Anatomy: the structural makeup, especially of an organism or any of its parts.
 

When we say a piercing is "anatomy dependent," we’re talking about how your body’s unique shape and structure influence which piercings will work best for you. It has nothing to do with whether or not we think it would look good, your weight, or anything else other than the shape and formation of the tissue. Proper anatomy is crucial to the success of a piercing. Let’s talk about it. 

Anatomy and Piercings

How are they related?

Even if you don’t realize it, every piercing begins with an assessment of your anatomy. This means that the piercer will look at the area you want pierced, examining the shape, thickness, and position of the tissue. For example, when you get an anatomy check for an industrial piercing, we look for a large ridge on your outer ear to hold the jewelry securely, and a flat surface for the bar to sit across. For a tongue piercing we look at the veins to make sure none run down the center and that your frenulum (sometimes people call it the “web”) is not too short or prominent.

In short: an anatomy check ensures that the piercing will be safe and heal successfully. 

Why It Matters

Ignoring anatomy can lead to several issues, from discomfort to more severe complications. Piercings placed incorrectly are prone to rejection, migration, or scarring. Certain piercings require precise placement to avoid hitting nerves or causing excessive bleeding. An experienced piercer’s knowledge of anatomy helps navigate these risks.

Plus, your anatomy doesn’t just influence where a piercing can go-it also determines what type of jewelry is appropriate. Flat-back studs, curved barbells, captive bead rings, and other styles all serve different purposes and work best for specific piercings. A curved barbell, for example, is ideal for a rook piercing because it follows the natural contour of your ear. On the other hand, a straight barbell would cause unnecessary pressure and hinder the healing process.

In Conclusion...

If your anatomy isn’t suitable for the piercing you want, we can usually suggest an alternative placement or style- like the faux-industrial pictured above. Our goal is always to avoid complications like migration or rejection and make sure your piercing heals successfully. But sometimes we just can't make it work. We never want to tell a client “No” but when we do- we promise it’s for a good reason.