Piercing HQ

Piercing HQ is your state of the art, specialty body modification studio located in the heart of Melbourne.

Over 25 years of professional experience means your next piercing or body modification project will be carried out to the highest standards available in the industry.

So whether you could talk to your mum about it or not-get in touch, we’d love to help.

Piercing HQ is Melbourne’s only specialty piercing studio. We offer an extensive range of specialist piercing and modification services.

Piercing HQ in Abbotsford, Melbourne, VIC is listed under offering services such as Septum Piercing, Belly Button Piercing, Ear Piercing.

Some other services offered by Piercing HQ are Ear Cartilage Piercing, Lip Piercing, Tongue Piercing, Ear Rim Piercing, Nostril Piercing, Genital Piercing, Nose Piercing, Body Piercing.

Call the staff at Piercing HQ to make your next appointment.

Company Overview

Piercing HQ might be Melbourne’s newest specialty piercing studio – but our experience runs long. With over 30 years combined knowledge, there is VERY little we can’t do exceptionally well for you.

A FULL range of piercings are available, with both male and female Piercers. We are experienced in the “usual”, and “the not so usual”.

So – whether you could talk to your Mum about it – or not – come and talk to us!

Products

Free consultations and advice
Public autoclaving
Sharps supplies and disposal
Gift Vouchers
Specialist genital Piercers
A well appointed training/teaching facility available for hire

Our Story:

Piercing HQ opened it’s doors in 2012, from a vision of wishes and wants formed over a span of 20+ years of professional piercing experience.

We crafted a state of the art piercing studio where no detail has been overlooked; we stock the finest body

jewellery available in the world, use the highest quality piercing techniques, and best practice sterilization.

A full range of piercing services and a wide variety of body modifications are on the menu here at Piercing HQ, all performed to the highest standard.

Your safe, comfortable, and (most of all) enjoyable experience is paramount to us, and your complete satisfaction is what we strive for.

Our studio fosters an environment of mutual respect above all, free from judgement of lifestyle or modification choices.

We believe high-quality, safe piercings and body modifications should be available to everyone.

Our address is 1B 12 Hoddle St., Abbotsford, VIC 3067. We’re well serviced by Melbourne’s trains, trams, and buses, and there is plenty of parking available along Hoddle St. for those who drive

PIERCING AND MODS

Piercings:

Cartilage Piercings

Ear cartilage piercings including the tragus, conch, rook etc must be done perfectly in order for them to heal well. The cartilage has a limited blood supply which means jewellery size, style, and quality must be accurate and even more important is the piercing angle. Pressure from ill-fitting jewellery will inflame the ear and delay the healing process until it is changed.
Ear cartilage piercings can take up to 12 months or more to heal, but with good aftercare practices including not knocking them or sleeping on them, this can be reduced to as little as 3 months.
Ear cartilage piercings are commonly performed at smaller gauges like 18-16g, but can be pierced up to 8g depending on the location and anatomy. Cartilage dermal punching is used for holes up to 12mm depending on anatomy.

Earlobe Piercings

Ear lobes usually heal quite quickly, 4-6 weeks, and can often tolerate jewellery that is unsuitable for ALL other piercings. E.g ear piercing studs. Lobe piercings at HQ can be done from 18g-6g. Lobe scalpelling is used for 4g and above.
We do not use nor advocate the use of stud guns for any piercings as they cannot be sterilised effectively and can cause unnecessary damage to the delicate lobe tissue.
As professional Piercers, we will never pierce anyone without their consent – this includes children. The standard minimum age for earlobe piercings at HQ is 5 years, however the child’s maturity level is also taken into consideration. Earlobe piercing is a choice, and every child has the ability to say whether they want their ears pierced – or not. We will always support the will of the child. Once we have their consent we will do everything within our power to make the experience as easy for them as we can. You can read more about our ear lobe piercings for children

Stretching & Scalpelling

Ear scalpelling and large gauge piercings are your fast track to going from virginal or small gauge ear lobe piercings to eyelets instantly, no blowouts or lobe tearing when your lobes are taken care of by the professionals.
Initial eyelet size is governed by the size of your ear lobe but further modifications to increase the size may also be possible. Stretching your lobes under the guidance of a Piercer is a much safer option than DIY. Lobe repairs are also available at Piercing HQ if your DIY experiment has gone horribly wrong.
Ear scalpelling heals remarkably quickly and is far less painful than ongoing stretching. If a scalpel sounds too scary to you, then we can also pierce up to 4g/5mm to install an eyelet. Where possible we can pierce over an existing smaller hole with the new larger gauge piercing to avoid having multiple holes in your lobe.

