In September of 2007, a few months before my 15th birthday, I started looking into piercings a bit more extensive then the simple lobe piercings and single cartilage I currently had. I wasn't quite ready for a facial piercing, but I also wanted something that would be noticed easily and that no one else I knew had. Since I was under 16, I couldn't find anywhere that would pierce my tongue, so I started looking for unique ear piercings. When I came across a picture of an industrial, I fell in love.
At A Glance Author Meg Contact Meg@bme.anon When Three months ago Artist Phillipe Studio Valle's Tattoo & Piercing Location Danbury, CT I was extremely wary of getting it done, however, since when I got my cartilage done (which I still have problems with to this day), I had foolishly neglected to do any research and ended up getting it done with a piercing gun. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, I spent weeks researching and reading experiences.
After convincing my mom to allow me to get it done, the first place we called was Valle's, since my mom's friend had a daughter who worked there and Valle's had a great reputation. They agreed to do it, and said we could come in immediately. Since I had been half-joking when I had asked my mom to get it done today, I was shocked that it was actually happening.
When we got there, I was simply excited that I was getting it done. The entire place was extremely clean and organized, and had a very friendly atmosphere. After filling out the paperwork, I was introduced to Phillipe, who I was told would be doing the piercing. He seemed very nice, and I got a great vibe off him even though he didn't talk much at all.
I was lead into a little room off of the main area, where he showed me all of the equipment and had me sit in the dentist-y chair. I was very impressed that he didn't try to hide the needle, which I had heard about some other piercers doing. Now that I saw the needle, I started to panic. I have no pain tolerance, at all. As Phillipe started marking and sterilizing my left ear, one of the other piercers (of which there were a LOT)looked in and said "Oh, what do we have here, an industrial? What fun". Then he sort of laughed and walked off. I think I would have gladly gotten up and walked out if Phillipe hadn't chosen that moment to ask me to approve of the placing. Unable to speak, I just nodded.
He picked up the needle, grabbed my ear, and counted to three. The side of my ear wasn't that bad, especially since it had been pierced at 14g, which I thought was a bit big. The crunching sound, however, was terrible. The top part of my ear was the worst. He hadn't numbed the area at all, and I was starting to sub-conciously pull away from him, and he had to hold my ear to keep me from pulling out the needle. I thought that the worst was over, but then he went to put the bar in. By this time, my 10-year-old brother (who had come with), was highly amused, my mom was ready to pass out (I could see her in the mirror), and I couldn't help but think "what did I get myself into?!". Putting the bar through was painful, but bearable. The real pain came when he screwed in the top ball to finish the piercing. It was quite close to my head, and he had big fingers, so he had to tug on the new hole to get the little ball on.
Now that it was finally over, I moved to sit down on the bench they had against the wall while my mom asked about aftercare instructions. I was shaking badly, and my ear was unbelievably red, but I was grateful that there had been no blood at all. Although my ear was on fire and I had to struggle not to cry, I was thrilled. My only concern was that the bar was the same gauge as the needle, which I've read can increase pressure, but Phillipe was a veteran piercer and I trusted him completely.
After stocking up on Bactine, Dial, Neosporin and ibuprofen, I went home with my queasy mom and dissappointed brother (he had expected blood) in tow. The pain and throbbing that night was nearly unbearable. I've had my share of injuries before, but nothing compared to this. I went to bed expecting the pain to intensify over night.
When I woke up, I was shocked. No pain. No swelling whatsoever. No redness, no discharge, no blood. I has expected weeks of pain, like after my first single cartilage, but it felt just fine.
The only problem I've had was extreme dryness during the first month. When easing up on the antibacterial soap and Bactine didn't help, I stopped them all together in favor of all natural sea salt soaks, which I started doing once a day. I haven't had any problems since.
Just a few days shy of four months later, the only problem I've had is pain and pressure if I accidentally sleep on it during the night. I've gotten the most amazing reactions, 99% of them positive. The only other person I've ever seen with an industrial is an older friend of mine who lives in another state, and I love having such a unique piercing. The only slightly annoying part is that on the first day I had it in school, 19 people asked me "didn't that hurt?".
Although I would never do it again, I'm extremely happy with my lovely industrial. If you're considering getting one, my only advice is to make sure you're comfortable with your piercer, and never be afraid to ask questions. Happy piercing! :)