Hip Piercing- What Is It and How It Works?

To save your valuable time, we want to disclose a fact before you get into the article. That is- if you are a bony hips owner, you should think twice about getting a hip piercing or be more careful while getting the piercing. It’s because hip piercing requires a deep piercing to avoid rejection.

If you have bony hips, you’re more likely to lose or gain weight, getting a hip piercing can be a bit risky. In such cases, you can try surface belly piercings.

Although hip piercings are okay in such cases, you will not get the most aesthetically pleasing experience. Talk about it with your piercer so they can take extra care according to your situation.

But the discussion is not only about this. Please read the full article to know more about hip piercing and how you can get the most amazing experience from this type of piercing.

Also Read: Double Belly Button Piercing or Double Belly Piercing

Hip Dermal Piercing
Hip Dermal Piercing Image

What is Hip Piercing?

Hip piercing is done by creating a piercing near the hip area, typically along the pelvic bone. 

This piercing is considered a surface piercing, meaning it doesn’t go through the entire body part like ear or nose piercings. Instead, it lies just under the skin’s surface.

Hip piercings can be done singly or in pairs to create a symmetrical look. They are often adorned with small, flat pieces of jewelry known as dermal anchors or surface bars. The unique location of hip piercings makes them a stylish and somewhat unconventional choice.

This piercing is more popular among those who wish to showcase their piercings with swimwear or low-rise clothing.

However, due to their location, hip piercings can be prone to irritation from clothing and movement. Also, they require diligent aftercare to heal properly and reduce the risk of rejection or migration, where the piercing moves from its original location.

Surface Barbells Hip Piercing
Surface Barbells Hip Piercing

 

Is Hip Piercing Too Painful?

Yes, this piercing is more painful than traditional ear or nose piercings, primarily because it’s a surface piercing that lies close to the skin.

If we describe the pain level in words, the sensation feels like a sharp pinch or pressure during the procedure, followed by some soreness or discomfort in the area afterward. Proper technique and a relaxed state can help minimize the pain, but it’s important to be prepared for a more intense sensation compared to other types of piercings.

Different Hip Piercing Jewelry Pictures
Different Hip Piercing Jewelry Pictures

Types and Variations of Hip Piercing

You will get to know about different variations of hip piercing from this section.

Single Hip Piercing

A Single Hip Piercing is a subtle yet stylish choice, involving one piercing placed near the hip bone.

This type is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist look or are trying out surface piercings for the first time. The piercing is typically adorned with a small dermal anchor or a surface barbell, depending on personal preference.

Careful placement is key to ensure it aligns well with your body’s natural contours and minimizes risks of snagging on clothing.

Double Hip Piercing

Double Hip Piercing involves two piercings placed symmetrically on either side of the hip bone. This style is popular for its balanced and aesthetically pleasing look.

Each piercing can be adorned with matching jewelry, creating a harmonious and attractive appearance. Double hip piercings are especially popular among those who enjoy showcasing their piercings with fashion choices like low-rise jeans or crop tops.

Microdermal Hip Piercings

Microdermal Hip Piercings is a less invasive option, involving small, single-point surface piercings placed in the hip area.

They are achieved by inserting a dermal anchor under the skin with a decorative top visible on the surface. This type offers a lot of versatility in terms of placement and is ideal for those who want a less noticeable piercing.

Microdermals can provide a subtle sparkle or a unique pattern, depending on how many you choose to have.

Cluster Hip Piercings

Cluster Hip Piercings involve a group of surface piercings arranged in a specific design or pattern around the hip area. This style allows for creative expression and can range from a simple line of piercings to more intricate shapes or curves.

It’s a bolder statement and requires careful planning and placement by an experienced piercer. Cluster piercings are perfect for those who are looking for something more distinctive and are comfortable with the aftercare and healing process of multiple piercings.

Microdermal Hip Piercing
Microdermal Hip Piercing

Precautions and Procedure for Hip Piercing

Hip piercing, with its unique placement near the hip bone, requires careful consideration in both the procedure and the precautions taken.

Precautions

Before getting a hip piercing, make sure you choose a reputable piercing studio with experienced professionals.

Given the piercing’s surface nature, it’s more prone to issues like migration or rejection, where the body pushes the piercing out.

Ensure you’re in good overall health before the procedure, as this aids in healing. Discuss any concerns or allergies with the piercer. Eat healthy and drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated.

Procedure

The procedure starts with a thorough cleaning of the hip area to prevent infection. The piercer then marks the spot for your approval, ensuring it aligns with your body shape and desired placement.

A sterilized needle is used to make the piercing. For a surface piercing like this, a surface barbell or a dermal anchor is typically inserted. The process might feel like a sharp pinch or pressure, and there can be some soreness afterward.

After the piercing, the piercer will provide aftercare instructions, which might include cleaning with a saline solution and avoiding certain activities that could disturb the piercing.

Must-Follow Aftercare Process for Hip Piercing

The aftercare for hip piercings, which includes both dermal and surface types, requires a specific and careful approach to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.

Use Sterile Saline Solution: Cleaning your hip piercing twice daily with a sterile saline solution is crucial. This is the safest way to prevent infection and promote healing. It’s important to steer clear of other products like ointments, soap, peroxide, alcohol, or creams as they can cause irritation or even lead to infection.

