Flat Piercing in Nairobi, Kenya

Here are some details about flat piercings:

• Pain Level: Moderate to high due to the cartilage. Pain tolerance varies, but it’s usually more uncomfortable than lobe piercings.
• Healing Time: It typically takes around 6-9 months to fully heal, but this can vary. Careful aftercare is essential to avoid infection.
• Jewelry: Common jewelry types for flat piercings include flat back studs, barbells, and hoops. Initial jewelry is usually something simple to allow healing.
• Aftercare: Cleaning with a saline solution twice daily is recommended. Avoid touching, twisting, or sleeping on the piercing to reduce the risk of irritation or infection.

Flat Piercing Procedure

A flat piercing procedure involves puncturing the flat area of cartilage on the upper ear. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect:

• Consultation
  – Our piercer will assess your ear anatomy to ensure the flat area is suitable for piercing.
  – You’ll choose your initial jewelry, usually a flat-back stud, which is less likely to cause irritation during the healing process.
• Preparation
  – Sterilization: Our piercer will clean the area thoroughly with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
  – Marking: Our piercer will mark the exact spot on the flat of your ear where the piercing will be placed. You can review this placement before proceeding.
  – Sterile Environment: The tools and jewelry used are sterile to minimize the risk of infection.
• Piercing
  – Needle: The flat piercing is done using a hollow, sterilized needle specifically designed for body piercings. It’s inserted in one smooth motion through the marked spot on the cartilage.
  – Pain: Since cartilage is tougher than soft tissue, you’ll feel pressure and discomfort, but the actual piercing process is usually quick.
  – Jewelry Insertion: After the needle is removed, our piercer will insert the jewelry (usually a stud or small barbell) through the hole.
• Post-Piercing
  – Cleaning: Our piercer will clean the area again and provide you with detailed aftercare instructions.
  – Bandage: Depending on the location, they may apply a small bandage or leave it exposed.
• Aftercare
  Follow the aftercare guidelines provided by your piercer. Typically, you’ll need to:
  – Clean the area with saline solution twice a day.
  – Avoid touching, twisting, or sleeping on the piercing.
  – Keep the area dry and avoid submerging it in water (like pools or baths) during the healing process.

The procedure is generally safe if performed by a professional, and proper aftercare reduces the risk of complications.

Considerations before getting a Flat Piercing

Before getting a flat piercing, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure it’s the right decision for you. Here’s a list of key considerations:

• Pain Tolerance
  – Flat piercings involve piercing through cartilage, which is more painful than lobe piercings. The area is also more sensitive and can take longer to heal.
  – Be prepared for discomfort both during the procedure and in the days following.
• Healing Time
  – Healing Period: It typically takes 6-9 months to fully heal, though it could take longer depending on your body and aftercare routine.
  – Extended Care: During this period, you’ll need to maintain a strict cleaning routine, and you might experience swelling, tenderness, or slight discomfort.
• Aftercare Commitment
  – Daily Cleaning: You’ll need to clean the piercing twice a day with a saline solution. Touching or twisting the jewelry is discouraged, as it can irritate the piercing or introduce bacteria.
  – Avoid Sleeping on the Piercing: Sleeping on your side can cause irritation, so you might need to adjust your sleeping habits.
  – No Swimming: Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and submersion in bodies of water until fully healed, as these can increase the risk of infection.
• Work or Lifestyle
  – Work Environment: If you have a job that requires wearing helmets, headsets, or anything that touches the ears, this might affect your comfort or delay healing.
  – Sports/Activities: If you participate in sports or activities where your ear could be bumped, it could cause complications, prolong healing, or even result in infection or rejection of the piercing.
• Piercing Shop Hygiene
  – Research the Studio: Ensure that the piercing studio is reputable, clean, and uses sterile equipment. Look for positive reviews and check for proper certification.
  – Experienced Piercer: Make sure the piercer is experienced, especially with cartilage piercings, which require skill to avoid complications like improper placement or scarring.
• Jewelry Selection
  – Initial Jewelry: Choose high-quality, hypoallergenic materials like titanium, surgical steel, or gold. These are less likely to cause allergic reactions or infections.
  – Size and Comfort: The initial jewelry should allow for some swelling, so avoid tight jewelry. After healing, you can change it to something more snug or decorative.
• Risk of Complications
  – Infections: Cartilage piercings are more prone to infections because they have less blood flow compared to lobe piercings. If an infection occurs, it can be more difficult to treat.
  – Keloids or Hypertrophic Scarring: Some people are prone to forming scar tissue or keloids after cartilage piercings. Discuss this risk with your piercer, especially if you have a history of keloid formation.
• Cost
  – Piercing Fees: Cartilage piercings like flat piercings can be more expensive than lobe piercings due to the complexity of the procedure. Be sure to factor in the cost of the piercing, the initial jewelry, and any aftercare products.
  – Follow-up Costs: You might need to return for check-ups or to switch jewelry once the healing process is complete.
• Aesthetic and Commitment
  – Long-term Aesthetic: Consider how the flat piercing fits with your overall style and any other piercings you may have. Flat piercings can be more visible depending on the size and type of jewelry used.
  – Commitment to Healing: Given the long healing time and potential discomfort, be sure you’re prepared for the commitment to aftercare and the temporary inconveniences of the healing process.

