The smiley piercing, a captivating facial piercing that has gained immense popularity in recent years, has sparked a heated debate in the piercing community. One of the most pressing questions on everyone’s mind is: can I pierce my smiley with a 14g? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of piercings, explore the intricacies of the smiley piercing, and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
What Is A Smiley Piercing?
A smiley piercing, also known as a scrumper or corner of the mouth piercing, is a type of facial piercing that involves puncturing the skin at the corner of the mouth, creating a small hole that can be adorned with a stud or ring. This unique piercing has become increasingly popular due to its edgy, rebellious appeal and the ability to add a touch of personality to one’s facial features.
The Anatomy Of The Smiley Piercing
To understand the feasibility of piercing your smiley with a 14g, it’s essential to comprehend the anatomy of the piercing site. The corner of the mouth is a delicate area, comprised of soft tissue, muscles, and nerves. The piercing passes through the muscle and skin, creating a small hole that requires careful handling to ensure proper healing.
Risks and Challenges Associated with Smiley Piercings
Smiley piercings are considered high-risk piercings due to the proximity to the mouth, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. Improper aftercare, poor hygiene, and inadequate piercing techniques can lead to a range of complications, including:
- Infection: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can occur, causing redness, swelling, and discharge.
- Nerve damage: The piercing can irritate or damage the surrounding nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain.
- Migration or rejection: The piercing can migrate or be rejected by the body, resulting in the jewelry being pushed out or forming a scar.
What Is A 14g Piercing?
A 14g piercing is a type of piercing that uses a 14-gauge needle to create the hole. This size is smaller than the standard 12g or 10g piercings, making it ideal for more delicate areas, such as the ears or nose. However, when it comes to smiley piercings, the question remains: can you use a 14g needle, and if so, what are the implications?
The Pros And Cons Of Using A 14g For A Smiley Piercing
Pros:
- Smaller hole: A 14g piercing creates a smaller hole, which may be less noticeable and easier to conceal.
- Less trauma: The smaller needle may cause less trauma to the surrounding tissue, potentially leading to a faster healing process.
Cons:
- Increased risk of migration: The smaller hole may increase the risk of the jewelry migrating or being rejected by the body.
- Difficulty with jewelry: The 14g hole may require specialized jewelry, which can be harder to find or more expensive.
Jewelry Options for a 14g Smiley Piercing
If you decide to pierce your smiley with a 14g, you’ll need to invest in jewelry specifically designed for this size. This may include:
- Micro rings: Delicate rings that fit snugly in the small hole, often featuring small charms or beads.
- <strong/tiny studs: Miniature studs that are designed for 14g piercings, available in a range of materials and styles.
Is A 14g Smiley Piercing Right For You?
Now that we’ve explored the world of smiley piercings and 14g needles, it’s essential to consider whether this piercing is right for you.
Factors To Consider
Before making a decision, take into account the following factors:
- Experience level: Are you a seasoned piercing enthusiast or a newbie? A 14g smiley piercing may be more challenging for beginners.
- Piercing technique: Has your piercer worked with 14g needles before? Ensure they have the necessary experience and skills.
- Aftercare: Are you willing and able to follow a strict aftercare routine to minimize the risk of complications?
Alternatives to the 14g Smiley Piercing
If you’re unsure about the 14g smiley piercing, consider alternatives that can still provide a unique and stylish look:
- Standard smiley piercing: A traditional smiley piercing using a 12g or 10g needle, which may be easier to heal and maintain.
- Other facial piercings: Explore alternative facial piercings, such as the nostril or septum, which may be more suitable for your comfort level and piercing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is technically possible to pierce your smiley with a 14g, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider your individual circumstances. Remember, piercings are a personal choice, and it’s crucial to prioritize your health and well-being above aesthetics.
Before making a decision, consult with a reputable piercer, discuss your concerns, and carefully evaluate the risks and challenges associated with a 14g smiley piercing. With the right approach and aftercare, you can enjoy a stunning smiley piercing that complements your unique style.
