Snake Eyes Piercing in Nairobi, Kenya

Key Features of Snake Eyes Piercing:

• Location:
  – It is placed horizontally across the tip of the tongue.
  – Both ends of the jewelry are visible, giving the appearance of snake eyes.
• Jewelry Used: Typically, a curved barbell is used to reduce stress on the tongue tissue.
• Popularity: It’s a bold and stylish choice, popular among those who want a unique look.
• Healing and Care:
  – Healing time is approximately 6–8 weeks.
  – Proper aftercare is crucial to avoid complications.

Due to the jewelry’s ball ends sticking out on either side of your tongue, this piercing appears to be a double piercing but is actually a surface piercing. It is thus a single lengthy piercing that is filled with a curved barbell. Because of this, it’s ideal for people who want a double pierced appearance without having to get two piercings.

Snake Eyes Piercing Procedure

The Snake Eyes piercing procedure is a delicate process that should only be performed by an experienced professional due to its unique placement and potential risks. Here’s an overview of how it is done:

Procedure Steps

• Consultation & Preparation
  – Our piercer discusses the process, risks, and aftercare instructions with the client.
  – Your tongue is examined to ensure it is suitable for the piercing.
• Sterilization
  – All tools and jewelry are sterilized to minimize infection risks.
  – Our client rinses their mouth with an antiseptic solution.
• Marking
  – Our piercer uses a surgical pen to mark the entry and exit points on the tongue tip.
  – Proper alignment is critical to achieving the desired “snake eyes” look.
• Piercing
  – A clamp is sometimes used to hold the tongue steady.
  – A hollow, sterilized needle is inserted horizontally through the marked points on the tongue.
  – Our piercer carefully inserts the jewelry (typically a curved barbell) through the piercing.
• Final Adjustments
  – The jewelry is secured, and the area is cleaned.
  – Our piercer provides detailed aftercare instructions to the client.

Considerations before getting a Snake Eyes Piercing

Getting a Snake Eyes piercing requires careful thought due to its unique placement and associated risks. Here are key considerations to keep in mind before proceeding:

• Anatomy Check
  – Suitability: Not everyone’s tongue anatomy is ideal for this piercing. Our professional piercer will assess your tongue length, thickness, and muscle structure to determine if it can accommodate the jewelry.
  – Potential Rejection: Due to its surface placement, this piercing is prone to migration or rejection.
• Health Risks
  – Dental Damage: The jewelry can cause enamel erosion, gum recession, or chipped teeth over time.
  – Speech Impediments: The piercing may temporarily affect your speech, especially during the healing phase.
  – Nerve Damage: Improper placement can lead to nerve damage or persistent discomfort.
  – Infections: Oral piercings have a higher risk of infection if not properly cared for.
• Pain and Healing Time
  – Pain Level: Expect moderate discomfort as the piercing passes through muscle tissue.
  – Healing Time: It typically takes 6–8 weeks to heal, but it may take longer depending on your body and aftercare routine.
• Aftercare Commitment
  – Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is crucial to avoid infection.
  – Lifestyle Changes: You’ll need to avoid alcohol, smoking, spicy foods, and playing with the jewelry during healing.
• Piercing Professional: Choose an experienced piercer with a strong portfolio and proper certifications. The risk of complications increases if performed by an inexperienced practitioner.
• Potential for Regret
  – Reversible Damage: Migration or rejection can leave scars.
  – Impact on Lifestyle: Be prepared for the possibility of needing to remove the piercing if complications arise.
• Financial Consideration
  – Cost: Factor in the cost of the procedure and aftercare products.
  – Follow-Up Visits: You might need check-ups with our piercer to monitor healing or address complications.

Pain and Healing of a Snake Eyes Piercing

Pain Level

• Pain During the Procedure:
  – Moderate discomfort is expected since the piercing passes through the tongue’s muscle tissue.
  – Pain tolerance varies, but many describe it as a quick, sharp pinch followed by soreness.
• Pain After the Procedure:
  – Initial swelling and tenderness are common for the first few days.
  – Speaking, eating, and drinking may feel awkward or mildly painful until the swelling subsides.

Healing Process

• Healing Time:
  – Typically takes 6–8 weeks for the initial healing phase.
  – Full healing can take up to 3 months, depending on individual care and body response.

