Many people are looking for new and exciting ways to adorn their bodies with cosmetic jewelry. Recently, surface piercings have become more popular than ever. One specific variety involving this method of skin puncture is the hip piercing. A hip piercing is located on the pelvic region of the wearer. Part of the jewelry is fitted under the surface of the skin right above the pelvic hip bones. After a hole is punctured by means of a dermal punch and taper process or a surgical needle, a barbell is set beneath the surface. The top metal posts of the jewelry are attached and screwed into the barbell post and left to sit on the surface adorning the skin. Some piercers recommend forgoing the classic needle in this style of piercing, as surface piercings have a better chance of lasting and healing properly with the dermal punch. Ultimately it depends on your piercer and what he or she feels confident about performing. This style of piercing is usually done in pairs since the wearer usually opts for the same piercing above each pelvic bone for symmetry and aesthetic appeal.

Here are some of our healing tips:

After you get your hip pierced, you should be extremely careful and do your best in cleaning the pierced area. This means, before you touch the piercing, you should aways clean your hands with hot water. The best way to protect yourself from infection is to use an antibacterial soap. So before touching the pierced area make sure your hands are clean.

During the showering time - Allow the water from the shower to run onto your piercing, moistening the pierced area.

Never use a washcloth or loofah while cleaning your hip piercing. Loofahs and washcloths can harbor bacteria from hanging in the shower and may rip or tear your piercing if the jewelry catches on a loop of the cloth or loofah.

Wash the inside of your hip and the two piercing holes. Rinse your jewelry and the piercing by allowing the water to flow onto your stomach until all the soap is gone from your piercing and jewelry. Pat your piercing and dry it with a disposable paper towel.

Add 1/4 teaspoon non-iodized sea salt to 8 ounces of distilled water in a clean glass and mix thoroughly. Then, apply a small amount of the sea salt solution to a cotton swab. Slowly dab the piercing with the cotton swab, gently wiping away any debris or discharge from the exposed part of the piercing and the surrounding skin.

Some antibacterial ointment is also a great idea to heal your new piercing. So contact your piercing artist for an advice.

Healing and Rejection Rates
As is the case with many surface piercings, the hip piercing can be met with rejection by the wearer's body. Treating the item as a foreign and unwelcome intrusion in the natural biology of the skin, many people have not been able to keep a lasting hip piercing for more than a few months. The body heals itself and subsequently pushes and moves the metal jewelry towards the foremost surface of the epidermis, creating a less appealing and undesirable look. Also, there is usually some permanent scarring following the procedure. In order to determine what your chances of rejection are with this style of body art, sit down for a consultation with an experienced professional piercer.

Things to Consider
There are always things to consider when planning on new body art. Since this is a more recent style of skin piercing, make it a point to investigate what level of experience your piercer has in this area. Also, be sure to seek the skills of a verified trained professional. This person will understand and practice aseptic techniques when engaging with any form of body piercing.

What to avoid:

Changing the jewelry
Saunes, Pools, Sea etc
Wearing hats, unclean clothes
Taking off the jewelry for at least 3 weeks
Touching the piercing with dirty hands. Touching it will cause bacteria to spread and pain.
If you believe you may have an infection, see a doctor or the person that did your piercing.
Do not use rubbing alcohol to clean jewelry while it is in your ear as it will irritate the area.

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