WHY IS IT BETTER TO GET PIERCED WITH A PIERCING NEEDLE, THAN WITH A GUN?
While there are numerous reasons to not get pierced with a piercing gun, one of the most critical reasons is the actual piercing edge of the various piercing gun studs used for low grade, initial piercings performed in shopping malls and kiosks around the world, the piercing studs edges are often blunter than a professional piercing needle, this blunt edge is then forced through the flesh using the spring loaded mechanism inside the piercing gun, resulting in a very traumatic impact to the piercing site as it forces a dull/blunt object through your flesh with far too much force.
The piercing gun process causes massive trauma to the piercing site, this creates more irritation, more redness and swelling, more pain and a higher likelihood of further problems as the site tends to have larger injuries and longer healing periods.
Because of the dull point of the piercing gun studs, there will always be a need for higher amounts of pressure on the site, as more force is required to tear/rip through the epidermal of the skin.
With professional body piercing needles this is almost entirely eliminated as the piercing edge is made with medical grade precision and these precisions tools are created in the same facilities that produce similar needles for medical use, such as intravenous drips which are used safely inside of hospitals and clinics around the world.
Body Piercing needles do NOT cause additional trauma as they are designed by the medical industry to provide the least amount of trauma to the piercing site as possible while medical patients are being given treatment, and they make the smallest incision possible, only allowing enough space for the jewellery to slide comfortably into the new installation site with minimal force.
Professional body piercers will always have a good idea of their tools (especially their needles!) and which suppliers are experienced and reputable.
Professional body piercers will never use a piercing gun, the services featuring ear piercing by gun are in the business of selling jewellery but are not typically considered professional body piercers by the industry at large.
Professional body piercing services are all operated using single-use needles only, they will never reuse piercing needles as all professional needles are designed to be disposed of after their use and professional body piercers all follow this protocol strictly – without exceptions!
**All piercings are ALWAYS done by hand with single-use needles only!
What are the benefits of using ASTM F136 implant-grade Titanium over other grades of titanium?
Implant-grade titanium is the most appropriate material available for surgical implants and can help piercings heal more quickly compared with other metals such as steel and lower grades of titanium. The composition of the titanium alloy used in ASTM F136 is tightly bound so that it cannot break down under the skin and release metal particles inside the body.
Although other grades of titanium, such as grade 23, do adhere to the EU Nickel Directive they are not as biocompatible as ASTM F 136 titanium and are not designed for long-term wear under the skin. The use of ASTM F 136 titanium ensures the greatest possible chance that a piercing will heal properly.
What are the consequences of using cheaper materials, such as 316L surgical steel?
Surgical steel is unsafe for use in initial piercing due to its high nickel content, which can cause complications for those with a sensitivity to nickel, as many as ten per cent of the population. Surgical steel is not as tightly bound as titanium, so that particles of the jewellery, including nickel, can bleed into the skin, which can lead to harm the longer the jewellery is worn.
It can also cause hypertrophic scarring (bumps), itchiness and excessive white cell build up around the site of old piercings.
According to the EU Nickel Directive it is illegal to use any jewellery in initial piercings with a nickel release rate of 0.2 micrograms per cm2 per week or less. The jewellery I use is entirely free of nickel and made of materials approved for long-term use in the human body.
What are the benefits of using high quality gemstones over generic stones?
The shine of cheaper quality gems comes from a laying foil laid underneath a rhinestone to enhance its sparkle. They are easily scratched, become dull and colourless over time and, due to the use of glue to set them, often fall out completely.
I only carry brands that use high-quality stones like Swarovski crystals elements and semi-precious stones, carefully set using prong or bezel settings, to ensure the jewellery can be used continuously for many years!
DO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
YES! I work by appointments only at Mofo Tattoo.
I DO NOT ACCEPT WALK INS! I will not change/ remove/ reinstall your jewellery if you come as a walk in because my time is committed to clients that have arranged an appointment.
Any service that requires my time and attention will need an appointment. Otherwise my time and attention will be prioritised on clients that have arranged a booking.
WhatsApp or Text: (no calls!)
+(852) 6779-1310
Email: sara@sarapierced.me
Instagram: @SaraPiercedMe
Can you speak Chinese?
