A one-of-a-kind manual that covers everything piercers and piercees need to know about the process, from the woman who brought tongue-piercing into the mainstream.

Piercing pioneer Elayne Angel shares her exhaustive knowledge of piercing history, terminology, tools, techniques, jewelry, and placements. She debunks myths about piercing guns, metal detectors, and tongue infections; explains how to find a responsible and skilled piercer; and outlines proper aftercare. Packed with details that really matter--including advice for people with stretch marks, obesity, plastic surgery, and unique anatomy--this guide is the single most authoritative, go-to source on the subject. 

Author Biography

ELAYNE ANGEL has been a professional piercer for more than 20 years and has performed over 40,000 piercings. She was awarded the President's Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Professional Piercers in 2006 and is a contributing writer for PAIN Magazine. She lives in Merida, Mexico.

Table of Contents

- Preface ix
- Acknowledgments xi
- Introduction: Piercing 101 1
 
Part 1 - The New Piercing
Motivations 6
Piercing Past to Present 11 

Part 2 - Groundwork and Preliminary Considerations
Risks, Myths, and Warnings 20
Is Piercing Right for You? 28
You and Your Piercer 34 

Part 3 - Piercing Preparation
Picking and Preparing 44
At the Studio 49
Piercing Procedures 56
Jewelry 101: Sizes, Shapes, and Materials 65 

Part 4 - The Holes
Holes in Your Head: Ear, Nose, and Facial Piercings 82
Kiss of the Needle: Tongue and Oral Piercings 105
Torso Piercings: Nipple and Navel Piercings 121
Below the Belt: Female and Male Genital Piercings 134 

Part 5 - Healing and Aftercare
Healing 101: Standard Aftercare 180
Alternative Aftercare 196
Trouble and Troubleshooting 201 

Part 6 - Living with Your Piercings
Upkeep and Stretching 218
Advanced Jewelry and Practices 232
Special Situations 246
Sex! 255 

Part 7 - Piercing in Modern Culture
Piercees and the Establishment 262
A Career in Professional Piercing 266
The Future of Body Piercing 270 

Appendix A - A Piercee's Bill of Rights (Association of Professional Piercers) 273
Appendix B - My Piercings and Jewelry Chart 274
Appendix C - Gauge Conversion Chart 275
Appendix D - Minimum Healing Times Chart 276
- Notes 277
- Glossary 287
- Select Bibliography 299
- About the Author 301
- Index 302