Hey there!
At A Glance Author Hex Contact Hex@bme.anon When A week ago Artist Carol Studio Tattoo Zoo Location Cork, Ireland This is my first experience that I've written up so apologies if it's shit!
So I've been into piercings for quite a while. I have about 10 now. It all started when I begged and begged my mom to let me get my left earlobe pierced when I was 14! After my months of begging I finally got it as a birthday present. (On condition I never got anymore piercings!)Slowly but surely I got more and more.
So I guess I should explain as to why I chose to get an inner helix. Well, I already had stretched earlobes, two helix piercings in my left ear, a centre labret and my tongue pierced. Randomly last week I decided I wanted a new piercing. I chose an inner helix because I think its very visually pleasing and I had previously healed (successfully) two cartilage piercings. I was in the city with friends and decided that I was going to get it right there and then.
We went to subway for something to eat and then proceeded to go to Tattoo Zoo, my favorite piercing/tattoo shop in Cork (although I haven't got much done there!)
I arrived in tattoo zoo with my girlfriend at about four o' clock. I went to the counter and asked if I could get an inner helix. I was told to wait for half an hour. I was starting to get quite nervous. After a while, Carol (the piercer) took me into the back. She was laughing a little that we were back in again because we were there the week before to get my girlfriends lobes done.
She marked me up and I asked to look in the mirror. I'm glad I did because she had marked a spot right below my previous ear cartilage rings! Not her fault, it had been a busy a day and I wasn't exactly clear when describing what I wanted. A big mistake on my part and I strongly recommend anyone getting a piercing to be very specific when describing what they want and especially, where they want it.
She marked me up once again and told me she'd have to pierce me at 1.2mm because, due to the placement I wanted, the piercing could reject out. When I was told to, I took a "deep breath" and got that lovely crunchy burning sensation. I hardly noticed it because I was slightly preoccupied trying to identify the cheesy 80's metal on the stereo! So she told me I was done but was bleeding a bit. I waited as patiently as I could but I was so excited about my piercing I just wanted to run out and show my friends. While I was waiting she asked me about my new tongue piercing and how my ear stretches were doing.
After the bleeding stopped she took me out of the room and took me through the aftercare. She said to use saline to clean off the crusties and if I wanted to, do salt soaks. But also to not clean it till the day after it in case id irritate it. I paid my €35 thanked her very much and went on my merry way!
The next day I woke up with a very throbbing ear. I looked in the mirror and my ear was bright red. I cleaned it with saline and it felt a bit better. Foolishly I went to play a basketball match that afternoon. And as if by fate, my ear got hit. It hurt. Lots.
The day after I noticed quite a bit of swelling in the area. I've been doing salt soaks and it feels much better now and the swelling is almost gone. I was also worried about getting in trouble in school over it but so far so good. Although, I've often been threatened by the vice-principal and indeed, principal that id face "severe disciplinary action" unless I removed my, "gear". I just want to add that I think this is really unfair and unjust. I understand that rules are rules but I'm a decent student. I've never been an ounce of trouble but I constantly get hassle over my piercings. It's my body and my choice. And I could be doing much worse then getting a few piercings that make me feel god about myself.
So that's my story. I'm planning a few more ear piercings and I want my lip done again. i would definitely recommend tattoo zoo in Cork if your in the area. I've been to quite a few places to get pierced and I have to say its the best shop I've seen. Also, I was very rough with my inner helix the day after I got it by playing sport. I'd recommend people not to do this for cartilage piercings and/or any piercing. As it's quite painful and could cause infection.