Question through AllExperts.com on 8/31/02 –
Hello Brian I love your web site.
Now my questions, i’m very interested in changing things in my shop. How did you change to free hand piercing(no tools), and do you still use partial free hand (tubes)?
How would one do this with a paying clientele?
Next aftercare , why not salt soaks, do you think that they can still help, what about irrigation with saline solution? Does the inside of the Tegaderm patch become septic from the germs on the skin? How often does the patch need to be changed? What about facial piercings?
I’m training two peaple at the moment, there are more things I’m trying to improve our shop , but changes are hard to make when you don’t own the shop. I would like to talk to you in greater length when I have better questions.
Lots of love,
Mic Rawls
Answer –
MIC! I thought you were in Europe! Glad to hear from you my friend!
You must come to visit as soon as possible, or set me up a consultation in SF to come help out. The techniques have been systematically and scientifically working toward the goal of making the process easy from stem to stern. I want to help you make this change. It costs less, it eliminates waste in time and effort, and it brings you into much more control. You’ll love it.
How did you change to free hand piercing (minimal single use instruments or no tools),
||| I started by throwing out each pair of forceps after a single use, and using them without bands or elastic tension.
If you have ANY experience with piercing ears, eyebrows and the like without clamps, I can show you hand positions and more that will give you the grip, control and accuracy you need. It’s so easy once you get the grip that you’ll giggle.
Do you still use tubes?
||| The only piercing I do with a tube is a urethral piercing, such as a PA or reverse PA. I use a Teflon tube, that I make round and smooth at the end in house, and work from the inside out. I use the tube for delivery, rather than as a receptacle to avoid pinching, and go inside out. Its much more humane once you get it. I have pictures and video that I can share with you, which I presented at the last APP technique seminar.
How would one do this with a paying clientele?
||| I just make the change, and make it happen. My clients expect improvement in my technical skills, as I’m sure you do as well. Practice with me a bit and I’ll supervise you until you get the trick. It takes about a half dozen of each type of piercing to really become adept at it, and your proficiency will improve with experience. Clients really dig not having the clamps on them, the infection control aspect of total disposability, and really appreciate the easier, faster healing. It all makes sense to them when you explain clearly it is for their benefit.
Next aftercare , why not salt soaks, do you think that they can still help, what about irrigation with saline solution?
||| The simplest and most graceful solution to the question of aftercare is what we are looking for. If you teach clients how to avoid getting the area dirty or irritated, they can prevent infection and most of the problems that they could have. We have thousands of clients who have healed just as well without application of any fluids other than their own internal healing process. They have successfully used dry heat to soothe and increase the circulation, and avoided the contamination, irritation and slough from waterlogged skin.
Regular (as often as hourly) application of heat can be a tremendous boost to the recovery process.
Does the inside of the Tegaderm patch become septic from the germs on the skin?
||| Under average conditions, most clients do not experience septic conversion. A healthy person may not need to do anything more than occasionally brush off a nipple or navel piercing with sterile gauze. A person with a weak immune system should by all means wash the area and the piercing if it gets contaminated. Mild soap and water is all that is necessary, provided it is adequately rinsed and blotted dry with sterile gauze.
How often does the patch need to be changed?
||| The first bandage usually does not adhere as well as following ones, since there is a residue from the prep on the skin. It benefits a person to change to a new dressing whenever the edges begin to peel up and would not provide a water tight seal. That usually occurs within 3 to 5 days. I have had patches on for over two weeks before without irritation. The most common problem is overheating causing a rash. Clients should apply a cold compress if they experience itching or irritation, particularly if they have been exposed to high temperatures and strenuous exercise.
What about facial piercings?
||| The same principles apply, but the Tegaderm does not adhere as well. People can keep their faces dry in the shower with a little practice, and use a washcloth or disposable facial cleanser pad to clean the face carefully staying away from the piercing.
We get about a 30-90 day primary healing cycle for people who follow through well. It is so easy and comfortable when you try it, you’ll be sold.
I’ll be very glad to help you further. We can come up with many fun and
useful ideas together as well… I’d love to hear your comments on how you have progressed since so much time has passed.