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You should choose a professional piercer who sterilizes equipment in a hospital-grade autoclave, but also be sure you're up to date on immunizations such as tetanus and hepatitis B. When you look for a piercing professional, ask about the process the shop uses to pierce. Guns should never be used, due to the difficulty in cleaning them between clients. An experienced piercer will use surgical gloves and a hollow needle, then will insert your choice of jewelry. There are two costs associated with piercings: the act of piercing the area and the cost of the jewelry, so be sure your budget can handle your desired piercing. Follow the piercer's instructions to the letter when it comes to aftercare, or you risk infection. Wash your hands before you touch a piercing, and don't allow anyone else to touch until it heals. Avoid alcohol and peroxide - these can cause the skin around the piercing to break down, and don't apply petroleum jelly, which can keep air from reaching the site. Smoking, drinking alcohol and drinking caffeine can delay the healing process, so avoid those activities. If you have a mouth or genital piercing, it's best to avoid sexual contact in those areas until the site heals in order to prevent infection and tearing. Consider the risks carefully before getting a piercing.
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