I have been wanting to write about this topic even before I started my blog, so thank you to everyone who voted on instagram, that this should be my next post. We all know that body piercing is a very cool form of self-expression, but it's crucial to remember that not every piercing type is advisable or safe. Although some may think that caution only applies to extremely obscure piercings such as those on the uvula or eyelids - options that many people have likely never even heard of - there are other, less extreme but more commonly asked-about piercing
s that are just as bad. Let’s talk about some of these piercings and the substantial risks they entail.
Snake Eyes and Tongue Scoop Piercings
While two separate tongue side piercings (often called venoms) are beautiful and safe, I get asked about snake eyes and tongue scoop piercings more often - these are VERY risky. These styles actually join two tongue muscles together, preventing them from working as they should, which can lead to muscle and nerve damage, also affecting your speech. Moreover, the piercings almost inevitably lead to horrible dental issues. A horizontally-placed barbell will be in constant contact with the teeth, so if you want to ignore all the red flags and still get it done - set aside thousands of euros to fix your future gum erosion, chipped and cracked teeth.
Finger/Hand Web Piercings
Finger or hand web piercings might seem unique. Mostly unique in the amount of damage they can cause. The hand has a complex structure with critical nerves and blood vessels just below the skin. A small error can cause permanent damage. And think about the amount of dirty surfaces your hands touch daily - this will increase the risk of infection. Even if you were to keep them clean and didn’t touch… well… anything, the movement of your hands alone will cause them to migrate and not heal.
Surface Piercings
Surface piercings like the anti-eyebrow, surface tragus, or nape 
might seem tempting but they're not advisable. Unlike other piercings that go through skin that naturally protrudes, these surface areas don't have the right conditions for healing. This leaves them prone to infections and rejection. Such locations, especially close to the spine, pose additional risks if the piercing is done too deep or if infection sets in. The likelihood of these piercings failing is significantly high. Instead, I usually recommend dermal anchors. They're not guaranteed to stay forever, but if correctly placed and well-maintained, they have a better chance of success. For those interested in a surface tragus, consider a double tragus piercing if your anatomy allows for it.
Cheek Piercings
After reading a terrifying story in "The Piercing Bible" by Elayne Angel, I decided never to offer cheek piercings, when I was still early in my piercing career. Elayne shared how her cheek piercings caused her salivary ducts to leak a year and a half after getting them done. They didn’t stop even after removing the jewelry. She had to undergo multiple treatments with a cautery scalpel to close up the leaking ducts. The risks with cheek piercings, even when done by experts who don’t pierce further than the first molars, make them a no-no in my book.
Choosing a piercing requires thorough research - it’s not just about what looks good - you also need to consider the health risks. Always prioritize your safety and consult with professionals before getting pierced!