I've had my ears pierced (gunned, without any problems) since I was thirteen and decided that, five years later, it was finally time to add another hole. A beginner at body modifications, I am constantly paranoid about tearing, scarring, and a plethora of other possible complications, so I figured that a third ear lobe piercing was a relatively safe option, giving me something to busy myself with while researching more dramatic mods.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When A week ago Studio Stingers Location Katoomba My choice of studio was the local piercing/tattoo shop, Stingers, despite recently having a dreadful experience piercing my navel there. It's cheap and conveniently located, but that's where the positives end. There is no separate piercing room, they don't check IDs, the jewelery selection is very poor and the piercers exhibit a distinct lack of interest in their work. The legal documents supposed to be signed before the piercing takes place, often mentioned on this site, are also non-existent. But my navel (miraculously) turned out fine, and I stupidly figured that, even if the experience wasn't very pleasant, not much could possibly go wrong with a basic lobe piercing.
The day arrived. I caught the train into town for a pre-piercing meal of pizza before making my way to the shop. After being told that Stingers didn't allow payment by EFTPOS, I quickly ran off to the bank and returned minutes later, buzzing with anticipation. When I told the piercer (my heart sank when I realised he was the guy who had pierced my navel a few weeks ago) that I just wanted another lobe piercing, I felt slightly ashamed. He had gauged ears, snake bites and lots of tattoos, and asking for an ear piercing seemed silly and insignificant in comparison. It must be made clear that this was not because of anything he said- it was just the vibe I picked up- and I could be totally wrong, but it's the way he made me feel. I selected a basic CBR for jewelery (the choice was between that and a labret stud) and my piercer marked where it was to be placed on my ear. I insisted on inspecting the placement (when my navel was done, I was not given this chance) and it looked strange, and five markings later it still looked strange. Wherever the marking was placed, it just didn't look right, leading to my ridiculous judgment that it just wouldn't look right until pierced. I confirmed the last marking as good and my ear was pierced. It hurt a little, but almost in a good way, like a sore muscle being massaged. Briefly checking out my new piercing in the studio mirror, I paid ($25, with a $5 discount because they didn't have change for a $50 note), received two free CBRs (which I think was really nice) and happily went home.
A more careful look in my bedroom mirror inspired the following LiveJournal entries:
"Fucking Stingers fucked up my ear, it's so horrible, I'm going back tomorrow to abuse them and cry some more."
"Oh and to take out the fucking ring. Because I can't open it myself. I'm stuck to it which disgusts me."
The placement was so, so bad. It was way too close to, and slightly below, the existing piercing. I had wanted it in the standard place for a double ear piercing; well to the side of and above and the piercing that was already there. Of course this was partially, even mostly, my fault, but surely the piercer should have known that it was wrong and advised against the placement. The only other people unfortunate enough to glimpse this monstrosity, my sister and my boyfriend, confirmed my fears: the piercing looked very weird, messed up, and I should not keep it.
Throughout my piercing's short life I went through almost all the classic stages of grieving; denial (it's really fine, I just need to get used to it!), anger (how do you fuck up a fucking ear piercing?!?!), bargaining (perhaps it'll look better if I put in a barbell?) and depression (I spend much of the night crying over it). But thankfully, never acceptance. I planned the next day with thoughts of war. I would go back, yell at them for mutilating me, perhaps cry, demand that they re-pierce my ear and not leave until they do. YEAH!
Thankfully, there was no need. I had calmed down a little and was terrified at the prospect of yelling at someone. The guy who had pierced my ear seemed as upset, and pissed-off, as I was. And he re-did it for free, no questions asked. It hurt a little more than the old piercing had, possibly because the wounds were so close together. I was informed that the old piercing wouldn't leave a scar, which had been a major worry of mine, and sure enough it is barely visible a week later. The placing of the new piercing isn't great (yet I can only blame myself as I was the one who marked it), but I'm happy with it. It's healing fine and I am just glad that the drama is all over. I feel really bad for the guy who did the piercing, and hopefully the awkwardness of the whole situation will stop me from ever being tempted to go back to Stingers.