Body Piercing in Nigeria, Costs and Risks Associated

Lately the rate at which body piercing increased, one would wounder if it’s a prerequisite for living in the society. Body piercing is popular for both men and women. While it is often associated with young people, body piercing has been going on for thousands of years in different parts of the world.

Most piercings are created when an electric-powered “gun” quickly punctures the skin and a piece of jewelry is simultaneously inserted into the hole just created.

Where can I pierce in my body?

Usually, the earlobe is the most universal site for body piercing—but it’s definitely not the only option out there. The tongue, lips, nose, eyebrows, nipples, navel (belly button), and genitals can all be pierced. All body part can be pierced where a flap of skin can be punctured with a hole and fitted with a post, rod, hoop, or other piece of jewelry.

How much does piercings cost in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, the cost of a body piercing varies depending on the location of the body being pierced, the type of piercing and the individual piercer. However, the costs may cost between ₦5000-₦12000 for earlobes, ear cartilage or cheek. And even upto ₦20000-₦3000 for more delicate and dangerous areas.

Is Body Piercing Permanent?

Unlike tattoos, body piercings are usually not permanent. If a youth gets a piercing and then dislikes it, they can simply remove the jewelry in the piercing and the hole will eventually grow closed again on its own.

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Risks in Body Piercing

Body piercing when done in a clean and professional environment, is usually safe.

Infections

Piercing might cause redness, pain, swelling or a pus-like discharge after a piercing.

Skin Allergies

Some piercing jeweries, particularly those made of nickel can cause allergic reactions.

Blood-borne Diseases

If piercing equipment is unclean or contaminated with infected blood, there is a risk of getting blood-transmitted diseases. Such as:

  • Hepatitis C
  • Hepatitis B
  • Tetanus
  • HIV

Oral Damage

Jewelry worn in tongue piercings can chip and crack your teeth and damage your gums. Tongue swelling after a new piercing can interfere with chewing and swallowing — and sometimes breathing.

Tearing or Trauma

The jewelry can get your body torn accidentally, that may require stitches.

Keloid Growth

Keloids are overgrowths of fibrous tissue or scars that occur in some people after even minor trauma to the skin—no small deal! In addition to aesthetic concerns, patients with keloids may have itching and tenderness.

Treatment options for keloids include surgical excision, corticosteroid injections, cryosurgery (freezing), pressure dressings, radiation, and laser therapy. Those prone to keloid formation should probably not get piercings.

Oedema

Oedema may occur after piercing, with those who get tongue piercing being at the most risk. While swelling should decrease with proper care, there is a risk that excessive swelling of the tongue may block the airway, causing a medical emergency.

Scarring

It’s impossible to tell beforehand whether a piercing will scar or not. For some, no scarring takes place at all while others have a reaction that can cause scarring once the piercing has been removed.

Any splitting or tearing of the skin that takes place during piercing can cause scarring. In some, the development of keloids (excessive, thick scarring) may develop at the piercing site.

Abscesses

Abscesses are painful lumps of pus that can form just under the skin due to an infection. They are common complications of nipple piercings, resulting in redness, swelling, bleeding, and weeping pus. They can occur on other parts of the body as well.

Prolonged Bleeding

Bleeding after piercing can be normal but when bleeding becomes excessive, put direct pressure on the area from both sides of the ear. The best way to do this is to squeeze with your thumb and index finger, you can use gauze or a clean cloth.

Nerve Damage

Though this is rear but piercing can sometimes damage nearby nerves, causing persistent pain, discomfort, or the loss of sensation.

Inflammation

It is normal for the skin around a new piercing to be swollen, red and tender for a few days. It might bleed slightly. But if swelling, redness and bleeding last longer than a few days, contact your doctor. Prompt treatment can help prevent potentially serious complications.

Those to Seek Advice Before Piercing

  1. Teens with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes mellitus
  2. Those taking corticosteroids medication
  3. People having heart condition
  4. Have weakened Immune system
  5. Take herbal supplements and
  6. Pregnant women

People in this mentioned groups seeking body piercing in Nigeria should consult their doctors as they may be at a greater risk of complications from body piercings.

Questions to ask Before Getting a Body Piercing

In case you are considering getting body piercing in Nigeria, ask yourself the following questions;

  • Piercing may be fashionable now, but may not last forever.
  • How will you feel about the piercing later in life?
  • Piercing can be painful and the site is usually sore for some time afterwards.
  • How will your family and friends feel about your piercing and will it affect your relationships?
  • Does your schools forbid body piercing?
  • You may be required to cover or remove facial or tongue piercings during school hours.
  • Having a visible body piercing may denial you work in some particular workplaces and could affect your employment opportunities. In some industries, an exposed piercing may be a health and safety issue.

Conclusion

The reversal of a piercing is usually as simple as removing the jewelry and allowing the hole in the skin to heal. Punctured cartilage, stretched skin, and other body modifications may require surgical correction.

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