WHICH METAL TO CHOOSE ON A NEW PIERCING?

Good Metal Choices for New or Old Body Piercings

• Surgical implant stainless steel, 316 LVMF 138
• Surgical implant titanium, Ti6A14V ELI
• Niobium
• 14k or 18k gold, yellow or white
• A special plastic called Tygon; especially good for people who are sensitive to metals

Poor Metal Choices for New Body Piercings

• Sterling silver, because it oxidizes when it comes in contact with body tissues and fluids. You've seen silver tarnish--that's not something you want in an open wound.
• Plated gold, because the plating can rub off and expose a metal that reacts body tissues, causing irritation or infection.
• Any type of fake gold or other jewelry made from base metals, since they will be likely to corrode when exposed to body fluids.