Your Guide to Understanding our Needle vs Device Piercings
Which piercing method is best?
As the medical authority in ear piercing, our team of licensed nurses guarantee the safest and most celebratory ear piercing experience. At Rowan, we offer two piercing methods: needle and device piercing.
What’s the difference?
Needle piercings are performed with a single-use, hollow bore sterilized needle. The needle piercing method can be used for any piercing placement in the ear and utilizes flat backs specifically designed for optimal comfort and healing.
Children may be able to get their lobes pierced via needle as young as 5 years old on a case by case basis. Piercings performed in cartilage are available for ages 12+, unless otherwise stated by local or state regulations.
Device piercings are performed with a hand-pressurized device which is in complete control of the nurse’s hand to guide, position, and pierce safely. It is nothing like a piercing gun. This method can be used for any piercing placement along the outer perimeter of the ear and utilizes butterfly or bell back earrings, which make the jewelry easier to change once the piercing has healed.
Device piercings are available to anyone 2 months or older with a valid DTaP vaccination. The DTaP vaccine is required until the age of 5.
Is one more painful than the other?
No! While the popular assumption is that needle piercing hurts less, our research has found that there is no significant difference in the pain experienced from a needle piercing vs a device piercing.
Plus - we’re proud that less than 1% of our ear piercings result in adverse reactions compared to the industry average of 30%!
How do I take care of my piercing?
At Rowan, aftercare is not an afterthought. Maintaining excellent hygiene and care in addition to monitoring the healing process and managing any pain is the main take-home point in ear piercing after care.
For lobe piercings that were done with a device, it’s important to rotate the earring a full 360 during your daily cleanings. For any other piercings, do not twist the jewelry, as this can cause scarring or make the piercing heal more slowly.
For all piercings, make sure to wash your hands before touching your earrings and try your best to limit touching your ears. Clean your piercing 2-3 times per day front and back with our Advanced Aftercare Solution for at least 3 weeks for lobe and at least 8 weeks for any piercings performed in cartilage. Make sure to leave room in front and back of the earrings. Give your earrings a good rinse for about 30 seconds with warm water in the shower.
Ready to get pierced?
