I have always had an obsession with piercings. From an early age, I knew I wanted to get many piercings. My piercing all tell a story, and are a part of the person I am. The adrenaline rush that comes with piercings cannot be beaten, but I still get extremely nervous every time I get pierced.
At A Glance Author Kim Contact Kim@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Don't Know Studio Essential Beauty Location Adelaide, South Australia, Australia When I was younger, I satisfied my urges for piercings with many ear lobe piercings, and a navel piercing, followed by the top of my left ear. Still, I wasn't content. I realized, after looking at a lot of pictures of piercings, that a tongue piercing was what I was after. I decided that playing with the balls from a tongue ring would be very fun, and that tongue piercings were a cool look, something a little alternative.
For months I had felt the need to get my tongue pierced, but dismissed it at all times, thinking "it will hurt too much" or "my parents will kill me". Finally, on a spur of the moment decision, my friend and I decided it was time for me to stop dreaming, and to take the plunge. Within five minutes I was at the door of Essential Beauty.
As the decision was pretty quick, waiting for the piercer barely registered to me. As I walked into the piercing room, the nerves hit. The piercer was all smiles as she marked the place on my tongue where the bar would be positioned, but I felt slightly dizzy. Around that time I remember thinking, "fuck, this can't really be happening. Can i really do this?" Nevertheless, I gave her the go ahead, shakes and sweaty palms aside.
Before I knew it, I was lying down, and instructed to poke my tongue out. I never realized quite how far the tongue needed to be poked out, and found it quite difficult to extend it so far. Once the clamp was applied, it hurt a little, but was nothing like I expected. I felt an odd wet, prickly sensation as the needle went through my mouth. Not expecting to experience such a small amount of pain, I asked, "when will it be done?" to which my friend said, "shhh, the needle is in". For some reason this seemed funny to me, and I had to contain my laughter. I guess it was funny as I was in shock, not to mention happiness that my fears of huge puddles of blood and screams of agony were not confirmed. Next thing I knew the bar was in, and I was left to relax for a few minutes in the room, before leaving.
I was not fully prepared for the aftermath of my piercing. When I woke up the next day, my tongue was swollen and painful. The balls were rubbing on the top and bottom of my mouth, and I felt like I was about to swallow my tongue at any time. I could not talk properly, which was incredibly frustrating. Eating solids was out of the question, so lots of shakes and soups were on the menu for a while. After a few days of discomfort, I was freaking out, thinking the swelling would never go away. Common sense told me that the swelling was to be expected, but my emotions over-rode this feeling. I began to slightly regret my decision every now and again. But every time I looked into the mirror and saw my piercing, I was delighted again. After around five or so days, the swelling went down, and I was back to my normal talkative self.
On a pain scale of 1 to 10, I would give the piercing only around a 3(to show how much I mean it really didn't hurt, put it this way - tragus got a 7 from me!). As for the aftermath of my piercing, I would give it around 5 or 6.
My tongue is my favorite piercing of my 10 piercings. My navel piercing has grown out, and ear piercings are so common.
Other people's reactions towards my piercing are mostly positive, apart from the odd "what did you do that for" and "that's disgusting". Most people believe it really suits me and looks amazing. It is a great conversation starter - you'd be surprised how many strangers will ask if your tongue piercing hurt! Looking back, I do not regret the experience of getting my tongue pierced at all. I now find it interesting, fun to play with and something a little different - most people don't have one, so you stand out in a crowd. My advice to anyone thinking of getting a tongue piercing but are too nervous - GO FOR IT!! You only live once. It really isn't as painful as you'd imagine, and the aftermath will pass, trust me.
Other things on my piercing wish list? Nose, rook, nipple and labret. No, I may not end up with all of these piercings, but yes, I am well and truly addicted.
Happy piercing everyone!