Of all the modifications that I currently have, my tragus is without a doubt the one that I spent the most time and research on; more so than all of my other ear piercings and stretchings, and even more so than my tattoos. This has been ongoing for almost six months. Allow me to elaborate:
At A Glance Author d'Latta Contact d'Latta@bme.anon IAM d'Latta When It just happened Artist Tiffany May Studio Piercology Location Columbus, Ohio ------------------------------
APRIL: My on-again, off-again girlfriend (I've mentioned her in several of my previous experiences) approached me about getting a piercing done "together" when we met up with each other the following month in Columbus (Ohio). We discussed various placements and so forth, and mutually decided that we both wanted something visible and in the ear; however, we wanted to do something slightly "different". That's when she came upon the tragus. Of the two of us, I'm the one who is known for researching the subject at hand, so I began checking out some basic information (for instance, what studios were in the area we were headed, did they have websites, what was their general reputation, etc.).
Armed with this knowledge, I shared the information with her. I should have suspected that things were not going to go according to plan ( ... and I hate not following "the plan") when she told me that she wanted to be pierced with a gold captive bead ring. For her, it was only about aesthetics. She even said so. On the other hand, the opportunity to share something so personal with her meant more to me than simply "looking good". Also, I told her that I knew my body well enough to know that if I got a captive bead ring, I'd regret it later, as my body tends to heal better with barbells.
We talked about it some more, and it seemed as if her interest was waning ... and that's when self-doubt began to creep in. I'd heard that getting the tragus pierced was very painful, and I wondered if I'd be able to handle it. I mentioned this to her, and she said that I didn't "have" to get it pierced, but that she was still leaning that way.
So ... I chickened out – but as a compromise, promised myself that I'd get my lobes stretched at the studio that we'd agreed on (Piercology), and started doing research on that instead.
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MAY: After exchanging a couple of E-Mails with the staff at Piercology (remember, I hadn't been there yet, since it's 240 miles from my home), I'd resolved to go ahead and do the stretch, but still go there with my girlfriend, and be there while she got pierced.
At the end of the month, all hell broke loose, and to make a long story short, she backed out for "personal" reasons, and I ended up going up there alone (I detailed this in another experience). Ultimately, I was glad that I did go by myself.
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JUNE: Although relations between her and I continued to sour, thoughts of getting another piercing started to creep back into my mind. I resisted the urge by stretching several of my earlobe holes (all are documented here on BME, if you care to read them), but I couldn't help but come back to the "tragus piercing" picture section of BME and looking at the various photographs that had been submitted. I compared them very carefully, noting that (in my opinion) the barbells seemed to settle into the piercing better than a captive bead ring did, in many cases.
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JULY: Our relationship hit a low point, and I did not speak to her at all for nearly a month straight. By this time, although I had given up trying to put thoughts of not getting my tragus done out of my mind, I no longer associated the piercing with her. I continued stretching my lobes, and buying several different pieces of jewelry, thinking that would sate my need. Little did I know ...
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AUGUST: I still hadn't gotten it done, and an IAM BBQ was coming up on the 20th. This would be a perfect opportunity to have it done, albeit at a different studio somewhat closer to home (about 80 miles away). I would have gotten it done, too, had it not been for the fact that time was rather short after I had to leave the BBQ. On top of that, traffic was a nightmare (Colts game, Indians game, Steve Miller concert, State Fair – all at once ... you get the idea), I'd gotten extremely sunburned, and I hadn't eaten in a few hours ... not exactly the best conditions for getting a modification done. I resigned myself to waiting until the next time that I was out-of-town to getting it done; the high prices of gasoline made that decision for me.
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SEPTEMBER: Here was my chance! At the beginning of the month, I received an invitation to participate in a (Star Trek) club event that was in Dayton, Ohio. That was all the reason that I needed, as Piercology is in Columbus – an hour east of there.
I set my plan into motion. I would drive to Dayton early Saturday morning, participate in the club event, and then drive to Columbus to the hotel room that I'd reserved for myself, arriving in the early evening. The next day, after I'd rested well and eaten, I'd go to the studio, and have it done. Now was the time, I reasoned, to ask the rest of my questions.