What Is The Standard Gauge For A Smiley Piercing?
The standard gauge for a smiley piercing is typically 18g or 16g. This is because the thicker gauge allows for a more comfortable healing process and provides a more stable environment for the piercing to settle. While it’s possible to pierce with a 14g, it’s not the most ideal choice for a smiley piercing.
Piercing with a smaller gauge can lead to increased trauma to the skin and tissue, which can cause unnecessary discomfort, swelling, and even rejection. Additionally, a thicker gauge piercing allows for easier cleaning and aftercare, which is crucial for a smiley piercing as it’s located in a high-movement area of the face.
Can You Pierce A Smiley With A 14g Needle?
Technically, it is possible to pierce a smiley with a 14g needle, but it’s not recommended. A 14g needle is typically used for thicker piercings, such as cartilage or nipple piercings, and is not suitable for the delicate skin and tissue of the smiley area. Using a 14g needle can cause unnecessary trauma to the skin and increase the risk of complications.
If you do decide to pierce with a 14g needle, make sure to find a reputable piercer who has experience with smiley piercings and can guide you through the aftercare process. It’s also essential to follow a strict aftercare routine to minimize the risk of complications and promote proper healing.
What Are The Risks Of Piercing With A 14g Needle?
Piercing with a 14g needle can lead to several risks, including increased trauma to the skin and tissue, nerve damage, and even rejection. The thicker gauge can cause the piercing to migrate or reject, which can result in scarring and permanent damage. Additionally, the increased trauma can lead to prolonged healing times, excessive swelling, and discomfort.
It’s also worth noting that piercing with a 14g needle can increase the risk of infection. The thicker gauge can push bacteria and other debris deeper into the piercing, making it harder to clean and increasing the risk of infection. If you do decide to pierce with a 14g needle, make sure to follow a strict aftercare routine and monitor your piercing closely for signs of infection.
How Do You Care For A 14g Smiley Piercing?
Caring for a 14g smiley piercing requires extra attention and caution. Make sure to clean the piercing regularly with a saline solution and gentle soap to prevent infection. Avoid tight clothing, extreme temperatures, and harsh chemicals, which can irritate the piercing and cause discomfort.
It’s also essential to keep the piercing area moisturized to promote healing and reduce scarring. Avoid playing with the piercing or touching it excessively, as this can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection. If you experience any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention immediately.
What Are The Benefits Of Piercing With An 18g Or 16g Needle?
Piercing with an 18g or 16g needle has several benefits, including reduced trauma to the skin and tissue, easier healing, and less risk of complications. The smaller gauge causes less damage to the skin, which results in less swelling, discomfort, and scarring.
Additionally, piercing with a smaller gauge allows for a more precise piercing, which can result in a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing piercing. The smaller gauge also makes it easier to clean and care for the piercing, reducing the risk of infection and promoting proper healing.
Can You Use A 14g Earring In A Smiley Piercing?
While it’s technically possible to use a 14g earring in a smiley piercing, it’s not recommended. The thicker gauge can cause discomfort, irritation, and even damage to the surrounding tissue. Additionally, the 14g earring may not fit comfortably in the piercing, which can cause the earring to migrate or reject.
If you do decide to use a 14g earring, make sure to choose a high-quality earring made from a biocompatible material, such as surgical stainless steel or titanium. Avoid using earrings with sharp edges or points, which can cause irritation and discomfort.
What Should You Do If You’ve Already Pierced With A 14g Needle?
If you’ve already pierced with a 14g needle, it’s essential to monitor your piercing closely for signs of infection or complications. Make sure to follow a strict aftercare routine, and avoid tight clothing, extreme temperatures, and harsh chemicals.
If you experience any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention immediately. Consider consulting with a reputable piercer or healthcare professional for guidance on how to care for your piercing and promote proper healing.