| Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: No. However, walk-ins are taken on a first-come-first-serve basis, so we do recommend that you schedule an appointment.
Q: What do I need to get a piercing?
A: A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18 to our store, and we cannot/will not perform services on anyone under the age of 14. All adults must present us with a valid ID at the time of their appointment, regardless of their age.
Q: Does getting a piercing hurt?
A: The pain associated with tattoos and piercings varies person to person. While we work to make each of our customers comfortable throughout the tattoo or piercing process, the level of pain you experience will depend upon your personal pain threshold and the area of your body in question.
What is the ALMODA POSITION ON ORAL PIERCINGS?
There has recently been considerable sensationalized derogatory press regarding oral piercings. Unfortunately many of the pertinent facts are not being reported. A well-informed and discerning consumer is subject to far fewer dangers. When performed by a skilled and experienced professional using appropriate sterile, disposable instruments the risks are minimal and the procedure is instantaneous and essentially painless. Proper placement and the correct style and size of inert jewelry are absolutely critical.
Also vital is the cooperation of the piercee to care for the piercing adequately. Following the piercing the use of ice, rest, and elevation (just like with any wound) drastically diminishes the aftermath. An over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory taken according to package instructions for the first few days can also help to keep swelling down. Most piercees report little or no bleeding and a minimum of swelling for a few days. Tongue and other oral piercings heal extremely quickly and uneventfully when all aspects are handled according to accepted practice.
Highly suggested for optimal safety is to replace the initial jewelry (which has some extra room to allow for the usual amount of initial swelling) with a snugger piece which fits closer to the body. There is then less chance of contacting the jewelry with the teeth and other oral structures. Also, balls made of acrylic can be worn inside the mouth to minimize risk of damage to the teeth. Further, a smaller ball can be worn on the underside of the tongue to reduce contact with the sublingual portion of the oral cavity. These and other precautions can be taken which bring risk of getting and wearing oral piercings to a negligible level.
What is the ALMODA POLICY ON PIERCING MINORS?
For any piercing of a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign a consent form. Proof positive, state issued photo identification is required from the legal guardian, and a bona fide form of identification from the minor. In the event the parent has a different last name and/or address from the child, court documentation is needed to prove the relationship, i.e., divorce papers, or a remarriage certificate.
Under no circumstances is it acceptable or appropriate for a piercer to perform piercing on the nipples of an individual under 18 years of age.
What is the ALMODA POSITION ON Navel Piercings and Pregnancy?
Navel jewelry may be left in place; some women leave jewelry in during their entire pregnancy and delivery. If, during your pregnancy the piercing becomes uncomfortable, you can replace the jewelry with Tygon or PTFE, which are inert plastics (something like thick fishing line). These will bend and flex with your changing body, be more comfortable, and are safe to wear. Once your pregnancy is over, you can return to the jewelry.
Even long after the piercing is totally healed, it may or may not stay open without something in place. This varies from person to person. Wearing an inert plastic in the piercing will insure that it can be maintained.
In the event you elect to remove the jewelry entirely there is a chance it could be reinserted using an insertion taper even if the old jewelry wonÕt go back in readily. If it cannot be reinserted it is quite likely that it can be repierced.
As a side note, some women who lack sufficient tissue quantity or pliability for navel piercing prior to pregnancy are often well suited afterwards.
There is no special care that is required during pregnancy for healed piercings.
What is the ALMODA POSITION ON Breast Feeding and Pregnancy?
In our collective, massive experience, we have no awareness of even a single case of a woman who wished to breast feed and could not as a result of having had a nipple piercing. The milk ducts are a multiplicity of little pore-like ducts. Therefore, the likelihood of closing them all off from a piercing of usual size is virtually nil.
Most women do remove their jewelry for breast feeding and we believe this to be appropriate. As a result, some milk may come from the site of the piercing during nursing, which is not harmful nor problematic. Some will use an insertion taper (a tool designed for this purpose) to facilitate reinsertion or to check regularly and make certain the holes are open.
There is no special care that is required during pregnancy for healed piercings.
What is the ALMODA POSITION ON Body Art During Pregnancy?
It is advisable to refrain from undergoing any and all body art procedures during a pregnancy, even just an ear lobe stretch. It is best to let your body focus on the important, complex and demanding task that it is handling already.
What is the ALMODA POSITION ON Body Art Following Pregnancy?
We suggest that a three month waiting period be observed following delivery in order for the body to normalize and regain physiological and hormonal equilibrium before piercing.
Further, we suggest that a longer period be observed prior to nipple piercing. It is advisable and prudent to wait three months following the cessation of breast milk production before piercing of the nipples.
What is the ALMODA POSITION ON Body Piercing During Nursing?
With the exception of a 3-month post-partum delay we do not find it contraindicated to receive piercings (with the obvious exception of the nipples) during nursing. The body is not under the same type of demands as during pregnancy.
Further, we suggest that a longer period be observed prior to nipple piercing. It is advisable and prudent to wait three months following the cessation of breast milk production before piercing of the nipples.
PLease email-us for more information of if you have any other questions. |
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