AboutBrian Skellie Expertise I can answer questions in regards to and not limited to: jewelry safety, specifically material, shape, proportion, and related issues; aseptic technique and sterilization as it applies to piercing safety; ethical issues of technique and bedside manner; the aftercare and recovery process for piercings.
Experience
Past/Present clients
Tens of thousands of one on one client experiences. http://www.piercing.org/ Body jewelry design and safety expert: Member ASTM committee F04(www.astm.org)
Member AAMI (www.aami.org)
Research advisor and educator for the APP for over a decade(www.safepiercing.org) teaching advanced studio setup, sterilization and equipment management, freehand piercing, aseptic/sterile technique and much more.
Distributor for SciCan StatIM sterilization and cleaning products. http://www.piercing.org/statim/
Expert: Brian Skellie Date: 7/2/2008 Subject: Lip piercing..
Question hey!
Alright, so I'm going to get my lip done in a few weeks(bottom lip) and have been researching all the aftercare and cautions and things like that...i know not to smoke or kiss, but the part about alcohol hasn't been so clear.
some web pages are saying not to drink alcohol until it's fully healed, while another is saying not to drink for a few hours after the piercing, and another is saying to drink alcohol less than 10%...i just want to know whats the truth please?! and also would it help if i drank through a straw?might sound stupid asking this but i really don't know!!!
oh and also another website said just not to SHARE your ciggarettes, it said nothing about not smoking!
not that i smoke anyway but was just curious about it seen as i know a LOT of people with their tounge done, and they drank alcohol, smoked(anything!) and kissed..yet no infection..!
Thanks muchous!
Answer Dear Aisling,
Alcohol is dehydrating and can cause more swelling and soreness, even a canker sore on the inside while healing. I suggest moderation while healing, and rinse with water thoroughly after you put anything other than water in your mouth. http://piercing.org/faq/aftercare.html and http://piercing.org/faq/tongue.html have pertinent information on the subject.
Kissing or oral sex, even with a monogamous partner can cause a staph or strep infection or herpes outbreak. Wait until you are healed fully for your safety, and remember that they can kiss you somewhere else.
Smoking will also cause swelling and soreness and can cause discoloration and thick scarring in the area.
Drink with a straw if you like, as this is not a wisdom tooth removal the care is different.
Your friends may have strong immune systems, or may be lucky, but I'd suggest you go easy on your piercing since you could be more sensitive.
