Eyebrow and Anti-Eyebrow Piercings - Aftercare, Risks, and Dealing with Pain and Infections

A piercing anywhere along the brow line is called an eyebrow piercing. The procedure can be done on either side and is most commonly done vertically. So, the jewelry is usually inserted right from below the eyebrow and it comes out right above it.

You may also get the horizontal piercing, in which the piece of jewelry will remain right above your eyebrow. The choice is yours. Most people choose the vertical one but if you want you can always go for the horizontal one as well.

Another choice you can go with is the anti-eyebrow piercing. This one has become quite popular among teenagers these days and is often referred to as teardrop or simply tears. The name "teardrop" says all about its placement. In this case, the piercing is done just below the eyes and above the cheekbone. So, the jewelry looks like tears on your face. It is also called as high cheek piercing.

As with all body piercings, this one also has its own risks. Keep in mind that eyebrow piercing is done close to your eye. So, there may be possibilities of nerve injuries to the eyes, causing vision impairment. It is, therefore, not a good idea to have it right above your eye. Get your piercing done on the side to reduce the chances of nerve injuries.

Besides the risk of infection, pain and injuries during the process, brow piercings are prone to migration during the healing process. This means that the piercing may shift if the procedure is not performed deeply enough or if proper jewelry is not used. The jewelry used for the piercing should not be too thin or too heavy.

These piercings are also prone to rejection, which means that the body may just push the jewelry out of the skin within a few months. Choosing the right jewelry and selecting a good body piercer is of utmost importance here.

If the procedure is done properly, appropriate jewelry is chosen, and the area is taken good care of during the healing process, you can expect the piercing to last for years to come without any complications.

As mentioned above, first make sure that you have selected a good piercing studio. Make sure to check on references and ask as many questions as required to assure you that the piercer does know his or her job. Ask them about the process, the jewelry, and the aftercare help they offer in case of any complications.

Once you are assured that you are in good hands, the piercer will clean the area with a disinfectant, depending on the area where you want the piercing. He or she will then generally insert a twelve to eighteen gauge cannula needle from the bottom of the eyebrow which will exit at the top of the brow. This is in case of a vertical piercing.

If you are going for a horizontal piercing, the insertion will take place right above the eyebrow or right below it on the side, depending on your preference. If you are going for an anti-eyebrow piercing, the area just above the cheekbone will be cleaned and needle will be used to insert a hole.

Since a foreign object has just punctured your skin, you may feel a little pain and see a few drops of blood. This is perfectly normal and you don't need to panic. A piece of mini curved barbell will then be inserted in the hole and your eyebrow piercing will be over in a few seconds!

Now starts the main job! Your piercing is done and now you need to take good care of it to make sure that the healing process goes smoothly without the occurrence of any infection or unnecessary pain. Keep in mind that healing can take six to eight weeks.

The first thing that you need to keep in mind is that you should never remove your jewelry unless the area is completely healed. You should also avoid rotating or moving the jewelry to avoid scars.

You should avoid using any creams, lotions or any kind of solution on the area. Waxing and plucking your eyebrows should be strictly avoided for some time.

Avoid using swimming pools and touching the site. This may cause infection and delay the healing process.

Cleaning your piercing is very important. Never use dirty hands to clean the area. You should use a liquid anti-bacterial soap to wash the area. Make sure to remove the soap thoroughly after this with warm water. Use a clean paper towel to dry the area.

Dip a cotton ball in warm saline water and clean the crusts that will slowly begin to form around the area. Use sea salt to make your saline water. Salt and water help heal the wound and also prevent infection and reduce swelling.

• Choose between a vertical or horizontal piercing.
• An anti-eyebrow piercing looks like a teardrop below your eyes.
• Select your piercing studio carefully.
• Healing can take anything between four to eight weeks.
• Good aftercare routine will hasten the healing process.

Even after taking all the precautions, there is a possibility of infection in the area. If you notice any kind of swelling, pus formation, or increasing pain, it may be an infection or the sign of an improperly performed piercing. Make sure to immediately consult your doctor, who may prescribe a short round of antibiotics to cure the infection.

Now that you have all the information you need about eyebrow piercing, time to look for a good piercer! Decide whether you want a horizontal or vertical brow piercing. Or you may like to see those teardrops on your cheek in the form of an anti-eyebrow piercing. You may also want to have multiple piercings done at the same time. However, keep in mind that each of these sites will need special care. So, try to go for one at a time.

Once the area is healed, you can remove the jewelry and use any of the many eyebrow piercing jewelry pieces available freely in online stores to dress up your eyes in a way that you want!