Thinking about getting a piercing? Whether it’s your first or your tenth, it’s always good to know what to expect before, during, and after the process. At Mantra Tattoo – the best Denver tattoo and piercing studio, we make sure every client gets the safest experience possible with top-tier jewelry and sterilized equipment. 

This guide covers everything from how to care for your new piercing to how much different piercings cost. Let’s get into it.

First Things First: What Piercing Should I Get?

Choosing the right piercing depends on your style, anatomy, and lifestyle. If you want something subtle and easy to heal, lobe piercings or nostril piercings are a great choice. If you’re into bolder looks, consider a septum, industrial, or dermal piercing. If you’re not sure, our expert Denver piercers can help you pick something that fits your anatomy and aesthetic.

Getting a Piercing: Preparation FAQs

What to Do Before a Piercing Appointment?

Before getting a piercing, make sure you’re well-rested, hydrated, and have eaten a full meal at least two hours beforehand. This helps prevent dizziness or nausea. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and blood-thinning medications since they can increase bleeding. Wear comfortable clothing that makes it easy to access the piercing area. If you have long hair and are getting an ear piercing, bring a hair tie.

Can You Get a Piercing While Pregnant?

Most reputable piercing studios, including Mantra Tattoo, will not pierce clients who are pregnant. Pregnancy affects your immune system, increasing the risk of infection and slower healing. If you’re expecting, it’s best to wait until after delivery to get pierced.

Can You Get a Piercing While Breastfeeding?

While it’s not illegal to get a piercing while breastfeeding, it’s generally not recommended. Your immune system is still adjusting after pregnancy, and healing may take longer. If you’re set on getting a piercing, choose a location away from areas that could be affected by breastfeeding, like nipples.

Learn more about piercings and tattoos in our Tattoo and Piercing Blog page.

Piercing Aftercare & Healing FAQs

How Do I Care for a New Piercing?

Keeping your piercing clean is essential for proper healing. Use a sterile saline solution or sea salt soak (1/8 tsp non-iodized salt in 8 oz warm distilled water) twice a day. Avoid touching or twisting your piercing, and keep products like makeup, lotion, and hair products away from the area. Change your pillowcases frequently and avoid sleeping on fresh piercings.

How Long Do Piercings Take to Heal?

Healing times vary by placement:

• Earlobe: 6-8 weeks
• Cartilage (Helix, Tragus, Daith, Conch, Industrial): 4-12 months
• Nostril: 3-6 months
• Septum: 6-8 weeks
• Lip & Labret: 6-12 weeks
• Tongue: 4-8 weeks
• Eyebrow: 6-8 weeks
• Nipple: 6-12 months
• Navel: 6-12 months
• Dermal: 3-6 months

How to Clean New Ear Piercing?

To clean a new ear piercing, wash your hands first and use a sterile saline solution. Soak a cotton pad or clean gauze in the solution and gently dab around the piercing. Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh soaps as they can irritate the area and slow healing.

Can You Clean a Piercing with Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide?

No, both alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are too harsh for a healing piercing. They dry out the skin, which can delay healing and cause irritation. Stick to a saline solution or a mild, fragrance-free soap as recommended by your piercer.

Ear Piercing FAQs

How Long Does It Take for Ear Piercings to Heal?

Earlobe piercings typically heal in 6-8 weeks, while cartilage piercings like helix, tragus, or conch can take anywhere from 4 months to a year. Proper aftercare and avoiding irritation will help speed up healing.

Does Ear Piercing Hurt?

Pain levels depend on placement. Earlobe piercings are mild and heal quickly, while cartilage piercings tend to be more painful and take longer to heal. The pain is usually quick and manageable.

Can You Swim After Getting Ears Pierced?

You should avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, oceans, or lakes for at least 4-6 weeks after getting your ears pierced. Water can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of a piercing infection. If you must swim, use waterproof wound-sealant bandages to protect the area.

Nose Piercing FAQs

How Much Are Nose Piercings?

If you’re wondering how much does it cost to get a nose piercing, prices typically range from $40-$100 depending on the studio, nose jewelry choice, and location.

