What you wear and how you wear it projects an image of you to the world; you can change your hair, jewelry, and clothes to keep up with fashion, fit into a new group of friends, or just when your tastes change.  It's a part of growing up.

Bear in mind there are some things that change your image that aren’t easily reversible, and that you may regret. Body piercing could be one of those things.

GET THE FACTS:

• Body piercing, like tattooing, is not regulated in most states. That means it’s up to you to make sure the place is clean and the person doing the piercing is experienced.

• If you’re under 18 you’ll need your parent or guardian’s permission.

• There is an Association of Professional Piercers that does make some safety rules. Make sure the place you go to has a certificate from the Association.
• Teens generally pierce their ears, lips, nose, tongue and navels. The piercing is done with a hollow needle that is passed through the body part to be pierced.
• Never have anything pierced by a piercing gun, except your ear lobes.
• The amount of pain and healing time depends on the area being pierced.
• You can get serious infections such as hepatitis or even HIV from unsanitary conditions and instruments.