Body Piercing Glossary

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Resorption

• The process by which bone dissolves. Although we tend to think of bone as hard and set in shape, it can expand, change shape or disappear over many weeks, months or years.
• Resorption of bone will occur in any piercing where the jewelry presses constantly or repeatedly on bone.
• Poorly placed tongue, labret, or cheek piercings will erode the bone that supports the teeth, and the tooth may fall out in severe cases. Likewise surface piercings over bones such as the clavicle can cause problems.

Retainer

• An item of jewelry designed to:
  • Keep a piercing open.
  • Not attract attention.
• Typically made of acrylic or even nylon.
• Commonly used in eyebrow and tongue piercings.
• Should only be used in healed piercings. If you think these can be used in a new eyebrow piercing to keep your boss happy, think again!

Reverse Prince Albert

• A male piercing entering through the urethral meatus of the glans of the penis and exiting on the superior aspect of the penis at the coronal sulcus.
• See also Prince Albert

Ring Closing Pliers

• Pliers specifically designed to close rings without damaging the surface of the jewelry.
• Come in several sizes to accommodate the different sizes of rings.

Ring Opening Pliers

• Pliers designed to temporarily spring open rings so that the bead can be released or inserted.

Rook

• A piercing of the anti-helix.