At A Glance
Author	Wodrag
Contact	Wodrag@bme.anon
When	It just happened
Studio	Checkered Past
Location	Red Lion, PA

For at least a year, I had my heart set on an industrial piercing. A lot of people choose their piercings to draw attention to the features they are most proud of. I on the other hand wanted this piercing for the simple reason that it was unique-- oh, and it's jewelry is most commonly a large, attention grabbing metal bar.

I made an appointment at Checkered Past piercing studio in Red Lion, PA about a week beforehand to be certain I could get it done before work at three. The day before, however, I examined my ear and had my doubts about whether it could be done. Most industrials I see are on ears with large flaps of cartilage. Mine, however, was very small, so I decided whatever I get, it will be on my left side, and if not an industrial, a tragus would suit me nicely.

After filling out the papers and getting my id copied, I waited about 20 minutes and browsed around the store (I came early because I refused to drive all the way home and back again), and my lovely piercer came in. I meandered over to the jewelry counter, and she asked me if I was the one getting the industrial done. I said yes, and she came over with a ruler to measure my ear. It was just as I had dreaded-- I didn't have nearly enough cartilage to get an industrial and have it stay in for sure. She told me there was am 80% chance it would come out (I assumed she meant reject). She was very professional in that she let me know of the risk I would be taking. A less experienced or apathetic piercer worried merely about money would have probably done it anyway without giving me any type of warning. Considering she lost about $30 in doing this, I trusted her opinion. They are currently the only APP certified piercers in southern Pennsylvania for a good reason!

I had expected this, fortunately, and I wasn't too disheartened. But I was determined to start what I hope will be an array of interesting, unique, odd, and aesthetically pleasing ear piercings, so she handed me a book of photographs so I could decide what I wanted instead. As I browsed through, I saw various conches and the tragus I thought I had decided on, and then I saw a rook. It had a truly lovely placement and looked excellent with tiny barbell jewelery, so I decided on it. I chose a small, blue titanium CBR which I thought looked nice since that is jewelry that is initially put in. I went to the bathroom, and then waited patiently for her to sterilize the room and prepare the instruments.

I came in, sat down, and she quickly went over all of the aftercare instructions-- from the usage of satin soap, to sea salt, to just plain not-fiddling-with-the-thing. She wanted to clarify that I am prone to fainting (I can't even give blood. Every year, I try). Because of this, she took extra care in making sure I was comfortable and asked me several times during and after the procedure whether I was alright with what was going on. She showed me all of the packaged, sterilized equipment first, and very professionally changed her gloves about four times before the actual process had started. After marking the spot I was to get pierced, I laid on my side, anxiously wiggling my feet until I felt the pressure of the needle on the other side of my ear. She told me to breathe in and breathe out several times, which I did, and I finally felt the needle slicing through my cartilage. It felt alright at first, no pain whatsoever, until the very end. Post one searingly painful moment, I winced and the needle went through. She told me the worst part was over, and that I had done fine. I, however, was impressed by her excellent job. She told me it bled very little, which is uncommon for these piercings. I examined it in the mirror and was very pleased with the result (however I want to put in larger jewelery in the future).

I felt no dizziness whatsoever and gave her a generous tip. I walked out happy with this piercing, and secretly relieved I didn't have to deal with the hassle (and intense pain) I hear an industrial can be. There was no satin soap there, so I simply used a sea salt soak and a gentle, fragrance free soap I have at home. After work, soaking, and cleaning it bled and hurt very little.



My lobe looks a bit sad due to some trauma it suffered but it is recovering very well-- it looked much, much worse. Next week: Tragus on right ear!