I wanted my inner conch pierced ever since I saw it on BME. So last Sunday I went to my friendly neighborhood tattoo piercing shop, artistic creations. I've patronized this establishment before for piercing. My regular piercer was not in that day. Which was not a problem but I was already comfortable around him for he does all my stretches. So I got the owner Vanessa.
At A Glance Author chianajool When A week ago Artist Vanessa Studio Artistic Creations Location Middletown, NY The shop was pretty busy, everyone wanted a piercing. When I arrived the lady, or young woman at the desk asked me the regular stream of questions. How old are you? When's the last time you ate, had alcohol, aspirin, ect. I passed with flying colors. I had a seat on the couch to fill out all my paperwork. As I was a girl came in wanting a cartilage piercing and when the "receptionist" asked her when's the last time she ate. She replied last night. Now it was 3 pm in the afternoon already. So she was sent away to eat. The "receptionist" explained to her how important it is to eat before getting a piercing because of the adrenaline rush. With low blood sugar there's a good chance you'll pass out. After the girl left, the receptionist commented on how could that girl not have eaten since yesterday. I said that it probably how she keeps her nice figure.
When Vanessa was ready for me she began by asking me what gauge I wanted. I was only offered a choice of 16 or 14. So I picked 14. Then she asked me to pick out a ball. She started rattling off all these colors and stone types. I told her I just wanted to basic steel one. Which seemed to make her happy. She then took me into the piercing room and took out the jewelry and asked me about placement. She slid the ring on my ear so I could place it where I wanted it in the mirror. I wanted to make sure that it did not come to rest on any of my other jewelry.
I then sat in the lovely dentist-like chair while she got out the supplies. All opened in front of me. Before she began she explained that with this type of piercing there usually is some bleeding. She placed a paper towel on my shoulder to catch any blood. She also told me that she needed to pierce me with a ½ gauge larger in order to allow for drainage. Then she numbed my ear. Which I found odd. And I said that not all piercer's numb you. She explained that if they had taken the correct classes then they would be certified by the state to purchase anesthetics. I would have rather not been numbed but I let her do it anyways. If I am gonna get a piercing I like the full effect which includes the pain.
A few moments later she told me to take a deep breath in. then let it out and the needle went in with a loud pop. Well loud in my head anyways. And then she said, "wow, you're a bleeder." It took her a few it clean me up. And commented on how it would be easier to clean off the blood if I did not have the other jewelry in. (I have 0 gauge talons and 6 gauge flesh tunnels) so after I was all cleaned up she placed the ball. And I was all done. I checked it out in the mirror and loved it!! She talked to me for a minute or two about how she wishes she could get piercing but her kids always pull on um. So she just sticks with tattoos. She has 32 of them I believe she said.
She then sent me out to the reception desk to pay and get after care instructions. The receptionist asked me how I was doing. I said fine. And I was not shaky or anything. The aftercare instructions were the same as I always hear but they gave me some H2ocean spray. Well gave is the wrong word, cause it was included in the price. Its pretty nifty stuff. Spray able purified ocean salt water.
I do have to say ow!!! When it comes to cleaning this piercing. I use a little wet q-tip to clean any crusties away from the jewelry. Moving it in and out hurts little intense pains right into my head and if I am hungry, its goes down to the pit of my tummy. But moving it up and down feels good. If I hold it up as high as it goes against my ear, that's a good pain. I like the salt water spray. All in all its healing well, so far so good. Its been 5 days!!!