[Doctor's Explanation] Get Your Ears Pierced at a Clinic! A Complete Guide to Safe Piercing at a Dermatology Clinic, Including Costs, Procedures, and Aftercare
Get your ears pierced safely at a dermatology clinic. A doctor at Halu Clinic thoroughly explains the benefits of medical piercing performed by a doctor, the procedure, fees, and aftercare. We also cover the risks of self-piercing, the differences between earlobe, cartilage, and body piercings, and how to deal with problems.
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"Can I pierce my ears myself?" "Which is safer, a piercing gun or a needle?" "My self-piercing got infected..." Many people likely have such concerns and anxieties.
In reality, ear piercing is a procedure akin to medical treatment, and if done incorrectly, it can lead to problems such as infections, metal allergies, and keloids. That's why "medical piercing" performed at a dermatology clinic is chosen as a safe and secure option.
In this article, a dermatologist from Halu Clinic will clearly explain the benefits of ear piercing at a clinic, the procedure, fees, and aftercare, based on medical evidence.
If you are considering ear piercing, please feel free to consult us.
Click here for web reservations and consultations1. Ear piercing is a "medical procedure"
1-1. Why is it a medical procedure?
Legally, ear piercing falls under medical procedures as defined by Article 17 of the Medical Practitioners' Act. This means that performing ear piercings on another person by anyone other than a doctor or a nurse under a doctor's instruction is illegal.
Piercings done at piercing shops or accessory stores are often operated in a gray area, where it's considered "doing it to your own body by yourself." For safety and hygiene, we strongly recommend getting piercings done at a medical institution (dermatology or plastic surgery clinic).
1-2. Main risks of self-piercing
- Infection: Poor sterilization can lead to pus, and in rare cases, sepsis.
- Metal allergy: Contact dermatitis from inexpensive earring materials.
- Keloids: Depending on body type, the area around the piercing may swell, becoming difficult to treat.
- Placement/angle errors: Asymmetry, not penetrating the earlobe, damaging blood vessels.
- Nerve damage: Cartilage piercings in the ear carry a risk of nerve damage.
- Embedded jewelry: The earring may become embedded within the piercing hole.
2. 5 benefits of getting a piercing at a clinic
2-1. Sterilized medical instruments are used
At our clinic, we always use disposable or high-pressure sterilized (autoclaved) instruments. The risk of blood-borne infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV is almost zero.
2-2. Doctor confirms position and angle
For earlobe piercings, the doctor marks the position considering symmetry, balance with the face, and ear shape. For cartilage and body piercings, only a clinic can medically determine a safe position that avoids nerves and blood vessels.
2-3. Medical-grade first earrings
The first earrings used at our clinic are made from medical-grade materials such as pure titanium, medical stainless steel, and surgical steel, which are less likely to cause allergic reactions. This minimizes the risk of metal allergies.
2-4. Medical response in case of trouble
In the unlikely event of infection, swelling, or pus, a dermatologist can immediately prescribe antibiotics or perform disinfection. Our clinic can also handle problems that arise from self-piercing.
2-5. Expert guidance on aftercare
To ensure a beautiful piercing hole, the care during the first 2-3 months after piercing is crucial. Our doctors and nurses will provide individual guidance on choosing disinfectants, cleaning methods, and when to change earrings.
3. Piercing methods and how to choose
3-1. Piercing gun method (stud gun method)
This method uses a medical piercer to create a hole instantly. It is suitable for earlobe piercings, causes little pain, and can be done in a short amount of time. We primarily use this method for earlobe piercings at our clinic.
- Procedure time: 5-10 minutes
- Pain: A quick "snap!"
- Applicable areas: Earlobe only
3-2. Needle method
This method uses a sterile needle (medical needle) to carefully create a hole. It is suitable for cartilage, tragus, navel, and body piercings. Since it cuts the tissue without crushing it, the wound heals cleanly.
- Procedure time: 10-20 minutes
- Pain: A momentary sharp sting (anesthesia available)
- Applicable areas: Ear cartilage, nose, navel, and general body piercings
3-3. Recommendations by body part
| Part | Recommended Method | Pain | Approximate Healing Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earlobe (Lobe) | Piercing Gun | ★☆☆ | 1-2 months |
| Ear Cartilage (Helix) | Needle | ★★☆ | 3-6 months |
| Tragus | Needle | ★★☆ | 3-9 months |
| Nose (Nostril) | Needle | ★★☆ | 3-4 months |
| Navel | Needle | ★★★ | 6-9 months |
4. Our Clinic's Piercing Procedure
Step 1. Counseling (10 minutes)
The doctor will confirm your desired piercing location, number of piercings, and type of first earring. We will also ask about any history of metal allergies, keloid tendencies, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Step 2. Positioning (Marking)
The piercing location will be marked with a medical pen. We will confirm it together in a mirror and adjust until you are satisfied.
