A hip piercing is a surface piercing[1] around the pelvic area, near the hip bone. Typically a barbell-shaped piece of jewelry is fitted under the skin, with both ends of the barbell visible. Hip piercings are trendy among young women because they are easily concealable, but many surface piercings are unsuccessful and heal out.
Typical costs:
Hip piercings cost $40-$100 for a single surface piercing. For example, Stingray Body Art in Massachusetts charges $50 for surface piercings[2] .
Body jewelry typically costs $15-$50 per piece. Price varies based on composition of the jewelry. For example, a barbell (a metal cylinder with screw-on caps on both ends) with gemstones on each end would cost more than a barbell with plastic caps.
A hip piercing is done in a clean, sterile environment. A piercer typically uses a hollow piercing needle to fit a barbell-shaped piece of jewelry. Some piercings are done with metal materials such as surgical steel; others use a flexible plastic material. Some piercers prefer using the flexible plastic because it reduces the strain on healing skin. Once the piercing is done, the piercer will provide aftercare instructions and suggestions for which products to use.
Additional costs:
Aftercare products for hip piercings are likely to include a cleansing solution. H2Ocean[3] , a sea-salt based cleanser, costs $12 per 4 oz. can.
A 5%-15% gratuity for the piercer is considered standard.
Discounts:
Multiple piercings in the same area are generally discounted. For example, Pierced Out[4] , a San Jose, Calif.-based studio, charges $70 for a single surface piercing, and $115 for two.
Some studios offer birthday discounts. Saint Sabrina's, a Minnesota-based studio, offers discounts for birthdays[5] , which can include a free piercing, while the customer pays for the jewelry alone.
Geographical areas where there is more competition among piercers typically have lower prices.
Shopping for a hip piercing:
Piercing laws vary by state. The Association of Professional Piercers tracks legislation by state[6] . The association also provides a searchable database of members[7] .
Look for a piercer that operates in a clean environment. Certificates of membership or from local health departments might be posted on walls.
Surface piercings (such as those on the hip) put pressure on the skin and are often rejected, which mean that as it heals, the skin pushes it out.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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