Lincoln Daily News 2025-26 Health & Wellness Magazine Pg.11 are unwrapped in front of the client, gloves are changed multiple times, and every aspect of the procedure is explained in real time. “I think them seeing and knowing every step is very, very helpful.” After the piercing itself, which usually takes about 30 seconds, Katie shifts the focus to healing. To simplify aftercare, she developed her own acronym: SMART. ● S: Don’t Sleep on your piercing. ● M: Don’t Mess with it (no touching, twisting, or pulling). ● A: Use Aftercare solutions like saline. ● R: Return for follow-up visits. ● T: Time—healing is a journey, not an event. “Aftercare education is the most important,” she said. “I created that acronym and put it up on the wall.” She provides each client with a goodie bag that includes aftercare instructions, saline solution, and sometimes a sweet treat or sticker. Follow-up appointments are scheduled in eight-week increments to check healing, downsize jewelry, and answer any questions that arise. Healing, however, isn’t always simple, and Katie is quick to share what can go wrong. “Sleeping on it is...it can cause a million issues,” she said. “Our head weighs just about as much as a bowling ball. So, if you can imagine putting a bowling ball on a fresh wound for eight hours, that’s going to manipulate the tissue to heal at an angle.” She also warns clients about snagging on towels, hair salon mishaps, twisting the jewelry, and changing it too soon. “We do not submerge a healing wound in public or private bodies of water, spas, hot tubs... I know it’s a fun time to get piercings in the summer. But it’s not the best time.” When it comes to timing, fall and winter are her favorite seasons for new piercings. “The weather’s cooler, we’re not exposed to UVA and UVB at a consistent rate like in summer, and there’s not as many water sports and activities,” she said. “When you decide to modify your body, it does come with some sacrifices to make sure it heals properly.” Client safety doesn’t stop at surface level. Katie takes health conditions seriously, adapting her care for those with diabetes, epilepsy, or clotting issues. “Everybody gets to recline for their piercing to avoid any fainting or seizure incidents,” she said. “And I always ask, have you eaten today? Or are we living on iced coffee? I’ve got snacks, juice, and candy here.” Her studio’s standards extend beyond piercing technique. She avoids procedures that pose significant health risks, especially in the mouth and below-the-belt areas. “There are some piercings that, just because they were invented doesn’t mean they should be performed,” she said, referencing tongue modifications like Continued --
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