In the context of body piercings, needles are significantly safer than piercing guns. This is widely supported by professional piercers and medical professionals.
Why Needles Are Safer for Piercings
Several key factors contribute to the increased safety of needle piercings over piercing guns:
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Sterilization: Needles are easily and thoroughly sterilized using autoclaves, ensuring a sterile piercing process and reducing the risk of infection. Piercing guns, on the other hand, are more difficult to sterilize completely, increasing the risk of cross-contamination and infection. As one source states, "needles are always better than guns because guns can't be sterilised properly and carry a higher risk of infection."
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Precision and Control: Professional piercers using needles have greater control over the angle, depth, and placement of the piercing. This precision minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissue and leads to better healing. Piercing guns, in contrast, lack the same level of precision and can cause more tissue damage. "Needles offer precision, cleanliness, and reduced trauma compared to piercing guns," one source highlights. Another source notes that "needle piercings are more likely to be precise than piercings performed with a piercing gun."
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Hygiene: The use of individual sterile needles for each piercing ensures that no cross-contamination occurs. This is a crucial aspect of safe piercing practices.
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Reduced Pain: While pain perception is subjective, many individuals report less pain with needle piercings compared to piercing guns. "The gun hurt way more than the needle," one source states. Another source mentions that a needle is "less painful than the gun."
The Dangers of Piercing Guns
Piercing guns present several risks:
- Higher infection risk: The difficulty in sterilizing piercing guns leads to a higher risk of infections.
- Inaccurate placement: The lack of precision can result in poorly placed piercings, leading to complications.
- Increased tissue trauma: The forceful impact of the gun can cause more damage to the surrounding tissue.
In summary, while both methods can pierce the skin, the needle method is superior in terms of hygiene, precision, and overall safety. Choosing a reputable professional piercer who uses sterile needles is crucial for a safe and successful piercing experience.
