Eyebrow piercing risks constitute migraines, nerve damage, and infection. However, the good news is that all of these can be prevented with a little caution.
Eyebrow piercing is a bold fashion statement, considered more extreme than nose piercing. It could be done anywhere along the eyebrow. However, it is more commonly towards the end of the brow, or even directly above the eye. The risks from infection are much lesser, as compared to other body piercings.
Risks Involved in Eyebrow Piercing
The extent of risks greatly depend on the care taken during and after the piercing. Here are some of the risks, and also measures to avoid them.
Migration or Rejection:
The common jewelry types used for eyebrow piercings are barbells, curved barbells, and captive bead rings. The use of heavy jewelry in piercings (especially new ones) can exert pressure, and thus cause irritation or migration. To reduce the risk of migration or rejection, try using a surface bar or any other appropriate jewelry. The angle at which the piercing is done also affects migration.
Nerve Damage:
Eyebrow piercings are usually done at a 40 degree angle from the outside corner of the eye. However, it is safe to pierce the brow anywhere between directly above the eye to the outer edge. One of the dangers of piercing eyebrows is nerve damage if it is done anywhere between the area directly above the eye and the start of the brow, as there are three major supra-orbital nerves present here.
Infection:
The primary source of infection is unsterilized and unclean piercing equipment. If bacteria gets into your body through the piercing site, an inflammatory response will be the result. This is likely to include a swollen eyebrow, pain, heat, and even fever. As is obvious, get your piercing from a reputed studio that uses sterile equipment.
Aftercare
An eyebrow piercing will take approximately 6-8 weeks to heal. Proper care during this time, will speed up healing. Usually, if the jewelry is removed for a period of 5-6 weeks after, the piercings close up. Here is what you need to do:
- Clean the piercing once or twice everyday. For the crust that may form, wash it away with clean cotton soaked in a saline solution. The best method is to hold the wet cotton wool over the piercing for 3-4 minutes until all the crusting is removed. Don’t be rough.
- Patting the area with a clean tissue, after the above procedure, will dry it. We advise against the use of a towel on the face, as towels harbor bacteria, and may even get entangled in the piercing jewelry.
- As applies to any wound, don’t keep touching it, or picking or pulling at the scab, as you can cause it to get infected. It may also cause lumps to form.
- Do not expose the piercing to any make-up, cleansers, sun tan lotions, etc., to minimize the risk of infection. When you use hairspray, cover the piercing with tissue before you spray.
- Some other substances that may be perceived to help, but in reality may cause lumps to form (as they are too strong for the delicate tissues forming the scar), are alcohol, tea tree oil, metholated spirits, or betadine. Thus, don’t use any of them to clean the wound.
To minimize the risks, ensure to take adequate care before, during, and after the piercing. Another step you can take to assist the healing process, is to apply a small amount of lavender oil to the area.