On my marvelous fifth day in Singapore I went to get my cartilage pierced. I only have two piercings (two in each lobe) so I was looking forward to expanding my collection of holes in my ear. I was ok nervous in the car on the way to Orchard Road and the Heeren Annex. Going up the five levels I was more or less scared. Actually hearing a tattoo needle buzz scared me out completely. The place was small, really small. It did not even have a door kind of small. The fact that there was very little privacy (there was a guy getting tattooed right there) made me want to just forget the whole thing and go home. My cousin told me to quit being a chicken and just ask for the piercer.
At A Glance Author gabberslove Contact gabberslove@bme.anon When It just happened Artist HP Studio Body Decor Location Singapore So I walked up to the little counter with my cousin and stood there nervously for about two minutes until the piercing lady (now known as HP) asked me what I wanted. I told her I wanted a cartilage piercing and she told me it would be very expensive, but sanitary at the shop (Body Decor) and it would be cheaper at 77th street (a little shop, sort of like Claire's mixed with hot topic), she kept trying to convince me to get it done with a gun as to not rob me of my money. I asked how much it would be and she told me sixty dollars. Yeah, that was my face too, and in 77th it would only be five dollars. Ok in American money sixty Singapore dollars is actually thirty-nine American dollars which now realizing is what a normal cartilage piercing costs in the states (I think) while five Singapore dollars is three American dollars. Yeah I wouldn't have my ears pierced for three bucks either.
Continuing with the story, I also told her that my friend commented that my ear would look weird if I pierced it where I wanted it; sadly she confirmed it and told me the ideal spot for the piercing. I was kind of iffy, but then she mentioned a barbell and I liked the idea. So after much debating and "should I do it" I finally went back to the counter, signed the release forms and paid. While I was filling out the papers she gave me a sheet of paper with warnings and cleaning procedure and explained to me what I would need to do and the risks involved with the piercing. She told me to wait while she cleaned all the tools (this made me happy) and she laughed at me for looking so nervous but she also said that she liked me asking lots of questions and that I knew what I was talking about.
So anyway, ten minutes of regretting paying first I went back, she took me to a little room, small but homey and surgical room clean marked the spot and told me to breathe. She asked me if I fainted during shots and I said no. She laughed and said that's good and I agreed. Then she asked me if she wanted to count to three before she pierced and I told her I'd just breathe cause the counting would make me nervous. I liked that she kept trying to distract me, it helped a lot with the nerves. So in and out I breathed and she pierced it, it hurt I won't lie, but I didn't die from it, nor scream. I felt her pierce the cartilage, but there was no famous popping sound, just burning. It was burning almost immediately and HP told me my ear was turning bright red, that I might have sensitive ears. I knew that since it happened with my other two piercings so I did not worry. She put in the barbell and that was quick and painless. She was amazed at how calm I was. I did bleed a bit too, but she told me that was normal. She told me to clean it in the shower and with saline solution and to leave it alone otherwise. She asked me if I was ok, and laughed that my cousin (who came with me) looked worse than I did.
??In the end, HP, was super sweet and she knew what she was doing which totally put me at ease. I left with a burning left ear and a smile on my face. It still hurts, but I'm not dying. After a few hours the burning sensation went away, and I sometimes forget it's there. I haven't cleaned it yet so I don't know how that experience will go.
In all I do recommend this piercing for people who are just beginning with piercings since it is simple and it's not so in-your-face. I will hopefully be getting more in the future, it's an addiction honestly.