Seeing as this was my first experience with the piercing needle, I feel that I should document it, if not for my sake then at least for the sake of those considering a web piercing. Here goes...
At A Glance Author Kiara Contact Kiara@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Jenna Studio Sacred Arts Tattoo Studio Location Castle, Cheshire It all began sometime in august, when I thought a new piercing would be a nice addition to my pre-existing mods (which are another story). Now, as I ride a motorbike, an ear piercing was out of the question, as each time I removed my helmet I would be pulling the piercing, thereby hindering the healing process. A lip piercing? Well, after I ran that by my mum and made her cry, that was a no no too. Any other piercing would have been a disaster due to my interest in martial arts, as a nose ring, for example, could easily be ripped out by an opponent. Ouch.
Initially, I was to get my tongue pierced. I absolutely loved the idea, and it was only after an examination by the piercer did I find that it was not possible to pierce my tongue, due to two central veins and two running down the outside. In short, too many veins. So, disheartened, I set about researching oral piercings, as a piercing inside my mouth seemed the most pracical due to my lifestyle, and the nature of the piercing I wanted.
Having absorbed as much information from the internet as possible, I phoned Sacred Arts Tattoo studio, the studio I'd had my tongue examined at, seeking a professional's opinion. Jenna, the piercer there, had many suggestions for oral piercings and a good knowledge of what would happen, healing times, etc... Jenna suggested a tongue web piercing, which I looked into, and decided almost immediately that this was the one for me. It was less hassle than a tongue piercing, certainly less common, and it was mine, because no-one else could know about it unless I told them. My little secret. That thought alone appealed to me, as maybe it was a subconscious need to have something different from everyone else that only I could choose to show to the world. Like superheroes with their superpowers. Well, it was a nice thought, anyway.
The week after, I went back to Sacred Arts, one of my close friends in tow, to get my web pierced. The studio was empty, as I'd arrived just after it had opened that morning, and Jenna was ready to pierce right away. I filled in the forms, paid my £30, and went into the curtained off area to sit on what looked to be a fold out massage table. My friend held my hand while Jenna attempted to clamp my tongue, but i was so nervous I couldn't keep it suctioned for long enough to the top of my mouth. After a minute, she was able to do it, and the needle slid through like silk. I didn't feel a thing. The fiddly part was getting the jewllery in. I opted for a bar rather than a ring, my reasoning being that a bar would be more difficult to catch on something during healing. Plus, I liked the look of two metal balls nestled beneath my tongue, and later found out that I rather liked the feel of it too. Right after being pierced though, I felt faint and dizzy, which is due to my intense dislike of needles and the fact th at I knew I'd just had one through my tongue. I was made to lie down and given a cup of water to sip.
Afterwards, my friend and I took the train to a newrby city for a day's shopping, where she quickly decided she wanted her web pierced too! Despite the fact that I was told to avoid playing with my piercing for the first two weeks, I quickly learned how to make as much noise as possible with my balls, by rattling them across my teeth. And also how nice those balls felt when I talked or moved my tongue. I wish there was another word for balls.
The studio was clean, Jenna answered all of my questions and put me completely at ease. If I ever feel the need to get something else pierced, I will definitely be going back there. I have yet to return so Jenna can have a picture for her portfolio. I love my piercing, and will be popping back in at some point soon for a picture and to say thanks again. I absolutely recommend Sacred Arts Tattoo Studio, so if you live in that area, go there!
Eating was fine after, a tiny bit akward, but thats all. Hardly any swelling, certainly nothing noticeable. At this point, I'm glad I can't have a bar through my tongue, because otherwise I wouldn't have acquired my little webby!