Sternum Piercing Care: Everything You Need to Know

Sternum piercings have gained popularity in recent years as a unique and stylish form of body art. It is important to know how to take care of and maintain a sternum piercing so that it stays safe and looks good, whether you are thinking about getting one or already have one.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the procedure, healing time, aftercare, jewelry options, and costs, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you stay informed and keep your sternum piercing looking its best.

The procedure of Sternum Piercing

The process of getting a sternum piercing involves several steps, and it’s important to have it done by a professional piercer who knows their way around this specific type of piercing. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect during the procedure so you can feel more at ease:

  • Preparation:

Before they do the piercing, the person doing it will clean their hands and the area of your chest where it will happen very well. After that, they will mark the exact spot where the hole will go. That makes sure there is accuracy and balance.

  • Needle Time:

The piercer will use a hollow needle to make a small hole in your chest once everything is ready. It might look scary at this point, but it’s generally a quick and painless process. A lot of people say it feels like a sharp pinch that goes away quickly.

  • Jewelry Placement:

The piercer will carefully put in your metal piece, which is usually a curved barbell or surface bar. The piercer will make sure it stays in place firmly.

  • Final Adjustments:

It will take a moment for the piercer to make any necessary changes to make sure the jewelry fits well and looks great. This step is important for your comfort and the way the piercing looks.

The whole process usually doesn’t take long, but it can be a little longer or shorter depending on your body and the piercer’s skill. Keep in mind that a professional piercer will put your safety and well-being first, making the sternum piercing process as easy and smooth as possible.

Cleavage Piercing
Cleavage Piercing

Healing Time For Sternum Piercing

Now, let’s talk about how long it will take for your new sternum piercing to heal. This part is very important because it tells you when you can feel good about showing off your piercing. Different people heal at different speeds, but we’ll give you a rough idea of what to expect.

On average, most people need between 6 and 12 weeks to heal after getting their sternum pierced. During this time, your body is healing itself by closing up the tiny hole it made during the piercing and making the skin around your jewelry stronger. Here’s some more information:

  • Week 1-2

This is when the area around your piercing will feel sore, turn red, and maybe even swell a little. It’s okay to feel this way, though. The change is still settling in for your body.

  • Week 3-6

Most of the time, things start to calm down in the third week. As time goes on, the redness and swelling will go down, and you’ll feel better. It’s very important to follow your aftercare plan at this point.

  • Week 7-12

You should feel pretty good right now. The piercing in your sternum will keep getting better, and you’ll feel less and less pain. Just remember that everyone heals at a different rate, so it could take some people 12 weeks or even longer to fully heal from their piercing.

Keep in mind that you need to be patient for piercing healing. It’s very important to follow the aftercare instructions in the letter during this time. In this way, you can avoid problems and make sure that your sternum piercing looks great after it heals.

Different Sternum Piercing Pictures
Different Sternum Piercing Pictures

Aftercare of Sternum Piercing: Know it All

By taking good care of your chest piercing, you’re giving it a warm, safe hug while it heals. This step is very important to make sure your piercing heals well and stays happy. Now, let’s talk about some simple treatment ideas:

  • Cleaning Routine:

It’s best to clean your piercing twice a day, in the morning and before bed. Your piercer will tell you what kind of saline solution or wound wash to use. These are the superheroes of piercing care because they are gentle and help keep infections at bay.

  • Hands Off:

When you touch your piercing, don’t use dirty hands. You might have germs on your fingers that you don’t want near your wound while it heals. Please don’t touch it!

  • No Jewelry Swaps:

Your clothing might look better if you switched it out, but don’t do that! Don’t make any changes until your sternum piercing is completely fixed. It takes a few months most of the time.

  • Dress Wisely:

Choose clothes that don’t fit too tightly around your piercing to keep it from getting irritated. This easy step can help you feel better. 

  • Avoid Swimming Pools and Such:

Until you feel better, stay away from pools, hot tubs, and other places with still water. This water has bacteria and chemicals that can hurt your piercing.