By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about whether a flat piercing is the right choice for you.

Flat Piercing Pain and Healing

A flat piercing involves puncturing the flat cartilage area of the ear, which makes it a bit more painful than lobe piercings and requires a longer healing period. Here’s a breakdown of the pain and healing process:

Pain Level

• Initial Pain: Since flat piercings go through cartilage, which is thicker and less flexible than the soft tissue in the ear lobe, the pain is typically more intense. Many describe the pain as a sharp pinch followed by throbbing.
• Pain During Procedure: The actual piercing is quick, and any significant pain usually lasts only a few seconds. However, you may feel a bit more pressure than you would with a lobe piercing.
• After the Procedure: It’s common to experience soreness, tenderness, and throbbing in the days following the piercing. This pain usually subsides over the first week but may flare up again if the piercing is bumped or irritated.

Healing Process

Healing Time: Flat piercings generally take 6-9 months to fully heal, but it can sometimes take up to a year depending on your body’s healing speed and how well you care for the piercing.

Healing Stages:

• First Week: The initial pain and swelling should start to decrease, but the area may remain sensitive. During this time, it’s crucial to avoid touching or twisting the jewelry.
• 1-3 Months: The piercing will still be healing, and it’s normal for it to feel tender or irritated occasionally. Continue regular cleaning and avoid sleeping on the pierced side.
• 3-6 Months: At this point, the piercing should start feeling more stable, though it may still be sensitive to touch or pressure.
• 6+ Months: The piercing should be nearly or fully healed, but any irritation or mishandling could still cause issues.

Flat Piercing Aftercare

Proper aftercare is crucial for the successful healing of a flat piercing. Since it’s a cartilage piercing, it requires more attention than lobe piercings to prevent complications like infection, irritation, or scarring. Here’s a detailed guide on how to care for a flat piercing:

