1. Given the current debate about the best methods for ear piercing, how is piercing in a physician's office better than piercing in a tattoo parlor or a commercial jewelry store?

The Setting Matters: When deciding where to have your child's ears pierced, the environment plays a crucial role, especially for younger ones. Tattoo parlors are generally designed with adults in mind, featuring an aesthetic and atmosphere that might not be the most welcoming for children. The sights, sounds, and general environment can be intimidating for young ones, potentially making their piercing experience more stressful. Tiny Apricot offers a calm, controlled, and clean setting, aimed at making children feel safe and comfortable.

Privacy and Comfort: In our office, privacy is paramount during the piercing process, creating a sense of security and minimizing stress for the child. This private setting ensures that the experience is focused entirely on the comfort and well-being of your child, away from the curious eyes of strangers or the bustling activity common in public spaces.

Medical Expertise and Sterility: One of the most significant benefits of choosing a physician's office for ear piercing is the medical expertise available on-site. Our team is not only trained in performing piercings but our office is equipped with medical-grade, sterile equipment. We adhere to strict hygiene standards to minimize the risk of infection. We also provide detailed aftercare instructions to prevent infection.

Hypoallergenic Materials: Tiny Apricot uses earrings made of hypoallergenic materials that are less likely to cause allergic reactions. We can also advise on the best types of earrings to use.

Pain Management: Tiny Apricot can offer various pain management options, such as topical anesthetics [when deemed safe by Dr. Davoudpour], to make the piercing process as comfortable as possible for the child.

While many tattoo parlors maintain high standards of cleanliness and professionalism, and staff may be well-trained in piercing procedures, the medical oversight and expertise available in a doctor's office can provide an added layer of assurance and safety for procedures on children.

2. At what age do you start offering ear piercing services?

We offer ear piercing services for children ages 3 months and older. We ensure a gentle approach and require parental consent.

3. What kind of earrings do you use for the initial piercing?

Our piercing studs are made of either medical grade titanium or medical plastic, both of which significantly minimize the risk for allergy. Our initial earrings are specially designed to promote healing. After approximately 6 weeks, these ear piercing earrings may be removed permanently and changed to new earrings of your choosing.

4. Is there a selection of earrings for the piercing from which to choose?

Yes, we have a selection of safe, hypoallergenic earrings suitable for initial piercings. We will help you choose the best option for your child's sensitivity and style.

5. Is the piercing procedure safe?

Safety is our top priority. Dr. Davoudpour is trained in sterile techniques, and we use single-use, sterilized equipment to ensure the highest safety standards.

 6. What is the aftercare for the piercing?

We provide detailed aftercare instructions, which include cleaning the pierced area twice a day and avoiding touching or twisting the earrings. We are also available for any follow-up questions or concerns.

 7. How long does it take for the piercings to heal?

Healing times can vary, but generally, earlobe piercings take about 6-12 weeks to heal. It is important to follow aftercare instructions during this time to ensure proper healing.

8. What do I do if my child’s earring(s) fall(s) out?

At Tiny Apricot, we ensure a safe and professional ear piercing experience using standard medical-grade earrings. The stud backings will be checked to ensure secure placement during your appointment visit. It is the responsibility of parents or guardians [especially in young and active children] to regularly check and maintain the earrings in order to ensure they remain secure and in place to prevent the piercings from closing. Earrings may loosen or fall out due to normal activity in any-aged child, and regular surveillance and maintenance is essential. Extra backings are provided during your visit at no extra charge. If your child’s earring falls out, first clean the earring and the piercing site and then place the earring back in immediately. Otherwise, the piercings can close rather quickly. If you are unable to place the earrings back in because the piercing has started to close, it is recommended that you allow the site to fully heal (up to 6-8 months) before you return for a re-pierce, in order to minimize risk of scar tissue or trauma to the lobe. Re-pierces are offered at the same cost as the initial piercing.

9. Can family members be present during the piercing?

We welcome family members to support your child during the piercing! We ask that families bring a reasonable number of people to ensure a calm and comfortable environment for everyone. Our cozy space has its limits. Feel free to bring close family or friends who are significant to your child's experience. If you're unsure about the number of guests, just reach out to us, and we can guide you based on our current bookings and space availability.

Younger siblings are absolutely welcome. We simply ask for your assistance in keeping an eye on them. Our office is equipped with tools and items that are essential for our services but might not be safe for little adventurers.

A soothing atmosphere helps in making the ear piercing experience as pleasant as possible for your child. We encourage everyone to help maintain this environment, making it a positive experience for all.

10. What makes Tiny Apricot unique?

We offer the precision of professional medical practice with the warmth of caring for your little ones.

Exclusively for Medical Professionals: The Blomdahl Medical Ear Piercing System was developed by dermatologists and is available only to medical professionals, ensuring that your child's piercing is done with the highest standards of care.

Sterility: Unlike traditional piercing guns, which can be tough to sterilize and have been linked to infections, our device uses one-time-use, sterile cartridges. This means every piercing is as clean as can be, greatly reducing the risk of infection.

Speed and Comfort: We know that sitting still isn't a child’s strong suit. Our device allows us to work quickly. This reduces stress for your child, making the experience smoother for everyone involved.

Designed for Little Ears: Our piercing method is specifically tailored for children. The device's gentle mechanism is less intimidating than needles and traditional guns, ensuring a more positive experience for your child.

We understand the trust you place in us when choosing to have your child's ears pierced in a medical setting. Our goal is to honor that trust with a procedure that's safe, hygienic, and as comfortable as possible for your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us. Let's make this milestone a happy and healthy one for your family.