Facial Plastic Surgery | Chicago, IL

Anil Shah MD FACS SC

312.944.0117
CONTACT US
  • About
    • Anil R. Shah, MD
    • Dr. Sameea Chughtai
    • Reviews
    • Patient Resources
    • Directions
  • Procedures
    • Surgical
      • Blepharoplasty
      • Brow Lift
      • Buccal Fat Removal
      • Chin Augmentation
      • Dorsal Hump Removal
      • Facelift
      • Lip Augmentation
      • Lip Reduction
      • Mohs Reconstruction
      • Osteoma Removal
      • Otoplasty
      • Revision Rhinoplasty
      • Rhinoplasty
      • Ethnic Rhinoplasty
      • Septoplasty
    • Non Surgical
      • Acne Scars
      • Botox
      • CO2 Laser
      • CoolTone
      • Brownspots Skin and Hyperpigmentation
      • CoolSculpting FX
      • Chemical peels
      • Facial Fillers
      • Hyperhidrosis
      • IPL Laser
      • Juvederm
      • Kybella
      • Laser Hair Removal
      • Laser Resurfacing
      • Latisse
      • Masseter Reduction
      • Non-invasive Body Contouring
      • Non-surgical Facelift
      • PiQo4 Laser
      • Restylane
      • Sculptra
      • Skin Rejuvenation
      • TMJ disorders
      • Under Eye Filler
      • Voluma
      • Volbella
    • Skin Care
      • Acqua Facciale
      • Aesthetic Skin
      • Skin Care
  • Photos
    • Rhinoplasty Photos
    • Aging Face Photos
    • Facial Reconstruction Photos
    • Botox Fillers Photos
    • Facial Implants Photos
    • Acne Scars Photos
  • Testimonials
Articles » Body Piercing, Is it Safe?

Body Piercing, Is it Safe?

07/21/2016 by Anil R. Shah, MD

Body Piercing: Is it Safe?

Body PiercingBody piercing was once considered the stigmata of deviant youth. However, within the last several years, the popularity of piercing has increased. A 2001 survey of an undergraduate campus revealed that 51% of its students had a body piercing. This influence is reflected in pop culture’s adornment of multiple highly visible piercings. However, despite this recent acceptance, there are still risks associated with body piercing that you should know.

To begin with, all piercings are at risk for infection. Fortunately, with proper sterilization techniques, the risk of viral infection, such as hepatitis or HIV, is very low especially if disposable instruments are used. However, a study in the state of Washington did demonstrate that individuals with hepatitis were more likely to have had their ears pierced. Even with sterile methods, a bacterial infection can occur. Areas such as the mouth, where a large amount of bacteria normally reside, are at particular risk.

The ear lobe has a long tradition as a safe and common area to be pierced. However, piercing the upper ear is a much different story. The ear lobe is soft and comprised of fat, where as the upper ear contains strong, hard structural cartilage. A piercing gun, which is forceful and difficult to sterilize can be especially destructive to the upper ear. If the upper ear cartilage is infected as a result of the piercing, permanent damage and disfiguring collapse of the ear can occur.

Lip and tongue piercing are also relatively common piercing, seen in stars such as Madonna and Christina Aguilerra. Lip and tongue piercing have a much higher rate of infection due to the fact that they are bathed in bacteria from the mouth. In very rare instance, this infection can even become deadly. Tongue and lip piercing can also lead to gum recession, chipped teeth, and speech impediments.

Navel, nipple and genital piercing main risk is infection, which can occur with any piercing. Nipple piercing may interfere with breast-feeding, due to the scarring of the lactation ducts with infection. Genital piercing may cause a number of complications, including irreversible scarring and urinary tract infections.

More information regarding piercing is located on the internet, but recognize that potential complications may not be mentioned. Ultimately, body piercing is an individual decision. If you would like more advice or are concerned you may have an infection, consider consulting with a physician.

Filed Under: Articles

  • Request a Consultation
  • By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Location

845 North Michigan Ave #934E
Chicago, IL 60611
312.944.0117

Directions

Resources

  • Specials
  • Virtual Consultations
  • Out of Town Patients
  • Forms
  • Facial Plastic Surgery Timeline
  • Pre/Post Op Instructions
  • Ethnic Facial Plastic Surgery

Quick Links

  • Video Gallery
  • Plasticpedia
  • Nasal Breathing Quiz
  • Articles
  • Media
  • Careers
  • Blog

Other Links

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
4.6 stars from 141 reviews
© Copyright 2021 | Anil Shah MD FACS | Sitemap | Plastic Surgery SEO by Surgeons Advisor.