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BODY PIERCING 3 PAGE 3 BY JENNIFER NELSON © Copyright 1999 by Parents' Press What's a parent to do? Is resistance futile? No, it isn't. But social and commercial currents are powerful, and piercing has become widely acceptable, if not respectable, among many teens. Talk to teens about the procedure itself, the need to be sterile, the potential risks, and responsible skin care. Avoid judgmental remarks. Nonjudgmental comments tell your child you are approachable, and also may help to prevent risky self-piercings. The Law In many states teens must be 18 years of age (ID required) or have parental permission for body piercing. Piercing establishments are required to register with the state for licensing purposes, as well as have annual health inspections. Inspections check sterilization equipment and piercing tools and help to ensure the cleanliness and safety of each studio. Unregistered practitioners are subject to civil penalties. "A piercing studio should be clean, organized and well-lit ­ comparable to a doctor's or dental office," says Lori, who is an experienced piercer. Do Your Homework If you've given the green light on body adornment or your teen is of legal age, make sure they do their homework. Only a professional should perform the piercing. Dr. Sheila Price, professor at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry, advises those undergoing a piercing procedure to insist on sterile conditions and to be aware of the risks: possible transmission of hepatitis, HIV and other blood-borne pathogens. Have the teen locate piercers in the area. Talk with people who have had a piercing done, and find out who did it. Check out examples of a piercer's work. Meet the piercer's clients. Discuss techniques. Ear-piercing guns should never be used to pierce anything other than ear lobes. Are you comfortable with the piercer? "Piercing can be a very unpleasant experience if you do not feel relaxed and comfortable with your piercer or the studio," says Lori, who is always concerned about her customers' comfort level. Check out the studio. It should be a reputable place of business, not someone's garage or the back of a pawnshop. The facility must use a new, sterilized needle for each piercing. Ask questions. A legitimate piercer will be happy to address your concerns. Get concise written instructions for the aftercare of the piercing ­ before the procedure. "I like to take my time with each piercee to discuss procedures and after-care prior to the piercing," says Lori. "I also do my best to help them make an informed decision on which piercing and jewelry would best suit their body and lifestyle." Costs The cost of piercing procedures varies widely, but expect to pay between $25 and $45 for above-the-waist piercing, and $35 to $55 for below-the-waist procedures. Jewelry is additional and is available in many styles, but should be smooth with no rough edges and made of inert, nontoxic substances. Surgical stainless steel, pure gold, and titanium are among the choices available for a new piercing. Piercing jewelry is personal and should not be exchanged or reused on others. Make sure you do not receive used jewelry. A Look Ahead Body art has stamped its legacy on today's teens. Pierced tongues and navels and shiny adornments stabbed through various body parts are considered desirable. We adults, though, still find it hard to let our offspring exhibit an individuality that differs from our perceptions of acceptability. As parents, we will take great pleasure in anticipating the trends of our children's children. Our grandchildren will one day torture these body-pierced teens with their own brand of individuality, as each subsequent generation makes its mark on the world. Comments about this article? Send us an e-mail and we'll add your remarks to the feedback page.