If you’ve ever considered getting a piercing, you may have come across the option of using a piercing gun at your local shopping centre. While this may seem like a quick and convenient option, experts strongly advise against it. Piercing guns carry serious risks that can lead to infection, tissue damage, and poor healing. At Metal Morphosis, we believe in using onlysterile, safe, and professional techniques for all piercings. Here are five reasons why piercing guns are bad and why you should always opt for a needle when getting pierced.

The 5 Reasons Piercing Guns Are Bad

Piercing Guns Aren’t Sterile

One of the biggest concerns withpiercing guns is that they cannot be properly sterilised. Most are made from plastic, which means they cannot be autoclaved, the standard method for sterilising medical equipment. Even if they are wiped down with antiseptic, this does not kill all the pathogens that could be present inside the gun. According to the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), this can lead to cross-contamination, spreading bloodborne diseases like Hepatitis and staph infections between clients. Choosing a sterile needle ensures that everything used in your piercing is fully sanitised and safe.

Piercing Guns Cause Tissue Damage

Unlike hollow needles, which create a clean cut through the skin,piercing guns force a blunt earring stud through your tissue using high pressure. This process is more akin to a crush injury than a clean piercing. The excessive force used by the gun can cause significant trauma to the surrounding tissue, leading to swelling, scarring, and longer healing times. When it comes to sensitive areas like cartilage, the risks increase, as the gun can even shatter the cartilage, leading to permanent damage. 

Poor Quality and Unsafe Jewellery

Piercing guns often use low-quality jewellery, such as gold-plated nickel or surgical steel, which are not ideal for fresh piercings. Gold-plated jewellery can cause allergic reactions or infections as the plating wears off, and surgical steel, while common, is not the best material for long-term healing. Implant-grade materials like titanium or solid gold are far safer options, but these cannot be used in a gun due to the risk of bending or breaking. Needles allow for the use of better-quality jewellery that is custom fit to your piercing, reducing complications and promoting faster healing.

Increased Risk of Infection

As piercing guns can’t be sterilised, and cause excessive tissue trauma, they dramatically increase the risk of infection. Disinfecting a piercing gun is not enough to kill all pathogens, and the gun itself can become contaminated with microscopic blood particles, putting every new client at risk. This is particularly concerning for babies, young children, or those with compromised immune systems, who are more vulnerable to infections. Choosing a professional piercer who uses sterile needles significantly reduces the risk of post-piercing infections.

Untrained Operators and Poor Technique

Piercing guns are typically used in mall kiosks or retail stores by individuals with minimal training. In many cases, the training consists of a brief video or a few practice piercings on sponges. This lack of expertise can lead to improper placement, poor aftercare advice, and increased complications. Professional piercers, on the other hand, undergo extensive training in aseptic techniques, cross-contamination prevention, and proper jewellery placement. They also know how to assess your anatomy and ensure the piercing is performed safely and correctly.

Choose Safety: Why Piercing Needles Are the Better Choice

While piercing guns may seem like an easy option, the risks they carry far outweigh the convenience. From infection and tissue damage to poor-quality jewellery, the dangers of piercing guns make them a poor choice for your body. At Metal Morphosis, we prioritise your health and safety by using only sterile, single-use needles and high-quality jewellery for all piercings. If you’re ready for your next piercing,book an appointment in one of our Central London based piercing studio. Experience the difference that professional, needle-based piercing can make.