Corset piercings are a type of piercing, usually on your back, that involves rows of single piercings where thread or ribbon can be woven to mimic the look of a corset. Learn more about what this piercing entails, the healing process, jewelry, and more.
Fast Facts:
- Placement: On both sides of the spine or other body areas.
- Cost: Between $100 and $500.
- Pain: They are more painful than other piercings.
- Healing time: This piercing is usually temporary. For a permanent corset piercing to heal, it would take around 12 weeks.
- Jewelry: Rings.
- Risks: Infection, scarring, and damage to underlying tissue or nerves.
Source: Sleaze Ball.
What Is a Corset Piercing?
A corset piercing involves symmetrical rows of piercings down each side of your spine. There must be at least two rows of piercings (four total piercings) to get the corset look. However, you can get enough piercings to line your back from top to bottom.
Once you are pierced and have the jewelry in place, string, rope, ribbon, or chains are laced through to create the woven corset look.
Are Corset Piercings Permanent or Temporary?
Corset piercings are usually temporary. They are a type of surface piercing, meaning they pierce a flat area of the body. Surface piercings don’t heal well permanently, making it difficult to last. They can migrate easily and your body can reject them altogether.
The most successful permanent corset piercings required bar jewelry. If you’re considering a permanent design, know that it will likely be very difficult and it presents several health risks and complications, including infection.
Corset Piercing Pain
Corset piercings are often more painful than other piercings. The skin of your back is very thick, more so than other areas of your body. With more skin to pierce through, the level of pain usually goes up.
It will also be more uncomfortable based on how many rows of piercings you get. For example, a corset piercing spanning your entire back will be more painful than just a couple of rows.
Corset Piercing Healing Time
Since this piercing is usually temporary, the healing process involves taking out the piercings and taking proper care of the wounds until they close up. As with any piercing, you’ll need to avoid touching the piercings and will need to clean them regularly with an antiseptic. Your piercer will provide you with instructions to ensure you take the right precautions and steps for aftercare.
For a permanent corset piercing to heal, it would take around 12 weeks. However, there are rarely cases of successful permanent healing.
Corset Piercing Cost
Corset piercings can be pricey, usually costing around $100 to $500 depending on how many rows of piercings you get and the type of jewelry you choose. Full-back piercings will be the most costly. Higher-quality jewelry will also add to the cost. If you plan to have the piercings removed, you should also factor that into your budgeting.
What Do Corset Piercings Mean?
Corset piercings are usually a rebellious action or one used to express their femininity and sexuality. They are meant to look like a corset and create a daring and edgy look.
Corsets themselves have a long history. Once a sign of female oppression, they have come back in recent years as a fashion statement and a way for women to express themselves and their femininity.
In addition, corset piercings are usually only worn for a few hours, maybe a week at maximum. People often get them for a specific event like a photo shoot, BDSM activity, fetish-related occurrence, or other time when you’d want to showcase your back area with a corseted design.
Source: Vegana Košice.
Pros and Cons
As with all piercings, there are some pros and cons to keep in mind. Think through all of these considerations before setting up your piercing appointment.
Possible pros of a corset piercing include:
- It can create a beautiful design on your back.
- It’s a unique piercing that not many people have.
- As a temporary option, it’s not something you have to commit to long-term.
- It creates an edgy look that can be fun for photo shoots or other special events.
- The risk of permanent scarring is usually very low once the jewelry is taken out, as long as you didn’t have complications like an infection.
Possible cons of a corset piercing include:
- There’s a high risk of infection and other complications.
- They can be extremely painful and easily irritated.
- They have poor healing rates and aren’t a good permanent piercing option.
- Jewelry options are extremely limited.
- It can be very hard to find a piercing willing and able to do the piercing.
- It’s difficult to take care of due to its location.
Source: Sirio Piercing.
Corset Piercing Jewelry
No matter what piercing you get, it’s important to think about what type of jewelry you’ll use. Some piercings limit what type of jewelry design you can get.