Does Getting a Nose Piercing Hurt?

Most people describe a nose piercing as a quick, sharp pinch. Septum piercings may sting a little more, but the pain is brief and manageable.

What Is the Nose Piercing Called?

A standard nostril piercing is the most common. A septum piercing goes through the cartilage in the center of the nose, and a high nostril piercing is placed further up on the nose bridge.

Lip & Tongue Piercing FAQs

How Much Is a Lip Piercing?

A lip piercing typically costs between $50-$100, depending on the studio, jewelry type, and location. High-quality jewelry, such as implant-grade titanium or solid gold, may increase the price but is worth the investment for better healing. If you’re getting a piercing on your lip, be sure to choose a professional studio that follows proper sterilization practices to prevent infections.

How Long for a Lip Piercing to Heal?

Most lip piercings take around 6 to 12 weeks to heal fully. Since the mouth is full of bacteria, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding excessive movement of the jewelry can help speed up the process. If you’re getting a piercing on your lip, rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash after eating and drinking will keep bacteria levels low and promote healing.

When Can I Change My Lip Piercing?

You should wait until your lip piercing is fully healed before changing the jewelry, which can take 2 to 3 months. Switching jewelry too soon can cause irritation, prolonged swelling, or even infection. If you’re unsure whether your piercing is ready for a jewelry change, check with your piercer before making the switch.

How to Heal a Lip Piercing Faster?

The best way to ensure fast healing is by following your aftercare routine strictly. Clean the area with saline solution, avoid touching the jewelry, and be mindful of what you eat—spicy, salty, or acidic foods can cause irritation. If you’re getting a piercing on your lip and want it to heal quickly, avoid excessive talking, playing with the jewelry, or biting your lips, as movement can slow down the healing process.

How Much Is a Tongue Piercing?

If you’re wondering how much is a tongue piercing, prices generally range from $50 to $120, depending on jewelry choice and the studio. Titanium or surgical steel jewelry is recommended for safe healing. When getting a piercing on your tongue, always go to a professional piercer to ensure proper placement and minimize risks.

Do Tongue Piercings Hurt?

Most people say tongue piercings hurt less than expected. The initial piercing feels like a quick pinch, but the worst part is usually the swelling that occurs in the first few days. Eating soft foods, avoiding spicy or hot drinks, and keeping up with oral hygiene will help reduce discomfort. If you’re getting a piercing on your tongue, expect some temporary speech changes while your tongue adjusts to the jewelry.

How Long Does It Take for a Tongue Piercing to Close?

A tongue piercing can start closing up in a few hours to a few days if jewelry is removed, even if it’s fully healed. If you’ve had your piercing for several years, it may take longer to close, but tongue tissue regenerates quickly. If you’re getting a piercing and want to keep it, make sure to keep jewelry in place whenever possible.

When Can I Change My Tongue Piercing?

Most piercers recommend waiting at least 4 to 6 weeks before changing your tongue piercing jewelry. Swapping out the barbell too early can cause irritation, swelling, and prolong healing. If you’re getting a piercing on your tongue, schedule a follow-up with your piercer before making any changes to your jewelry.

Do Angel Fangs Damage Teeth?

Angel fangs, also known as venom piercings, are a set of two tongue piercings placed side by side. While they look cool, they can damage teeth if the jewelry constantly rubs against enamel. If you’re getting a piercing like this, consider downsizing your jewelry once the swelling goes down to prevent tooth erosion and gum irritation.

Dermal & Body Piercing FAQs

What Are Dermal Piercings?

A dermal piercing is a single-point surface piercing where an anchor is placed under the skin, allowing jewelry to sit on top. Unlike traditional piercings that go in one side and out the other, dermals use an implant-like base that holds the jewelry in place. If you’re thinking about getting a piercing that’s unique and stylish, dermal piercings are a great option.

How Long Do Dermal Piercings Last?

Dermal piercings can last for years with proper care, but they are surface piercings, meaning they may reject over time due to skin movement, friction, or irritation. If you’re getting a piercing in an area that experiences a lot of movement, like the hands or chest, be extra cautious. Avoid snagging your dermal jewelry on clothing and clean it regularly to extend its lifespan.

