Titanium G23 (Grade 23)

Titanium is a premium metal which, thanks to its special alloy (Ti6AL4V Eli), is remarkably durable and displays extraordinary bio-compatibility (titanium is nickel-free). Indeed, titanium is frequently used for medical implants (e.g. screws and plates) due to its bio-compatibility, and is therefore a great option as a first piercing application. We use sterilized titanium jewelry after every piercing procedure.

Titanium is also nickel-free (a nickel-free alloy) and thus poses minimal risk for allergies.

Furthermore, it has been established that titanium particles (separations) are not toxic to the body; also, the oxide layer created by titanium offers a higher corrosion resistance than surgical steel and thus a higher tolerance within, on top of, and beneath the skin.

Titanium is approx. 50% lighter than surgical steel and therefore much more comfortable to wear on different areas of the body. Especially for piercings performed in the tongue, genitals, or breast, the difference in weight when compared to surgical steel is noticeable. It is for stretched piercings like the Prince Albert or the ones done on the outer labia that this is enormously advantageous.

The way in which titanium is crafted also provides a highly polished surface to the material.

However, titanium is darker than surgical steel, which shines almost as brightly as stainless steel.

Titanium does have an attractive and elegant hue of its own (a gleaming silver-gray), and resembles platinum.

Titanium is not magnetic and can be worn during and MRI or CT scan without causing problems. It will appear on an X-Ray but does not interfere with it.

Titanium does conduct electricity, that is why it usually needs to be removed during surgery. Although it will not heat up, and poses virtually no danger, few customers manage to go against the doctor’s orders when it comes to surgery. Electricity seeks the path of least resistance, that is, the most direct path, so it is practically impossible that a titanium piercing would overheat or cause burns during surgery.

In this case, switching the electrodes from a direct current to an alternating current would be beneficial, but most doctors and hospitals are unwilling to do this.

-> For us in the piercing studio, titanium jewelry is the “non plus ultra”, in other words, it is the best and most frequently used material, period.