Facial piercings have enjoyed a huge increase in popularity over recent years, and society is slowly becoming more accepting of those of us who wear them. This is a good thing given most facial piercings will not survive a work/school day without jewellery. Nostril piercings are particularly prone to closing very quickly when we take the jewellery out – even for short periods of time. Clear retainers, and discreet jewellery options are available for times when you need to conceal your piercing, however they should not be considered a full-time jewellery option.

Nostril Piercings

Nostril piercings can be worn with either a ring or stud-and contrary to popular belief, you can have a ring put in when it’s pierced. Taking out your jewellery even for short periods in the first 12 months could result in closure, so if you want to change your jewellery, it’s best to consult your piercer to see if it can be done. Stud guns should never be used to pierce a nose.
Nothing ‘happens’ differently when you get a cold, you will still be able to sneeze, sniff, and blow your nose normally.

Septum Piercings

Septum piercings are one of the few facial piercings that can be invisible for those times you don’t/can’t have it be seen, simply by flipping the jewellery up into the nostrils. It is a very popular piercing that is spanning all generations and genders.
Jewellery ranges from discreet septum retainers through to beautiful gem set septum clickers and everything in-between. Circular barbells are a popular first jewellery choice given they can perform the double duty of a retainer and visible jewellery. Flip it up or down depending on the day. We can perform all adjustments on site that may be needed to ensure your jewellery sits snugly up your nose when you wish to hide it.
Septum piercings are not performed through the septum cartilage at Piercing HQ. The preferred septum “sweet spot” ensures a more comfortable piercing experience and rapid healing. Well placed septum piercings often respond well to stretching too if you decide you’d like thicker jewellery once the initial piercing is healed.

Lip and Tongue Piercings

Oral piercings such as the lip and the tongue tend to heal very quickly- about two weeks for most tongue piercings and lip piercings before the initial jewellery can be changed down to a smaller size for a more snug fit. A longer barbell should always be used initially to allow for swelling, but after two weeks it should be changed to reduce the risk of damage to teeth and gums.
Correct placement and jewellery length will benefit your teeth far more than plastic balls, which can be toxic and break in your mouth. Internally threaded jewellery is the best choice for this piercing, and is the type of jewellery used in all our piercings.
Tongue and lip piercings can be fantastic and fun piercings to wear, and tongue piercings are also quite discreet in the workplace.

Eyebrow Piercings

Eyebrow piercings can reject, but the chance of this happening is significantly reduced with high quality jewellery and good piercing methods. A small barbell or a ring can be worn as initial jewellery, and they will need to be worn full time in order to heal properly.
There isn’t a “gay” or “straight” side in 2015. And getting your eyebrow pierced does not cause ‘your face to drop’. Not once in our 20+ years of piercing have we ever seen that happen.
Nipple and navel piercings have long ranked highly as some of the most popular piercing choices. The jewellery options are extensive and range from quite basic pieces to exquisite precious gems set in custom designs made just for you. As with most piercings, the aim of the game is to have them heal easily and quickly.
It is initially that your piercing will be most sensitive to the quality of jewellery inside your body and cheap choices in your wallet can become very expensive in other ways. Some of the consequences can include pain, migration, and lumps and bumps that can make any piercing look terrible. Navel piercings are especially sensitive to poor quality jewellery. This is particularly unfortunate considering poor quality navel jewellery is so readily available. At Piercing HQ we will never put anything into you that we wouldn’t be confident to wear ourselves. Given we will only wear the BEST you can relax knowing your jewellery is of the highest quality available in the world.