• Cleaning Routine
  Saline Solution: Clean your piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution or a homemade mixture (¼ teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt dissolved in a cup of warm distilled water).
  – Use a clean cotton pad or gauze to gently dab the saline solution onto the piercing site.
  – Let it soak for a few minutes to loosen any crusted discharge around the piercing.
  – Afterward, gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid using cloth towels as they can harbor bacteria.
• Avoid Touching the Piercing
  – Hands Off: Do not touch the piercing or twist the jewelry unless you’re cleaning it. Touching it with unwashed hands can introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
  – Leave the Jewelry in Place: Don’t attempt to change the jewelry until the piercing is fully healed, which can take up to 9 months. Changing the jewelry too early can irritate the wound and delay healing.
• Managing Swelling and Irritation
  – Cold Compress: If the piercing is swollen, use a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling.
  – Avoid Over-the-Counter Medications: Stick to acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief instead of ibuprofen or aspirin, which may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Sleep Position
  – Don’t Sleep on the Piercing: Avoid sleeping on the pierced side to prevent irritation. Use a travel pillow or a donut-shaped pillow to keep pressure off the area while sleeping.
  – Pillow Hygiene: Change pillowcases frequently to keep the piercing free from bacteria that can accumulate on bedding.
• Avoid Submersion in Water
  – No Swimming: Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, or any bodies of water during the healing process, as they can introduce harmful bacteria to the piercing site.
  – Keep it Dry: Try to keep the piercing as dry as possible after cleaning. If it gets wet (e.g., in the shower), gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
• Be Cautious of Hair, Clothing, and Accessories
  – Watch for Snags: Be careful when brushing your hair, taking off clothes, or wearing headphones and hats. Any tugging or pressure can cause trauma to the piercing and lead to irritation or even migration.
  – Loose Clothing: Wear loose clothing around the area to avoid putting pressure on the piercing.
• No Products on the Piercing
  – Avoid Harsh Products: Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments like Neosporin on the piercing, as these can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process.
  – Keep it Chemical-Free: Avoid using hair products, makeup, or skincare products around the piercing area.
• Monitor for Infections
  – Signs of Infection: Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, yellow or green discharge, throbbing pain, or warmth around the area. If you notice any of these, consult a piercer or a healthcare professional immediately.
  – Do Not Remove the Jewelry: If you suspect an infection, do not remove the jewelry, as this can trap bacteria inside the piercing. Instead, visit a professional for advice.
• Be Patient
  – Healing Takes Time: Cartilage piercings, especially flat piercings, can take up to 9 months to a year to fully heal. Even if the outside appears healed, the inside might still be healing, so continue with your aftercare routine for the full duration.
• Seek Professional Help for Issues
  – Bumps or Keloids: If you notice a bump or keloid forming, Contact Us for advice on how to reduce it. We may suggest using a saline soak or a chamomile compress.
  – Consultations: If you experience unusual pain, prolonged swelling, or suspect a complication, visit your piercer for a consultation. Avoid attempting to treat it yourself.

By sticking to these aftercare guidelines, you can promote healthy healing and reduce the chances of complications with your flat piercing.

Flat Piercing Jewelry

The choice of jewelry for a flat piercing is essential for comfort, healing, and aesthetics. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right jewelry for your flat piercing:

Types of Jewelry

• Flat Back Studs: These are the most common choice for flat piercings, especially during the healing period. They feature a flat disk at the back, which sits comfortably against the cartilage and reduces irritation.
  – Advantages: Minimal movement, less pressure on the back of the ear, and reduced risk of snagging.
  – Disadvantages: May be harder to change without help after healing.
• Labret Studs: Similar to flat back studs, but with a threaded ball on the front and a flat disk at the back. They’re commonly used for cartilage piercings and are easy to wear.
• Barbells: Small straight barbells can also be used for flat piercings, offering a slightly different look from studs.
  – Advantages: Versatile and easy to clean.
  – Disadvantages: May be bulkier than studs, which can affect comfort during healing.
• Hoops and Rings: Once the piercing is fully healed (after 6-9 months), hoops or captive bead rings can be worn. These provide a stylish, edgy look but are not recommended during the initial healing process.
  – Advantages: Unique aesthetic; versatile styles.
  – Disadvantages: More prone to snagging, irritation, and movement, which can affect healing.

Materials for Jewelry

Choosing the right material is critical for preventing allergic reactions and ensuring proper healing. The best materials include:

• Titanium: Hypoallergenic and biocompatible, titanium is one of the safest materials for piercings, especially for those with sensitive skin or metal allergies.
  – Advantages: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
  – Disadvantages: More expensive than other materials.
• Surgical Steel: A popular choice for body jewelry. Surgical steel is durable, smooth, and generally safe for most people.
  – Advantages: Affordable, strong, and resistant to corrosion.
  – Disadvantages: May contain trace amounts of nickel, so it’s not suitable for people with severe metal allergies.
• Niobium: Similar to titanium in terms of biocompatibility, niobium is another excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.
  – Advantages: Hypoallergenic and less expensive than titanium.
  – Disadvantages: Less widely available than titanium or steel.
• Gold (14k or higher): Real gold (14k or higher) is another option for flat piercing jewelry. Ensure it’s solid gold, not gold-plated, as plating can wear off and expose underlying metals, leading to irritation.
  – Advantages: Aesthetic appeal and hypoallergenic when 14k or higher.
  – Disadvantages: Expensive and can be soft, making it more prone to damage over time.
• PTFE/Bioplast: A flexible, non-metal option that’s ideal for those who have metal sensitivities or for certain situations like MRIs or pregnancy.
  – Advantages: Flexible, lightweight, and biocompatible.
  – Disadvantages: May not be as durable or visually appealing as metal options.

