All about ear piercing
There are two professional ear piercing systems available in New Zealand. These are Studex® Universal and Studex® System75. Each system uses a different kind of technology and offers different varieties of earrings. The information here will help you choose the best system for you.
Studex® Universal is a classic pressure-spring ear piercing system. It uses a reusable ear piercing instrument that must be manually loaded with a plastic holder for the piercing stud and clasp. The studs that are available for use with this system are thicker and feature a blunter end than those used with System75. This system is not available in Auckland since it does not comply with the local hygiene standards in the Auckland Council Health and Hygiene Bylaw 2013.
Studex® System75 is a modern and virtually silent ear piercing system that uses sterile single-use non-touch disposable cartridges. This system offers the optimum in hygiene and sterility. With this system, ears can be pierced gently with individually sealed, hypoallergenic studs. The ear piercing specialist inserts sterile cartridges into the system and touches neither the piercing stud nor the clasp during the piercing process. The piercing instrument does not touch the ear either. The studs that are available for use with System75 are slimmer and sharper than those used with Studex® Universal, making the piercing less traumatic to the ear and a great choice for piercing children's ears.
Does ear piercing hurt?
This is a very common question. With Studex® System75, ear piercing takes merely a matter of a few seconds. The system uses a very sharp fine gauge stud for minimal local trauma to the skin and most people say they feel only the slightest pinch. Because it is very gentle and virtually silent, System75 is very well suited to piercing children's ears.
Is ear piercing safe with an ear piercing instrument?
Yes. All Studex® ear piercing studs are packaged and sterilised to meet or exceed European EC standards and FDA regulations (U.S. Food & Drug Administration). When used with the Studex® System75 non-touch ear piercing system they offer the optimum in hygiene and sterility.
What age do I need to be to have my ears pierced?
In New Zealand ear piercing is controlled by laws or local bylaws. Most New Zealand cities require consent from a parent or legal guardian for anyone under 16 years of age before a piercing can be carried out, and in some cities this is required for anyone under 18 years of age. A piercing release form should be filled out before the piercing is performed, and ID with proof of age will be required. If consent from a parent or legal guardian is required on behalf of a minor, the parent or legal guardian will be required to sign this form.
Is it safe to pierce infants and children's ears?
Yes. Studex® ear piercing systems are designed for ear piercing for customers at any age. For minors, the parents or legal guardians sign a release form. The procedure is normally carried out by two ear piercing specialists so that two instruments can be used and both ears can be pierced simultaneously. For piercing children's ears, we recommend Studex® System75. It is very gentle and virtually silent. After piercing, all aftercare should be carried out or supervised by an adult.
Can I get my cartilage pierced with Studex®?
Yes. Studex® ear piercing systems are designed to safely pierce the earlobe and cartilage along the rim of the upper ear. It is not suitable for inner ear piercings such as the tragus.
Is a cartilage piercing as gentle as a lobe piercing?
Because cartilage is a tougher tissue than the ear lobe, cartilage ear piercing is a more invasive procedure than lobe piercing. However, Studex® System75 studs are designed to create minimal trauma.
How long does it take for an ear piercing to heal?
After piercing, piercing studs should be worn for at least 6 weeks continuously. For the cartilage area of the ear, they should be left in for at least 12 weeks continuously. After 6 weeks (for earlobes) or 12 weeks (for cartilage), the piercing studs can be removed and other post-type earrings can be worn continuously. We recommend using only post-type earrings for the first 6 months from the date of piercing and for the first six months do not go for more than 24 hours without wearing jewelry in the piercing. The post should be surgical stainless steel or other hypoallergenic material.
How soon can I go swimming after I have had my ears pierced?
We recommend no swimming until the ears are properly healed. This is a minimum of 6 weeks (for earlobes) or 12 weeks (for cartilage).
I have very sensitive ears. Are there earrings I can wear?
Yes. Please see our Materials tab under 'Helpful Info' for more information.
Can I re-pierce an old piercing that has closed?
Some piercings can heal over quickly when jewellery is removed, sometimes in as little as a few hours. If a piercing has closed, it is important to never attempt to force jewellery back through the original piercing. We advise allowing the piercing to heal completely before re-piercing. A few months is usually recommended to allow the tissue to fully repair itself. When fully healed, your piercer will be able to determine whether you are able to have a new piercing performed in the same spot. They will check your ear for cysts, which feel like a small hard lump that can be moved under the skin. Cysts are embedded skin tissue that can sometimes form surrounding foreign debris and they cannot be pierced as doing so may cause a rupture, releasing the debris into the surrounding tissue which can cause infection. However, if you see and feel a small lump that does not move, it is more likely scar tissue. In most instances where the piercing has healed without additional injury, infection, or other trauma, it will be possible to pierce through the scar tissue and reopen the original piercing.
Can Studex® piercing systems be used for body piercing?
No! Studex® ear piercing systems are designed to safely pierce the earlobe and cartilage of the upper ear. They should not be used to pierce other parts of the body.