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(September) 20th: I sent the studio several E-Mails, as I'd remember yet another question that I had after hitting the 'send' button. Tiffany, who answered my inquiries, must be a saint, because she never once complained about the multiple letters that I sent her. She also answered every question that I had. I have excerpted and combined my questions and her answers below, to make for easier reading. I do want to mention that she answered my E-Mails not even two hours after I'd sent them.
Me: I have more questions about the tragus piercing. You mentioned in an E-Mail to me some time back that I could get pierced with a barbell, and that I could get a gem one if I wanted to. I would like to know the following information about the barbells that are available. Other than the regular plain barbells and the gem barbells, do you have others? (Right now, I'm leaning toward the gem one, but I'd like to keep my options open).
Tiffany: Other than plain and gem ends, we can use spikes or different colored metal balls. The gems come in clear, pink, light blue, dark blue, opal, dark opal, and purple. The spikes and balls can come in silver, blue, light blue, purple, pink, green, yellow, and teal. Most of the gems we have in stock, the colors we'd have to order.
Me: What are the prices for each type? (I realize that they do cost more than the CBR, but I don't mind paying the extra amount. I just need to know how much it is to ensure I bring in an adequate amount of funds.)
Tiffany: Prices for plain or spike or colored ends are $23 for the whole piece. Gem ends are $28 for the whole piece. And the piercing is $25.
Me: What is the length(s) of the barbell that you pierce with? Will this length be the same one that I will continue to keep after it's healed, or is it larger (like the tongue piercing, for example)? I'd rather not have something too long sticking in my ear, if I can avoid it.
Tiffany: The length depends on the anatomy. Usually we use 5/16", but sometimes we use 1/4" or 3/8" if it's thinner or thicker. Most people keep the size they are pierced with even though it's usually a little long. We do pierce with something that will allow for swelling, this one can swell a decent amount.
Me: What gauge needle do you use when piercing the tragus and inserting a barbell?
Tiffany: We use the same gauge needle as the jewelry we're piercing with which is normally 18g.
Me: I know that I should eat before I come in, but should I also have something to drink (like Coke or Pepsi, for the sugar)? Although I definitely want to get this piercing, I'm very, very nervous; last time I had a piercing done (not there), I sweat about a gallon and felt a little faint during and after the procedure (it was a high cartilage piercing; the piercer had to pierce through scar tissue so it hurt pretty badly).
Tiffany: Yes, it's a good idea to eat beforehand, however, you don't need sugar from soda as much as glucose, which is in most foods. Just eat a healthy meal and you'll be fine.
Me: Speaking of the "ouch factor", compared to the high ear cartilage, how does it compare, pain-wise? (See above for why I'm concerned.)
Tiffany: The ouch factor of this one is very low. These are one of my favorite piercings to do because they are so easy on the clients. It's very smooth.
Me: How much should I expect to bleed? Will it be any more than a regular cartilage piercing?
Tiffany: Bleeding is very minimal, if any at all. Nothing to worry about.
Me: Are there any specific vitamins that I should take to help speed along the healing process?
Tiffany: Any multivitamin that has C and Zinc in it will be helpful.
Me: I'm coming in from out-of-state, and haven't yet been to your new location since you've moved. Where is the parking? (Behind, to the side, etc.)
Tiffany: Parking is right on the street, right out front and there's always plenty of it. There are signs that say "one hour parking, permit required", ignore these. They are not in effect anymore. We park out there all day with no permit. Hopefully this takes care of everything and we'll see you on Sunday :)
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(September) 21st: The follow-up E-Mail ...
Me: Thank you so much for answering my multiple questions. I really appreciate the time and trouble. I'm definitely leaning toward either a clear gem or a pink gem. Your comment about it being one of your favorite piercings to do makes me want to have you do it! Will you be working on Sunday? I'd be coming in early (shortly after you open the shop), since I have to get back home to western Indiana and work Sunday night at Midnight.
