QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON PIERCING

WHY PIERCING NEEDLES VS PIERCING GUNS? 

Piercing guns are reusable and come in contact with multiple clients, which also means a high transfer of bodily fluids and high risk of infection. They cannot be completely cleaned or sterilized. Piercing guns are hand or spring pressure causing a blunt stud to rip through the tissue (blunt force trauma). When the blunt stud is forced through the ear, it is met with a butterfly backing that is put on very tight and can cause irritation and swelling to the earlobe. Piercing guns were specifically designed for the lobe only and may shatter cartilage if used in that area. 

Single use and sterile hallow piercing needles largely lower the risk of cross-contamination between clients. The tool (clamp) that simply holds the earlobe is sanitized and sterilized in an autoclave and the needle is properly discarded. Needles are gentler and more accurate for a much more precise angle than a piercing gun. Not only are the needles more accurate they are also less painful. Needles create safer, more accurate piercings that heals better. 


WHAT PIERCINGS DO YOU OFFER and WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE? 

We are pleased to offer LOBE piercings and hole opening for all ages starting at 3 weeks old. 


WHAT DOES IT COST? 

Currently our cost is $40 for both lobes without numbing and $60 for both lobes with numbing. This does not include the cost of the earrings.  Jewelry cost starts at $85 and go up to $225 for stones.  Ball studs (not custom made and not warrantied) are $60 to $75.

Please see our shop page.  There is also a $6.50 aftercare solution.


DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT OR DO YOU TAKE WALK-INS? 

Appointments are preferred. We do accept walk ins as long as you do not mind waiting. It is always a better to make an appointment so we can make sure we have the time available just for you. You can schedule online 24/7 at www.bellaranaepiercing.com/services/book-now.

Text or call if you have any problems. (972) 765-1244 (Calls and texts after hours will be responded to on the following business day.)

You may also email us at contactus@bellaranaepiercing.com. 


WILL IT HURT?

Everyone's pain level is different. Some feel nothing, while some feel a very small pinch. We do offer numbing cream and freeze spray to help ease the pain.  We also ask that you talk with child and be transparent so that they are aware they may still feel a small quick pinch. We will make every attempt to make your child as comfortable as possible and walk them through every step.  

*Please understand that if your child is not ready, we will not force or pressure them. You may be asked to reschedule to give your child more time to prepare for their piercing and to free up the chair for the next customer. 


CAN I BRING MY OWN JEWELRY? 

Unfortunately, we cannot accept outside jewelry due to sterility.  We do have a beautiful collection of Solid 14K gold jewelry in store for you to pick from and they are sanitized and sterilized before use

*We will allow customers who have been pierced by us to be re-pierced using the earrings purchased at their initial appointment.                                You must allow us time (24 to 48 hours in advance) to sanitize and sterilize them before your appointment.


WHAT KIND OF METAL WILL MY JEWELRY BE MADE OF?  

Our earrings are solid 14K yellow or white gold (not plated or filled) that is lead free with cubic zirconia stones. 

They are custom made by a wonderful local Rockwall jeweler, Willis Fine Jewelry


HOW LONG WILL MY PIERCING TAKE TO HEAL?  

Most Ear Lobe piercings take approximately 8 - 10 weeks to heal but every person's body reacts and heals differently. As for all other piercing it takes about 9 months to a 1 year to fully heal. 


WHY ARE MY PIERCINGS NOT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY LOBE?  

Research has proven that our ears grow down and out as we continue to grow. We will place the piercings higher and closer to the face to accommodate for that so they will look great today and in 30 years. We do not want the piercing close to the edge of the lobe as this puts you at risk of it ripping through should something happen.

We also do NOT recommend or use screw back earrings especially for children or teens that are very active. It only takes about 5lbs of pressure to rip through an earlobe.  If the earring gets caught or hung on something you want it to have the ability to release.


HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN TAKE A SHOWER OR GO SWIMMING? 

We advise waiting a few hours before showering or bathing. It is strongly recommended that you wait until the piercing is healed which is about 8 - 10 weeks. We know sometimes that just cannot happen. If possible, wait at least a week before swimming in your personal pool and about 1 month for bodies of water like lakes and oceans. 

making sure you clean them immediately after swimming.


HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN CHANGE MY JEWELRY?

Total healing time is approximately 8 - 10 weeks. Everyone is different and may not heal the same. At that time, you can then try different grades of metal paying close attention to what the ears are looking and feeling like in case you have a reaction to the new metal material. 

