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"The Ultimate Piercing FAQ: Aftercare, Infections, Pricing and More"

Posted by KYRA on 25th Oct 2025

"The Ultimate Piercing FAQ: Aftercare, Infections, Pricing and More"

Whether you're considering your first piercing in UAE or adding to your collection, questions are natural. At KYRA (Dubai) we've compiled the most frequently asked questions about piercings, aftercare, infections, pricing, and jewelry to help you make informed decisions about your piercing journey.

 Getting Started with Piercings

 Q: What age do I need to be to get a piercing?

A: If unaccompanied by a parent or guardian clients need to be at least 15 years old with valid government-issued ID for ear-lobe piercings. Clients under 18 need parental consent in addition to their physical presence. This is mandatory for any cartilage or body piercing. Always bring your ID to your appointment.

Q: Does getting a piercing hurt?

A: Pain levels vary by individual tolerance and location. Most describe it as a sharp pinch lasting only seconds. Earlobes typically rate 2-3/10, while cartilage may be 4-6/10.

Q: How long does the piercing procedure take?

A: The actual piercing takes just seconds, once you are done with the jewellery selection, but the complete appointments typically last 15-30 minutes including consultation, preparation, marking, piercing, and aftercare instructions.

Q: What should I eat before getting pierced?

A: Always eat a proper meal 2-3 hours before your appointment to prevent dizziness or fainting.

Piercing Placement and Options

 Q: Which piercing should I get first?

A: Earlobe piercings are ideal for first-timers due to quick healing (6-8 weeks) and lower pain levels. They help you understand your body's healing process before attempting more complex piercings. Read our guide to choosing your first piercing.

Q: Can I get multiple piercings in one session?

A: Yes, however limit yourself to   no more than 3-4 piercings per session to avoid overwhelming your immune system. Your piercer at KYRA will advise based on the specific piercings and locations.

Q: How do I know if my anatomy is suitable for a specific piercing?

A: Professional piercers at KYRA assess your anatomy during consultation to determine suitability. Not everyone's structure can accommodate every piercing type—At KYRA well trained/experienced sales associate and /or your piercer will recommend alternatives if needed.

Q: What's the difference between lobe and cartilage piercings?

A: Lobe piercings go through soft tissue and heal in 6-8 weeks. Cartilage piercings go through harder tissue, take 6-12 months to heal, and require more diligent aftercare.

Pricing and Jewelry

Q: How much does a piercing cost in Dubai?

A: Piercing at KYRA in Dubai ranges from AED 99-350+ depending on complexity, location, and jewelry chosen. Basic earlobes with rounded ear-backs are less expensive, while cartilage and specialty piercings with internally threaded flat backs cost more. Premium materials like solid gold and Natural Diamond Piercings increase the overall cost and may range from AED650 - 2500.

Q: Is jewelry included in the piercing price?

A: At KYRA piercing services are Free, for earlobes using our hand -pressured technique, you only pay for the sterile piercing jewellery. Choosing premium materials like solid gold, gemstones, diamonds or designer pieces with internally threaded flats backs are done using sterile needles, may incur additional charges. Please ask the sales associate or piercer what's included during consultation.

Q: What type of jewelry material is best for new piercings?

A: Solid 14k or 18k gold piercings that are internally threaded at KYRA  is the gold standard for initial piercings due to biocompatibility and low reaction risk. Budget friendly Implant-grade titanium is also excellent. Avoid nickel, plated jewelry, and low-quality metals. Learn more about choosing jewelry materials.

Q: When can I change my piercing jewelry?

A: Wait until fully healed before changing jewelry. Lobes heal in 6-8 weeks, cartilage needs 6-12 months. Changing too early introduces bacteria and restarts healing. See our guide on piercing healing stages.

Q: What's the difference between threaded and push pin jewelry?

A: Threaded jewelry uses screw-on backings for maximum security, while push pin (threadless) uses tension for easy installation. Read our threaded vs push pin comparison.

 Aftercare Essentials

Q: How do I clean my new piercing?

A: Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution. Wash hands first, spray or apply saline, let sit for 30-60 seconds, then pat dry with clean paper towels. Avoid rotating jewelry or using harsh soaps/chemicals.

Q: What cleaning products should I use?

A: Use bottled sterile saline solution available at KYRA. Strictly avoid home-made solutions or similar remedies, as they are inconsistant with saline ratios and tap water contains other minerals. Avoid use of alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, or antibacterial soaps—these damage healing tissue.

Q: Can I sleep on my new piercing?

A: Avoid sleeping on new piercings, especially cartilage, for at least the first few months. Pressure causes irritation, bumps, and migration. Use a travel pillow with a centre hole or sleep on the opposite side.

Q: When can I go swimming after getting pierced?

A: Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans for at approx 2 weeks. These contain bacteria that cause infections, and chlorine irritates healing tissue. If necessary, use waterproof bandages and clean thoroughly afterward.

Q: Can I workout or exercise with a new piercing?

A: Light exercise is fine, but avoid activities causing excessive sweating or pressure on the piercing for 1-2 weeks. Always clean immediately after working out. Read our complete aftercare guide for exercise-specific guidance.

