due to their body’s reduced ability to fight off bacteria.

If you have a heart condition, especially one that requires antibiotic prophylaxis before dental work or other invasive procedures, it’s crucial to speak with your physician before getting pierced. People with a history of endocarditis or other serious cardiac issues are at a heightened risk of infection spreading to the heart. In such cases, your piercer may ask for proof of medical clearance to proceed safely.

Skin conditions can also impact the healing process and overall outcome of a piercing. Conditions like eczema or psoriasis may cause irritation at the piercing site, while individuals prone to developing keloids or hypertrophic scars should be aware of the potential for excessive scar tissue formation. Consulting both your doctor and a knowledgeable, experienced piercer can help you assess whether a piercing is advisable and what specific aftercare measures might be needed to reduce risks.

Ultimately, if you have any concerns related to a specific health condition, taking the time to discuss these with medical professionals and your piercer will help ensure a safer and more informed piercing experience.

I’m on Accutane, can I still get a piercing?
It’s generally recommended to wait 6 to 12 months after completing a course of Accutane (isotretinoin) before getting pierced. Accutane can significantly affect the skin’s healing ability by reducing oil production and thinning the skin, which increases the risk of poor healing, scarring, and infection.

Here’s why waiting is important:

• Delayed healing: Accutane slows down the skin’s natural healing process, which is crucial for successful piercing.

• Increased scarring risk: While on Accutane and shortly after stopping, your skin is more prone to developing hypertrophic scars or keloids.

• Skin fragility: Accutane makes the skin more delicate and sensitive, increasing the likelihood of trauma or irritation at the piercing site.

Before proceeding with a piercing, it’s best to consult both your piercer and your healthcare provider to ensure your skin has fully recovered and is ready to heal properly. If you’ve recently finished Accutane and are eager to get pierced, ask your doctor whether your skin has returned to its normal healing state.