Have you always dreamt of wearing earrings? If so, it’s probably time to schedule an ear piercing appointment. While some opt to have their ears pierced at home or by a provider at the mall, these routes can lead to infections and other complications. At McLean & Potomac Dermatology, we’re staffed by licensed professionals specializing in dermatological and medical care. We can safely and effectively pierce your ears to give you the desired results without complications.
How Does Ear Piercing Work?
Ear piercing involves creating a small hole in the earlobe or cartilage to insert a piece of jewelry, such as a stud or hoop. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Preparation: The earlobe or cartilage is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. The piercing technician may also mark the desired location for the piercing with a pen or marker.
- Anesthesia: In some cases, a local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area and minimize pain during the piercing process. This can be done using a topical cream or by injecting a small amount of lidocaine into the ear.
- Piercing: A sterile piercing needle creates the hole once the area is prepared. The needle is typically hollow, allowing it to remove a small piece of tissue during the piercing process. The jewelry is then inserted into the hole.
- Aftercare: After the piercing is complete, the technician will provide instructions for caring for the piercing to prevent infection and promote healing. This may include cleaning the area with a saline solution, avoiding certain activities (such as swimming) for a period of time, and regularly rotating the jewelry to prevent it from becoming stuck in the hole.
Ear Piercing at McLean & Potomac Dermatology
At McLean & Potomac Dermatology, we offer ear piercing by appointment only. We pierce ear lobes only. We do not pierce noses, belly buttons, or ear cartilage.
How to Avoid Infections
Several things must be considered to ensure that your ear heals properly and remains infection-free after the treatment. It’s important that you keep the area clean, avoid touching your ear, avoid swimming, and refrain from taking your piercing out until the area is healed.
Schedule an Ear Piercing Appointment in McLean, VA, or Potomac, MD
If you’re interested in piercing your ears, don’t do it yourself at home. Schedule an ear piercing appointment at McLean & Potomac Dermatology to get your ears pierced safely and enjoy beautiful results.
Set up your consultation by calling us at (703) 356-5111.
