What to Expect When You Get a Surface Piercing

The world of tattoos and body piercing has become popular in our mainstream culture and now have become more widely accepted than they were 20 years ago. Once the normal has been done time and time again people tend to look for new and alternate methods of expressing their individuality and creativity. This new found acceptance is resulting in the search for new methods of expression. Surface piercings are becoming a new fad that is spreading through most major cities and beyond.

When a person begins thinking about getting a piercing, what makes a them go one step further and decide to get a surface piercing? Before you make any kind of decision it is always best to take your time and think about it so you know you will have no regrets.

When choosing a piercer try to choose a body piercer from a well-known local tattoo and piercing studio that has been working in the industry for years so that this kind of piercing is not a surprise to them. You definitely do not want an amateur or an apprentice to attempt this type of advanced piercing. Only those knowledgeable and skilled at surface piercings should be considered. Don't trust anyone who is not willing to show you pictures of piercings they have previously done or even be willing to give you a list of references.

The piercing procedure is fairly simple; just like any other piercing by first cleaning and preparing the area. Next you should discuss with the piercer where you want your piercing to be placed. A piercing made too close to the bones will affect your movement and cause complications with healing. As with any piercing, you will stand up straight and position yourself to look in a mirror so that you can help the body piercer find the best spot for your new piercing. A surgical skin marker will be used to mark the placement and you will be asked for your consent to continue. Make sure you look at the final placement of any type of piercing while standing up straight with your feet together. This is the most natural way any tattoo or piercing is often viewed by others and how a piercing or tattoo is presented.

Any good piercer will not pressure a client into getting a piercing even if they have already set up their materials. If you are having a change of mind then it is better to postpone the piercing and come back when you are more sure. It is perfectly normal to be a little bit apprehensive or nervous but it is very important that you let your piercer know if you start to feel dizzy or light headed any time during the piercing procedure. Also make sure that your piercer opens a brand new package of sterile gloves before your piercing. If anything is touched with the sterile gloves beside your skin or any other sterile instrument, then the gloves must be changed. If you notice that your piercer does not change their gloves after touching non sterile items, or has a problem with you asking them to change gloves then you may want to go someplace different.

Before the piercing is finally made, a pair of slotted clamps will be clamped onto your skin so that the marks made by the surgical marker are viewable through each hole. The clamps will hold the skin perfectly still and will help to make sure that your piercing is made perfect and straight. They will be a little uncomfortable but, in my opinion, this discomfort is distracting enough so that you do not feel the entire pain from the piercing. It does take a little more effort for the needle to go through a surface piercing than a conventional piercing. Normally a curved barbell will used for a surface piercing so that added pressure is not placed on your new tender piercing. A completely straight barbell against a curved part of the anatomy will constantly pull and cause the piercing to grow out faster. You will be told to take several deep breaths and then a countdown from three to one will begin at the end of which the needle is pushed through the clamps and through your skin.

The hardest part of this surface piercing will be having the piercing needle taken out and replaced by the jewelry. The needle will be pulled almost all of the way out and may not want to budge at first. The end of the needle is left in place to keep the freshly pierced hole open while the jewelry is pushed in behind it, pushing the needle out as the jewelry takes its place. There might be a few drops of blood after the needle is removed, but not as much as often experienced with other piercings like the nostril, labret, nipples or navel. One of the screw on balls at the end of the barbell will already be removed so that this will be all that has to be put back on the jewelry. At this point the slotted clamps are taken off and you will feel instant relief from their pressure. It may sting a little when the piercing is sprayed with a cleaning solution and wiped clean of any blood or ointment from the piercing procedure.If you start to feel nauseous or dizzy it is important that you remain seated and tell your piercer at once. If you stand up you could possibly pass out.

Your new surface piercing will take about 3 months to heal completely, but could remain sore or a bit tender for 6 to 8 months after. Be careful to avoid snagging the ends of the barbell. They can easily get caught in your hair and can pull and tear before you even know your piercing is stuck. Also be careful not get it caught on your shirt every time I changed. If you work in an environment where your fresh piercing is constantly getting wet or people are touching it, you could end up with a nasty infection. Infections appear as red and swollen and could leak whitish yellow or green puss. You should immediately remove your piercing if the pain is keeping you awake, waking you up from sleep, or if it begins throbbing intensely when the localized area is held in a downward position. Check with your piercer or call your doctor if the skin around the piercing is starting to change color.

Your body will try to push out most surface piercings through time, these piercings should be taken out and re-pierced when it has healed properly. Healing is also a bit more complicated for any piercing that has been done more than one time. Let the scars heal as much as possible before attempting to get this piercing done for the second time because it will be placed behind the scar tissue from the first piercing.

Any new tattoo or piercing is a big decision and you should take the time to do your research before getting any type of body art or modification. Talk to people who have, or have had, a tattoo or the piercing that you want to get; ask a lot of questions. Always check the Better Business Bureau to view the service record of any establishment offering tattoos or body piercings before you even think about using them.