Nipple Piercings: Pros, Cons, Types of Jewelry, and Care

For some people, nipple piercing is attractive and an expression of personal style. However, there are several risks associated with nipple piercing you need to be aware of in advance.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Leonardo Biolatto.

Written by Editorial Team

Last update: 23 July, 2024

Nipple piercing is a fashion trend that attracts the attention of both women and men. Celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Rihanna have been some of the great references when it comes to this type of piercing, which is usually associated with sensuality, eroticism, and personal style.

Although for a long time, they were cataloged as a tasteless accessory, today in popular demand, even more so than navel piercings. Even so, they’re placement involves a procedure that involves certain risks and requires extreme care during the healing process.

Are you planning to get one? First of all, it’s important to address some issues regarding the process, how to prepare beforehand, the possible risks, the different types of jewelry available, and the care you should practice to avoid problems. We’ll address all these details below.

What’s a nipple piercing?

Nipple piercings are body piercings performed at the base of one or both nipples. An eye-catching jewel or ring made of gold, silver, surgical steel, or other types of metals is placed in the nipple. It’s often placed horizontally, but can also be vertical or diagonal, as preferred.

Right now, through various techniques, any type of nipple (inverted, protruding, or flat) is suitable for this piercing. However, as this is a sensitive area full of nerve endings, the procedure is painful, carries risks, and requires a longer recovery time.

What are the pros of a nipple piercing?

Those who find nipple piercings attractive report several advantages beyond aesthetic appearance. Anecdotal evidence – mostly from women – suggests that these piercings increase sensitivity in the area and, therefore, sexual arousal.

In this regard, it has been postulated that both the piercing and the jewelry itself increase the stimulation of the nipple’s external and internal nerve endings, as opposed to an unpierced nipple that only has nerve endings accessible from the outside.

Thus, having a nipple piercing has the potential to increase sexual pleasure for some people. In particular, some experience more recurrent orgasms and more enjoyable encounters after undergoing piercing.

According to observations made through magnetic resonance imaging, it was determined that nipple stimulation activates an area of the brain called the “genital sensory cortex,” which is the same part of the brain that’s activated through stimulation of the vagina, clitoris, and cervix.

Likewise, a scientific survey indicated that 82% of women and 52% of men reported an increase in sexual arousal with nipple stimulation.

In addition, there are a series of psychological factors that make these accessories attractive for sex. Those who wear them tend to experience more confidence and sexual prowess, while for their partner, it can serve as a visual sexual stimulus.

What are the cons of nipple piercings?

Like other forms of body art, nipple piercings aren’t without risk. The very sensitive nature of the area makes it a painful procedure and susceptible to infection. Hence, it’s important to have it done only by a professional.

It should be noted that piercing the skin weakens its role as a protective barrier against bacteria. And as the healing process is slower in the nipples, the risks are even greater. Let’s take a closer look at the main complications.

Infections

One of the biggest risks of nipple piercings is infection. The sensitive, pierced tissue is susceptible to the entry of viruses and bacteria. In addition, this risk is increased if the equipment used isn’t properly sterilized.

As with other needle interventions, there’s a chance of contracting infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and herpes simplex virus. In addition, bacterial infections can develop sometime after the piercing if proper aftercare isn’t applied.

Abscess formation

When bacterial infections progress, nipple abscesses can develop. This is one of the common complications of this type of piercing. They cause swelling, redness, pus, and sometimes bleeding. They require medical treatment, as they must be drained and treated with antibiotics.

Risk of tearing

The delicate tissue lining the nipples is sensitive to tearing. If the piercing isn’t made with the proper technique, or if the piercing space isn’t properly spaced so that the piercing doesn’t leave a very thin part of the skin, there’s a high risk of this complication.

Not to mention that, once in place, it can accidentally get caught on clothing or other surfaces, which can also cause a tear when pulled.