Maintain Hygiene and Cleanliness: In addition to regular cleaning, it’s essential to shower after activities like working out. This helps to keep the piercing free from sweat and bacteria that can cause infections.

Avoid Soaking in Water: During the healing phase, avoid soaking the piercing in bathtubs, pools, or the ocean. Submerging in water can expose the piercing to harmful bacteria and other irritants.

Be Careful with Clothing and Bedding: Pay attention to your clothing and bedding to prevent the piercing from snagging. Snagging not only causes pain but can also lead to injury and delayed healing.

Hands Off: As advised by medical professionals, it’s important to leave the piercing alone except when cleaning. Handling or playing with the piercing can introduce germs and hinder the healing process.

Excellent Jewellery Options for Hip Piercing

Want to know about the most trendy and excellent jewelry options to try on your hip piercing? Here you go.

Surface Bars: These are specifically designed for surface piercings like hip piercing. Surface bars are shaped like a staple with two 90-degree angles that align with the skin’s surface. This design minimizes the risk of the body rejecting the piercing.

Dermal Anchors: Also known as microdermal implants, these consist of a small base that sits under the skin and a changeable top that is visible on the surface. Dermal anchors are ideal for single-point hip piercings and offer a variety of top designs, from simple studs to decorative gems.

Barbells: For some hip piercings, especially those that are not surface piercings, small straight or curved barbells can be used. They are simple and less likely to get caught on clothing, reducing the risk of irritation.

Beaded Jewelry: Some hip piercings can accommodate beaded jewelry, which adds a decorative element to the piercing. These are usually used once the piercing has healed.

Flat Disc Jewelry: Jewelry with a flat disc on one end can be particularly comfortable for hip piercings, as the flat surface lies flush against the skin, minimizing irritation and snagging.

Size And Materials of Hip Piercing Jewellery

When it comes to hip piercings, choosing the right size and material for your jewelry is crucial for both the initial healing process and long-term comfort.

Sizing

  • Gauge Size: The gauge size, or thickness of the jewelry, is an important consideration. Hip piercings typically use a 14G to 16G (gauge) size. Your piercer will recommend the best size based on your anatomy and the specific type of hip piercing you’re getting.
  • Length and Diameter: For surface bars and dermal anchors, the length or diameter should be appropriate for the thickness of your skin in the hip area. This varies from person to person, so your piercer will measure to ensure a proper fit.

Material

  • Surgical Stainless Steel: Widely used due to its affordability and low risk of allergic reactions. It’s a safe choice for people without nickel sensitivities.
  • Titanium: Highly recommended for its biocompatibility, titanium is lighter than steel and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies to other metals.
  • Niobium: Similar to titanium, niobium is hypoallergenic and can be anodized to different colors. It’s a suitable alternative for those seeking hypoallergenic options.
  • Bioflex or Bioplast: These are flexible and lightweight materials, often recommended for use during the healing process. They reduce stress on the piercing and are less likely to irritate.

Is Hip Piercing Expensive?

Yes, hip piercing is more expensive compared to a general ear piercing. It can cost you from $40 and $100 for both hip piercings. However, this price range can fluctuate depending on the region, with studios in larger cities or more affluent areas often charging more. 

Also, high-quality materials like titanium or surgical steel, which are recommended for new piercings due to their hypoallergenic properties, may be pricier than basic options.

What Happens to Your Hip Piercing If You Lose or Gain Weight?

If you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, it can affect your hip piercing. Weight changes can alter the skin’s tension and thickness around the piercing area, potentially leading to discomfort or shifting of the jewelry.

If you gain weight, the area around the piercing may become tighter, putting more pressure on the jewelry and potentially causing irritation or embedding.

Conversely, losing weight might result in the piercing becoming looser, which could make the jewelry more prone to snagging or moving around. These changes in your body can also impact the healing process of a new piercing or the long-term stability of an established one.

You should monitor the piercing during weight fluctuations and consult a piercing professional if you notice any discomfort, migration, or other changes.

Does Hip Piercing Always Reject?

Hip piercings do not always reject, but they are more prone to rejection than some other types of piercings due to their surface nature.

Rejection occurs when the body identifies the piercing as a foreign object and gradually pushes it towards the skin’s surface.

Factors contributing to rejection include improper placement, inadequate aftercare, the jewelry’s size and material, and individual body reactions. While not everyone experiences rejection with hip piercings, it’s important to be aware of the possibility.

Careful selection of a professional piercer, appropriate jewelry, and diligent aftercare can significantly reduce the risk of rejection and ensure the longevity of the piercing.

Last Thoughts

Since you’re in the last part of the article, you know everything about hip piercing and its care. 

You also should know that choosing the right piercer, jewelry size, and material is crucial for minimizing the risk of rejection and infection. Don’t forget about regular cleaning, avoiding pressure on the piercing, and being mindful of clothing choices are key to ensuring a smooth healing process.

While hip piercings can be more prone to issues like rejection, with proper care and attention, they can be a beautiful and distinctive addition to your style.

Leave a Comment