Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham, UK.
I am based at Emma Regan Piercing which situated inside Chapters Tattoo Studio: 51 Albion street, Jewellery Quarter, B13EA. 

YES!
We are an appointment based studio ensuring that there is a sufficient amount of time to: have a consultation, choose jewellery, explain aftercare, ask any questions and perform the piercing/s.

Depending on which piercings we are doing we will either use a cannula or a blade needles for every piercing both of these are one use and of course sterile. We do not use piercing guns, nor do we condone their use in any piercing. As proud members of the UKAPP, we stand in the beliefs that  piercing guns are unsafe because they are unsanitary. For more information see www.safepiercing.org/piercing-guns 

We pierce with implant grade titanium ASTM F-136 and Niobium. We also pierce with 14 karat gold rings attachments on titanium posts. We are extremely selective not only with the materials we use but the surface finish we often look for a mirror finish and overall craftsmanship of the jewellery too. So you can be sure that where you choose a simple titanium piece of jewellery or a solid gold piece then the standard of product we supply will always be of the highest quality.  

YES!
We love all the jewellery that we stock in store and luxury jewellery is what we specialise in. We adore a classy gold piece or a big statement piece - pieces of jewellery which suits your individual style and fits your anatomy beautifully  are our favourite. 

Nope - i will only ever pierce with jewellery that is supplied by myself as I know the materials. I can not verify the material of other jewellery and this could cause complications to your new piercing. 

Potentially - all piercings as anatomy dependent. Plus all piercers have a different skill set and ways of performing piercings. It is true that you may not be able to have a particular piercings but and in person consultation with your piercer will determine what is viable for you. 

Often the thought is much worse than the experience, and pain levels depend from person to person and depending on the location of the piercing. Some discomfort is normal but it is usually very brief.

I kindly ask that you attend your appointment alone (with the exemption of a parent/career).
we do not allow children in the piercing room as this may not be a safe or appropriate environment for them. Piercing procedures include needles, potential pain and sterile equipment which isn’t suitable for a child to witness. Safety and health and safety is always a priority for us. 

Swimming with new piercings is generally not recommended, especially in pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water, for several reasons:

1. Infection Risk: Bodies of water, such as pools and lakes, can contain various bacteria and microorganisms. Immersing a new piercing in contaminated water increases the risk of infection.

2. Chemicals in Pools: Chlorine and other chemicals used in swimming pools can be harsh on healing piercings. They may cause irritation, dryness, and delayed healing.

3. Abrasion: Sand and rough surfaces in natural bodies of water can irritate and damage healing piercings, leading to complications.

4. Soaking: Prolonged soaking in water can soften the tissue around the piercing, potentially leading to jewelry shifting or embedding, which is problematic during the healing process.

If you want to swim with a new piercing, it's generally advisable to wait until the piercing has fully healed. Healing times vary depending on the location of the piercing but can range from a few weeks to several months. Always follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer to ensure a smooth healing process and consult with them if you have specific questions about swimming and your piercing.

Yes, you can remove your piercing. However, keep in mind that the hole will close up and some scarring may remain. 

An irritation bump on a piercing is a common issue. These bumps can develop for several reasons, including trauma, improper jewellery, or poor aftercare. Here's what you can do to address an irritation bump:

1. Identify the Cause: Try to determine what's causing the irritation, such as the type of jewellery or any trauma to the piercing.

2. Jewellery: Ensure that you're using high-quality, hypoallergenic jewellery made of materials like surgical steel or titanium. Low-quality or allergic reactions to jewellery  can lead to irritation.

3. Cleaning: Continue cleaning the piercing as recommended by your piercer, usually with a saline solution. Avoid over-cleaning, which can worsen irritation.

4. Avoid Touching: Do not touch or twist the jewellery unnecessarily, as this can introduce more irritation.

5. LITHA Method: "Leave it the heck alone" is often the best approach. Let the bump heal naturally without excessive interference.

6. Warm Salt Soaks: Some people find relief by doing warm salt water soaks a couple of times a day. Make sure the solution is properly mixed and not too concentrated.

7. Consult Your Piercer: If the irritation bump persists or worsens, consult your piercer for guidance. They may suggest jewellery changes, different cleaning methods, or other steps.

