Lävistys

Lävistys is a Finnish noun meaning the act or result of piercing, typically referring to bodily piercing. The related verb is lävistää; plural forms include lävistykset. In everyday Finnish, lävistys most commonly denotes obtaining a piercing to wear jewelry.

Common contexts and locations: Lävistykset can be made in various body parts, such as the earlobes, nose, eyebrows, tongue, lips, navel, or genitals. The procedure is usually performed by a trained professional in a studio or clinic, using sterile tools. For earlobe piercings a piercing gun may be used, while other locations are typically pierced with a sterile needle.

Methods and materials: Piercing procedures emphasize sterility and safety. Aftercare is important and typically includes regular cleaning with saline solution, avoiding unnecessary trauma, and not changing jewelry too soon. Jewelry materials commonly used include surgical steel, titanium, niobium, and biocompatible plastics. Healing times vary by location and individual, with earlobe piercings often healing in about 6–8 weeks and cartilage piercings taking several months to a year.

History and culture: Body piercing has deep historical roots in many cultures. In modern contexts, lävistykset have become widespread in fashion and subcultures such as punk and alternative scenes, while also gaining broader acceptance in many societies during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Safety and regulation: Safe piercing practice relies on proper sterilization, single-use needles, and professional supervision. Regulations differ by country and region, including age limits and consent requirements.

See also: Body modification, piercing equipment, aftercare.