How Is a Microdermal Piercing Done?

A microdermal piercing is done using a small needle or dermal punch to create a pocket under the skin. The piercer then inserts an anchor, which stays beneath the surface, with a decorative top that sits above the skin. Healing times for dermal piercings vary, but most take around 3 to 6 months to fully heal.

How Does a Dermal Piercing Work?

Unlike standard body piercings, dermal piercings do not have an exit point. Instead, a small base or anchor is inserted under the skin, allowing the jewelry to stay in place. Over time, skin tissues grow around the anchor, securing it. If you’re considering getting a piercing that stands out, dermal piercings offer a unique, eye-catching option.

How Do You Remove a Dermal Piercing?

A dermal piercing should always be removed by a professional piercer. The process involves gently massaging the area and using specialized tools to take out the anchor. Attempting to remove it yourself can lead to scarring, skin damage, or even infection. If you no longer want your dermal piercing, visit a reputable piercing studio to have it safely removed.

Can You Get a Dermal Piercing Over a Scar?

Yes, but it depends on the scar tissue. Some scars may be too thick or prone to irritation, which could increase the risk of rejection. If you have scar tissue and are thinking about getting a piercing, consult with a piercer to determine if your skin is suitable for a dermal piercing.

When Can I Change My Nipple Rings?

If you’re wondering when can I change my nipple rings, the general recommendation is to wait at least 6 months before switching out jewelry. Healing times vary, and changing the jewelry too soon can cause irritation, swelling, or even re-opening the piercing. If you’re unsure whether your nipple piercing is healed, visit your piercer before making any changes.

Do Nipple Piercings Hurt?

A nipple piercing is one of the more sensitive body piercings, but pain tolerance varies from person to person. The piercing itself is quick, and most describe it as a sharp pinch followed by a warm, throbbing sensation. If you’re getting a piercing for the first time, know that the discomfort is temporary, and proper aftercare will help with healing.

Can You Breastfeed with Nipple Piercings?

Yes, you can breastfeed with nipple piercings, but it’s important to remove the jewelry before nursing to prevent choking hazards for the baby. If you plan on breastfeeding soon, you might want to hold off on getting a piercing in this area until after nursing.

Can You Get a Navel Piercing While Pregnant?

Most reputable piercing studios, including Mantra Tattoo, will not perform navel piercings on clients who are pregnant. Pregnancy affects your immune system, increasing the risk of infection and delayed healing. If you already have a belly button piercing, you may need to switch to a flexible pregnancy-safe retainer as your stomach expands.

Where Can I Get a Belly Button Piercing?

If you’re searching for where can I get a belly button piercing, always go to a professional piercing studio that follows strict hygiene and sterilization protocols. At Mantra Tattoo, our expert piercers provide high-quality jewelry and a safe, sterile environment for your piercing.

Jewelry & Aftercare FAQs

How to Spot Quality Jewelry Online?

Look for implant-grade titanium, surgical steel, niobium, or solid gold. Avoid cheap, nickel-based jewelry, which can cause allergic reactions and irritation.

Why Is Piercing Saline Solution So Expensive?

Sterile saline solution is specially formulated for wound care, ensuring it’s free from bacteria and additives. While it may seem pricey, it’s the safest and most effective way to clean your piercing without causing irritation.

FAQs About Mantra Tattoo & Piercing Studio

Where Is Mantra Tattoo Located?

Mantra Tattoo West: 1695 Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO
Mantra Tattoo Denver: 1428 S Broadway, Denver, CO

Do I Need an Appointment?

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended for custom piercings or specific piercers.

How Do I Book a Piercing?

You can call, visit the studio, or book online to set up your appointment.

Contact Us About Getting a Piercing Today!

No matter what type of piercing you’re getting, choosing a trusted, professional studio is key to a safe experience and proper healing. If you’re looking for an expert piercer in Denver, check out Mantra Tattoo Studio. Our team is here to answer any questions and help you get the perfect new piercing. Book your piercing Denver appointment today!