Effects of Body Piercing

Written by Cassandra Merkling (last updated March 17, 2021)

Putting a piercing in an adult body of any size opens it up to the chance of infection. And even though your piercing heals, it will always be susceptible to infections because it is an unnatural hole in the body. The most common infections that are cited as being contracted from insufficiently disinfected piercing instruments are those of hepatitis (which causes liver damage) and HIV (which causes AIDS), as well as tetanus, bacteria, and yeast. And, as a side note, do not let anyone do any of your body piercings with a piercing "gun" of any kind, as these instruments cannot be disinfected.

Other risks: oral complications resulting from tongue piercings, such as chipped and broken teeth, choking on loose jewelry, speech impediments, and swollen, infected tongues; nerve damage (leading to permanent numbness in the area pierced); keloids (thick scars at the point of piercing); allergic reactions to the jewelry used to keep the wound open; the formation of deep cysts (which is a sac filled with fluid or semi-fluid matter); and other possible ill effects.

The other effect of body piercing is healing time, and here it is, by each area pierced:

  • Ear cartilage: Four months to one year
  • Ear lobe: Six to eight weeks
  • Eyebrow: Six to eight weeks
  • Female genitalia: Four to ten weeks
  • Lip: Two to three months
  • Male genitalia: Four weeks to six months
  • Nasal bridge: Eight to ten weeks
  • Nasal septum: Six to eight months
  • Navel: Four months to one year
  • Nipple: Three to six months
  • Nostril: Two to four months
  • Tongue: Four weeks

Author Bio

Cassandra Merkling

MORE FROM CASSANDRA

Dry Skin Care

Dry skin can be difficult to deal with, but a few remedies can help it stay moist. Your skin will feel so smooth, the ...

Discover More

Remove Tea Stains Yourself

Tea has got to be one of the most popular beverages around the world. What aren't so popular are the stains that they ...

Discover More

Home Organization

There are many aspects of home organization to consider. When getting started, try to stick with the basics and take it easy.

Discover More
More Beauty Tips

Understanding a Winter Person

While the actual season of winter may not be a general favorite, those with the winter color palette remind us what ...

Discover More

Body Piercing Jewelry

Thinking about doing some body piercing? Find out about all the different types of piercings that there are. Learn more ...

Discover More

Creating a Healthy Glow

If you want to know how to create that healthy glow you read about in the celebrity magazines, here's where you can ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is nine more than 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.