For cartilage or nostril piercings its best to wait about 6-9 months before changing the jewelry. It can cause irritation, infection, or even tear the piercing from the inside. 


HOW DO I CLEAN AND TAKE CARE OF MY NEW PIERCING?

A piercing is an open wound. Do not touch them unless your hands are clean. Do not rotate or twist your earrings. Clean your piercing twice a day with the solution you receive until they are completely healed, 8 to 10 weeks. Clean after bathtime – before bedtime as soaps, shampoo and conditioner can irritate your piercing. Do not remove your earrings until they are healed. 

*NEVER use alcohol, peroxide or Neosporin as these may cause irritation, dryness and slow the healing process.

*Remember to keep the earring back on the notch/groove at the end of the post. NEVER scrunch the earring and earring back up to the skin as this will cause irritation and could cause the back and/or earring to embed into the skin. 


*AFTER 8 to 10 WEEKS

If your piercings show no sign of infection and you are able to take them out and put them back in without any trouble you may begin trying other grades of metal. Your earrings should go in smoothly without discomfort. You may use a small amount of Vaseline or Aquaphor on the post when re-inserting. The dome or cupped shaped backs are a little difficult to remove so be gentle. Be sure to monitor for any change or irritation as you may be allergic to certain metals. If your earrings do not go back in easily or you notice a reaction from other metals, you should immediately remove them and go back to wearing the 14k gold earrings 24/7 for two more weeks. 


IN THE EVENT OF POSSIBLE INFECTION

It is normal to have some bleeding, redness, swelling, irritation and even mild bruising within the first few days after your new piercing. DO NOT REMOVE THE EARRINGS. Should you notice any signs of persistent infection, redness, pain or swelling apply a topical antibiotic (Bacitracin or Polysporin. NOT Neosporin) to the front and back of the lobe with the earrings in place 3 times a day for 3-5 days, no longer.  Continue the twice a day cleaning with your aftercare solution. You may book a recheck appt on our website or give us a call or text at (972) 765-1244. *Calls and texts after hours will not be responded to until the following business day.

UNSAFE EARRINGS We strongly recommend against children or very active teens wearing earrings with screw backs or threaded post. It takes 5 lbs. of pressure to rip an earlobe. Save the ear not the earring which can be replaced.


HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY PIERCING IS INFECTED?  

Just remember they are new piercings, so some redness and soreness can be common. It is also not uncommon to have some bleeding or bruising and itching or irritation within the first 2 to 3 days. If they become overly tender, start to swell around the piercing area, or if the piercing starts to drain a pale yellow/greenish or whitish pus then you may have a mild infection that is very easily treated. Normally we will have you use Bacitracin three times a day for no more than 3 to 5 days. You will also continue the twice a day cleaning with your aftercare solution.

ON PERMANENT JEWELRY

WHAT IS PERMANENT JEWELRY

Permanent jewelry is the process of arc welding jewelry (chains, jump rings, with or without charms) onto a body or body part such as wrists, ankles and necks but not limited to fingers, toes and waists. Risks of this process can include burns on the skin, retinal or cornea, cuts or abrasions, scarring, infections, reactions to metals, and dissatisfaction with the results. 


DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT

Appointments are preferred for any services.  Walk-ins are accepted but know there may be a wait as the customer with appointments will be taken care of first.


DO YOU ACCEPT RETURNS

All sales are final. There are no returns or exchanges.


DO YOU REPAIR BROKEN JEWELRY

Free repairs within 14 days after the initial purchase. This does not include lost chain. Stretching is not covered under the warranty. There will be a charge for repairs or rewelding after the initial 14 days of purchase.


HOW DO YOU CLEAN OR TAKE CARE OF PERMANENT JEWELRY

Permanent jewelry is fairly easy to take care of. They are not indestructible though. Yanking and pulling will most likely cause it to break.

* Avoid exposure to perfumes, lotions and chemicals as much as possible

* Clean with a soft cloth and mild dish soap.

* If you wish to remove it cut it at the jump ring 


Sterling silver: Our sterling silver is not Rhodium plated meaning it can tarnish and turn or oxidize. Chlorine, mineral in water (especially well water) and a person's pH can cause this. It is important to clean it regularly with silver cleaner. See the YouTube link on cleaning sterling silver permanent jewelry. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b66RIfTcI8&feature=youtu.be


If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to stop by or give us a call or text at (972) 765-1244.*Calls and text after hours will not be responded to until the following business day.

COPYRIGHT © 2023  BELLA RANAE PIERCING - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED