General Questions
Do I need an appointment?
No appointment needed for most piercings. Walk-ins are welcome Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 12 PM to 6 PM. First come, first served. The only exception is
dermal anchor piercings, which require an appointment — call
(503) 669-4191 to schedule.
What are your hours?
We are open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. We are closed Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday.
Where are you located?
1861 NE Division St, Gresham, OR 97030 — in Hogan Plaza. Easy to find with plenty of free parking. We serve clients from Gresham, Portland, Troutdale, Wood Village, Fairview, and the greater Portland metro area.
Get directions.
How long has Multnomah Body Piercing been in business?
Since 1974 — over 50 years. We are a three-generation family business founded by Sheryl Wheeler, now led by Chris Wheeler (Lead Piercer) and Crystal Wheeler (Shop Manager). Originally known as Troutdale Tattoo and later Magic Rainbow.
Do you use piercing guns?
Never. We exclusively use
sterile, single-use piercing needles. Piercing guns cannot be properly sterilized (they are plastic and cannot survive autoclave temperatures), cause more tissue trauma through blunt force, and use one-size-fits-all jewelry. Read more about
piercing safety.
Can I bring a friend for support?
Absolutely. Friends and family are welcome to accompany you. We want you to feel comfortable and supported throughout the experience.
What should I do to prepare for my piercing?
Eat a full meal and stay hydrated before your visit. Low blood sugar can cause lightheadedness. Wear clothing that allows easy access to the area being pierced. Bring valid photo ID (and a parent/guardian with ID if you are under 18).
Do you do tattoos?
We specialize exclusively in professional body piercing. We do not currently offer tattoo services.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash and major credit/debit cards.
Aftercare Questions
How do I clean my new piercing?
Clean twice daily with
sterile saline wound wash (0.9% sodium chloride, available at any pharmacy). Spray directly on the piercing, let sit for 30-60 seconds, then gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, or antibacterial soap. Read our detailed
aftercare guide.
How long do piercings take to heal?
It varies by location: ear lobes 6-8 weeks, septum 2-3 months, tongue 4-6 weeks, nostril 4-6 months, cartilage 6-12 months, navel 6-12 months, nipple 6-12 months. See our complete
healing times chart.
Can I swim after getting a piercing?
No. Avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans until your piercing is fully healed. Water contains bacteria that can cause infections in healing piercings.
What is downsizing and why is it important?
Downsizing is replacing the longer initial jewelry with a shorter piece once swelling has subsided. This prevents the jewelry from snagging, moving excessively, and causing irritation bumps. We include complimentary downsizing: at 2 weeks for oral piercings, 2 months for ear and facial piercings (except lobes).
My piercing has a bump. Is that normal?
Small bumps are common and are almost always irritation bumps — not keloids. Common causes include touching the piercing, sleeping on it, snagging it, or using harsh cleaning products. Eliminate the irritant, maintain your saline routine, and be patient. If the bump persists after 2-3 weeks, visit us for an assessment.
What if my piercing gets infected?
True infections are rare with proper aftercare. Signs include increasing pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and thick green or yellow discharge with odor. Do not remove the jewelry — this can trap infection inside the closed wound. Visit us for assessment, and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.
Age & ID Requirements
What age do you need to be to get pierced?
Minors under 18 can get piercings with a parent or legal guardian present who has valid government-issued photo ID. Age minimums vary by piercing type — lobes at any age, cartilage at 13+, most facial/body piercings at 16+.
Nipple and dermal piercings are 18+ only. See our detailed
age requirements guide.
Do you pierce children's ears?
Yes. Children of any age can get ear lobe piercings with a parent or legal guardian present who has valid photo ID. We use professional needles (not guns) and create a comfortable, welcoming environment for children.
What ID do I need to bring?
Adults (18+): Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport). Minors: Parent/guardian must bring their photo ID. The minor should bring any available ID (school ID, birth certificate).
Can a grandparent or older sibling bring a minor?
Only a parent or legal guardian can consent to a minor's piercing in Oregon. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or older siblings cannot provide consent unless they are the legal guardian with documentation to prove it.
Jewelry Questions
What is implant-grade jewelry?
Jewelry that meets
ASTM International standards for materials safe for long-term body contact. The most common implant-grade materials are ASTM F136 titanium (nickel-free, lightweight), ASTM F138 surgical steel, and niobium. These are the same standards used for medical implants. Read our full
implant-grade jewelry guide.
What if I have a nickel allergy?
We recommend implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136), which is completely nickel-free. Niobium is another excellent nickel-free option. Let your piercer know about any metal allergies so we can select the safest material.
Can I change my jewelry myself?
Only after your piercing is fully healed, confirmed by your piercer. We recommend visiting us for your first jewelry change to ensure it is done safely and to verify the piercing is ready.
Can I bring my own jewelry?
We strongly recommend using our implant-grade jewelry for initial piercings. Outside jewelry may not meet safety standards and could cause complications. Once your piercing is fully healed, you have more flexibility with jewelry choices.