Yes! I can speak Cantonese and English, but cannot read or write Chinese! Please send all text enquiries in English or a Cantonese voice message.
How old do I have to be to get pierced?
You must be at least 14 to get pierced without parental consent for most piercings.
Piercings on the ear (incld: Cartilage, Helix, etc) : Minimum `14 without parental consent.
Ear Lobe Piercings: Minimum age 8 with parental consent. I’m sorry I am not comfortable piercing toddlers under the age of 8, because the anatomy is still in development and the position may “shift” as they age and can result in migrated piercings.
Oral Piercings: Minimum age 16 without parental consent.
Facial Piercings: Minimum age 16 without parental consent.
Navel Piercings: Minimum age 16 without parental consent.
Nipple Piercings: Minimum age 18 without parental consent.
A legal form of ID with your birth date will be requested as proof.
I am happy to provide a seat inside the studio for your parent or guardian while I perform your piercing.
** The client must be able to consent to getting pierced. We do not pierce babies and toddlers.
Is there any piercing you don’t do?
I don’t do microdermal piercings, genital piercings, cheek piercings, surface piercings, “snake eye” horizontal tongue piercing, tongue web piercing, and other ‘experimental’ and risky piercings that I think are problematic and won’t heal well. I reserve the right to refuse any piercing I deem risky and irresponsible.
My philosophy is to do piercings that can heal successfully, which can allow for many jewellery options and plenty of possibilities!
Do piercings hurt?
Most piercings are very quick(within 3 seconds) and the pain is minimal. Though the tolerance for pain can vary from person to person, most people are very surprised at how easy and fast the process can be.
All of my clients agree that the piercing hurts less than they expect, and often come back for more after seeing what a professional body piercing service should feel like.
**Please let us know if you are on medication or have a health condition**
Do you use anaesthetic/ numbing cream?
No, because it is not necessary.
Most piercings are 100% completed within a few minutes, and numbing cream can be time consuming to activate and can add a layer of slippery grease to the site which can interfere with my tools and process.
I direct the client to do a breathing exercise during the piercing to minimise discomfort and focus their attention on their breathing.
Most piercings are completed within a “breathing in and breathing out” motion.
**I reserve the right to refuse piercing if the client applies anaesthetic prior to the piercing.
What do I need to prepare before the piercing?
- Please read my entire Piercing Information page! It will inform you of my method, jewellery, downsizing, recovery, and pricing.
- Please read my Aftercare Guide before your visit so I can answer your questions in person during our appointment.
- Please check the map and learn our location before your visit to avoid getting lost.
- Do not consume alcohol 24hrs before and after getting pierced.
- Get a good night’s sleep before the piercing day.
- Eat a full meal before your appointment to ensure proper blood sugar levels.
- Please wear a face mask.
- Please use hand sanitiser at the front desk when you enter, and you will also be asked for a temperature check.
- Bring Cash! We are Cash only, and only accept credit card for purchases over $2000 hkd.
Why is the post on the starter/ beginning jewellery so long?
We use a longer post to start as a safety measure to allow room to accommodate swelling. This is standard practice as guided by APP requirements. Swelling is a normal and expected part of the healing process 🙂 Every one’s body is different, and some will swell more than other’s. The general idea is to maintain a healthy immune system to help your body heal. Your body cannot heal piercings as well when it is under stress, lacking sleep, poor diet, inconsistent aftercare etc.
When can I downsize the jewellery?
Not all piercings need to be downsized. If your piercing requires a downsize, we will ask the client to come back for a check up.
Please read my complete guide on getting pierced to learn when to Downsize your jewellery.
Are there any things that I can’t do after getting pierced?
You cannot sleep on the fresh piercing, and you shouldn’t go swimming right after getting pierced.
You will also need to avoid stressing and irritating the piercing. Avoid touching your piercing with unwashed hands.
Do not tug or push at the jewellery excessively.
Use good judgement and maintaining good hygiene will help heal your piercing most effectively.
We cannot be responsible for irritations caused by poor and/or inconsistent aftercare.
How long will it take for my piercing to heal?
Most piercings have different healing times depending on location, jewellery, lifestyle and aftercare.
I typically like to encourage clients to select an implant grade Titanium jewellery to ensure optimal biocompatibility and to also promote better healing.
