How Much Does a Nipple Piercing Cost?

Nipple piercing pricing varies drastically. The cost of the piercer, the body jewelry purchased for the piercing, and the location on the body can all have an influence. We can't tell you exactly how much it'll cost—but we can try to demystify it as much as possible, leaving you with a ballpark guess.

Professional body piercers have to maintain sterile equipment and protect your safety. It's their job to have the right instruments to perform body piercings and an autoclave machine in which to sterilize them. What may seem like a quick prick still takes the body piercer's time and knowledge—remember, you're also paying for years of training to give you the piercing you want. Like any service professional or tattoo artist, their fees will vary based on the piercing location. In addition to the service fee, you'll encounter the cost of body jewelry. Initially, you will be wearing either a 14-12 gauge barbell or circular barbell. Later, after your piercing is healed, many piercers will be happy to help you switch out your jewelry. On average, the typical piercing procedure may cost anywhere from $30-$50, with the body jewelry running $10-$50, depending on the metal and design you get, so expect to spend anywhere from $40-$100 per nipple, based on both the studio and the body jewelry.

Most studios also sell a variety of piercing and tattoo aftercare products developed to prevent infection and promote the healing process of your new body piercing. It's up to you if you choose to purchase a nipple piercing aftercare product, but it's not a bad idea.

How to Care For a Nipple Piercing

Expect the healing time to last anywhere from three to six months. Proper care of the affected area may, of course, speed up this process. At-home piercing cleansing aftercare instructions as per the Association of Professional Piercers are as follows:

• "Wash your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.
•  Saline rinse as needed during healing. For certain placements it may be easier to apply using clean gauze saturated with saline solution. A brief rinse afterward will remove any residue.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry through the piercing.
• Dry by gently patting with clean, disposable paper products because cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry, causing injury."