The Ultimate Guide to Body Piercings: 75+ Types

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How to choose the perfect body piercing

Co-authored by Lynn Loheide and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: February 20, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Ears
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• Nose
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• Lip
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• Tongue
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• Face
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• Genital
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• Other
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• Choosing a Piercing
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• Video

|Show more |Show less

Thinking about getting a new piercing? There are tons of options to choose from, including some you may not have heard of! In this article, we’ll cover some of the most popular (and rare) body piercings, including ear, nose, genital, and other surface piercings, with exclusive comments from piercing experts partnered with wikiHow.

Common Types of Body Piercings

• Ear piercings: Earlobe, conch, daith, helix, tragus
• Nose piercings: Nostril, septum
• Facial piercings: Eyebrow, lip, tongue
• Surface piercings: Bellybutton, nipple, back, genital

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Section 1 of 8:

Types of Ear Piercings

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1. 
   1
   Anti-Tragus Piercing An anti-tragus piercing is located on the outer ear cartilage above the earlobe, opposite the tragus. This piercing is stylish but is prone to irritation and swelling due to its location—it can be snagged or compressed by earwear, like headphones.

   • Healing time: 6-12 months
   • Pain level: 5-7/10

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Brian Thompson is a body piercing expert based in Los Angeles, CA. He is the CEO, proprietor, and chief piercing officer of The World Famous Body Electric Tattoo.

   Trinity Kesterke is a professional piercer based in Temecula, CA. She has over 9 years of experience and is the owner of AVA Piercing, which opened in 2020.

   Priscilla Torres is a body piercing expert based in McAllen, Texas. She is the owner of The Piercing Bar and has been a professional piercer since 2009.

   Lynn Loheide is a body piercing expert based in Seattle, WA. They have 14 years of experience and have been creating educational content for the piercing industry on their blog since 2016.
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   Auricle Piercing An auricle piercing goes through the auricle, or the section of your ear that lies between the helix and the earlobe. They’re also known as mid-helix or rim piercings. Many people choose auricle piercings as part of a curated ear stack or because they aren’t as intense as a rook or conch piercing.

   • Healing time: 3-9 months
   • Pain level: 3/10
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   Conch Piercing A conch piercing is located between your lobe and the top of your ear. There are two types of conch piercings: inner and outer. An outer piercing is located in the flat portion of the ear between the helix and the antihelix, and an inner piercing is located at the center of the ear by the cup-shaped area next to the ear canal.

   • Healing time: 4-24 months
   • Pain level: 5-7/10
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   Constellation Piercing A constellation piercing isn’t one piercing; it’s a curated arrangement of multiple small piercings clustered together. They’re typically located on the earlobe and can be arranged into specific shapes, like zodiac signs. A piercer will customize the design to fit your anatomy.

   • Healing time: 6 weeks to 9 months
   • Pain level: 6-7/10
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   Daith Piercing A daith (pronounced “doth”) piercing goes through the innermost cartilage fold of the ear. It’s sometimes known as a “migraine piercing” because it supposedly helps migraines. This is purely anecdotal, however.

   • Healing time: 6-9 months
   • Pain level: 5-7/10
6. 6
   Earlobe Piercing The earlobe piercing is the standard ear piercing, passing through the lobe of the ear. Most people get both earlobes pierced, but some opt for just one. This is often the first piercing a person gets.

   • Healing time: 6-8 weeks
   • Pain level: 1-2/10
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   Forward Helix Piercing Forward helix piercings are located on the outer rim of the ear, just above the tragus. This piercing is anatomy-dependent, meaning not everyone can get it, and is prone to snagging on hair or glasses.

   • Healing time: 3-6 months
   • Pain level: 4-6/10
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   Helix Piercing Helix piercings, also known as cartilage piercings, are vertical cartilage piercings located on the upper outer rim of the ear. The location ranges from the upper edge of the ear to just above the lobe and accommodates studs, hoops, or barbells. A double helix has two piercings, while a triple helix has three.

