After recently retiring quite a few of my piercings, several of them favorites of mine, I was not in the best of spirits. I felt the need for some new metal, but this time, I wanted to try something spontaneous. Usually when I get a piercing, it is one I have spent a great deal of time planning and researching.
At A Glance Author Rachael Renk Contact modifiedheart@gmail.com When It just happened Artist Paul Birnbaum Studio Imperial Body Art Location Boise, Idaho USA
However, a few days ago before I went into Imperial to get my piercing, I finally decided. I wanted a helix to conch industrial, one that was slightly diagonal. I have always been a big fan of industrials, and after losing a former helix to helix industrial to bad placement, I was eager to get another. But this time, I wanted to try one that although not rare, was one I had never myself seen on another person. With a set image in mind, I was ready for whatever might come.
When my mother and I arrived at the studio two days ago, I was more than a little nervous than I had expected. Generally, piercings, in the ear of all places, do not faze me. I had wanted to go in sooner, but due to unexpected events that had prevented me, the trip that morning was not the one we had originally planned. This thought did not help to put my mind at ease. Luckily, we had a reasonably long wait before our turn, which gave me ample time to calm my nerves.
Once we were done filling in all the paper work, we briefly discussed with the piercer just what I wanted done. In the back, the piercer talked with us a bit while he finished up, asking about my previous piercings and offering me some advice on my nose piercing, which has had a little bit of trouble. After he finished, he asked a few more questions about preferences and placement. With that out of the way, he took a great deal of time and effort in placing the piercings and bending the barbell. I took a look at the placement and agreed upon it. Finally, we were ready. I lay down, turned my head, and braced myself.
The first piercing, located in my helix, was the most painful. From previous helix piercings, I was not at all expecting the amount of pain it caused. It did hurt considerably, quite a lot, and bled a fair amount. This was the first piercing that ever bled when it was pierced. The piercer asked if I was alright, and although slightly shaken, I told him to go ahead and finish up. Although I could not see what was happening, obviously, I believe he put the barbell into the first piercing and screwed on one end before continuing.
After a minute to catch my breath, came the conch piercing. At this point I had lost track of all that was happening, still slightly dazed by the first piercing. However it seemed to me this part of the process was considerably more complex and drawn out than the previous, with more instructions to "breathe in and let it out" than I had expected, as well as the feeling of different objects going through my ear. At last it was finished, the jewelry was in place and the ends screwed on, and I was allowed to sit up.
With my ear throbbing angrily at me, I took a look in the mirror. It was perfect, just as I had wanted it. The piercer asked if he could take a picture of it, and I agreed. After taking two pictures, he went over aftercare and some other suggestions. While we were there, my mother and I asked a few questions of our own (regarding age restrictions for the next few piercings I plan to get). Afterwards, I paid, tipping what I could, and we took our leave. Once outside, I questioned my mother about the process, and I left very pleased.
Since the piercing, about two days, things have been progressing quite nicely. There has been no swelling what so ever, little or no bleeding as far as I am aware, and no redness of my ear at all. It is still a bit tender, but unless I touch it roughly or bump it, I do not even know that the piercing is there.
Admittedly, it was so far in my experience, the most painful piercing I have ever had. If given the chance, however, I would definitely do it all over again. Other than the pain, the experience itself was nice, even enjoyable. The piercing studio I went to offered a very clean and comfortable environment and the piercer made me feel right at home. While being pierced, he was constantly making sure that I was doing alright. He was incredibly friendly, open, and knowledgeable about the piercings. I would certainly suggest him to anyone else in the area. The place and the piercer are both top notch.