Ear & Body Piercing/Expert Profile


Ask A Question

Expertise

I can answer questions in regards to and not limited to: jewelry safety, specifically material, shape, proportion, and related issues; aseptic technique and sterilization as it applies to piercing safety; ethical issues of technique and bedside manner; the aftercare and recovery process for piercings. *Also available for live online video consultation.

Experience in the area

Body artist and founder of Piercing Experience, http://piercing.org/ and SciCan Authorized Dealer of STATIM Sterilizers and related infection control products

Organizations

ASTM, AAMI, APP

Publications

The Point Journal of the Association of Professional Piercers, USA Today, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Magazine, Creative Loafing

Education/Credentials

I regularly participate and teach in many APP educational programs. I keep current certifications for OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid, and CPR.

Awards and Honors

Best Freehand Piercer, Best of Atlanta

Past/Present Clients

Tens of thousands of one on one client experiences as the founder of Piercing Experience in Atlanta, GA, USA http://www.piercing.org/ *Body jewelry design and safety expert: former Member ASTM committee F04(www.astm.org)and former Member AAMI (www.aami.org) Research advisor and educator for the APP for over a decade(www.safepiercing.org) teaching advanced studio setup, sterilization and equipment management, freehand piercing, aseptic/sterile technique and much more. Distributor for SciCan StatIM sterilization and cleaning products. http://www.piercing.org/statim/

What do you like about this subject?

Epiphany ||| Inspiration ||| Commitment ||| Dedication ||| Challenge ||| Interaction ||| Conviviality ||| Body-Mind-Spirit transformation

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I will continue to encourage the use of proper sterilization, gentle technique and safe jewelry until nothing less is accepted by the general public. I feel learning never ends, and I will adopt any new idea, practice or widget that enriches the quality of the Piercing Experience. My present focus: education and consultation.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Anything we think we know is just the beginning. There is enough to learn about any aspect of this art and science to outlast me. The passion for taking this art and emerging science toward excellence will keep me going.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

I advocate sterile technique with no clamps [freehand], and never reuse piercing equipment such as sharps, tapers, hemostats, tubes or ring expanders. Body jewelry should meet similar criteria to objects certified for human implant when used for new piercings or for extended wear [more than 24 hours] as described at http://jewelry.piercing.org/ Gentle aftercare: http://care.piercing.org/

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
arelis02/08/1010101010 
Ken02/06/1010101010 
Mike02/02/1010101010Thank you for an honest, straightforward answer .....
celeste01/30/10101010thank you
Amber01/24/1010101010 

Recent Answers from Brian Skellie

2010-02-07 crooked septum:

If the piercing is really crooked, sometimes you can make an orthodontic headgear type of device to brace it in place, or more simply use a bit of sterile gauze or a sterile adhesive bandage to brace it

2010-02-05 Prince Albert:

In my experience, size 8g is the smallest comfortable starting size. This piercing heals and loosens on its own quickly, so as to allow upgrade to a larger piece within a few months. The largest size varies

2010-02-04 Clit hood vertical piercing:

http://care.piercing.org/ explains gentle care. You should be able to experience intimacy when you feel comfortable, provided that you use barrier precautions to avoid contamination - gloves for touching

2010-02-03 Ex-Nose Ring/Stain:

This stain comes from tarnish that is released into your skin from jewelry that does not meet http://jewelry.piercing.org/ standards for quality and safety. It was probably a silver alloy, and the stain

2010-02-01 swelled cartilage:

Please stop piercing yourself with a gun. It is not safe at all. The swelling could be from infection, from destroyed or severely damaged cartilage. Have the jewelry changed to a safe piece based on http://jewelry

 

Ask A Question

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.