   • Healing time: 3-12 months
   • Pain level: 4-6/10
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   Industrial Piercing An industrial piercing consists of two pierced holes, connected with one long, straight barbell. The two piercings are usually the upper helix and forward helix. The industrial piercing is also known as a scaffold piercing, a bar piercing, or a construction piercing. It requires proper anatomy and can be challenging to heal.

   • Healing time: 6-12 months
   • Pain level: 5-8/10
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    Orbital Piercing An orbital piercing is a combination of two ear cartilage piercings connected by a single piece of jewelry. They can be located on the helix, the forward helix, the earlobe, or other locations.

    • Healing time: 4-12 months
    • Pain level: 4-5/10
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    Rook Piercing A rook piercing goes through the top portion, or anti-helix, of the ear, specifically in the fold between the inner and outer conch. It’s often considered more painful than other ear piercings because of the location’s thick cartilage.

    • Healing time: 6-20 months
    • Pain level: 6-8/10
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    Snug Piercing A snug piercing is a horizontal piercing located at the inner ridge of the ear cartilage, above the anti-tragus. It’s named for its “snug” fit and is considered one of the most painful cartilage piercings due to the thick cartilage.

    • Healing time: 4 months to over a year
    • Pain level: 7-9/10
13. 13
    Surface Tragus Piercing A surface tragus piercing is placed on the flat skin in front of the ear canal rather than through the cartilage of the tragus itself. Surface piercings are prone to rejection and are highly dependent on anatomy.

    • Healing time: 3-8 months
    • Pain level: 4-6/10
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    Tragus Piercing The tragus piercing goes through the tragus, which is the section of cartilage located directly in front of the ear canal opening. It is anatomy-dependent, as the size and shape of the tragus vary from person to person.

    • Healing time: 6-12 months
    • Pain level: 4-6/10
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    Transverse Lobe Piercing The transverse lobe piercing is similar to an earlobe piercing, except the piercing is done horizontally through the lobe rather than front to back. It usually features a barbell with visible balls on either side of the lobe. This piercing is anatomy-dependent, as it requires a fleshy lobe to prevent migration or rejection.

    • Healing time: 3-10+ months
    • Pain level: 4/10
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Section 2 of 8:

Types of Nose Piercings

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1. 
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   Austin Bar An Austin bar is a piercing that runs through the very tip of the nose; it doesn’t penetrate the nostrils or the septum. This piercing is pretty rare and appears as a small bar with a stud on either side of the nose.

   • Healing time: 3-4 months
   • Pain level: 6-9/10
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   Bridge Piercing A bridge piercing is a horizontal piercing that goes through the skin on the bridge of the nose, usually directly between the eyes. It sits just above the bone and cartilage. Bridge piercings are considered surface piercings and have a high risk of rejection and scarring.

   • Healing time: 8-12 weeks
   • Pain level: 3-4/10
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   3
   High Nostril Piercing A high nostril piercing is like a standard nostril piercing except it is located on the higher end of the nasal bridge. It’s pierced above the natural crease into thicker cartilage, making it more distinct and painful.

   • Healing time: 6-24 months
   • Pain level: 5-7/10
4. 4
   Mantis Piercing A mantis piercing, or forward-facing nostril piercing, consists of two parallel piercings located at the very tip of the nose. They sit further forward than traditional nostril piercings and typically appear as two symmetrical studs. They’re highly anatomy-dependent, as they require enough cartilage and space for proper placement.

   • Healing time: 3-12 months
   • Pain level: 2-6/10
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   5
   Multiple Nostril Piercing A multiple nostril piercing consists of a mixture of nostril piercings, including normal and high, that create multiple holes on the nasal bridge. Common styles include stacked studs or pairs of hoops on a single nostril, or symmetrical piercings on opposite sides of the nose.

   • Healing time: 4-5 months
   • Pain level: 3-6/10
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   6
   Nasallang Piercing A nasallang piercing runs horizontally through the septum and both nostrils. It uses a single piece of jewelry to connect three points and requires precise alignment to ensure the bar sits horizontally.

   • Healing time: 3-6 months to over a year
   • Pain level: 8-10/10
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   Nostril Piercing A standard nostril piercing is the most common piercing and goes through the center of either nostril. It’s ideal for most types of jewelry, including studs, screws, and hoops.

