My inner Conch piercing was my tenth addition to the canvas of me, so I am not at all new to the world of body modification. I get my mods done for the simple reasons of looking the way I see the ideal me, and to re-assure myself that my body is mine to do with as I please.
At A Glance Author Barrett Contact roach4u2c@hotmail.com When It just happened Artist Barrie Studio Wild Ink Location Oshawa, Ontario CANADA
It was during the end of my web procedure, that I brought up the idea of dermal punching with my piercer, Barrie. He was quite excited that I brought the subject up, as he takes pride in large gauge piercings. I looked through his pictures of ear cartilage punching, and discovered that he had never done an inner conch dermal punch. So naturally we were both excited.
We set a date when he could have the punch and to a lesser extent a 4 gauge flesh tunnel. That date finally rolled around, and I and my girlfriend took a trip up the road to my loyal studio, Wild Ink.
Barrie was talking to a girls mother about the risks involved with piercing, (her daughter wanted a navel piercing). And after some insightful words, the girl's mother was sold on the idea of piercing, Barrie told me he would be with me after he did the girls navel. During the waiting time, the pre-mod jitters set in.
After the navel, Barrie ran back, and cleaned and sanitized every surface that would contact me, him, or the punch and jewellery. Only after the cleaning regiment did he call me back to the room I took a seat on what I deemed "old Pokey". I was asked if he could bring someone in besides his assistant (to take pictures of course); I agreed and lay down on the piercing table.
This is where the fun starts. Lying down, with my left ear up in the air, Barrie once again went over the procedure one last time before placing a surgical bib like thing over my ear, with my ear poking out.
He sanitized my whole ear, and marked the point of entry. Then I was told I was going to have an absorbent earplug inserted into my ear canal to sop up the blood that was sure to come pouring out of the new hole. As Barrie was poking around the area with a small flashlight, looking for any veins or arteries that may complicate the procedure, or risk my well being, I saw the flash of a camera.
All veins mapped out, the punch was raised to my ear, and the very moment the punch contacted my flesh, the blood started to flow. Barrie franticly started cleaning the blood of the already clotting circular cut in my ear, commenting at how sharp the punch was.
The punch was once more raised to my ear, and I was told to take 3 breaths, and on the third exhale, my ear cartilage and dermis would be cleanly sliced away from my body. Breath one, the anticipation was killing me. Breath two, bracing for the pain that would follow my next breath. Breath three, exhale and hope for the best.
Squeezing my girlfriend's hand, I bared down for the imminent pain that I knew was coming. And as the punch slid through my ear, a searing, burning sensation began all along my ear. It was done. Barrie made the jewellery transfer lightning fast, and I only realized it was in when he began screwing the end of my new flesh tunnel onto the body of the jewellery.
I sat up slowly, feeling somewhat dizzy from the adrenaline rush. The sweet endorphin rush left me with a feeling of inner enlightenment and a general feeling of nirvana; it was like I was high and never wanted to come down. Seeing the chunk of flesh that had been removed was eerie. Erie because knowing that I was just scratching that piece of skin 45 minutes before seeing it perched on a latex glove.
The aftercare instructions were once again explained, and an after care sheet was placed in my hand. Standing up was a fun event. I vaguely remember the walk home, with a smile on my face the whole way.
This particular experience will always be a turning point in my life, and will stand out as a major event in my life. All of you people considering body modification that come across my story, know this; Body modding will awaken a new you and a whole new outlook on yourself, and the world in general.
But on a different note, when it comes to permanent mods, consider ALL the possibilities about your mod, like what if you change your mind a few days, weeks or years down the road. Having a 2 inch hole in your ear, or a tattoo on your forehead that says "piss off" , may not be appealing to you in the future, as well it may effect your job opportunities.
Barrett The Pierced Iroquois