Body Piercing Terminology [P - W]
- Piercing Needle
A fine, hollow needle specifically used to pierce a small, clean
hole in the flesh to allow jewelry to be passed through. This
leaves a smoother, cleaner opening than a piercing gun and reduces
the risk of infection.
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- Plug
A solid plug made from any number of materials that is placed in a
stretched piercing, most commonly in an earlobe.
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- Prince Albert
Sometimes called a “PA piercing,” this is the most common male
genital piercing. It goes through the urethra and exits at the base
of the glans. Prince Albert piercings are popular for aesthetic and
sensual reasons.
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- PTFE Body Jewelry
Polytetrafluoroethylene jewelry, commonly called Teflon®. An inert
plastic that is extremely resistant to body fluids and can be used
for barbells and other types of body piercing jewelry.
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- Rejection
The process by which your body naturally tries to get rid of any
foreign object like a splinter or piercing jewelry. Some types of
piercings, such as eyebrows, are more prone to rejection than
others.
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- Resorption
The dissolving of bone when a piercing has been poorly placed so
that it rubs against the bone and causes it to disintegrate over
time. A poorly placed labret can cause resorption of bone in the
jaw line.
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- Retainer
Piercing jewelry made of nylon or acrylic, usually clear, designed
to keep a piercing open but be nearly invisible. Often worn when
you wish a piercing to go unnoticed (a job interview, etc.).
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- Ring Closing Pliers
Pliers made specifically to reduce the gap in body jewelry such as
captive bead rings without damaging the jewelry. They come in
various sizes to accommodate a wide range of jewelry.
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- Ring Opening Pliers
Pliers designed for opening body jewelry like captive bead rings
so that the bead can be changed or released without damaging the
jewelry. These come in various sizes to accommodate a wide range
of jewelry.
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- Rook
Piercing of the anti-helix, the cartilage area of the ear directly
below the upper curve of the outer ear.
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- Scaffold
A piercing of the ear where the barbell goes through more than one
area of the ear, such as through two different areas of the ear
rim. Also called an industrial piercing.
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- Septum
The cartilage structure that divides the two nasal passages of the
nose. A septum piercing usually goes through the fleshy area just
below the cartilage at the base of the center of this area.
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- Surface Piercing
A body piercing that enters and exits the body through the same
plane of skin surface. Because it is prone to rejection, special
jewelry such as the surface bar is recommended.
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- Surgical Stainless Steel
Stainless steel that is surgical grade – that is, of the same type
used for medical and surgical procedures in hospitals.
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- Taper
A rod, usually of stainless steel, that is larger at one end than
the other and is used to stretch the opening of a piercing. These
are available in gauges to match the size you desire to stretch
your piercing to. You put the smaller end through your piercing
and gradually ease the taper through until the larger end has
stretched the opening to the desired gauge.
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- Third Eye Piercing
A vertical surface piercing through the skin between the eyebrows at
the bridge of the nose. A surface bar is the preferred jewelry for
this piercing.
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- Titanium
One of the best metals around for body jewelry. This inert,
elemental metal is non-reactive and doesn’t cause allergic
reactions. It is especially suited to large-gauge piercings because
it is so light weight.
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- Tongue Barbell
Similar to a standard piercing barbell, except the ball at one end
is not removable. This is the ball that is on the top of the
tongue and prevents it from being swallowed accidentally. The
bottom ball is fitted on securely underneath the tongue.
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- Tongue Rims
Piercings along the outer edge of the tongue, usually done with
rings.
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- Tongue Web Piercing
Piercing through the webbing under the tongue that attaches the
tongue to the base of the mouth. Relatively rare, since no one can
see it, but gaining popularity.
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- Tragus
The ridge or cartilage opposite the inner curve of the ear that
protrudes over the ear canal and is attached to the front side of
the face.
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- Triangle Piercing
Female genital piercing that goes underneath the clitoral shaft,
usually with a captive bead ring. This is a piercing that not all
women can get – it depends on each woman’s anatomy and should only
be done by an experienced piercer.
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- Tube or Tunnel
Open or hollow plug for a stretched piercing so that the opening
is held open and you can see through it.
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- UV Reactive Jewelry
Body jewelry that reacts to ultraviolet light by fluorescing.
Especially popular for wearing to raves and clubs.
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- Wrist Piercing
A surface piercing through the skin of the wrist. This is prone to
rejection, so surface barbells are the jewelry of choice to increase
the chances of success.
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About the Author:
Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her work
because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world
every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost
everything, and a lot about body jewelry, wholesale body jewelry, and
toe rings. She has two dogs who are spoiled and one teenager who
is not.
Also See: [
Piercing Aftercare &
Healing Essentials for Piercings ]
[
Historical Information About Body Piercings ]
[
The Body
Piercing Process ]
Home Page: [ Body Jewelry You Seek ]
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