   • Healing time: 2-4 months
   • Pain level: 3-5/10
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   Rhino Piercing A rhino piercing is a vertical piercing that goes through the tip of your nose and exits through the skin above the septum. It’s called the “rhino” because it can look like a tiny rhino horn depending on the jewelry you wear.

   • Healing time: 6-12 months
   • Pain level: 6-8/10
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   9
   Septum Piercing Also known as a bull piercing, a septum piercing runs through the septum, or the cartilage that divides the nostrils. It doesn’t usually go through the actual cartilage, but rather the skin that divides the cartilage and the nostril openings. Septum piercings are easily concealable because you can flip the jewelry up.

   • Healing time: 6-8 weeks
   • Pain level: 3-4/10
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    Septril Piercing A septril piercing is a mix between a rhino piercing and a septum piercing. It requires a stretched septum and runs vertically through the nasal cartilage. It’s often considered a “piercing within a piercing” and requires a significant commitment, as stretching the septum can take months to years.

    • Healing time: 6-9 months
    • Pain level: 8-9/10
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Section 3 of 8:

Types of Lip Piercings

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1. 
   1
   Angel Bites Piercing Angel bites are a pair of symmetrical piercings on the upper lip, located on either side of the philtrum, or the dip below the nose. They typically use labret studs but can accommodate lip rings, as well.

   • Healing time: 2-4 months
   • Pain level: 3-5/10
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   Angel Fangs Piercing Angel fangs are a pair of symmetrical vertical lip piercings that pass through the actual upper lip rather than the skin above it. The jewelry creates a “fang” look, especially when using spiked jewelry, because it hangs in front of your teeth. Angel fangs are anatomy-dependent.

   • Healing time: 3-4 months
   • Pain level: 6-7/10
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   Ashley Piercing An Ashley piercing is a lower lip piercing that goes through the lip rather than the skin below it. It goes horizontally through the middle of the lower lip, exiting inside the mouth. Because the back of the jewelry rests against the gum line, there is a risk of tooth enamel or gum erosion.

   • Healing time: 3-4 months
   • Pain level: 5/10
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   Canine Bites Canine bites are a set of four symmetrical lip piercings: two on the top lip (angel bites) and two on the bottom lip (snake bites). They’re positioned near the canine teeth to create a fang-like appearance.

   • Healing time: 6-12 weeks
   • Pain level: 3-5/10
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   Cyber Bites Cyber bites consist of two symmetrical piercings: one at the center of the upper lip philtrum (a Medusa) and one at the center of the lower lip (a standard labret). Both piercings typically use flat-back stud jewelry.

   • Healing time: 2-3 months
   • Pain level: 2-5/10
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   Jestrum/Vertical Medusa Piercing A jestrum, or vertical Medusa, piercing is a vertical lip piercing that passes through the center of the upper lip, just under the septum of the nose. Both ends of the piercing jewelry are visible—one above the Cupid’s bow and one on the underside of the upper lip.

   • Healing time: 6-12 weeks
   • Pain level: 3-6/10
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   Labret Piercing A labret piercing is any piercing located on the bottom lip, though it’s typically placed in the center, just above the chin. These piercings are also known as “tongue pillar” or “soul patch” piercings. They’re usually adorned with a flat-back stud to minimize gum and tooth damage.

   • Healing time: 6-8 weeks
   • Pain level: 4/10
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   Lip Frenulum/Smiley Piercing The lip frenulum, or smiley, piercing goes through the upper lip frenulum, or the thin piece of tissue that connects the inside of your upper lip to your gums. It’s called a smiley piercing because it’s only visible when you smile.

   • Healing time: 4-12 weeks
   • Pain level: 3/10
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   Lower Lip Frenulum/Frowny Piercing Also known as the anti-smiley piercing, the frowny piercing goes through the lower frenulum, or the thin tissue connecting your bottom lip to your gums. It typically sits just above the teeth and is more discreet than the smiley piercing.

