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Ear & Body Piercing/what gauge should i pierce my ear

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Expert: Brian Skellie - 9/24/2004


Question
I want to piece my ear in the upper lobe right before it gets to the hard cartilage and i want to put a 20 gauge nose stud with the little  ball at the end in my piercing.i just wanted to know if it were possible  for the ball to  go through the hole in my ear and if so should i pierce it a larger gauge and let it heal down?

          Thank you for taking my question

Answer
You are on the right track with needing a larger end to heal with, the 2mm and smaller ends will pull through or embed. I suggest a threadless 18g barbell with small ball or disc ends from www.neometal.com I customize these in house for people http://vision.piercing.org/ has some examples.

When you are healed, and have given it a few extra weeks to become sturdy, then you can replace the end with a 1.5mm or 2mm ball disc or jewel. I keep these in stock, because smaller is better in some cases aesthetically.

Stop by for a free consultation, and I'd love to show you around.

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Brian 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. *Available for consultation.

Experience

Body artist and founder of Piercing Experience, http://piercing.org/ and SciCan Authorized Dealer of STATIM Sterilizers and related infection control products http://statim.us/

Organizations
Over ten years with ASTM and APP, Currently serving on the APP Board of Directors as International Liaison, formerly as Treasurer 1997-99.

Publications
The Point Journal of the Association of Professional Piercers, USA Today, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Magazine, Creative Loafing

Education/Credentials
I regularly participate and teach in many APP and related body art educational programs. I keep current certifications for OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid, and CPR.

Awards and Honors
Best Freehand Piercer, Best of Atlanta

Past/Present Clients
Tens of thousands of one on one client experiences as the founder of Piercing Experience in Atlanta, GA, USA http://www.piercing.org/ *Body jewelry design and safety expert: Member ASTM committee F04(www.astm.org)and former 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 and Body Art expert for SciCan StatIM sterilization and infection control products. http://statim.us/

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