Guidelines for Choosing a Body Modification Artist
Anybody can undertake a body modification with the right equipment, but body modification artists can vary greatly in their levels of hygiene, artistic
and technical abilities and experience. Remember that it is a choice that will stay with you for a lifetime, and that you deserve to have a top quality procedure, executed in a safe environment that will last you through the years. How to make a better-informed decision regarding your body modification because IT'S YOUR CHOICE! These guidelines and questions will help you pick your studio and ensure a safe experience.
DOES THE SHOP REUSE NEEDLES?
Does the studio re-sterilise used needles? Make sure you see the body modification artist place the used needle in a sharps container. NEVER let a body modification artist use a needle on you that was soaked in a liquid. All needles should be in individual packages and should be opened while you are present.
Is the studio clean and well kept: the walls and floors washed, carpet vacuumed? The treatment room should not be carpeted. Do the staff look clean? Every good studio should have 4 separate areas: the reception/waiting room, treatment room(s), bathroom, and a separate sterilisation room.
Here are a few questions you should consider: Did their body modification turn out like they expected? Did they have any problems or infection during healing? Were the staff at the studio able to help them if they had any complications? Would they go there again?
ARE THEY PIERCING WITH EAR PIERCING GUNS?
Ear piercing guns can't be sterilised in an autoclave and also cause blunt force trauma and therefore don't meet the criteria for use by ABMAI members.
When responding to questions do they seem knowledgeable? Are they well informed? Check to see any certificates or awards the wall. Ask to see portfolios of their work. Do you like what you see?
DO THEY INFORM CLIENTS OF THE POSSIBLE HEALTH RISKS?
All body modifications carry health risks. A professional studio should display a list of the possible risks and explain these risks before asking you to sign a consent form.
DO THEY HAVE AN AFTERCARE SHEET?
All professional studios should give you an aftercare sheet explaining how to take care of your body modification. They should also explain the aftercare
procedure verbally.
SEE THE TREATMENT ROOMS AND SET-UP?
Ask if you can watch them set-up. At least make sure you can see them set up for YOUR procedure. During preparation the body modification artist
should first wash and glove their hands. The equipment should be sealed in individual sterilised packages and placed on a tray. The body modification
artist should change gloves if they touch anything in the room other than you and the sterile equipment.
IS THE STUDIO RECOGNISED BY ABMAI?
All ABMAI Members will have a certificate that should be hanging on the studio's wall. The certificate has an expiration date on it; make sure it is current. For a list of current members you can check out our members list on www.ABMAI.org. Our members have undertaken to uphold the Code of Ethics of the association which includes adherence to the Professional Standards of the Association. By choosing a member of the Association you are safeguarding your health.