Nipple Piercings

Nipple piercings are one of the few piercings that can be done for both practical or aesthetic reasons. Often nipple piercing will cause an increase in sensitivity and therefore motivation to play with them. Usually a thicker jewellery wire will better support safer nipple play, so if that’s your thing we can help with either large gauge piercing or professional stretching of your existing nipple piercing.
Rings and barbells can be used for inital jewellery, however we recommend barbells especially for women as they can significantly reduce healing time.

Breastfeeding is still possible after nipple piercing if the piercings are done properly. Double nipple piercings tend to heal at different rates. One side will almost always be better than the other. If you know you want both done, get them done at the same time as it is easier from an aftercare viewpoint. If nipple stimulation is important to your sex life, then do them one at a time. Then one is always available if the other is tender.

Navel Piercings

Navel Piercings can be a fantastic way to ornament your body. While there is a chance of rejection with these piercings, they should heal successfully as long as they are pierced correctly and good quality jewellery is worn.
Rings or curved barbells can be worn initially in navel piercings, one or the other will usually suit your anatomy best. Initial jewellery should be fairly basic-gemset sparkles can still be worn, but lay off lots of dangles until your piercing is healed.
Sometimes navel piercings can be worn throughout a pregnancy-with a suitable jewellery change often around the 6 month mark.
Lumps and bumps are not uncommon when navel piercings are knocked around or if your jewellery is too small. If you are still having trouble healing your navel piercing after the first three months, it might be time to get some help from an experienced piercer.

All genital piercings are restricted to 18yrs and older. It is now illegal to perform genital piercings on minors. Our featured genital piercings usually heal quite quickly. All of your body fluids are sterile to you, your urine is also antiseptic to you and does not need to be kept away from fresh piercings.
All unhealed piercings are a potential avenue for STI transmission. Please practice safer sex with all non fluid bonded partners.

Your body will tell you via it’s pain reflex when your piercing is ready for sex. There are so many variables that determine how fast each person will heal a genital piercing. A general rule is to avoid partnered sex during the first two weeks – and then take it easy.

Transgender

At Piercing HQ we are experienced in working with the unique piercing considerations of our transgender clients.
MTF and FTM folks are different when it comes to nipple and genital piercings. Successful piercings often don’t follow the same rules as their cis-gendered cousins.
We think it’s a big deal to be able to speak openly and frankly with your Piercer about the desired outcomes for your potential new piercing. To know that you can do that without judgement, or being made to feel “weird”, is something you can expect from us.
Nipple Piercing

Adorning your nipples on your new breasts or chest can be the desired icing on the cake to complete this part of your transformation. Nipple piercings are certainly possible but it is best to wait until you are fully healed from surgery before having them done – particularly if your nipples were relocated.
The usual increase in nipple sensitivity from piercings is not as predictable after nipples are moved. Often the innervation of the nipple itself is affected and a reduction in sensitivity is likely. In this situation the piercings would be done more for the “look” than the sensation – but they will still be fun to play with.

Female to Male

Genital size will usually change significantly when under the influence of testosterone. This change is most significant within the first two years. Existing genital piercings can usually be kept, but a jewellery change may be necessary to accommodate anatomy of a larger size, or different shape.
A new piercing is best left until after at least 12 months of hormone use in order to encourage accurate placement of jewellery for the best aesthetic and functional outcome. Jewellery can of course be changed as your anatomy changes if needed.

There are a range of piercings well suited to FTM genitalia. The increased size can see piercings of the clithood, clit, and triangle, work especially well. (Please see pic). These piercings are often suited to thicker jewellery wires in transmen. 12g and 10g jewellery usually looks more aesthetically pleasing and “masculine” to me.
Elayne Angel has named a matched pair of vertical hood piercings on a transman “Dukes”. Please see the link below for further info on dukes. This link also shares lots of Q&A info re piercings for transmen.
To read a well written and informative personal review by a transman about his “dukes” experience at Piercing HQ  see this link.

Bella and Paulus were asked to present a discussion for the FTM Shed in 2014. It was a wonderful afternoon spent sharing everything we could with a great group of people interested in finding out more about the joys of genital and nipple piercings for the transman.

