Ear Piercing

Available instore, no appointment required. .

Our team are trained in ear piercing using the Studex® System75. This is a modern and virtually silent ear piercing system that uses sterile single-use non-touch disposable cartridges. This system offers the optimum in hygiene and sterility. With this system, ears can be pierced gently with individually sealed, hypoallergenic studs.

Our ear piercing specialist inserts sterile cartridges into the system and touches neither the piercing stud nor the clasp during the piercing process. The piercing instrument does not touch the ear either. The studs that are available for use with System75 are slimmer and sharper than those used with Studex® Universal, making the piercing less traumatic to the ear and a great choice for piercing children's ears. At Life Pharmacy Howick Village we only pierce ears.

Does ear piercing hurt? This is a very common question. With Studex® System75, ear piercing takes merely a matter of a few seconds. The system uses a very sharp fine gauge stud for minimal local trauma to the skin and most people say they feel only the slightest pinch. Because it is very gentle and virtually silent, System75 is very well suited to piercing children's ears.

Is ear piercing safe with an ear piercing instrument? Yes. The Studex® ear piercing studs are packaged and sterilised to meet or exceed European EC standards and FDA regulations (U.S. Food & Drug Administration). When used with the Studex® System75 non-touch ear piercing system they offer the optimum in hygiene and sterility.

What age do I need to be to have my ears pierced? In New Zealand ear piercing is controlled by laws or local bylaws. We require consent from a parent or legal guardian for anyone under 16 years of age before a piercing can be carried out. A piercing release form should be filled out before the piercing is performed, and ID with proof of age will be required. If consent from a parent or legal guardian is required on behalf of a minor, the parent or legal guardian will be required to sign this form. We do not pierce ears on anyone under the age of 5 years old.

How long does it take for an ear piercing to heal? After piercing, piercing studs should be worn for at least 6 weeks continuously. For the cartilage area of the ear, they should be left in for at least 12 weeks continuously. After 6 weeks (for earlobes) or 12 weeks (for cartilage), the piercing studs can be removed and other post-type earrings can be worn continuously. We recommend using only post-type earrings for the first 6 months from the date of piercing and for the first six months do not go for more than 24 hours without wearing jewellery in the piercing. The post should be surgical stainless steel or other hypoallergenic material.

How soon can I go swimming after I have had my ears pierced? We recommend care after your piercing. If you do go swimming please clean ears directly afterwards. 

Can I get my cartilage pierced with Studex®?

Yes. Studex® ear piercing systems are designed to safely pierce the earlobe and cartilage along the rim of the upper ear. It is not suitable for inner ear piercings such as the tragus.

Can I re-pierce an old piercing that has closed? Some piercings can heal over quickly when jewellery is removed, sometimes in as little as a few hours. If a piercing has closed, it is important to never attempt to force jewellery back through the original piercing. We advise allowing the piercing to heal completely before re-piercing. A few months is usually recommended to allow the tissue to fully repair itself. When fully healed, your piercer will be able to determine whether you are able to have a new piercing performed in the same spot. They will check your ear for cysts, which feel like a small hard lump that can be moved under the skin. Cysts are embedded skin tissue that can sometimes form surrounding foreign debris and they cannot be pierced as doing so may cause a rupture, releasing the debris into the surrounding tissue which can cause infection. However, if you see and feel a small lump that does not move, it is more likely scar tissue. In most instances where the piercing has healed without additional injury, infection, or other trauma, it will be possible to pierce through the scar tissue and reopen the original piercing.

AFTERCARE

Taking good care of new piercings is extremely important. Always wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial wash before touching a new piercing. Cleanse the front and back (where possible) of the piercing twice a day with Studex® Piercing Antiseptic Lotion, starting 24 hours after receiving the piercing, without removing the jewellery. Gently slide the stud/jewellery back and forth in the piercing. Avoid rotating an ear stud more than 180° left or right. This will prevent hair wrapping around the post at the back of the lobe. Keep hair spray, soap, shampoo and other preparations away from the piercing. After shampooing, the piercing should be rinsed with clean water. Then apply Studex® Piercing Antiseptic Lotion as described above. After cleansing the pierced area with Studex® Piercing Antiseptic Lotion the area should be kept dry. Do not remove the jewellery from the piercing during the after care procedure and avoid handling your jewellery unnecessarily. You should also avoid pushing the clasp of an earring along the post towards the ear as tight earrings may lead to infection.

What should I do if my ears become infected? Minor pain and redness may occur immediately after piercing. This is normal and will settle within 48 hours provided proper after care is followed. If undue pain, swelling, and/or redness occurs, consult your piercer or doctor immediately. If you believe the piercing is infected, do not remove the jewellery until you have consulted your piercer or doctor.

How much does it cost? Our prices start at $30, which includes the ear piercing, earrings and after care solution

Do I need an appointment? Not necessay , however you can ring us to book an appointment for this service.

See you soon  - our pharmacy is conveniently located centrally on the main street of Howick Village.

https://bookings.gettimely.com/lifepharmacyhowickvillage/bb/book