  • Watch for Trouble Signs:

Watch out for any signs of trouble. Talk to your piercer or a medical worker if your piercing gets too red or swollen, or if it starts to ooze something strange. You need to find this problem as soon as possible.

Do not forget that everybody is different, so healing times can be different. The healing process might go quickly for some people and take a little longer for others. Stick to your treatment routine if you want to be happy and healthy after getting your sternum pierced. Now, just follow these easy steps, and that beautiful chest piercing will look its best in no time!

Jewelry: Choosing the Right Option

Now we get to the fun part: the jewelry that will go on your beautiful chest piercing! Picking the right jewelry for your piercing not only makes it look more unique but also keeps you comfortable and protects it from damage. Here are a few of the choices we have:

  • Curved Barbells:

A lot of people get these pierced through their chests. They are gently curved so that they fit well against your chest. Different materials are available, so you can choose one that fits your style and comfort level.

  • Surface Bars:

When it comes to piercings that are on, well, surfaces, surface bars are the best choice. They work great for sternum piercings because they spread the pressure out more evenly, which lowers the chance of discomfort.

  • Captive Bead Rings:

Caged bead rings might be for you if you want a basic look. A circular ring with a changeable bead makes them up. During the healing phase, they can be a little harder to handle, but they look great once everything is back to normal.

  • Circular Barbells:

You can use circular barbells in many different piercings, including the chest. You can mix and match them to fit your style because they come in different sizes and materials.

  • Dermal Anchors:

If you want a more unique and understated look, you can use dermal pins. They fit close to your skin, which makes them look less noticeable and more sleek.

The jewelry you wear can show off your style and attitude. So, take your time, talk to your piercer about what you like, and pick the piece that makes you feel good.

Estimated Cost of Getting Sternum Piercing

Next, let’s talk about how much it costs to get a beautiful piercing on your chest. Costs can change for several reasons, but we’ll give you a rough idea to help you make your budget.

On average, most of the time, the piercing will cost between $40 to $100. This price covers your skilled piercer’s services, the clean space they provide, and their high-quality tools. Remember that the exact price may change depending on where you live and how well-known the piercing shop is.

There’s more, though! You should also think about how much the jewelry that goes with your new chest piercing will cost. The price of jewelry changes based on the style and material. Here’s a rough guess:

  • Basic jewelry: For a simple and straightforward piece, you might spend around $10 to $30.
  • High-quality and fancy jewelry: If you’re into more intricate or luxurious options, be prepared to invest a bit more. These can range from $30 to $100 or even more.

You need to find a good mix between your budget and the jewelry that looks good on you and is comfortable. Remember that the first piece of jewelry your piercer puts on you while you heal should put comfort and safety ahead of style.

Sometimes, studios will offer deals that include both piercing and simple jewelry. Make sure you ask about any available deals.

Getting a sternum piercing can be a stylish and cheap way to add body art to your collection. However, to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s best to plan your budget carefully and focus on high-quality jewelry.

FAQs

Does a sternum piercing hurt? 

Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but most individuals report that the piercing feels like a brief, sharp pinch during the procedure. The discomfort usually subsides quickly.

Can I change my sternum piercing jewelry on my own? 

It’s recommended to have a professional piercer change your jewelry, especially during the healing period, to avoid complications or damage to the piercing.

What should I do if my sternum piercing becomes infected? 

If you suspect an infection, contact your piercer or a healthcare professional immediately. Do not remove the jewelry as it can trap the infection inside the piercing.

How can I reduce swelling and discomfort after getting a sternum piercing? 

Applying a cold compress and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed can help alleviate swelling and discomfort.

Conclusion 

A sternum piercing can be a stunning addition to your body art collection, but you need to take extra care to make sure the experience is safe and effective. If you take care of your chest piercing properly and choose the right jewelry, you can enjoy it for many years and make a fashion statement with your style.

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