Here is a note from a very special transman who changed our world. Thank you Erik.
“It’s hard to put into words at the moment. I don’t know whether it was the act of getting the piercings done, or having them now, but I can feel my self-confidence growing because of it. It’s been an incredible experience/journey.
I had those specific piercings written down in a notebook that I’ve had for years (I’m talking start of my transition, 10 years-ish, when I was researching what was best for trans guys) and to finally have had the balls to actually get them done, I still can’t believe it.
Thank you for making that experience so easy for me, and so enjoyable! It sounds silly to say, but I really am changed by the experience. It’s exciting, so thank you

Male to Female-Designer Vaginas (term used with respect)

When I saw my first surgically created female anatomy I was amazed. I was astounded by what could be created by a skilled surgeon from a genetically male form. There have been times when the differences in surgeon skill has been apparent – but the good ones have been astounding!!!
That said, the tissue is still genetically male even when under the influence of oestrogen, and behaves similarly to that of a cis-gendered male.

The outer labia are created from scrotal tissue. It’s texture is similar to the scrotum, but it’s ability to hold piercings isn’t. Rejection risk of piercings in post-op labia is in my experience higher than in the labia of cis-women, and the scrotums of cis-men. Strange to me, but based on a lot of experience.

That’s not to say that ALL MTF labia piercings will reject – just that the odds are higher.
Clit and Clithood piercings can be useful to increase sensitivity in this area. A custom made clit is often not as sensitive as expected. It is made from a piece of the male glans – not the whole penis head with all its nerves for sensation. Piercing may then help to focus pleasurable sensation for the wearer.

I have not performed a triangle piercing on a transwoman. I’ve never been asked for it, but I wouldn’t feel confident piercing so deeply in a surgically created environment. The neural pathways would likely be different and unknown to me and therefore the risk of possible damage would be too high.

Jewellery options for transwomen are the same as for cis-women and therefore can be lovely. They can be as plain or as pretty as you like with many custom options available from HQ.

Transwomen can usually have many of the same piercings available for cis-gendered women. A consultation to decide what would suit you best is advisable.

My name is Bella and I am available for consultations Wednesday-Saturday by appointment. I’d love to sit down and have a chat about what you’d like to explore in the world of piercings and make that happen for you.

At Piercing HQ we offer two types of surface piercings – dermal anchors and surface barbells. Both of these piercings are performed with a dermal punch instead of a needle for better results.

Dermal Anchors

Dermal anchors are single point piercings that are held in place by a small metal “foot” that is inserted under the skin. This foot has a short post attached to it that the ends screw on to. They usually don’t hurt much to get done and should be just as quick as a regular piercing. It’s best to consider dermals “semi-permanent” piercings rather than permanent like other piercings such as the nostril. The chances of keeping your dermal increase significantly if you have the right jewellery, the right placement, AND correct care – but they don’t often forgive you if any of these factors are not present. Rejection is often the result if a dermal anchor receives rough treatment.

Surface Piercings

Surface barbells are usually more stable than dermal anchors under the same conditions listed above i.e gentle treatment. The initial ends on both styles of jewellery can be changed after the piercings have healed and it is advisable to ensure they have a low profile to minimise the jewellery being caught. Changes are best done by your Piercer.

SCARIFICATION

At Piercing HQ we offer cutting, flesh removal, strike branding, micro branding, and electrocautery as various methods available to achieve your scarification. With cutting and flesh removal the intent is to create a permanent scar by aggravating the wound as it heals. This helps to encourage scar tissue formation and increase the success of a permanent result.

The slideshow below is a progression of one of our favourite scarification projects we’ve done to date, from conception all the way to three months of healing.

SERVICES

In addition to a full range of piercings and modifications, we also offer additional services including but not limited to:

Hook Suspension
Implants (Silicone, Magnets, Genital Beading, RFID Chips)
Saline Infusion
Kink Scene-Service Tops
Public Autoclaving
Workshop Space
Gift Vouchers
Custom Jewellery and Piercing Design Service
Medical Supplies
Sharps Disposal
Free Consultations
Piercing Training
Large Gauge Jewellery (We’re Australia’s biggest large gauge jewellery stockist!)