Nerve damage

In rare cases, nipple piercings can cause nerve damage. This comes in the form of persistent pain, discomfort, and loss of sensation. Tears and infections that aren’t treated early increase the risk of this complication.

Keloid scars

Complications during the healing process of the piercing increase the likelihood of unsightly scars such as keloids. This is also possible if there’s a history of this type of scarring in other areas of the body.

Allergic reaction

In some people, the metal used in the piercing jewelry can cause allergic reactions. This is manifested by a burning sensation, redness, itching, and irritation. To avoid this, the use of biocompatible materials, such as surgical steel, is recommended.

Slow healing time

Due to its sensitive characteristics, nipple skin takes longer to heal compared to other areas of the body. Healing is estimated to be completed in a period of four to six months. During this time, care is crucial to avoid infections, tears, and other health consequences.

Types of jewelry recommended for nipple piercings

The main characteristic of the nipple piercings is that they have two outlets; therefore, several types of jewelry can be used. The most commonly used are bars, earrings, and shields. Which one should you start with?

Well, as this piercing is more painful than others, it’s best to start with bars. They’re fixed and run less risk of tearing; moreover, they promote the healing process. Hoops and shields, on the other hand, tend to move and are more likely to snag somewhere.

Let’s take a closer look at each one:

• Bars: They take advantage of the two piercing holes by displaying two visible ends,  which can be made of precious stones or shiny metals.
• Hoops: Hoops or rings are eye-catching and look very sexy. There are several designs; from plain circumferences to others with stones or extravagant designs.
• Shields: Their base is a bar, but they have different designs that stand out. They’re known as shields because they cover the surface of the nipple with a jewel of different shapes, like a filigree.

As for their materials, one of the most preferred is titanium, as it’s hypoallergenic and doesn’t usually cause problems. There are also gold, silver, and platinum for those looking for something more flashy and luxurious.

Lastly, there are those made of steel, which are usually more affordable. However, in this case, it’s important to make sure that it’s of good quality, preferably surgical steel, as some varieties cause allergies and more risk of infections.

Caring for your nipple piercing

The key to avoiding complications associated with nipple piercings is to take some precautions before and after the intervention. Like any open wound, the skin is exposed to possible infection until it heals.

So, the starting point is to keep in mind that the healing time is four months or more. During this period, you’ll need to ensure optimal cleansing of the area and avoid contact with surfaces that can injure or infect the skin. Here are some key tips.

1. Go to an authorized technician

Body piercings are risky procedures; therefore, they shouldn’t be performed artisanally or at home. It’s essential that you go to an authorized, licensed, and experienced professional. When visiting the studio, make sure that it applies strict hygiene measures and has the appropriate equipment.

2. Perform a preliminary cleaning

The technician will most likely disinfect the skin before inserting the needle; even so, you should make sure that the area is clean and dry on your own. Clean thoroughly with water and mild soap beforehand.

3. Avoid touching the piercing

To avoid inconveniences with the healing process of this piercing, avoid touching the area (except during cleaning). Contact with dirty hands increases the risk of infection. In fact, it’s best to avoid sexual contact, as a partner can also contaminate the area by touching or kissing it.

4. Don’t expose yourself to risky places

Saunas, swimming pools, spas, the beach, and public showers are risky places during the healing process of the nipple piercing. It’s best to stay away from these places until the wound heals completely.

5. Keep the nipple clean

After piercing, cleanliness plays an essential role in both completing the healing process and preventing infection. In order to avoid problems, always use mild soap and warm water. In addition, allow the area to air dry without using towels.

You can also use saline once or twice a day to sanitize the nipple, especially after the first few weeks. When you finish this rinse, wait for it to dry thoroughly before wearing any garment. These measures reduce the likelihood of a piercing rejection.

6. Wear smooth clothing

Keep in mind that the piercing can get caught in clothing; to avoid this, be sure to wear a soft, non-textured cotton bra. Until the skin heals completely, it’s best to avoid lingerie or other clothing where the jewelry can become entangled.