Healing Timeline

• Day 1–Week 1:
  – Significant swelling, soreness, and sensitivity are expected.
  – Stick to soft, cold foods to reduce swelling and avoid irritation.
• Week 2–Week 4:
  – Swelling decreases, and pain subsides.
  – You can start eating more solid foods, but avoid anything too spicy, acidic, or crunchy.
• Week 5–Week 8:
  – Most discomfort should be gone.
  – The area continues to strengthen and heal internally.
• Week 8–12 and Beyond:
  – Complete healing occurs.
  – Jewelry can be downsized if recommended by the piercer.

Factors That Affect Pain and Healing

• Professionalism of the Piercer: An experienced piercer minimizes trauma and ensures proper placement.
• Aftercare Routine: Following aftercare instructions prevents infections and promotes faster healing.
• Lifestyle: Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and oral trauma (e.g., biting jewelry) is essential.

Snake Eyes Piercing Aftercare Guide

Proper aftercare is essential for the healing and health of a Snake Eyes piercing. Follow these steps to ensure smooth recovery and avoid complications:

• Cleaning Routine
  – Rinse Regularly: Use a saline solution or alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash after eating, drinking (except water), or smoking.
  – Morning and Evening Care: Clean the piercing area thoroughly twice daily with a saline rinse to remove bacteria.
  – Avoid Over-Cleaning: Excessive cleaning can irritate the piercing and slow healing.
• Eating and Drinking
  – Stick to Soft Foods: During the first week, opt for soft, cold, or lukewarm foods like yogurt, soups, and smoothies.
  – Avoid Irritants: Stay away from spicy, acidic, hot, or crunchy foods that could irritate or damage the piercing.
  – Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help keep your mouth clean and promote healing.
• Swelling Management
  – Cold Therapy: Suck on ice chips or eat cold foods (like popsicles) to reduce swelling.
  – Anti-Inflammatories: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help manage swelling and discomfort.
• General Hygiene
  – Hand Washing: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.
  – No Sharing: Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, or straws to reduce the risk of infection.
• Things to Avoid
  – Playing with Jewelry: Avoid twisting, pulling, or biting the jewelry, as this can cause irritation or migration.
  – Alcohol and Smoking: Refrain from consuming alcohol or smoking during the healing process as these can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
  – Kissing or Oral Activities: Avoid kissing and other oral activities to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria.
• Monitor for Issues
  – Signs of Infection: Watch for redness, excessive swelling, pus discharge, or prolonged pain.
  – Jewelry Problems: Check the jewelry regularly to ensure it is secure and hasn’t shifted.
• Follow-Up with Piercer
  – Downsizing: After initial healing (6–8 weeks), visit our piercer to replace the longer initial jewelry with a shorter barbell to prevent irritation.
  – Check-Ups: If you notice any issues, consult your piercer promptly for advice.

Snake Eyes Piercing Jewelry

Choosing the right jewelry for a Snake Eyes piercing is crucial for comfort, healing, and aesthetics. Here’s what you need to know about the jewelry options:

Initial Jewelry

• Type: A curved barbell is most commonly used for initial piercing to minimize tension and allow movement without excessive irritation.
• Material: Hypoallergenic, biocompatible materials such as:
  – Titanium: Lightweight, durable, and nickel-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
  – Surgical Stainless Steel: Affordable and commonly used, though some individuals may react to the nickel content.
  – Bioflex or Bioplast: Flexible and gentle, reducing strain on the piercing during healing.

Jewelry Size

• Length: The initial barbell is usually longer to accommodate swelling.
• Gauge: Most Snake Eyes piercings are done with a 14G (1.6mm) barbell, but this can vary depending on your anatomy.

Jewelry Styles

• Curved Barbell:
  – Best for healing and long-term wear.
  – Reduces pressure on the tongue’s surface.
• Straight Barbell (less common):
  – May be used once the piercing is fully healed.
  – Can cause more irritation compared to curved barbells.

Jewelry Materials to Avoid

• Cheap or Low-Quality Metals: These can cause allergic reactions or irritation.
  Acrylic: Though colorful and lightweight, it is not ideal for initial healing as it can harbor bacteria.
  Plated Jewelry: Over time, the plating can wear off, exposing potentially irritating base metals.

After Healing Jewelry Options

Once fully healed, you can experiment with more decorative options, such as:

• Colorful or anodized barbells.
• Designs with gemstones or unique finishes.
• UV-reactive materials for a bold look.

Maintenance Tips for Jewelry

• Clean jewelry regularly with a saline solution to avoid buildup.
• Check that the jewelry ends are secure to prevent accidental swallowing.
• Replace jewelry only after consulting our piercer, especially if unsure about fit or materials.