1. Jewelry Types
While corset piercings can be done with bars, they’re usually done with hoops or rings. The closed-jewelry design allows for ribbon, string, or chains to be laced and secured through the jewelry.
2. Jewelry Size
Piercing hoops can vary greatly in size from 6mm up to 14mm or larger. Corset piercing hoops are typically larger to accommodate the skin and the material being threaded through the hoop. So you’d likely want rings with a 14mm (9/16 inch) diameter.
You’ll also want to consider the gauge, which is its jewelry thickness. Common choices are 14-gauge (1.6mm) and 16-gauge (1.2mm). You’ll want the corset jewelry to be thick enough to hold the material you’re threading through but think enough to be comfortable as a surface piercing.
3. Jewelry Spacing
How far apart your jewelry is spaced will depend on the corset piercing location and your preferences. The rows are usually spaced according to the size of your back, positioned on the left and the right side.
While some people opt for straight, symmetrical rows, others may have two rows further out, then two rows tucked in, to give a tapered or staggered look.
4. Ribbon or String Width
The width of the ribbon or string used to lace the corset piercing should be compatible with the size of the jewelry and the spacing between the piercings. Typically, ribbon widths range from 1/8 inch (3mm) to 1/2 inch (12mm), depending on personal preference and the specific design.
5. Jewelry Material
The biggest part about selecting jewelry material is safety. If you have any allergies, like an allergy to nickel, be sure to let your piercer know. Implant-grade titanium and surgical stainless steel are popular options for body piercings. Niobium is a common budget-friendly option or you may opt for bioplastic.
Steer clear of cheap materials that may discolor or irritate your skin, as this can increase the risk of health concerns. Also, understand how jewelry material will add to your piercing cost. Going with something expensive, like 14k gold can skyrocket the price, especially if you have piercings lining your back.
Also, consider the type of ribbon or string that will be used to lace the piercing. Satin, silk, or nylon ribbons are popular choices due to their smooth texture and flexibility. Ensure that the ribbon or string is clean, non-abrasive, and appropriate for the size of the jewelry being used.
Source: あかさか.
Corset Piercing Gone Wrong
As with any body modification, corset piercings come with potential risks, such as infection, rejection, scarring, and damage to underlying tissue or nerves. Precautions should be taken to minimize these risks, including proper aftercare, avoiding tight clothing or activities that may cause friction or irritation, and promptly addressing any signs of complications.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential for the successful healing of this piercing and minimizing the risk of complications. Here are some guidelines to follow for aftercare:
- Cleaning: Gently clean the pierced area with a homemade saline solution by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt with one cup of water or a piercing aftercare product at least twice a day. Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can be too harsh and delay the healing process.
- Hands off: Refrain from touching the piercings with your hands, and always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the pierced area to reduce the risk of infection.
- Reduce inflammation: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or ice packs can help manage swelling and discomfort during the initial healing period. Consult with a healthcare professional or the piercer for recommendations.
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t put pressure on the piercings or cause friction, as this can lead to irritation and prolong the healing process.
- Avoid submersion: Keep the piercings out of pools, hot tubs, and other bodies of water during the healing process to prevent exposure to bacteria and potential infection.
- Exercise caution: Be mindful of the piercings while sleeping or engaging in physical activities to avoid snagging or putting pressure on the jewelry.
- Change jewelry with care: If you need to change the jewelry or replace the piercing, do so gently and with clean hands, or consult with a professional piercer for assistance.
Final Thoughts
Piercings can be a fun and exciting way to decorate your body and express yourself. However, they aren’t to be taken lightly. Since they puncture the skin, they present health risks and require both a professional piercer and proper aftercare to prevent infection and scarring. Be prepared for some pain and discomfort as you go through the healing process.
Corset piercings have their own set of special considerations since they are more risky and not likely to be a permanent option for you. Do your research and be sure to have a thorough conversation with your piercer about the process and risks before moving forward.
Read More
Frog Eyes Piercing: Healing, Pain, Cost, Jewelry, Pros, and Cons
