There is not always a need to make an appointment to be pierced, most of the time you can just walk in but phone or book a few hours in advance if you wish. A booking may be an advantage on busier days such as Saturdays.

Before you come for a piercing there are a few things you can do to make the process easier:

1. Make sure you eat before your appointment, this will prevent you feeling light headed or nauseous throughout the piercing process.
2. Do not drink, even a small amount of alcohol can thin your blood and while most piercings don't normally bleed they may do so after alcohol.
3. At Westport there is a strict age limit of 16 years and over, however we will pierce 12 to 15 year olds with parental present. If you think we might question your age then please bring photo ID or your parent or guardian with you.
4. Try to wear clothing suitable for the piercing you are getting. If you are having you navel pierced, it is advisable to wear loose trousers. If it is your nipple you are having pierced, it is best to wear a loose top.
5. Have some idea where you want the piercing ie on the left or right. As there are a few places most piercings can go dependant on you individual build, your piercer will assist you in the decision

We stock and sell a whole range of products. To help you get the most from your piercing you will need to begin cleaning it the same day or the day after and you will need products to start with. Not all of the products people use to clean piercings are suitable, some can even damage the piercing. At Westport we only sell products we know will work for you.

Before, during and after you are pierced, we will be trying to give you as much information about your piercing as possible. It is very important that you listen and ask questions. If you don't understand something then please ask. We aim to give you as much information as we can to help you understand what is needed for the piercing to settle and heal properly.

Having performed thousands of piercings and being pierced ourselves, we have been on both ends of the needle. If you relax and take it easy you are only helping yourself. Most people are amazed at how simple the process was so don't listen to the bad gossip about piercing, it is very straight forward.

So, what about the anaesthetics?

1. We do not use any form of anaesthetic from the neck up
2. We only use cream anaesthetics, to inject them would be against the law!
3. If anaesthetics are used you will have little or no feeling in that area.
4. The effects slowly wear off over the next 10-15 minutes
5. The local anaesthetic we use is designed to make you feel more at ease because you know you will not feel the piercing.
6. Anaesthetic makes the whole process longer as we have to wait for it to take effect before we can perform the piercing.
7. You have the option of anaesthetic on any piercing below the neck

While the piercing is being performed it is important that you lay or sit very still and keep your hands away from the area (keeping them at your sides is best). When complete, some piercings are covered with a dressing to keep clothing and hands away. This should be removed the following morning.

When leaving the studio you will be given an after care form. This will give you all the information you need to look after your piercing. If you have any further questions please get in touch. Our contact details are available on 'how to find us'. We always have friendly staff willing to help.