Tiffany: Sunday is my day off, however, if you'd like we can make an appointment and I'll stop in. If you think you're going to be here at 1, I'll just make sure I'm here. :) Let me know, Tiffany
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(September) 22nd: Now I am getting excited. I sent Tiffany an E-Mail indicating that I would be grateful if she would accommodate me as offered, and provided her with my telephone number, in case she had any questions. I also went to the drugstore after I got off work this morning and picked up a Vitamin C supplement (I already take Zinc supplements, as well as a multivitamin). I checked – and rechecked – the money situation to make sure that I would have enough money for the piercing, jewelry, and tip, as well as enough to eat on without having to scrimp. Now I just have to wait. Three days to go and counting ...
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(September) 23rd:
I sent Tiffany yet another E-Mail, asking what methods of payment were accepted. I also inquired whether I would be allowed to have someone in the room with me for "moral support". She wrote back (within a few hours – I'm quite impressed!), and told me that they accept cash, as well as several types of credit cards (I want to have that option, just in case). She also told me that I could have someone with me in the room. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. I've been reading and re-reading some of the tragus experiences here on BME, especially those by people that are in my own age bracket, just to get a feel for what it might be like overall.
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(September) 25th: "The" day had arrived. I wasn't as nervous as I thought I was going to be, for some reason. Lee, my very special friend, had agreed to go to the studio with me for moral support. I picked him up and we then drove around, trying to find a place to eat that we both agreed upon. I'd remembered that Tiffany had told me to eat a good meal before I received the piercing, so we finally decided on a Pizza Hut. We enjoyed our meal, and headed up to Piercology.
Once we arrived, we went inside. My friend took a seat and started looking through some of the piercer's portfolios, while I walked up to the counter. I looked at some of the jewelry in the case while I waited my turn, as they were fairly busy. A few minutes later, the young man at the counter greeted me and asked how he could help me. I told him that I was there for an appointment with Tiffany. He said that he'd let her know that I'd arrived, and get me started on my paperwork. He asked me for my photo identification; I gave him my drivers' license. He then scanned it into the computer and then verified what sort of jewelry that I wanted. I told him that I wanted the barbell with a clear gem end. He then went and got it, while I waited. When he came back over to get the signed consent form, I asked to see the jewelry, which was in the sealed bag. He showed it to me from the "see-thru" side, and I agreed that it was the piece that I'd chosen. He then told me it would be just a few minutes while Tiffany finished preparing the piercing room. I went back to the waiting area and sat with my friend.
A couple of minutes after that, a girl at the counter asked me if I was ready to pay, and I told her yes. I paid for the procedure and jewelry ($56 and some change), and she surprised me by asking me if I was interested in a free "V.I.P." card, which entitled me to a 20% discount on all future jewelry purchases. Well ... of course I was, so I took the proffered card. I then asked if I had to be 'in' the store to use it – that is, could I order from the Internet, since I live out-of-state? She told me that I could choose the jewelry from the site, but that I would have to phone-in my order. I thanked her and went back and sat down.
The man that had first waited on me came back out to go aftercare. I really like the fact that they do that before the piercing. Before you get it, you're more likely to remember what you're told than afterwards, while you have the adrenaline rush. Most of the things that he told me I already knew, but I listened anyway, because you never know if newer, more improved methods of aftercare are out there, and I wanted to have all of the information that I could. I distinctly remember him telling me about using either Provon or Satin. I told him that I already had some Satin at home. He seemed really pleased that I'd seen to that already.
A couple of minutes later, Tiffany came out and asked me if I was ready. I told her yes, and my friend and I walked over to her. She introduced herself and shook our hands, thanking me for making the drive over there. We then went back into the piercing room. Tiffany told me right away where I could set my purse; it was on a shelf far away from any piercing equipment. She asked me which side I wanted the tragus piercing on. I told her that I wanted it on the left side. She then told my friend that he could stand on my right side.
