The use of piercing guns raises significant concerns within the professional piercing community, and some establishments may attempt to rebrand them as "pressure piercing systems" to deflect negative perceptions. Here are the key reasons why piercing guns are generally discouraged:
Misleading Terminology
Some establishments may use terms like "pressure piercing systems" to mislead customers and create the impression that they are not using traditional piercing guns. It's important for consumers to be aware of such marketing tactics and prioritise professional piercing methods.
Trauma to Tissue
Piercing guns use a spring-loaded mechanism to force jewellery through the tissue. This can cause unnecessary trauma, leading to increased pain, swelling, and potential complications during the healing process.
Inaccuracy
Piercing guns lack precision, making it challenging to control the angle and depth of the piercing accurately. This lack of control can result in uneven piercings and potential issues with jewellery placement.
Tissue Damage
The sudden and forceful nature of piercing gun mechanisms can damage surrounding tissue, potentially causing more extensive scarring and prolonging the healing process.
Limited Jewellery Options
Piercing guns often limit the type of jewellery that can be used, typically offering options with a standard post length. This limitation may not accommodate variations in individual anatomy and can contribute to discomfort and healing issues.
Inadequate Sterilisation
Proper sterilisation of piercing equipment is crucial for preventing infections. Piercing guns are impossible to sterilise completely between uses, increasing the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of infections.
Misleading Marketing and Informed Consent
Piercing guns are sometimes marketed as less painful, targeting parents seeking a seemingly smoother experience for their children. This approach raises concerns about the informed consent of young individuals. It's crucial to ensure that children are of an age where they can fully understand the procedure, associated risks, and commitment needed for aftercare. Transparent communication and ethical practices are essential to safeguard the well-being of children during the piercing process.
It's crucial to address the unethical practice of advertising piercing guns as less painful to appeal to parents and facilitate the piercing of children who may not be old enough to provide informed consent.
Unfortunately, some establishments may take advantage of this perception to capitalise on the desire for a seemingly less traumatic experience, especially when catering to a younger demographic. In doing so, they may be inclined to offer piercings to children who might not be of an age where they can fully comprehend and provide informed consent for the procedure.
It is imperative to emphasise that age-appropriate consent is essential in any body modification process, including piercings. Children should be given the opportunity to understand the procedure, associated risks, and commitment required for proper aftercare before making an informed decision. This ensures that the choice to get a piercing is made consciously, with the child's well-being and understanding, and enthusiastic consent at the forefront.
Parents, guardians, and piercing professionals alike should prioritise transparent communication with young individuals, encouraging an environment where they feel empowered to make decisions about their bodies when they are mature enough to do so. Choosing professional piercing studios that adhere to ethical practices and prioritise informed consent is essential in safeguarding the well-being of children during the piercing process.
In summary, piercing guns are associated with increased trauma, inaccuracy, tissue damage, limited jewelry options, and challenges in sterilisation. Awareness of these drawbacks is essential, and consumers should seek out professional piercing studios that prioritise the use of sterile, precise, and less traumatic methods for body piercings.
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