Temporary corset piercings are often performed for aesthetic reasons, often as part of a fetish event or photo shoot.

Body piercers may also perform a corset piercing to promote their business, to be photographed for a portfolio or to be used for advertising purposes.

Often temporary corset piercings are worn laced with ribbon, rope, or chain.

To date, the most successful attempts at permanent corset piercings have been performed with surface bars, although some success has been reported using Teflon or Tygon tubing, both of which are flexible and move with the body.

Due to the tremendous potential for the healing piercings to be irritated by normal daily life, corset piercings, even healed ones, require constant vigilance by the wearer to prevent damage.

Images used in advertising or magazines may be photoshopped or airbrushed to eliminate indications of swelling, redness, or infection, further promoting the illusion that these piercings are easy, or even possible to heal.