Sternum Piercings: What to Expect & How to Prepare?

Piercings are the best way to adorn a piece of jewelry on any part of your body (Well, most parts). Does the idea of an ear piercing or nose piercing sound mundane to you? Then, sternum piercing is the adventure you are looking for. It is a piercing done in your chest area. Here, we are to tell you everything about this piercing- from how painful it is to how to care for it.

What Is Sternum Piercing?

The sternum is the flat, narrow vertical bone in the chest connecting the ribs. Simply put, sternum piercing is a surface piercing done on this breast bone. Just like ear piercings, some people make a single sternum piercing while some opt for a double or more. Straight or curved rods are used to insert through an entry hole. The jewels or ornaments are usually beads at entry and exit points and are the only portions visible at the surface. More about the type of jewelry later.

Some people opt for chest dermal piercings. Unlike sternum piercing, this kind has no entry and exit point. Only one hole is made, and the base is inserted into the dermis. Both these types of piercings are often used to highlight the beauty of one’s cleavage.

Sternum Piercing Procedure

Take the help of a professional piercer to get your surface sternum piercing done. An unprofessionally handled piercing could easily cause an infection or other troubles.

1. A professional piercer would first clean your chest’s surface and sterilize his needle and forceps.
2. Then, she would mark the points where you desire to have the piercings.
3. A needle is then entered through the entry point and removed from the point of exit hole. She might use a hollow needle to create a channel.
4. A bar is then inserted through the entry hole to the exit hole.
5. A bead, pearl, or similar piece of jewelry is placed at both ends.

Sternum Piercing Jewelry and Jewelry Materials

Choosing the right kind of jewelry for your piercing is very important. Of course, it has to be pretty, but ensure that the material it is made of is corrosion-free. The following three are the most ideal materials for sternum piercing:

• Titanium
• Gold
• Surgical steel

These especially apply to the bar that goes inside the piercing. The visible part, or the ends of the bar, could be metallic, gemstones, pearls, or other materials. Titanium and steel should be implant grade. If you choose gold, pick 14-karat gold since it is the most durable.

How Much Does A Sternum Piercing Cost?

Sternum piercing price would depend on the expertise, the studio, and the material being used, as in the case of any other body piercing. It could range from $40 to $150, including the cost of the jewelry piece.

How Painful Is Sternum Piercing?

Now, how do we answer that without knowing how much your pain tolerance is? There certainly is some pain involved while your body is being pierced. We don’t consider the sternum piercing pain to be too high. You will have to find out for yourself. Normally, if your sternum is fleshier, you will have lesser pain. In case your pain tolerance is very low, don’t forget to warn your piercer. They might be able to help you with a numbing cream, too.

How Long Does Sternum Piercing Take To Heal?

Like all body piercings, this piercing must also be taken care of. If kept clean and the aftercare instructions followed, sternum piercing healing time could be less than a month. However, it could take up to 3 months for some people to heal. If it is taking longer than that, please get professional help.

Sternum Piercing Pros And Cons

Tips For Sternum Piercing Aftercare

1. While you must love your latest accessory, keep your hands off it until the piercing heals well.
2. Gently cleaning the piercing is very important. The hole is essentially considered a wound, and it must be cleaned with an antiseptic cleanser(1) and clean water.
3. If you have swelling or redness, you may use saline water on a clean cloth to dab on the sternum piercing. This will help it heal faster.
4. Pay attention to any specific care instructions that your professional piercer might tell you. Following their tips can be very helpful.

How To Change Sternum Piercing?

Oh, that’s easy! Make your first jewelry change only after your piercing has healed completely. This might take up to 3 months. Once you are ready, wash your hands well and clean the surface of your chest. Twist and remove the external part of the jewelry (beads or gemstones). Replace them with the new set of beads and twist them to keep them tightly in place. Now, you are ready to go!

FAQ

Conclusion

Sternum piercings give an oomph factor to your style! This piercing on your breastbone is the perfect accessory for your cleavage. Ensure that you get it done from a professional and choose the right material for your jewelry to avoid any risk of infection or sternum piercing rejection. We hope you are now ready to take the plunge!