What is sternum piercing?
One of the most sought-after piercings, sternum piercing is the piercing of the surface of the sternum, also known as breastbone, a long flat bone lying in the middle of the chest. A rare type of surface piercing, it is often referred to as cleavage piercing. It is flaunted by many young girls to make a bold fashion statement.
Sternum piercing procedure
Find a licensed piercing parlor that has highly skilled professional piercers performing this piercing under hygienic conditions. After the entry and exit points are marked at the desired location, a sterilized, hollow needle is passed through the skin. The jewelry is then inserted into the piercing.
Sternum piercing pain
It is likely to cause more pain than the other types of surface piercings.
Sternum/Cleavage piercing aftercare
- Clean the pierced region with a cotton ball dipped in warm salt water two times a day
- Rinse the piercing carefully using a mild soap during your bath
- Dry the piercing with a paper towel
- Be careful while wearing or removing your clothes to avoid injury
- Avoid exposing the piercing to lotions, body sprays, ointments, and cosmetics
- Do not put unnecessary pressure on the piercing
Sternum piercing healing
It takes about 4 to 6 weeks to undergo complete healing.
Sternum piercing infection and complications
Following the aftercare instructions is necessary to prevent the pierced sternum from getting infected. Do not forget to wash your hands before touching the piercing. The piercing might tear off due to accidental rubbing of the jewelry, especially while changing clothes, causing scars. Therefore, try to minimize contact with the piercing until it heals completely. As wrong placement of the piercing or use of an inappropriate jewelry increases the risk of rejection, you should avoid visiting piercing salons that are located in remote areas.
Sternum piercing jewelry
You can only wear surface barbells or curved bars for this kind of piercing. Once it has healed, you can change the balls and wear colorful ones having unique designs to look different each day.
Sternum piercing cost
In most professional piercing studios, the price of the piercing will be anywhere between $30 and $40.
Sternum piercing variations
Vertical sternum piercing
Here, the piercing is placed vertically at the center of the chest.
Horizontal sternum piercing
It is the perforation of the cleavage made horizontally.
Sternum/Cleavage dermal piercing
Here, the main jewelry is placed on a micro-dermal anchor inserted into the skin of the middle chest.
References:
http://www.bodyartx.com/must-know-details-sternum-piercing/
https://www.bluebanana.com/article.php/350/cleavage-piercing
http://tattoos.answers.com/piercings/side-effects-and-complications-of-a-sternum-piercing