Since I was a little kid, I always loved looking at tattoos on people. They fascinated me. Later on, my interest in tattoos led me to bmezine.com, where I enjoyed the very large tattoo gallery. However, through bmezine, I also discovered so much more about all the other types of body mods. I also have a friend that has had plugs since way before I knew they existed, or before they were "popular" lets say, and I always liked them, so I decided when I was 14 that I would get plugs. The idea floated in and out of my head for several years, but it wasn't until recently, about half way through my senior year, that I decided I definitely wanted plugs. I read everything I could get my eyeballs on that was related to ear stretching and care, and saw just about every plug I could see online. The more I learned and saw, the more I wanted plugs. I decided then that I would get my ears pierced after I graduated. I casually mentioned that I wanted plugs to my mom, and she seemed to not go one way or the other on the idea, so about a week after I graduated, I asked her when she could take me to get my ears pierced. After some delays because of her work schedule, she called me one morning after I had spent the night at my friend's house, and told me that she wasn't working, and could take me that day!
At A Glance Author Tyler B. Contact Tyler B.@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Mike Studio Outer Limits Location Orange, CA The anticipation inside me was tremendous. It was crazy to think that I was actually going through with this. My mom and I drove to Outer Limits, in Orange, CA, and I told them what I wanted, and they directed my down the hall, to the piercing area. The whole store had a Spanish villa sort of style, and was very un-scary. I sat down and waited while a guy with long hair, and maybe ½" plugs talked to these two girls. He led them in to a room, and I heard him ask them which one wanted to go first. They were out in what seemed like no time, and I heard no screams, which was good. My mom and I filled out the forms, and the guy, Mike, asked me what I wanted, and after looking at my ears, told me he could pierce them at a 6 gauge. This was at least 2 sizes bigger than I originally thought, so I was pretty excited. My mom seemed to be more in to it as she looked at the different jewelry, and we talked about things. I picked out my jewelry, glass tophats with a black end, and Mike took them into the room to prepare everything. Then, he came out and told me he was ready for me. My mom asked if she could watch, explaining, "I'm a weird mom...", and he said of course. I sat in this weird chair that was raised off the ground, and there were numerous plaques and certificates on the wall. Also very comforting. He disinfected the counter, put gloves on, and marked my ears with a skin marker. I double checked the marks in the mirror. Perfect. He then took the tray out of the autoclave, and opened it, revealing steamy jewelry, forceps, and needle. I sat there in anticipation, but never once second guessing myself. Mike explained that as far as pain goes, not that bad, and that I would feel a sting as the needle goes through, then a burning as he inserts the jewelry. He clamps my left ear, and asks me if I'm ready. Of course I'm ready; I've been waiting for this moment for a long time now. I nod. He tells me to inhale, and just after I start taking in a deep breath, I feel the needle pop through my left lobe. Before I could think about anything, I feel the burning sensation, everything exactly as he said, as he pushed the needle and plug through. The sensation is very strange, feeling a needle pass through your skin. However, the pain was easily bearable. Before I know it, he has the other ear pierced, and the jewelry through, and apologizes, saying that the second one is always worse because your body knows what to expect. I get up and check them in the mirror. There is no bleeding, and they look PERFECT! I thank him several times, and he gives me a bottle of Satin soap, and aftercare instructions, and tells me what to do, and his hours, so I can call if I have any questions. I thank him, and give him a $10 tip.
Then, my mom and I went to lunch, and she told me how much she liked them on me, and how comfortable she was with the piercer. It has only been a day since I had them done, and the pain is almost completely gone. They only get mildly irritated if I bump them too hard, or something. I am so happy with my piercings, and so is everyone else, except for my girlfriend's and best friend's parents, who are both extremely conservative. I have been cleaning them religiously, and as of yet have seen no gunk or crust, but it has only been a day... If there is anyone reading this that is looking to get something pierced, and is reading these experiences to find an answer, like I was, the answer is do it. I feel different from everyone else. I know that there are many other people in the world with plugs, but to me I am the only one with my plugs. Body mods are an amazing way of self expression, and are extremely satisfying, and I see this as the beginning of a long journey with me, as I have stretching to look forward to! My only hope in writing this experience is to inspire someone else to go out and get whatever it is that they really want, be it a tattoo, piercing, or whatever, because life is meant to be lived.