Generally the most important rule is to leave your piercing alone, and to never “touch” the piercing unless you are cleaning it.
You cannot sleep on the piercing as it is healing (or irritated) so it might be a good idea for the client to focus on collecting one side of the ear first, otherwise they will be strongly encouraged to sleep on their backs for months.
Ear Lobe piercings are the only exception because they heal much faster than cartilage.
Ear Lobe piercings will take around 6-8 weeks to recover.
Most cartilage piercings will take around 6 months sometimes up to a year to heal, depending on location and care.
For some ear piercings (Helix, Conch, Flat, Tragus) the initial piercing will be done with a longer stud jewellery to help accommodate the initial swelling phase.
Helix, Conch, Flat, Tragus piercings: the client is encouraged to come back after 2-3 months for a check up to assess the swelling and see if a downsize of the jewellery is needed.
Tongue and Nipple piercings will ALWAYS need a downsize appointment.
Additional reading material: Click here to learn more on Recovery.
How long do I have to wait until I can change my jewellery?
First rule is to listen to your body, be aware of the healing process and monitor your new piercing while going through your cleaning routine
Generally, lower ear lobe piercings will heal faster than cartilage piercings.
If you have waited the recommended time as per your body piercers instructions, and it feels like it is healed, it likely is 🙂
You should wait until your piercing is completely healed before you attempt to change jewellery. The skin should feel completely normal, no soreness and no sensitivity.
Any removal of the jewellery prematurely/too early may damage the soft sensitive tissues inside your piercing site.
We cannot be responsible for irritations caused by premature jewellery changes.
Can you pierce with my own jewellery?
Unfortunately not, and this applies to both fresh and healed piercings.
This is because we have to be responsible for any and all jewellery we insert. When we insert the jewellery we supply, we can guarantee the jewellery’s quality, ensure its origin, and be certain of its measurements and sterility.
When clients bring jewellery in from outside sources, we have no legitimate guarantee of its origin, quality, and sterility so we cannot take responsibility for their installation.
After the piercing is well healed, the client is welcome to change the jewellery themselves, but we cannot be responsible for jewellery changes made by the client!
We cannot be responsible for irritations caused by poor jewellery changed by the client.
Additional reading material: Click here to learn more about the jewellery I use.
I do not use any jewellery with butterfly backings!
Can I consume alcohol after getting pierced?
Alcohol will thin your blood making it harder to clot, and can also prolong swelling. We suggest avoid alcohol consumption 24hr before and after getting pierced.
Can I go swimming after the piercing?
The piercing site is basically an open wound after the piercing is done. The general idea is to keep the wound clean and free from bacteria to prevent infections.
Submerging your fresh piercing in contaminated water such as in a swimming pool, beach, sauna, hot tub, etc. will risk exposing your piercing to a number of bacteria which can lead to infections.
We generally suggest avoid swimming for the first 3 months.
Is it ok to work out and get sweaty with a fresh piercing?
Yes, you are ok to work out and exercise after getting pierced, but use good judgement and avoid stress on and around the piercing site and make sure the piercing does not come in contact with contaminated surfaces/ objects (ie. dirty gym towel, yoga mat, head gear etc.)
Is it possible to wear headphones / ear buds after getting Tragus / Conch / Daith piercing?
I generally ask the client to avoid stressing the healing piercing, and that includes avoid rubbing the jewellery with a (contaminated) object like headphones and earbuds. After the piercing is healed, you can use them again but make sure the headphones are clean!
Can you help me with a problem piercing done by somebody else?
Please understand that an irritated piercing can be due to a number of different reasons which can be challenging and time consuming to troubleshoot.
Because the original piercing was not done by me, I may not be able to comment on your situation with 100% certainty.
If the original piercing was done improperly such as incorrect position or angle, changing the jewellery will not solve the issue and some sites occasionally must be re-pierced to fix.
I charge a basic service fee of $300 hkd when troubleshooting piercings not done by me. This fee does not include jewellery and aftercare products.
I also charge a service fee for all jewellery changes on piercings not done by me.
I charge full fees on any new piercings required during the course of a session, no new piercings will be included in consultations without prior arrangements.
My old piercing closed up, can I get it re-pierced?