8. Avoid Harsh Products: Avoid using harsh products like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the piercing, as these can exacerbate irritation.

9. Consult a Professional: In severe cases, it's advisable to seek advice from a dermatologist or a professional piercer who specialises in troubleshooting piercing problems.

Remember that irritation bumps can take time to resolve, and patience is key. If the bump persists or causes excessive discomfort, consulting with a professional is the best course of action.

Signs of an infected piercing can vary in severity, but common symptoms may include:

1. Redness: The area around the piercing may appear more red than usual.

2. Swelling: Some degree of swelling is normal during the initial healing period, but excessive or sudden swelling can be a sign of infection.

3. Pain or Discomfort: Increased pain, tenderness, or throbbing at the piercing site can indicate an issue.

4. Heat: The area around the piercing may feel warmer than the surrounding skin.

5. Pus or Discharge: Yellow, green, or grayish discharge is a common sign of infection. Piercings typically produce clear or slightly cloudy discharge during healing.

6. Foul Odor: A foul or unpleasant odor may be present with an infected piercing.

7. Fever or Chills: Systemic symptoms like fever and chills may occur in severe cases.

If you suspect your piercing is infected, it's essential to take action promptly:

1. Do not remove the jewelry, as this can trap the infection inside.

2. Clean the area with a saline solution, as recommended by your piercer.

3. Contact your piercer for guidance, or seek medical attention if the infection is severe or spreading.

4. Follow any instructions given by a healthcare professional, and consider taking a course of antibiotics if prescribed.

Early detection and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent complications and promote healing. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or your piercer if you have concerns about the health of your piercing.

The short answer is no.

The body’s immune system undergoes serious changes during pregnancy. These changes have a negative effect on healing, and may even prevent piercings received shortly before becoming pregnant from finishing healing. Sometimes even healed piercing will act up while you are pregnant. For these reasons, we even advise against stretching existing piercings during pregnancy.

There is also a slight but important risk that if you experience a complication, such as an infection, that your pregnancy or fetus would be negatively affected. While the chances are slim, it’s just not worth the risk, and no reputable professional would knowingly offer you services while you are with child.

It is best to let your body focus on the important, complex and demanding task that it is handling already. 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can impact body piercings, and it's important to consider the following:

Pregnancy:

1. Jewellery Tightness: During pregnancy, some women experience changes in their body size and shape. This can affect the tightness of jewellery in piercings. In some cases, jewellery may need to be adjusted or removed temporarily to accommodate these changes.

2. Nipple Piercings: If you have nipple piercings and plan to breastfeed, it's essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider. In some cases, you may need to remove the jewelry while breastfeeding to prevent any issues for you or the baby.

Breastfeeding:

1. Nipple Piercings: The presence of nipple piercings can make breastfeeding more challenging. The jewelry can interfere with the baby's ability to latch onto the breast. Some women choose to temporarily remove the jewelry during breastfeeding, but it's important to consult with a lactation consultant and healthcare provider for guidance.

2. Navel Piercings: Navel piercings are less likely to cause issues during breastfeeding, but it's still essential to ensure that the jewelry doesn't pose any discomfort for you or the baby.

3. Hygiene: It's crucial to maintain excellent hygiene around piercings during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Keep the pierced area clean to prevent infection, which can be more challenging to treat during these times.

4. Consult with a Professional: Always consult with a professional piercer and your healthcare provider to address any concerns or questions related to piercings during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They can provide guidance specific to your situation.

Ultimately, whether to keep or remove piercings during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a personal choice. However, it's important to prioritize the health and safety of both you and your baby when making decisions about body piercings in these circumstances.

All jewellery sales are final as they cannot be resold for hygiene purpose, for this reason no refunds are available. All piercings are clearly marked prior to being performed for you to double check the placement with the exemption of piercings that can’t physically be seen such as septum piercings.  We will not pierce you without this verbal* confirmation that you are happy.If you believe your piercing was performed incorrectly please notify the studio in writing within 30 days and we will re-do the piercing for you at no cost in store in accordance section 55 of the 2015 Consumer Rights Act