DO NOT GET YOUR BODY PIERCED BY ANYBODY OTHER THAN ENT SURGEONS. The use of gunshots or crude blunt heated needles results in needless trauma, cosmetic problems etc. The best way is to use a wide bore surgical syringe needle to pierce tissue and the gold, silver or platinum ornament is directly affixed in place. No use of temporary basil stems or artificial studs is to be used as the chemicals on them could react with the skin too.