I'd always wanted an industrial after I saw pictures of them. I wanted something unique, but not too extreme considering I was only 14. I showed a picture of it to my mom since I was underage and she would have to sign for me. She reluctantly agreed, so we called around to see where I would go to get it done. I had to go way out of the city I lived in since local ordinances wouldn't allow me to get one since I was under 16, even if my mom was there and signed for me. So we drove 45 minutes to The Zone in Warrensburg. Everyone was really nice, and Mark made me comfortable and was very funny. After asking me if I was nervous I said no, so he goes "Good because I am." It made me comfortable to know that he was also an EMT. He told me about his daughter who I think he said was 6 or 7, and that for her birthday every year she would get 2 new piercings.
At A Glance Author brandi Contact brandi@bme.anon When Two years ago Artist Mark Studio The Zone Location Warrensburg, MO We filled out the papers and they photocopied my mom's license and my school ID. When Mark was done with the girl ahead of me, we went to the room and he had me sit in the chair. He first measured my ear to see if I would even be able to get an industrial. Apparently my ears are kinda small?? Anyways, some people can't get them because they don't have enough space or there ears aren't the right shape. After he marked with the pen where the best place for the bar would be, he held up a toothpick to show where it would go. Make sure you like the placement and that you'll be comfortable with where it is. I had him move the placement to a more horizontal direction, rather than a diagonal angle.
After my ear was cleaned up he had me lie back. He got the first needle out and had me take deep breaths, and on the third he had me hold it. That was when he pushed the needle through. At first you can feel the sharpness of the needle going through, then it's just pressure and a slight burning. He slid the bar through the first hole then proceeded with the second. This one hurt a little more since I knew what to expect. He slid the bar through the second hole, screwed the ball on, and cleaned up the small amount of blood. He told me he was really impressed that I held still because he'd pierced younger people before and they'd always freak out. He told me how to clean it, I paid, and we left.
Make sure that you don't sleep on it. This shouldn't be a problem though, when I hit mine I'd usually wake myself up. But the pain would quickly go away. Also make sure you're careful when putting on or taking off shirts and stuff, it likes to get hooked on things. Also when brushing your hair or just touching it in general.
My ear sort of throbbed for a couple days, but that was about it. There wasn't really any swelling considering it's in your cartilage. Mine was mostly just red for awhile, and it hardly bled or pussed at all. Soaking it in salt water helped a lot. I would just say to make sure you clean it a lot, and when you can move it, don't!! At least not a lot. The friction could cause keloids to form, and I learned this the hard way. I was fortunate enough that it didn't get severe. It sort of scabbed over and I peeled it off. And also make sure that when you get it pierced, you get the bar put it rather than two CBRs. If you get the rings, the holes will not heal in a straight line, and the bar will not fit through properly.
I'm really tolerant of pain and this really wasn't at all painful. You do have to take into consideration that with all piercings you are getting stabbed with a needle, but don't let it scare you. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give it a 4 at the most. The pain only lasts momentarily, and afterwards you have an awesome piercing. So go for it, don't let the pain change your mind.
I've had my industrial for about 3 years now, and I couldn't be happier. I usually only see people with them at shows and stuff, so they are still kind of rare. They are gaining popularity now, but I'd still get one. I really like the look of them, and I'm very happy with my decision to get it. So if you're thinking of getting one and you still aren't sure, I say go for it, you have nothing to lose.