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Published Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Bridge Piercings: Your Complete Guide

Curious about bridge piercings? Our guide has answers to common questions like "how much does a bridge piercing cost?" and "how bad does a bridge piercing hurt?". Learn more about this unique and edgy piercing and decide if it's right for you.

What is a Bridge Piercing?

Let's get the basics down. The bridge piercing, also known as the Erl Piercing, rests horizontally between the eyes. You can place it as high as the top of the eyebrows or as low as the bridge of the nose.

So, is a bridge piercing a surface piercing? It is, which means it has a higher risk of rejection and migration as it doesn't go through a lot of flesh. This piercing is anatomy dependent, so not everyone can get it. 

Getting properly checked is important. Not having enough padding between the jewelry and the bone can cause direct pressure and reduce blood flow to the bone. This can result in bone density loss and, in the worst-case scenario, bone necrosis.

Your piercer will assess your anatomy to determine if you're suitable for this piercing. 

 

Getting the Piercing

A skilled piercer will use a hollow needle to make the piercing, pinching the skin in the area. Do your research and find a reputable piercer who has experience with surface piercings and bridge piercings. 

The initial piercing jewelry is a straight barbell, but a curved barbell may be used depending on your anatomy. Your piercer will choose the bridge piercing gauge and length for your piercing based on your anatomy. A larger gauge may be used to help prevent rejection.

SHOP STRAIGHT BARBELLS COLLECTION

For a smoother bridge piercing healing process, opt for high-quality initial jewelry like implant grade titanium.

Getting multiple bridge piercings is possible if your anatomy allows it. If this is something you're interested in, talk to your piercer so they can determine the correct bridge piercing placement. 

 

How Painful is a Bridge Piercing?

So, does a bridge piercing hurt? Some say the pain varies, but if you can handle a cartilage piercing, you'll likely manage this one well, as it doesn't go through cartilage or many nerve endings. The bridge piercing pain shouldn't be too bad, but it will hurt, just like any other piercing. 

 

Glasses and Bridge Piercings

If you wear glasses, getting a bridge piercing is still possible. You can wear contacts during the healing process or adjust your glasses lower on your nose, taking extra care not to bump the piercing. A skilled piercer will use a hollow needle to make the piercing, pinching the skin in the area.

Bridge Piercing Cost 

So, how much is a bridge piercing? The cost of this piercing will depend on the piercing shop and location. The cost can vary from $30-$50+ in addition to the jewelry.

 

Bridge Piercing Healing Time

How long do bridge piercings take to heal? It can take 4-6 months or longer to fully heal. Everyone heals at a different pace. Healing your bridge piercing depends on how fast your body recovers and how well you take care of the piercing site.

After getting pierced, you may experience the bridge piercing swelling, redness, and discomfort at the site. Over time, the irritation will subside. If you notice a bump on the bridge piercing or an infection, seek help from a medical professional or piercer right away. 

 

Piercing Aftercare Tips

After getting your bridge piercing, follow your piercer's aftercare instructions. Don't use harsh cleansers like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Clean your piercing twice a day with a saline spray or saline solution. 

Spray the area and let it sit for a few minutes. Let it air dry or use a clean paper towel to pat dry around the area. Other things to consider:

  • Avoid touching it, especially with dirty hands.
  • Be cautious not to snag or hit it.
  • Steer clear of chemicals that can irritate your piercing, including makeup, lotions, shampoo, or other skincare products.
  • Avoid bodies of water like pools, beaches, or lakes that can cause an infection.

 

Jewelry for Bridge Piercings

Once healed, you can switch to straight barbells with gems or colorful beads. Find a variety of barbells on our site bodyartforms.com. Make sure to confirm the length and gauge of the jewelry you need before leaving the piercing shop.

 

SHOP BRIDGE PIERCING COLLECTION

 

How to Change a Bridge Piercing

 

What You'll Need

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Area

Set up a clean area where you'll be removing your piercing. Have your tools and materials within reach.

Step 2: Wash Your Hands

First things first, make sure your hands are clean. Wash them thoroughly with antibacterial soap.

Step 3: Remove the Jewelry

Using your threaded jewelry remover tool, gently unscrew one side of the jewelry. You can use your fingers to also remove one end, might it might be hard to grab and twist. Using latex gloves can help get a grip on small ends. Be careful and take your time to avoid any discomfort or injury. If it feels stuck, don't force it. Try again after a few minutes or see your piercer for help.


Step 4: Clean the Piercing

Once the jewelry is out, clean the piercing site with antibacterial soap and water. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel.


Step 5: Insert the New Jewelry

Unscrew the end from one side of the barbell. Gently slide the barbell through your piercing until it goes all the way through. And then screw your end onto the other side and your finished!

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long do bridge piercings last? Despite being a surface piercing, it can last a long time if it heals properly and is well taken care of.

Will there be a bridge piercing scar after retiring it? Yes, this type of piercing will leave visible pitted scars. If this doesn't sound appealing, then it might not be the right piercing for you.

Will this piercing make you cross-eyed? No. Even though you'll be able to see the jewelry right after getting pierced, your vision will adjust to it. 

 

If you're considering a bridge piercing, we hope this quick guide has been helpful. Don't forget to follow us on all our social platforms @bodyartforms.