After that, Tiffany went over to the handwash sink that was in the room, and scrubbed down. She then put on a pair of black latex gloves, and examined my ear, to make sure that my anatomy was appropriate for the size of the jewelry. She then cleaned my ear and marked it for the placement, and held up a mirror for me to look at. It looked fine to me, and my friend thought the placement looked good, too. Apparently, the anatomy was indeed correct, because she then held up the package and asked me again if this was the jewelry that I wanted. I told her yes. She changed gloves, opened the package, and set the jewelry on a sterile sheet. Her tools were already set out.
She walked me through the entire procedure. The first thing that she had me do was lay back on the paper-covered bed. She then told me that she was going to use some clamps on my ear, but that it shouldn't hurt; that it would only be a lot of pressure. Honestly, it felt like someone had put a clothespin on my ear. Uncomfortable, but not painful. She then told me that the only thing that I had to do now was relax. She told me to relax my head, neck, and shoulders, and not worry about anything else. She then told me that she would tell me to take a deep breath and hold it, and then to release it forcefully, and when I released it, she would do the actual piercing, and that it would take about a second.
I gripped my friend's hand at this point. I'd heard plenty of horror stories about how this particular piercing was extremely painful, and I wanted to be ready to give him the 'death grip' if need be. Tiffany changed gloves a third time, and a second later, she told me to take my deep breath, which I did. She then told me to exhale hard, which I also did. As I did, the needle slid through. She was absolutely right – it didn't take any more than a second. It did hurt, but it was nothing like I expected. It hurt far less than my upper ear cartilage piercing, even. The worst part of it was over! She then told me that she was going to finish putting in the jewelry in. It pinched a little when she did that; but again, it wasn't unbearable. She then informed me that I was all done, wiped my ear down a little bit, and asked me how I felt.
Surprisingly, I felt really well. I felt just a touch fuzzy, and she told me to go ahead and stay laying down for a couple of minutes, which I did, since I knew that I would be driving myself out of there. After a couple of minutes had passed, she asked me again, and I told her I felt good, and she said that I could go ahead and get up. During this entire time, she was disposing of the used needle in the Sharps container and cleaning up. We briefly went over aftercare again, and I grabbed a $10 bill from my purse and threw it in the tip jar. She did a fantastic job, and I wanted to compensate her accordingly.
My friend asked her about the pain factor afterwards (like later that day, the next day, etc., as he knew that I'd have to drive four-and-a-half hours back home by myself). She told him that the worst of the pain had just occurred, but that I should take some Advil if I needed it.
We then all walked back up to the front. I'd already been given some sea salt (free!) along with a printed copy of my aftercare instructions. Tiffany gave me her business card, and told me that if I had any questions at all, to feel free to E-Mail or call her. I thanked her again for coming in on her day off to pierce me. My friend remarked to her that he was fairly certain that the next time I wanted a piercing, I'd make sure to get it done by her. She really seemed to be impressed with that, and thanked us again for coming in.
Once outside, I asked him what he'd thought about the whole thing. He'd never seen someone get a piercing before, so it was a new experience for him. He was pleasantly surprised at the complete cleanliness and proper procedure of the studio. He'd always thought (like many people who have never been exposed to a modern piercing environment) that piercing and tattoo studios were "grubby and dirty". I told him that while I was sure that those sort of places existed, modern body modification has evolved, and the environment (as he saw first-hand) is often cleaner and more sterile than some doctor's offices! I then asked him what he thought of everything overall. He said that he found it very interesting and insightful.
I then took him back to his house, and drove back home, finally arriving back in the early evening hours. I took a short nap, and then got up and went to work. As I sit here completing the write-up of this experience, I'm left to wonder why I waited so long to get my tragus done in the first place! It was far less painful than I thought it would be (on a scale of 1 – 10, 10 being the most painful, I would rate it about a 3), the studio was well equipped, clean, and sanitary, and Tiffany was the most pleasant and professional piercer that I have ever had the pleasure of going to. I will definitely be going back to Piercology the next time I go to Columbus, and I will certainly have Tiffany see to all of my piercing needs.