Nipple piercing
The nipple is one of the most popular body piercing sites for both men and women. Nipple piercing has been practised as a fashion statement at various times and in various locations, including 19th century London and Paris. It is said that a pierced nipple enhances sensitivity and sexual pleasure, and can even be used to treat inverted nipples. Anecdotal evidence suggests that wearing a nipple ring doesn’t interfere with breastfeeding, as only a small number of ducts are severed during the procedure. Nipple jewellery can be made from gold, white gold, steel or gold-plated steel. Popular varieties include a ring (with or without a bead or pendant threaded through it), a dumbbell and a D-shaped ring with the straight side through the nipple.
It is important to choose an experienced piercer, to reduce the risk of infection. Hygiene is crucial. For example, if the instruments aren’t properly sterilised between clients, you may catch a blood-borne disease, such as hepatitis B. Choose a piercer who is registered with your local council.
The procedure
Some people successfully pierce their own ears using corks and needles, although this isn’t recommended. However, don’t ever attempt to pierce your own nipple. Choose an experienced piercer, to reduce the risks of infection and scarring. The procedure may include the following steps.
- The points of entry and exit are marked onto the nipple.
- The area is wiped clean with antiseptic.
- The area is anaesthetised or tightly clamped.
- A thin sharp tube, called a canula, is pushed through the nipple, using the entry and exit marks as guides.
- The ring is drawn back through the nipple via the canula.
Some of the complications of nipple piercing include:
- Infection of the nipple, which can quickly travel through the milk ducts and into the lymph nodes under the arm.
- Scarring.
- The growth of a cyst inside the nipple.
- Hampered healing, if the jewellery is too small.
A pierced nipple heals in around six to 10 weeks. Some suggestions on caring for your nipple in the meantime include:
- Don’t touch or handle the piercing unnecessarily.
- Don’t twirl or turn the jewellery unnecessarily for the first month or so.
- Wash the nipple daily with anti-bacterial soap.
- Make sure to gently remove any drying secretions or crusts while bathing.
- Regularly bathe or immerse the nipple in warm salty water, but use sea salt not iodised table salt.
- Pat dry with a fresh towel or use paper towels.
- Wash the nipple after swimming or heavy exercise to remove chlorine and sweat.
- During sleep or exercise, keep jewellery in place and the piercing intact by either covering with sticking plaster or wearing a bra.
- Don’t remove the jewellery before the wound has fully healed.
An infected nipple is treated with antibiotics. See your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms, including:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Yellow pus.
The risk of infection and complications mean that nipple piercing should be avoided in certain circumstances, including in combination with:
- Some medications - such as anticoagulant drugs, immunosuppressive medications and some corticosteroids.
- Chemotherapy - which reduces your immunity and makes you more susceptible to infection.
- Breast implants - particularly those implants located in front of the chest muscle, rather than behind.
- Certain disorders - including heart valve disease, rheumatic fever and skin infections.
- Your doctor
- An experienced body piercer, registered with your local council
- Your local council
- Department of Human Services, Public Health Division Tel. (03) 9616 7777
- The nipple is one of the most popular body piercing sites for both men and women.
- Choose an experienced piercer who is registered with your local council.
- Caring for your nipple while the site heals includes regular bathing with antibacterial soap and only handling the piercing when absolutely necessary.
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Article publication date: 28/05/2001
Last reviewed: 31/05/2004
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