   • Healing time: 4-8 weeks
   • Pain level: 2-4/10
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    Madonna Piercing The Madonna piercing is positioned above the right side of the upper lip. It’s called the Madonna because it’s designed to resemble the singer’s iconic beauty mark.

    • Healing time: 6-10 weeks
    • Pain level: 2-4/10
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    Monroe Piercing Piercing expert Brian Thompson explains that the Monroe is “on the outer side of the upper part of the lip.” It’s the same type of piercing as the Madonna, except placed on the left side of the upper lip. It’s named after Marilyn Monroe because the position of the piercing is in the same area as her iconic mole.

    • Healing time: 6-10 weeks
    • Pain level: 2-4/10
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    Philtrum/Medusa Piercing According to Thompson, the Medusa piercing is located right above your top lip, in the little divot in the center. It’s similar to the jestrum piercing, but features only one hole through the center of the upper lip, right above the Cupid’s bow.

    • Healing time: 2-6 months
    • Pain level: 5/10
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    Snake Bites According to Thompson, snake bites are a set of lower lip piercings, with one piercing on each side of the mouth. They’re designed to mimic snake fangs and require accurate, symmetrical placement.

    • Healing time: 6-8 weeks
    • Pain level: 1-2/10
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    Spider Bites Thompson says spider bites are a double lip piercing, with two piercings side-by-side on one side of the lower lip. The final result resembles the look of a spider’s bite mark. Stud jewelry is used initially but can be swapped out for rings or other jewelry after the piercing heals.

    • Healing time: 8-12 weeks
    • Pain level: 4/10
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Section 4 of 8:

Types of Tongue Piercings

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1. 1
   Midline Tongue Piercing Piercing expert Trinity Kesterke explains that the most common, standard tongue piercing is a midline tongue piercing. This piercing goes through the center of your tongue between the main muscles.

   • Healing time: 4-8 weeks
   • Pain level: 3-4/10
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   Web Piercing Also known as a gum piercing or tongue frenulum piercing, this piercing is located under the tongue, going directly through the webbed skin flap that connects your tongue to the bottom of your mouth. It’s usually pierced with a curved barbell.

   • Healing time: 4-8 weeks
   • Pain level: 3-5/10
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   Snake Eyes Piercing Piercing expert Priscilla Torres says that the snake eyes piercing is at the tip of the tongue. It’s a horizontal piercing that uses a curved barbell to create a “snake eye” appearance with the two ends of the jewelry. Getting this piercing isn’t recommended because of the severe risk of tooth and gum damage, rejection, migration, and potential speech impediments. Many piercers refuse to perform this piercing altogether.

   • Healing time: 8-12 weeks
   • Pain level: 3-4/10
4. 4
   Venom Piercing Venom piercings, or frog eye piercings, are a pair of symmetrical, vertical piercings on either side of the center of the tongue. These resemble the controversial snake eyes piercing but are generally considered safer because they’re placed further back, which can be easier on the teeth and gums.

   • Healing time: 8-12 weeks
   • Pain level: 5-7/10
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Section 5 of 8:

Types of Facial Piercings

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1. 1
   Anti-Eyebrow/Cheekbone Piercing Torres states that the anti-eyebrow piercing sits on the high cheekbone. It’s a surface piercing that can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the person’s preference. Anti-eyebrow piercings are considered long-term temporary piercings due to their high risk of migration and rejection.

   • Healing time: 4-6 months
   • Pain level: 3-4/10
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   Cheek Piercing A cheek piercing, also known as a dimple piercing, goes through the cheek and into the oral cavity. They’re usually done in pairs (one on each cheek) to mimic or enhance dimples. They are notoriously difficult to heal because they go through a thick muscle.

   • Healing time: 3 months to over a year
   • Pain level: 4-6/10
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   Eyebrow Piercing Eyebrow piercings are vertical surface piercings that go through the bottom of the eyebrow and exit through the top. They’re typically placed along the outer third of the eyebrow. Kesterke says eyebrow piercings have a higher rejection rate than other piercings because they’re surface piercings.