Generally, if the piercing site is not scarred, I can re-pierce that same spot safely. But if there is scarring on the site, I may have to slightly adjust the position to avoid the scarring. I will need to see the area in person to say for certain!
** Regardless of position, if I need to use a needle to re-pierce an old piercing site , this process is still considered a “new piercing” so the same full cost applies.
Can you curate my ear?
Yes I sure can! I offer FREE consultations for your customised ear curation ideas.
Please contact me to arrange an appointment. I do not do consultations over the phone or via chat!
Additional reading material: Click here to learn more about placements.
What is your recommended aftercare?
Recommended by: Maria Tash and Association of Professional Piercers
NeilMed Piercing Aftercare is a sterile Saline Solution spray that can be used to conveniently irrigate and flush the piercing. Great to keep in your purse or school bag to clean on the go.
** We sell this for $200 hkd at Mofo Tattoo (+$100 with piercing service), you can purchase anytime Mofo is open: Monday to Sunday from 2pm to 10pm.
Clients that are experienced with piercings can develop their own aftercare routine best suited for themselves, but generally the idea is to always keep the piercing site clean and free from bacteria. Leave your piercing alone, and don’t touch it unless you are cleaning the piercing.
I recommend a two-step process of using a cleanser in the shower to degrease and clean the piercing site, and then also use a saline solution to irrigate/flush the piercing site.
Recommended cleanser would be an anti-bacterial product that has no alcohol and no fragrance. I recommend the client use a cleanser to degrease the skin around the piercing to remove any discharge and buildup by gently cleaning around the site.
Additional reading material: Click here for my Aftercare Advice.
Please read my complete Aftercare Guide.
Do I need to turn/ rotate my piercing while cleaning?
Because the common jewellery mechanism I use for most piercings is threaded/screwed on from the front, I generally ask my clients to avoid turning/twisting the design front of the jewellery as this can loosen the design/gem/ball. While cleaning, if the piercing is not sore or sensitive, you can carefully push the stud back and forth in the skin to clean under the jewellery.
Is it possible to wash/clean a piercing too much?
Yes! By cleaning more than is recommended, you can irritate a piercing and create dryness, swelling etc… Follow your aftercare instructions given to you by your professional body piercer!
How many piercings can I get per visit?
For safety and healing reasons, I am only willing to do up to 5 total fresh piercings anywhere on the body/ears. This is because your new piercing is basically a wound on your body. The more wounds you have, the more stress there will be on your body’s immune system as it heals the new piercings. So to promote safe and healthy healing, I don’t do more than 5 piercings per visit, and the client is also recommended to wait at least 1 month after any multi-piercing session.
You cannot sleep on the piercing as it is healing so it may be a good idea to focus on one side of the ear when considering getting multiple cartilage piercings.
Ear Lobe piercings can be an exception because they heal much faster in 6-8 weeks, while cartilage piercings can take up to 6 months.
** We recommend you maintain good health, keep up with good nutrition and make sure to get good sleep to help your body heal.
Can I get pierced with gold?
Yes you can! I have a selection of solid 14k Gold jewellery available as upgrade suitable for fresh piercings.
Additional reading material: Click here to learn about my Gold jewellery.
Do you have jewellery suitable for sensitive skin/ metal allergy?
Yes I do! I have a selection of hypoallergenic Titanium jewellery and Solid 14K Gold jewellery suitable for clients with sensitivity.
Additional reading material: Click here to learn more about my hypoallergenic Implant-Grade Titanium jewellery that is suitable for clients with sensitivity.
Do you sell clear retainer?
Definitely! I stock clear bio-plast and glass retainers for most piercings including ear piercings, septum, nostril, eyebrow, lip etc… however, I do not pierce with these retainers! They can only be used in healed piercings.
Can I buy jewellery from you?
Absolutely! I carry a wide range of jewellery from industry reputable brands such as: Anatometal Inc, Invictus Body Jewelry, QualiTi Jewellery, Buddha Jewelry Organics, Maya Jewelry, Diablo Organics, Tether Jewelry, Oracle Body Jewelry, and more to come!
** I often post Pre-Orders and New Arrivals on my Instagram. Please follow to keep updated on my fresh stock and monthly pre-orders!
