For a while, I have been thinking about getting a new ear piercing. While I was considering an industrial, I kind of wanted to get something that not every single person has. After a few days of browsing BME, I decided that I wanted to get a snug piercing. Since I hadn't yet had any work done in Pittsburgh and I don't really know anyone else who has, I called a few shops in Pittsburgh to get prices and to ask a few questions.After ending up talking to with few local piercers who didn't even know what a snug piercing was, I decided it was best not to worry too much about the price and go to a place that definitely has a good reputation: South Side Tattoo and Body Piercing. From their web site they seemed to be very clean and have a really knowledgeable staff. Once I have something in mind that I want to get done, I want to get it done right away, so I decided to go that day.
At A Glance Author Samantha Contact untie.the.knot@gmail.com When A week ago Artist Shalya Studio South Side Tattoo and Body Piercing Location Pittsburgh, PA When I got to South Side Tattoo, I was surprised at how large the shop was. The waiting area reminded me of the waiting area of a salon. It wasn't intimidating, as some are, which made the experience a lot better. After filling out the required forms, I only had to wait a few minutes before Shayla came out and said she was ready. Her receptionist had told her the wrong piercing, so she started out being less than friendly, but after I showed her a picture I brought with me of what I actually wanted and she had everything straightened out, she apologized and was much nicer and comforting. She asked me what kind of jewelry I wanted, and I chose a 16g curved barbell. After what seemed like forever, we decided on what the best placement would be and she marked it, then had me check it again in the mirror to make sure it was exactly how I wanted it.
I had been told previously that snug piercings are pretty painful, so I was worried, but not to the point that I even would have considered walking out. I also was told that tragus piercings really hurt, but I barely even flinched when mine was done a year ago, and haven't had any problems with it. When Shayla clamped it, that is actually what hurt. Then, she counted to three and put the needle through, and before it could really even hurt much, it was all over with, which surprised me a lot. In my personal opinion, it didn't hurt any worse than any other cartilage piercing I have. She quickly put the barbell through and cleaned it thoroughly. My ear was bleeding, but not an incredible amount, but she wouldn't let me leave until it had clotted. She said her motto was, "You don't come in here bleeding, we don't want to send you out that way". I probably bled for only about five minutes, tops.
After asking if I felt ok and making sure I wasn't light headed or anything, she told me to go look in the mirror to see whether I liked it, or if I wanted her to change the placement or anything. I was in love. She did a fantastic job, and it was placed exactly as I wanted it: the perfect angle, depth, everything. After Shayla threw away the needle and cleaned up her area, she gave me a business card, aftercare instructions, and the solution to clean my new snug for the first few days. After that, she said, to start doing warm sea salt soaks a few times a day to draw out crusties and keep it clean. She told me to leave the jewelry in for two or three months and said that if I have any questions or concerns at all, I should feel free to stop in the shop or call anytime to ask her. I thanked her, paid, and left a very happy customer.
Even after I left, throughout the rest of the day, which involved quite a while of walking in the cold, my snug was relatively pain free. That surprised me because normally, my new piercings either hurt immediately after the procedure, or the get really sore if I go out in the cold. That night, sleeping was a little bit difficult, but even when I accidentally rolled over, I wasn't in any extreme pain. Cleaning is easy and I have had very little, if any, swelling ofdefinitelydefinitelydefinitely the area. I've had the piercing and although I try not to because I don't want to risk irritating it, I can lay my head on that side without any pain. The only time it is really painful is if I (or something else) bump it hard during the day. Overall, getting my snug piercing was an excellent experience. Hopefully, all continues to go well with the aftercare, and my snug piercing still looks as great as it does now.