I had my lobes pierced when I was around 8 or 9 and then had a second set of holes pierced on my 16th birthday. I really loved my lobe piercings but after a few years four holes began to feel like too few! At first I planned to get a third set of holes in my lobes. Despite my parents not being overly pleased about that I was really determined to get them done. However, I was really put off when someone I disliked a lot got a third set of holes in their ears and so I began to consider getting something different.
At A Glance Author Minty Contact Minty@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Kevin Studio Mantra II Location Yiewsley, London, UK Two of my close friends had cartilage piercings and recommended that I get mine done too as theirs had been relatively hassle free. I came round to the idea pretty quickly but then spent months changing my mind about whether to go ahead with it or not.
I began to look into cartilage piercings and quickly discovered that it would be best to have it done with a needle as opposed to a gun. A friend of mine then told me about a local tattoo studio called Mantra II who used needles and who had a good reputation. My friend's sister had had her tattoos done there and one of her friends had got a couple of piercings done – and both had been happy with the results, which I took to be a good sign.
After lots of ummming and ahhhing over it I decided to have the piercing done as a treat after I'd finished my exams. I went to Mantra II a few days before I planned to get the piercing just to check the place out and find out the cost. The place was very clean and bright (as opposed to some places I've seen that are very dark and claustrophobic), and the man I spoke to was very friendly and helpful which made me feel confident about going back there to actually do the deed.
Two days later I got up early, made sure to have breakfast, picked up my friend and drove us to Mantra II. I almost lost my bottle before going in but my nerve came back eventually and we went in. I asked for a cartilage piercing and was asked to fill in a form and choose my earring, before I handed over my money.
I was taken into a small room that had a dentist-type chair in it by a man called Kevin. My friend came in with me, and although I was too nervous to pay much attention to the room she told me afterwards that it had all looked very clean. I really dislike needles so I was beginning to get quite nervous by this point!
However, I sat in the chair and commented about how it felt like the dentist. Kevin was friendly and cracked a couple of jokes which put me at ease. He marked the dot on my left ear and asked me whether I was happy with the positioning (I was). I tried not to pay attention to what he was doing whilst he was unwrapping the needles and such so as not to make myself too nervous, but I knew my friend was watching closely to make sure everything looked hygienic and she gave me a reassuring look.
I was surprised at how quickly it was all over. The needle didn't hurt as much as I expected when it first went into my ear but it was left in there whilst Kevin changed his gloves again, and that's when it began to sting! I was worried about passing out but I didn't feel light-headed at any point and by the time the needle was out and my gorgeous blue earring had been put in, the adrenaline was pumping and I felt great.
Kevin explained the aftercare to me and gave me an information sheet about looking after my piercing before telling me to come back if I had any problems. I couldn't wait to get back to my car to ogle my new piercing in the mirrors! I was so pleased I had gone through with it and that it had been a more pleasant experience than I previously imagined.
By the time I got back to the car my ear was bright red, but after a couple of hours it began to look more normal and the stinging had subsided. I have followed the aftercare religiously and at first it seemed to heal really well. However, I accidentally slept on my left side a couple of times and it's been slightly crusty since, but I'm keeping up with the aftercare and hope it'll heal nicely.
I'd definitely recommend Mantra II to other people as I had a really positive experience there. In fact, I'm planning to get my tragus pierced soon and will most certainly be going back there myself!