7. Watch out for crusting

Some people may notice a small crust forming on the skin of the nipple as it heals. Be careful not to pick or scrape it off; this can interfere with healing and lead to further complications.

8. Avoid turning the jewelry

Once you put on the jewelry, leave it in place without touching it. This is because, first of all, you need to avoid contact with your hands, and second, turning or moving the jewelry increases the risk of injury and tearing.

9. Avoid changing jewelry until the wound heals

Once the jewelry is inserted into the nipple, you’ll have to leave it in place until healing is complete. Avoid removing it to sleep and replacing it with another design. If it bothers you, ask the technician to make the change.

Piercings in the nipple close faster, and that’s why you shouldn’t remove the accessory. If necessary, for example, after a medical check-up, you can put on a retainer (you can usually get it in the same store where you get the piercing). It’s a non-metallic element that doesn’t interfere with medical examinations.

10. Consult your doctor if you experience any complications

If you apply proper care every day, the nipple piercing will heal without inconvenience. However, be on alert for signs of infection.

Seek medical help if you experience excessive and prolonged pain, nipple discharge, foul odor, fever, swelling, redness spreading to the breast, or a rash. The sooner you address these symptoms, the better the prognosis.

Frequently asked questions about nipple piercings

At this point, we’ve already addressed the most relevant nipple piercing concerns. However, in the following section, we’ll address other frequent doubts that may arise before the intervention.

1. What does the procedure of nipple piercing involve?

First, the technician will usually present the types of jewelry and explain their pros or cons. Once you choose the one you want, the professional may ask you to fill out a consent form. After this, the disinfection and cleaning of the area begins.

The technician will sterilize the jewelry and show the working equipment so that you can be sure that everything complies with strict hygiene measures. With everything ready, the technician will hold the nipple with a clamp to proceed with the introduction of the needle. At this point, you’ll be asked to breathe deeply and slowly.

After the piercing is done, the jewelry is inserted immediately and a bandage is applied to block the bleeding. It’s normal to have bleeding and swelling for the first few days. If this doesn’t improve within two weeks, consult your doctor.

2. How painful is a nipple piercing?

Nipple piercings are among the most painful piercings. On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain is as high as 8. For this reason, piercers often recommend trying a piercing in another part of the body first, such as the ear or nose.

3. Can the piercing close?

If you remove the piercing for a long time, yes. The hole may become smaller and even close after several weeks. If this happens, you’ll need to go back to the professional technician if you want to reopen it.

4. Does a nipple piercing affect breastfeeding?

A common question when a nipple piercing is performed in women is the compatibility with breastfeeding. The truth is that once the nipple piercing heals well, there are no problems with breastfeeding.

Of course, the jewelry must be removed so as not to expose the baby to the risk of suffocation or injury. Before and after removing the accessory, you should wash your hands thoroughly.

However, infections, poor healing or nerve damage during the healing of the piercing can have a negative impact on future breastfeeding. This isn’t very common, but it’s important to know.

5. Does the piercing cause changes to the nipple?

The shape of the nipple or areolas doesn’t change with this piercing, although the accessory makes them look more noticeable and pronounced. Also, in some people, it increases the sensation of sensitivity to touch.

6. Do nipple piercings increase the risk of breast cancer?

No. To date, there’s no scientific evidence that associates these piercings with breast cancer. Some people believe that complications such as abscesses and keloids lead to tumors, but this isn’t true.

At first, the lumps around the piercing can be confused with initial symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer, but this is ruled out in the medical consultation.

Don’t forget!

Whether it’s a matter of aesthetics, their relationship with sensuality, or in order to increase sensitivity during sexual encounters… there are several reasons why you may be interested in getting a nipple piercing. However, keep in mind that it’s a big decision.

Remember that the procedure is painful, requires care, and isn’t without risk. In fact, if something goes wrong, its effects can be long-lasting. So, address all your concerns first and always consult a qualified piercer.