Most procedures start with a discussion about placement and jewelry. Identification cards are collected to start the paperwork as well. After jewelry is chosen, the piercer will prepare a setup for sterilization that includes the jewelry, needle, and any other tool involved in the process that needs sterilizing. Aftercare for the piercing is discussed while the setup sterilizes. Once in the piercing room, the area and perimeter around the piercing is prepped with alcohol first to remove gross debris, followed by marking where the piercing will go with a dot of gentian violet (a dark purple surgical ink). Once a placement is agreed upon, the area is prepped a second time with iodine. The piercing is then performed, followed immediately by insertion of the jewelry. Once the jewelry is secure, the area is wiped down with sterile saline to remove excess iodine. This is the process for most piercings, with the exception of some genital piercings, which require slightly different prepping. We also have alternate skin prep for those who have sensitivity concerns.