Getting A Better Body Art Second Opinion

If you go to any body art web site or forum, you will find a good number of posts where people are considering if they should get pierced or not and asking for a second opinion on their situation. Really, the decision of whether or when to get a body modification is an individual choice that shouldn't depend on what others think, especially when you consider that everyone else is going to either say "yes" or "no." Here are some things to consider that can help you make the right choice for yourself

Timing
Is the timing right for getting this body mod? At the end of summer there's often a flurry of emails from young people about to go back to school who want to get a nose piercing but who say they will have to take out the piercing for school. If you can't allow the right amount of time to heal a piercing so that it stabilizes and will become permanent, there's really no point to doing it. Likewise, getting a tattoo or piercing before going on a summer vacation where you want to be in the water is also not a good idea.

Lifestyle
Another common scenario is one where someone wishes to get body art but then describes a school or work environment where that body art isn't appropriate and the person wants to know if they can hide their mod. It would be better if people thought about which is more important in their life: the piercing or the job? How important is it to play that school sport vs having a piercing? No type of body jewelry is really invisible not matter what anyone says.

Commitment to Healing
A good number of questions deal with time for the tattoo or piercing to heal. Everyone's body is different, and each person knows more about how they heal and how their body reacts much better than total strangers who are just guessing. If you aren't prepared to take the time that your body might need to heal from a medical procedure (which is what body modifications are) or to make changes in how you dress, shower, are active and more, then perhaps it would be best to wait until a time in your life when you can devote the necessary attention and make any adjustments.

Who You Ask For A Second Opinion
If you do feel you need someone else's input towards making your decision about body art, it's best to go with those who truly know you rather than ask total strangers. Family, friends, co-workers and your own doctor will know a lot more about you and how you live your life. This makes it more likely that they will offer advice that takes your personal situation into account and their opinions will more likely be more than a random "yeah, do it!" or "oh no, don't!"