For a while now, I had considered getting an industrial piercing. They aren't that common where I live, and I enjoyed the look of it as opposed to the snug, my second choice. I sucked it up, made my decision, and decided to go to Warrior piercing in Philadelphia, Pa.
At A Glance Author M Contact M@bme.anon When Three months ago Artist Sage Studio Warrior Piercing Location Philadelphia, Pa. Being one with a lot of mods (multiple piercings and tattoos) I thought I would just go on in, sign the paperwork, and that would be the end of it. But I was wrong. For some reason, instead of the usual adrenaline rush you get before piercing, I was just plain scared due to the fact that it was my first time getting pierced there. Luckily the staff there (although a bit holier-than-thou acting) seemed very professional, which put me at ease.
Now on to the good part. . .
Upon arrival, I filled out the necessary paperwork and was escorted to their very sterile piercing room, and laid out one of those "dentist" chairs. The piercer showed me that all needles were new and took the clamp out of the autoclave right in front of me (i'm a stickler for the most sanitary conditions). I did not have mine pierced straightaway with a CBR as some recommend, but rather with a 14g long straight barbell. With my hand being held by the person who brought me (yeah, I'll admit it) it was time for the piercing. She did the bottom hole first, which wasn't bad at all-normal thinner cartilage piercing. The top whole, however, is in an area where my cartilage is VERY thick, and I almost fainted from the popping/crunching sound alone. After the usual burning feeling and laying down to make sure I'm not going to pass out, I got to see my gorgeous industrial piercing-my favorite to date. The placement was wonderful (always check placement before getting it done!) and the barbell was the perfect length.
For all of those considering this piercing, a couple words of advice. 1) please please please make sure that the person is using a barbell that is long enough (if using one). I've had friends in the past that have had ones that were too short put in and caused all kinds of problems. They must accommodate for swelling!
2) Follow your aftercare! A lot of people I know that have these have also been prone to getting "the bump"-a bump caused by many things such as improper aftercare that seems to last FOREVER and is just plain ugly.
3) It hurts. I'm not going to lie. Unless you enjoy that burning/throbbing/pain you get from most piercings, be prepared.
Which leads me to
4) BREATHE. They tell you to do deep in and out breaths for a reason. Do them and I guarantee your experience will be less painful than if you hold your breath.
5) Keep your hair away from it. It just plain sucks to get stuck.
Also, I know it is very important to trust your piercer. My normal piercer who I loved and trusted moved to the other side of the country, and if I would have the funds to fly there to be modified by him I would. However, I found the place I went to be extremely sanitary and overall a good place, although like I stated before the employees were rather rude. If it looks like some fly-by-night place, it most likely is. If it looks dirty, it most likely is. Think of the person you love the most-if you wouldn't let the place touch them, don't let them touch you!
As for aftercare, I know it varies, but I've found that provon or satin soap works very well for me (some say provon is a little harsh, but my body seems to react well), and when the dreaded bump appears, hot compresses, sea salt soaks, and chamomile tea bags relieve them within a little while. However, this is just me, please don't take this as word and talk to your piercer about what is right for you. Also, the inside out t-shirt thing is great too-buy an XL t-shirt, and cover your pillow. One night sleep on one side, the next night flip, then the next night turn the pillow inside out and repeat the process-tada! Four clean sleeping surfaces for your new piercing area.
All in all, for anyone considering it, it's totally worth it-out of my 8 piercings (tongue X2, tragus, nostril, navel, and nipples) and 9 tattoos, it's my favorite mod. The pain is there, and it's real (for me at least, i'm not sure about others pain threshold-take my pain experience with a grain of salt), but in the end you have a beautiful piercing that will bring you many compliments. Don't let fear stop you! Feel free to e-mail me for any more info, questions, concerns, etc. I welcome feedback!