   • Healing time: 6-8 weeks
   • Pain level: 3/10
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   Horizontal Eyebrow Piercing Torres says you can also get a horizontal eyebrow piercing. Horizontal eyebrow piercings are similar to standard eyebrow piercings, except they’re positioned horizontally along the brow ridge rather than vertically. They’re typically located along the outer third of the eyebrow and are considered long-term, temporary piercings.

   • Healing time: 6-8 weeks
   • Pain level: 3-5/10
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   Mandible Piercing A mandible piercing, or jaw piercing, is an extreme piercing that runs vertically through the soft tissue under the tongue, behind the jawbone, and exits under the chin. It’s a rare piercing because it’s painful, difficult to heal, and could damage nerves. Many professional piercers refuse to perform this piercing.

   • Healing time: 9-12 months
   • Pain level: 7-9/10
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   Third Eye Piercing A third eye piercing, or unicorn piercing, is a vertical surface piercing placed in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows. It’s often performed as a dermal anchor (a single-point piercing) and may require a dermal punch for insertion. Since it’s a surface piercing, it has a high rejection rate.

   • Healing time: 2-3 months
   • Pain level: 7/10
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Section 6 of 8:

Types of Genital Piercings

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1. 1
   Ampallang Piercing An ampallang piercing runs horizontally through the tip of the penis. It fits snugly when the penis is erect, and many people get it for increased sexual pleasure. It’s a very intense procedure due to the high vascularity of the area, and it may bleed for several days.

   • Healing time: 4-6 months
   • Pain level: 8-10
2. 2
   Apadravya Piercing An apadravya piercing is similar to an ampallang, but it runs vertically through the tip of the penis from top to bottom. It’s almost always placed through the urethra and is typically done at a slight angle.

   • Healing time: 4 months to over a year
   • Pain level: 8-10/10
3. 3
   Christina Piercing A Christina piercing, or Venus piercing, is a surface vulva piercing placed vertically through the pubic mound and above the clitoral hood. Since it requires a distinct “shelf” of skin on the mons pubis, it is anatomy-dependent. These piercings are focused on aesthetics rather than sexual sensation.

   • Healing time: 6-12 months
   • Pain level: 3-4/10
4. 4
   Clitoral Hood/VCH Piercing A clitoral hood piercing goes through the hood of the clitoris. It can be done horizontally or vertically (the vertical clitoral hood piercing is often abbreviated as a VCH piercing). This piercing is primarily done to enhance sexual activity and for aesthetic reasons. It’s anatomy-dependent because it requires a pronounced or “hooded” clitoris.

   • Healing time: 8-12 weeks
   • Pain level: 2-5/10
5. 5
   Clitoris Piercing A clitoris piercing goes directly through the head (glans) of the clitoris itself. It’s relatively uncommon because of the potential for nerve damage and because many people find it too stimulating for constant wear. Many professional piercers refuse to do clitoris piercings, instead offering clitoral hood piercings.

   • Healing time: 2-3 months
   • Pain level: 9-10/10
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   Dydoe Piercing A dydoe piercing passes through the ridged edge on the head of the penis. It’s usually done in pairs to enhance symmetry. Many people get this piercing for aesthetic reasons and to increase sensitivity.

   • Healing time: 3-6 months
   • Pain level: 6/10
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   Fourchette Piercing A fourchette piercing goes through the flap of skin at the back of the vulva, where the inner labia meet. It’s a rare piercing that requires a prominent skin fold for safe placement.

   • Healing time: 6-8 weeks
   • Pain level: 6-7/10
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   Frenum Piercing A frenum piercing goes through the skin of the underside of the shaft behind the head of the penis. People often get multiple piercings in this area, creating a piercing known as the “Jacob’s ladder.” Frenum piercings are a common first penis piercing, as healing is relatively quick.

   • Healing time: 2-4 months
   • Pain level: 3-5/10
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   Hafada/Guiche Piercing A hafada, or guiche, piercing is located on the underside of the scrotum where the penis ends and the testicles begin. These piercings are often done along the sides or midline and are favored for their low pain and quick healing time.