Step 3. Disinfection
The earlobe and surrounding area will be carefully wiped with an alcohol-based disinfectant to create a sterile environment.
Step 4. Piercing
The procedure will be performed quickly with a piercing gun or needle. For earlobes, it takes about 5-10 seconds; for cartilage, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5. First Earring Insertion
A medical-grade first earring will be inserted. We will confirm that it is securely in place.
Step 6. Aftercare Guidance
We will explain at-home disinfection methods, cleaning methods, and precautions with accompanying materials. We will also provide an emergency contact number available 24 hours.
5. Estimated Fees
| Procedure Details | Fee (Tax Included) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Earlobe piercing (both ears, including first earrings) | From 6,600 yen | Uses piercing gun |
| Ear cartilage piercing (1 spot, including first earring) | From 8,800 yen | Uses needle |
| Body piercing (1 spot, including first earring) | From 11,000 yen | Varies by body part |
| Piercing trouble treatment (pus, swelling, etc.) | Consultation fee only | Insurance may apply |
* Fees are estimates. They vary depending on the body part, presence of anesthesia, and type of earring used.
* An initial consultation fee (3,300 yen) will be charged separately. The initial consultation fee is waived for advance payments or if the service exceeds 10,000 yen.
6. Aftercare | To ensure a beautiful piercing hole
6-1. Time until completion
The time until the piercing hole is complete (stabilized) varies by location.
- Earlobe: 1-2 months
- Ear cartilage: 3-6 months
- Body areas: 6-9 months or longer
During this period, it is essential not to remove the first earring.
6-2. Daily care method
- When showering, lather soap well and gently wash around the piercing.
- Rinse thoroughly to ensure no residue remains.
- Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Disinfect 1-2 times a day with disinfectant solution (prescribed by a doctor).
- Gently move the earring back and forth to prevent it from adhering to the tissue.
6-3. What not to do
- Touch the piercing with dirty hands
- Swim in pools or hot springs (until healed)
- Apply pressure while sleeping (be careful with side sleeping)
- Remove the first earring before it's fully healed
- Overuse high-alcohol disinfectants (can worsen dryness)
7. Common Problems and Solutions
7-1. Persistent swelling, redness, and pain
For mild cases, observation with cooling and disinfection is okay. If there's pus or fever, see a medical institution. Our clinic can prescribe antibiotics.
7-2. Metal allergy symptoms (itching, rash)
Remove the earring and replace it with pure titanium, pure gold (K18), or medical plastic. We will prescribe topical anti-itch medication.
7-3. Piercing hole has started to close
It's possible the first earring was removed too early. If re-piercing is necessary, our clinic can assist.
7-4. Keloids (raised scars)
Occurs in some individuals due to body type. Early treatment with topical steroids or injections. For severe cases, plastic surgery may be considered.
8. Piercing at Halu Clinic
At our clinic, a board-certified dermatologist performs safe piercings using medical-grade instruments and first earrings.
Features of our clinic
- 1-minute walk from Jujo Station North Exit on the JR Saikyo Line, excellent location
- Open from 9 AM to 9 PM, 365 days a year
- Walk-ins welcome (priority given to web reservations)
- Immediate response to piercing problems
- Cashless payment available
We can consult on earlobe piercings, as well as ear cartilage and body piercings. If you have a metal allergy or are concerned about keloid formation, please feel free to visit us. Our doctor will examine your body type and propose the most suitable piercing method.
For piercing or trouble consultations, click here.
Click here for web reservations and consultations9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is ear piercing covered by insurance?
A. Piercing for cosmetic purposes is a self-pay (out-of-pocket) service. However, treatment for infection or inflammation caused by a piercing may be covered by insurance.
Q. What is the minimum age for the procedure?
A. At our clinic, we generally serve individuals 13 years of age or older. Minors require parental consent (accompaniment or a consent form).
Q. Can I get both ears pierced at the same time?
A. Yes, both ears can be pierced simultaneously. Getting them done at the same time also helps minimize asymmetry in the finished result.
Q. Can I get pierced on the same day?
A. Making a web reservation is the most reliable way. While same-day appointments without a reservation may be possible on some days, there might be a wait.
Q. Can I change to fashion earrings immediately after piercing?
A. Do not remove the first earrings until the healing period is over. This is typically 1-2 months for earlobes and 3-6 months for cartilage.
Q. I pierced my ear myself and it's infected. Can I get it checked?
A. Absolutely. Our clinic can handle complications from self-piercing. We recommend visiting us as soon as possible.
* This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individual diagnosis or treatment plans. If you are concerned about ear piercing or piercing complications, please consult a medical institution.
Article supervised by: Doctor at Halu Clinic