Jewellery purchase does not include installation! I charge a service fee of $300 hkd for all jewellery changes on piercings not done by me.
How do you unscrew / remove the jewellery?
I use internally threaded jewellery for most of my piercings, and also use threadless jewellery for some piercings.
For jewellery that is threaded, the rule is “righty tighty lefty loosey” . The design/ ball front will unscrew from the post. For rings I use clickers. Clicker rings have a hinge and a seam that can pull open.
All of our Titanium jewellery is Internally Threaded – rotate clockwise to tighten, and anticlockwise to release. “Righty tighty, Lefty loosey”. This type is more secure, but can also be more difficult for the client to change themselves.
All of our Gold jewellery is Threadless – push pin style, push into the stem to secure and twist + pull to release. This type is easier for the client to manipulate, but can also be accidentally pulled out.
We do not encourage the use of Externally Threaded jewellery because the bumpy threading on the outside of the stem can be “scratchy” and scrape the piercing channel when changing jewellery. The threading on the outside can also harbour bacteria, and push contaminates inside the piercing channel when changing jewellery. This type is often sold at mall kiosks and commonly used by piercers that are less experienced and not certified. Learning how to check the Threading is the easiest way for a client to tell what is good quality jewellery and poorly made pieces. If a piercer is using Externally Threaded jewellery, this can be a warning sign.
What gauge and diameter do you use for piercings?
I typically use 16g on most ear piercings, and 14g on most body piercings and oral piercings. The length / ring size can vary depending on the piercing. As a general rule I always use a longer length for the initial piercing to accommodate swelling, and I encourage the client to come back for a jewellery downsize.
Can I get pierced with a ring?
Due to safety and healing reasons, I no longer use rings as initial jewellery in most cartilage piercings including nostril. Ear Lobe piercings are the only exception, I can use rings in ear lobes. Please refer to this diagram for more info:
Can I bring in a friend to take photos during the piercing?
You are allowed 1 guest into the studio with you.
We have a waiting area for the rest of your party to wait, because Mofo Tattoo is a busy, hygienically controlled place with lots of other clientele and staff whom are often in the process of working. So we ask that you be mindful of your time inside the studio.
As long as you ask, it should OK be to take photos.
Video recording during the piercing is prohibited.
Can I still breastfeed after getting my nipples pierced?
Yes you will still be able to breastfeed after getting your nipples pierced, but we strongly recommend that you remove the jewellery completely when breastfeeding to avoid choking risk.
Is my piercing infected?
A piercing can be irritated, but its not always an infection. We must first determine what the problem is, and then recommend proper treatment. This diagram can help show the difference between an infection vs. irritation.
My piercing is infected! What should I do?
If your piercing looks like the infected side of the picture example, we highly recommend you seek medical attention immediately, and request oral antibiotic tablets. Try to avoid using creams or ointments as that can attract more dirt and bacteria. The whole idea is to keep the wound as clean as possible.
My piercing is irritated! What can I do?
If your piercing looks like the irritated side of the picture example, we must determine what is irritating you. Did you stop cleaning the piercing? If so, start doing Sea Salt Soaks (cup method) immediately, and continue doing soaks consistently on a regular schedule will greatly help soothe your irritated piercing. Do you sleep on your piercing? This is the worst thing you can do to a healing piercing! Sleeping on your piercing can make your piercing heal crooked, form irritation bumps, risk infection etc. Avoid sleeping on your piercing to eliminate the chances of bumps forming on your piercing.
There are bumps on my piercing! What can I do?
Irritation bumps are formed when there is excessive irritation. They can be soothed by eliminating the irritation. We also highly suggest doing sea salt soaks every day, and avoid sleeping on the piercing. But sometimes even doing your very best still doesn’t help! If that is the case, for persistent bumps that don’t go away from Sea Salt Soaks, I use a product called No-Pull Discs to help flatten piercing bumps.
What is No-Pull Piercing Disc?
From their website: “Authentic NoPull Piercing Disc® was initially designed to protect new or sensitive piercings from jewelry backings, providing a comfortable cushion of soft, medical-grade silicone. But also, the Disc was consistently helping to heal hypertrophic scarring; a common and stubborn bump that can develop in new or even long-healed piercings! Please have a look at their Instagram gallery to see real results!