   • Healing time: 2-4 months
   • Pain level: 2-4/10
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    Isabella Piercing An Isabella piercing goes through the deep clitoral shaft, starting below the clitoris and ending just above the urethra. It’s a very rare piercing because there’s a high risk of nerve damage. Many professional piercers offer the Nefertiti piercing instead.

    • Healing time: 4-6 months
    • Pain level: 7-9/10
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    Labia Piercing A labia piercing is located on either side of the vaginal “lips,” or labia. These piercings can go through the inner labia (the thinner, hairless inner folds) or the outer labia (the thicker, outer lips). You can get multiple labia piercings on either side of the vagina.

    • Healing time: 1-6 months
    • Pain level: 3-4/10
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    Nefertiti Piercing The Nefertiti piercing is a vulva piercing that runs vertically from the top of the pubic mound down to the upper edge of the inner labia. It often connects to or acts as a variation of a Christina piercing.

    • Healing time: 6-12 months
    • Pain level: 7/10
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    Prince Albert Piercing The Prince Albert piercing goes through the underside of the penile shaft, through the urethra, and toward the head of the penis. A piercing needle is passed into the urethra and fed out of the penile opening.

    • Healing time: 2-3 months
    • Pain level: 3-5/10
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    Princess Albertina Piercing A Princess Albertina is a vertical piercing that runs from the urethra to the vaginal opening. It’s the female counterpart to the Prince Albert. It’s an extremely rare, specialized piercing that’s designed for sexual stimulation.

    • Healing time: 4-6 weeks
    • Pain level: 8-9/10
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    Reverse Prince Albert Piercing The reverse Prince Albert enters through the top side of the penis head and exits through the urethral opening. Healing time is substantially longer than the standard Prince Albert because it passes through the thicker glans tissue.

    • Healing time: 4-6 months
    • Pain level: 3-5/10
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    Triangle Piercing The triangle piercing is a vulva piercing that runs horizontally beneath the base of the clitoral hood tissue, meeting the inner labia underneath the clitoris. It’s anatomy-dependent and is positioned to provide stimulation and enhance sexual pleasure.

    • Healing time: 12-18 weeks
    • Pain level: 7-9/10
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Section 7 of 8:

Other Types of Body Piercings

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1. 1
   Anal Piercing Anal piercings are any piercings located around the anus. They’re most commonly placed on the perineum, which is the area between the anus and the scrotum or vulva. People may get anal piercings for aesthetic appeal or increased sexual stimulation.

   • Healing time: 4-9 months
   • Pain level: 4-7/10
2. 2
   Back Piercing A back piercing is a surface piercing typically located on the lower back. These are often done in symmetrical pairs and may be referred to as “back dimple piercings.” They’re more common with women, and many people get them to accentuate their curves.

   • Healing time: 2-6 months
   • Pain level: 6-8/10
3. 3
   Belly Button Piercing When it comes to belly button piercings, Kesterke explains that “most people are going to get the top of their navel pierced.” Depending on your anatomy, it’s also sometimes possible to pierce the bottom or the sides.

   • Healing time: 6-12 months
   • Pain level: 3-5/10
4. 4
   Collarbone Piercing A collarbone, or clavicle, piercing is a surface piercing located just above or below the collarbone. They’re often done in pairs for symmetry. Because they’re surface piercings in a high-motion area, they’re high-risk for rejection or migration.

   • Healing time: 1-3 months
   • Pain level: 6-10
5. 5
   Corset Piercing Corset piercings are a decorative arrangement of multiple surface piercings placed in two or more vertical rows. They’re usually located on the back, legs, or chest, and can be laced together with ribbon or chain to resemble a corset. Because of high rates of rejection and migration, they’re primarily temporary piercings used for photoshoots or performances.

   • Healing time: 2-3 months
   • Pain level: 5-8/10
6. 6
   Hip Piercing Hip piercings are surface piercings located near the hip bones. They’re typically done in pairs to highlight the contour of the hip area. They often use surface bars or dermal anchors that sit just under the skin and are highly susceptible to rejection and migration due to daily movement.