Size of Jewelry

• Gauge: Most flat piercings are done with a 14-gauge or 15-gauge needle. The gauge refers to the thickness of the jewelry. It’s important to choose the correct gauge, as wearing jewelry that’s too thick or too thin can cause irritation or affect healing.
• Length: The length of the jewelry should account for some swelling, especially during the initial healing phase. After swelling goes down, your piercer may recommend downsizing the jewelry to prevent movement and ensure a snug fit.

Jewelry Styles

• Minimalist: Many people prefer minimalist jewelry for flat piercings, such as small studs or tiny barbells, for a subtle, sleek look.
• Decorative: Once the piercing is healed, you can experiment with more decorative pieces, including gem-studded or shaped studs (stars, hearts, or flowers), depending on your style preference.

When to Change Jewelry

• Wait Until Fully Healed: It’s crucial not to change the jewelry until the piercing is fully healed, which can take 6-9 months. Changing it prematurely can disrupt the healing process, lead to infections, or cause the piercing to close.
• Seek Help from a Piercer: If you’re unsure how to change the jewelry or if it feels difficult to remove, it’s best to go back to your piercer for assistance, especially with flat back studs, which can be tricky to change on your own.

Custom Jewelry

For a unique look, some of our jewelers offer custom jewelry designs specifically made for cartilage piercings. These can include intricate designs, multiple gemstones, or shapes tailored to fit your ear’s anatomy.

By choosing the right type, material, and size of jewelry for your flat piercing, you can ensure a more comfortable healing process and achieve the aesthetic you want.

Cost of a Flat Piercing in Nairobi, Kenya

The cost of a flat piercing can vary depending on several factors, including the location, the piercer’s experience, and the type of jewelry you choose. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Base Piercing Fee
  – General Range: The cost of a flat piercing typically ranges between Ksh. 1,500 and Ksh. 3,000
  – Studio Reputation: Higher-end piercing studios or those with more experienced piercers may charge more. Well-known studios in major cities could have prices on the higher end of the spectrum, while smaller or less renowned shops may charge less. Rebel Inks Tattoos, Tattoo Removal, and Body Piercings Parlour is located in the heart of the Central Business Disrict (CBD) in Nairobi, Kenya, and is easily accessible to both locals and foreigners in the country
• Jewelry Cost
  Starter Jewelry: The initial jewelry is usually included in the price, but some studios charge separately depending on the material and style you choose. Jewelry prices can vary widely based on the quality and material:
  – Surgical Steel: Ksh. 200–Ksh. 300
  – Titanium: Ksh. 500–Ksh. 1,000
  – Niobium: Ksh. 800–Ksh. 1,500
  – Gold (14k or higher): Ksh. 3,000–Ksh. 5,000
• Upgrades: If you opt for more decorative or custom jewelry, you may pay extra.
• Aftercare Products
  Some studios may offer or recommend aftercare products like saline sprays or solutions, which can add an additional Ksh. 300–Ksh. 500 to the cost.
• Follow-Up Appointments
  Jewelry Downsizing: After the swelling subsides, some of our piercers recommend switching to smaller jewelry. If this isn’t included in the initial fee, expect to pay around Ksh. 300 –Ksh. 1,000 for a follow-up visit, plus the cost of the new jewelry.

Estimated Total Cost:

• Low End: Around Ksh. 1,500–Ksh. 2,500 (basic piercing with surgical steel jewelry).
• High End: Around Ksh. 3,000 –Ksh. 5,000 (piercing with high-end or custom jewelry, plus aftercare products).

It’s essential to prioritize quality and hygiene over price when choosing a studio and piercer to ensure safety and proper healing.