If you have walked through a mall, you have likely seen the signs: “Free ear piercing with the purchase of earrings.” Retail locations offering that incentive often use piercing guns. Although these guns have been around for years, there are strong reasons to avoid them.

Older guns used reusable parts that piercers hopefully disinfected after each use. However, their plastic components could not go into an autoclave, which is the process required for sterilization and the highest level of decontamination. Modern piercing guns rely on disposable inserts, but even single-use pods cannot provide fully sterile procedures.

Piercing guns also force studs directly through the tissue. This painful process can damage the surrounding area. Professional piercers instead use tri-bevel needles. These tools pierce quickly and cleanly without unnecessary trauma to tissue.

Piercing guns should never be used on ear cartilage. Cartilage can shatter under the pressure of a gun. Many states have passed laws restricting inappropriate gun use. Still, be cautious: if an operator offers to pierce cartilage with a gun, leave immediately.

Most mall retailers sell studs made of surgical steel or nickel-free 14K gold-plated surgical steel. Unfortunately, companies also sell piercing supplies cheaply online with little oversight. Many studs lack proper labeling, and manufacturers may use the vague term “surgical stainless steel” for any corrosion-resistant steel. As a result, consumers cannot be certain the metal is safe for body implantation.

Piercing guns also commonly use butterfly-backed earrings. Their many folds and crevices trap fluids that dry and crust. Cleaning them thoroughly is extremely difficult, increasing the risk of infection.

A “free” piercing can quickly become expensive if an infection develops. A professional piercing may cost more upfront, but there is no true price on safety.