   • Healing time: 3-12 months
   • Pain level: 6/10
7. 7
   Microdermal/Dermal Piercing A microdermal or dermal piercing is a surface piercing that lies on any flat surface of the body. These piercings require an anchor that is installed under the skin. Some popular dermal piercings include hip, sternum, corset, wrist, and collarbone piercings.

   • Healing time: 2-12 months, depending on the location
   • Pain level: usually 5-6/10, though this varies depending on the location
8. 8
   Nape Piercing Kesterke says that a nape piercing is a type of surface piercing on the back of the neck. “It’s a temporary piercing,” she explains. “It’s going to be an area that snags a lot, especially for people with hair. So, it might have a higher rejection rate than some other locations for surface piercings.”

   • Healing time: 3-12 months
   • Pain level: 4-6/10
9. 9
   Nipple Piercing Nipple piercings go through the nipple. They’re usually centered at the base of the nipple and are usually horizontal, though they can be done at any angle. Most people get both nipples pierced, but some may only get one.

   • Healing time: 6-12 months
   • Pain level: 7-8/10
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    Sternum Piercing A sternum piercing is a microdermal piercing located at the center of the chest. The microdermal anchor is placed in the skin over the breastbone, and the piercing can be horizontal or vertical. As with other surface piercings, sternum piercings have a high risk of migration or rejection.

    • Healing time: 6-12 months
    • Pain level: 6/10
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    Tooth Piercing A tooth piercing, also known as a tooth gem, is a temporary cosmetic procedure in which a gem or charm is bonded to the surface of the tooth. Unlike other piercings, these are applied to the enamel rather than piercing through the tooth.

    • Healing time: 2-4 months
    • Pain level: 2-3/10
12. 12
    Uvula Piercing A uvula piercing is an extreme piercing that goes through the uvula, or the dangling tissue at the back of the throat. This is a rare form of body modification due to the intense gag reflex and risk of swelling, which can cause swallowing difficulties and airway obstruction.

    • Healing time: 2-4 weeks
    • Pain level: 3-6/10
13. 13
    Wrist Piercing A wrist piercing is a surface piercing done on the inner or outer section of the wrist. It’s often placed where a watch or bracelet sits. It’s a semi-permanent, decorative piercing that has a high risk of migration or rejection because it’s prone to catching on clothing.

    • Healing time: 4-6 months
    • Pain level: 6/10
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Section 8 of 8:

How to Choose a Body Piercing

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   Decide how visible you want the piercing to be. Some piercings are subtle, while others are very bold and noticeable. Take this into consideration when choosing a piercing. For example, if you know your job doesn’t allow facial piercings, consider getting an ear or belly button piercing. Remember, you typically can’t take a piercing out until it’s healed, so make sure you’re comfortable with it being visible all the time.
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   Consider your pain tolerance. While pain is only temporary, it’s a very influential factor when choosing a piercing. Some piercings, like earlobes, may just feel like a quick pinch, while others may feel more painful or bleed for a while. Consider how much pain you’re willing to tolerate. It may be better to start with something less painful to see how you react.
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   Choose a piercing that works with your anatomy. Body piercing expert Lynn Loheide says, “Your anatomy may affect placement, piercing options, and jewelry choices.” When deciding on a piercing, book a consultation with a professional piercer and ask them if you have the anatomy for that piercing. They’ll explain whether or not they can safely do the piercing and can offer alternatives if a certain piercing won’t work for you.
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   Think about healing times and aftercare. Some piercings are more high-maintenance than others. Some take up to a year to heal, while others take only a few weeks. Some also require more cleaning and aftercare than others. Ask your piercer about how to care for a piercing before you get it so you know you’re up for the challenge.

   • Remember, some piercings may reject no matter how well you take care of them. According to Loheide, the piercings that are highly prone to rejection include eyebrow, vertical oral, navel, and nipple piercings.
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   Consider what type of jewelry you want. All piercing jewelry should be made of high-quality materials, like implant-grade titanium or stainless steel, to prevent irritation or allergic reactions. Avoid jewelry made of cheap material, as it could slow down the healing process. Additionally, keep in mind that some piercings, like nostrils and septums, use jewelry that requires more attention, so choose something that you’ll be happy with long-term while your piercing heals.
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