Piercing guns are frequently used in retail settings because they appear quick and convenient, but this widely used method is often considered controversial among professional piercers. While the perception of pain is subjective, the method used to create the hole in the tissue has a significant effect on the body’s immediate response and subsequent healing process. Understanding the mechanics of each tool reveals why one causes more trauma than the other, directly influencing the pain experienced both during and after the procedure.
The Mechanism of Pain
A piercing gun uses a spring-loaded mechanism to forcefully push a blunt-tipped earring post through the tissue. This action does not create a clean incision like a medical instrument; instead, the dull jewelry tears and separates the skin and underlying layers. The sudden, high-pressure force exerted by the gun causes blunt force trauma.
This crushing action is especially damaging to denser tissue, such as cartilage, where it can lead to shattering or splintering. The immediate, intense, albeit brief, pain sensation is a direct result of this physical tearing and compression of the tissue. This mechanical damage initiates a greater inflammatory response.
Comparing Pain Gun Versus Needle
The difference in pain sensation stems from the way each instrument interacts with the body’s tissue. A hollow-point piercing needle, or cannula, is surgically sharp and designed to create a quick, clean, and precise incision. The needle separates the tissue layers with minimal friction and trauma as it passes through the skin.
The sensation from a needle piercing is described as a quick, sharp pinch, which resolves immediately after the needle is removed. Conversely, the gun creates a dull, crushing pressure as the jewelry is forced through, often followed by a more intense, throbbing sensation. This prolonged discomfort with a gun is due to the greater tissue manipulation and the resulting increased immediate post-procedure swelling. The clean cut of the needle minimizes the initial wound size and trauma, leading to less immediate pain and a smoother healing start compared to the gun’s tearing action.
Why Piercing Guns Are Associated With Increased Risk
Piercing guns carry significant risk factors that contribute to prolonged and secondary pain. The initial blunt force trauma from the gun causes excessive tissue damage, which leads to increased inflammation and prolonged healing times. This extended inflammation and irritation can manifest as persistent soreness, swelling, and a higher risk of complications, such as the formation of keloids or hypertrophic scarring.
A major long-term pain risk is rooted in the device’s inability to be fully sterilized. Most piercing guns are made with plastic components that cannot withstand the high heat of an autoclave, the medical standard for sterilization. Simply wiping the gun’s exterior with antiseptic does not eliminate blood or microscopic pathogens that may be trapped within the internal mechanisms from previous clients. This lack of true sterility significantly increases the risk of bacterial infection, which is a common source of pain that can require medical intervention.