Frequently Asked Questions

the designs for each piece are chosen by YOU. We are happy to assist with technical specifications etc, but the mark is yours.
simple designs are the most effective.
final outcomes are variable. They depend on many factors. Location, and your ability to generate scar tissue, are the two main considerations. If you want a guaranteed outcome, a tattoo is probably a better choice for you.
it is not as painful as you may think
initial healing takes approximately 2 weeks, during which time you need to allow around 15-30min/day for aftercare. If you can’t reach your new scarification you will need someone to help you.
time needed for a booking will depend on size. This is not a fast process.
Scarification can be a different and unique alternative to permanently marking the skin. As this can also be used as a mark of ownership, consent will need to be given by ALL involved. Scarification can also be used to enhance existing tattoos – within black work can be very effective.

How to get to Piercing HQ from North Richmond train station:

Walk down the ramp to get to Victoria St. and turn left towards Regent St. (about 120 metres)
Turn right onto Hoddle Street, Piercing HQ is on the right hand side (about 90 metres)

How to get to Piercing HQ from the CBD:

Driving:

Take Collins St. to Victoria Pde./State Rte. 32 (about 1.8km)
Turn right onto Victoria Pde./State Rte. 32 (about 270 metres)
Turn left onto Wellington St. and then right onto Langridge St. (about 500 metres)
Turn right onto Hoddle St./State Rte. 29, Piercing HQ is on the left

Public Transport:

Hop on a train heading towards either South Morang or Eltham (along the Hurstbridge line)
Get off at North Richmond Station, and follow the instructions above on how to get to Piercing HQ from the station

Press

Extreme Body Piercers Hooked on Adrenalin-The Age
The new normal: why tattoos and piercings have gone mainstream-The Age
Piercing HQ-Time Out
A great story about getting your balls inflated with saline at HQ in VICE magazine.
JoyFM94.9 Interview featuring male genital mods, general piercing history, and Sammi’s Day.

Reviews

“Having been referred by a good friend (who is a repeat customer) and hearing about a deal they had on, I perused the website to familiarise myself with their work. It quickly became clear that even without a deal or very trustworthy secondhand knowledge that this would be the place to go. The attention to detail and care that Bella and Paulus put into their work is to be admired and sought after. These two ensure everyone feels welcome and the studio immediately felt like a familiar and safe place. Don’t expect to be rushed in and out in a flash – that care and attention takes time and you will be better off for it. In addition, the jewellery is of exceptional quality so plan on making an investment in your body.

I’ve never had a piercing heal so fast or feel so good so quickly. I will go to Piercing HQ for all my future body mod needs.

Thank you! ���”

“A big thank you to the team at Piercing HQ. Having traveled just over 4 hours to be there, It was definitely worth the trip. I was nervous on the way to the appointment but from the moment I walked in to the store I felt immediately comfortable, Everyone was so nice and made me feel right at home. And the piercing experience itself was amazing I felt comfortable and confident that I was in good hands. I would definitely be using Piercing HQ for any other piercing I want to get done in the future.”

“After much umming and ahhing, I finally bit the bullet and decided to go for the piercing I’ve been wanting for literally years yesterday. Even before I arrived, I knew I was in good hands as Bella was so informative and friendly in all our emails leading up to my appointment. When I arrived, Paulus put me at ease and kept me laughing and relaxed throughout the whole procedure. I’m so happy with my new bling! Sooooo happy in fact, I’ve already booked in for another piercing next week, and I’m pretty sure that won’t be the last one. Thanks so much all at Piercing HQ – you’ve made me one very happy woman!”

“I really couldn’t fault anything about Piercing HQ. After doing a big amount of research on various piercing places, I decided to go with Piercing HQ based on their amazing reviews. Made a booking over the phone and was in the shop a hour later. Leanne, who was my piercer, was extremely welcoming and informative from the get go. She really made me feel like I was in good hands from start to finish. Thank you so much guys! I would really highly recommended Piercing HQ to anyone.”

“Very professional, they talked me through what I had asked for and pointed out a few things I hadn’t realised to ensure it was definitely what I wanted. Everyone was very friendly and helpful and I would recommend this place, particularly if you are a bit nervous or it’s your first piercing. Good aftercare advice and they respond quickly to enquiries. Go on a Friday for discounts!”