Q: What should I avoid during the healing process?

A: Avoid touching with dirty hands, rotating jewelry, sleeping on it, submerging in water, applying makeup/skincare nearby, and changing jewelry too early. Also avoid tight clothing that rubs body piercings.

 Piercing Problems / Infections

 Q: How do I know if my piercing is infected?

A: Infection signs include spreading redness, yellow/green discharge with foul odor, excessive swelling, severe pain, warmth, and fever. Normal healing includes mild redness, clear to light yellow discharge, and decreasing tenderness. Read our infection guide.

Q: What are piercing bumps and are they normal?

A: Small bumps near piercings are common and usually from irritation, not infection. Causes include sleeping on the piercing, snagging, or harsh products. Most resolve with improved aftercare. Learn about bump types and treatment.

Q: Why is my piercing bleeding?

A: Minor bleeding during the first 24-48 hours is normal. Later bleeding usually results from trauma, snagging, or bumping. If bleeding persists or is excessive, contact us or a healthcare provider.

Q: My piercing is red and swollen—should I be worried?

A: Some redness and swelling are normal initially and should gradually improve. Concerning signs include spreading redness, increasing swelling, and hot-to-touch skin. Check our article on normal piercing healing progression.

Q: Can I take out my jewelry if I think it's infected?

A: No! Never remove jewelry from an infected piercing without professional guidance. Removing jewelry can trap infection inside, causing an abscess. Keep jewelry in place and seek professional help immediately.

Q: What should I do if my jewelry gets caught or pulled?

A: Clean gently with saline solution and monitor for increased pain, bleeding, or swelling. If jewelry is damaged or bleeding is heavy, contact us. Minor incidents usually heal fine with proper aftercare.

 Special Considerations

 Q: Can I get pierced if I have allergies?

A: Metal allergies, especially nickel, are common. Always inform your piercer about allergies—they'll recommend hypoallergenic materials like implant-grade titanium or solid gold. Most people with sensitivities can safely wear these materials.

Q: Can I get pierced if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: At KYRA we avoid piercing pregnant or breastfeeding clients due to increased infection risks, hormonal changes affecting healing, and immune system stress. Wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Q: Will my piercing close if I take the jewelry out?

A: Healing time determines closure speed. Fresh piercings close within hours or days, well-established ones take weeks or months. Healed piercings may never fully close but can shrink. Consult your piercer at KYRA  about retainer options.

Q: Can piercings affect MRI or airport security?

A: Body piercings don't typically cause airport issues, though some large steel pieces may trigger metal detectors. For MRIs, you'll need to remove all metal jewelry. Inform medical staff about any piercings—consider retainers from KYRA if needed.

Q: Do piercings leave scars?

A: All piercings create small scars, but they're usually minimal and barely visible when jewelry is removed from well-healed piercings. Complications like infections or keloids cause more noticeable scarring. Proper placement, quality jewelry, and good aftercare minimize scarring.

 Professional Piercing Standards

 Q: Why should I choose a licensed piercing studio/Clinic ?

A: Licensed studios meet strict health and safety standards including proper sterilization, professional training, and regulatory compliance by the Dubai Health Authority. KYRA, UAE's first and oldest DHA-licensed piercing studio for over 2 decades adhere to medical-grade standards. Learn why choosing the right studio matters.

Q: What else should I look for in a piercing studio?

A: Look for clean facilities, portfolio of work, single-use needles (never piercing guns), high-quality jewelry options, Internally threaded piercing jewellery, avoid push pins especially if gold, thorough consultation, and detailed aftercare instructions. Piercers at KYRA answer questions patiently and make you comfortable.

Q: Why shouldn't I use a piercing gun?

A: Piercing guns cause tissue trauma, can't be properly sterilized, use lower-quality jewelry, and aren't suitable for cartilage. Professional hollow needles create cleaner punctures that heal faster with fewer complications. For all cartilage and body piercings, KYRA always use needles. punctures that heal faster and with fewer complications.

Q: How do I know if jewelry is good quality?

A: Quality jewelry is made from implant-grade materials (titanium, surgical steel, or solid gold), that has smooth finishes without rough edges, proper sizing for your anatomy, and comes from reputable manufacturers like KYRA. Avoid jewelry that's contains nickel, or unknow metals or seems cheaply made.

Making Your Piercing Decision

Getting a piercing is an exciting personal choice that requires informed decision-making. Understanding the process, aftercare requirements, potential complications, and proper jewelry selection ensures your piercing experience is positive and successful. Book an Appointment for a free Piercing consultation

At KYRA. For more detailed information on specific topics, Piercings in Dubai explore our complete blog archive where we cover everything from specific piercing types to advanced jewelry care and styling tips. 

Still Have Questions? 

Every piercing journey is unique, and questions are always welcome. Professional piercers at KYRA are your best resource for personalized advice based on your specific anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. Don't hesitate to reach out to qualified professionals at KYRA with decades of experience who can provide guidance tailored to your situation.

Visit KYRA's complete FAQ page for additional questions and detailed answers about our services, or explore our blog for in-depth articles on every aspect of the piercing experience.