Why Anatomy Matters in Piercing
Because every body is different, and that’s exactly why experience counts.
When it comes to piercings, it’s not as simple as “Can I get this done?”
The real question is: Should it be done, and will it work with my anatomy?
Understanding anatomy is one of the most important aspects of safe, successful body piercing and unfortunately, it’s something that gets overlooked far too often.
1. Not Every Piercing Suits Every Body
There are endless images on social media of curated ears and perfectly symmetrical piercings, but what you don’t see are the people who were told “no,” because the piercing wasn’t viable for them.
Professional piercers take the time to assess:
The shape and depth of your cartilage
The size and angle of your nostrils
The positioning of blood vessels
Tissue mobility and natural asymmetry
This is crucial because forcing a piercing into anatomy that doesn’t suit it can lead to:
Migration or rejection
Constant irritation or pain
Piercings that never fully heal
Poor jewellery fit or aesthetic placement
2. Placement Isn’t Just About Looks
A piercing might look great on someone else, but placement is more than skin-deep.
For example:
A helix that’s pierced too close to the edge may tear or reject
A snug may not be possible without a certain cartilage depth
A navel piercing might not heal well if the fold or tissue isn’t supportive
This is why saying no is sometimes the most professional thing a piercer can do. It’s not about gatekeeping, it’s about protecting your body and your long-term satisfaction.
3. Experienced Piercers Can Offer Alternatives
A piercer with a good understanding of anatomy won’t just say no, they’ll offer options.
Can’t get a traditional rook? Maybe a faux rook would work beautifully.
Not suitable for a standard navel? Maybe a floating navel with proper placement and different jewellery will give you the look you want with less risk.
This is where experience makes all the difference, not every piercing is possible, but there’s almost always something that is.
4. Your Anatomy Can Change Over Time
It’s not just about what your ear or nose looks like now.
Things like:
Weight fluctuations
Scarring from previous piercings
Past trauma or bumps
Age and cartilage flexibility
…can all affect what’s suitable for your body today. A great piercer will check every time, not just assume.
5. One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Experienced piercers also know that jewellery sizing should be customised to your anatomy. That means:
Longer posts for thicker tissue
Smaller diameters for tight curves
Flat backs or threadless systems where appropriate
Using the wrong size or shape can lead to pressure, bumps, and unnecessary healing problems, even if the placement was correct.
Final Thoughts
A good piercing doesn’t come from copying a photo, it comes from understanding the body it’s going into.
At Artmageddon, we assess each client’s unique anatomy before recommending any piercing. If it’s not going to work, we’ll tell you, kindly, honestly, and with your best interest in mind. And we’ll help you find the right piercing for your body, not somebody else’s.
Because experience matters. And anatomy always comes first.