At A Glance
Author	Jessika
Contact	jsorg@umich.edu
Studio	SC Tattoo and Piercing
Location	Ann Arbor, Michigan

So I've wanted my nose pierced for a long time. In high school no one I knew really had it, so there wasn't anyone to ask about it. When I got to college, however, I discovered that tons of people had it done. A good friend got hers done freshman year, and thats when I seriously contemplated getting it done.

It wasn't until my sophomore year at U of M that I decided to get it
done. I was going to go one weekend when I was at home and have a 'bonding piercing' with one of my best friends but it didn't work out. So one weekend at school I just decided to go for it. Some of my friends down the hall had it done, and I asked them all the juicy details. I decided I could handle it and that it was worth everything so I had my friend Beth drive me to the place. It was cheaper, though kind of far away from where we live, and I knew people that went there. I am totally about the word of mouth concept!

So Bethand I left, not telling anyone because I didn't want to be talked out of it and I wanted it to be a surprise. On the outside, the place didn't seem so hot but once we got inside I discovered that I was ok with the piercing area. So I signed the papers and picked out the jewelry. I decided on a simple silver stud to begin with, because me and hoops don't look hot together. Then I had to wait.

Once I finally got in the room, it was super quick. She asked me where I wanted the piercing to be and I picked out a place. Then one of the tattoo artists came in and I asked his opinion and he suggested moving it back...and I'm so glad I trusted his opinion because I think it looks so much better. Anyways, she had cleaned off my nose and everything and told me to breath in and then the needle was through my nose. I've had my cartilage pierced several times before and I told her thats what it reminded me of, and she said, "That bad??" so I guess most people it doesn't hurt as much. She was a super good piercer though, predicting that my eye would water a single tear and even knew to wait for a bit of bleeding to occur after she put the stud in. I was told about the aftercare and to call her or come in if I had any questions. Then I was on my way.

Its been a few days and the soreness has gone down. Its still a tad red but I figured it would be. I really like it, and everyone keeps on telling me that it looks like it belongs there. That makes me feel super good about my decision. In fact, I think its pretty noticable but most people haven't said anything to me, people that see me everyday haven't noticed it! I really like it, and can't wait to change my jewelry although I've promised myself to wait at LEAST the ten weeks since I know I heal rather slowly.

I was really worried about what people think but the responses I've had so far have been really good. I was also worried that people would give me wierd looks or anything but its so common here I think I kind of blend in. People tell me it suits me, and I'm really glad they think so because I adore it! I'm so glad I got it done. It's been worth everything.

My mom isn't such a fan. I didn't tell her about it over the phone but waited for her to come visit me to tell her. She was angry at first, and then she told me she was dissapointed in me. But I explained to her that it was something for me that I researched, and that it made me happy. She is still dissapointed in me, and I feel terribly about that, but it makes me happy.

I've just been cleaning it out with the antibacterial soup the piercer gave me, and she also said I could use antibacterial wet ones because they have a similar cleaning ingredient. Both work out well, I think. I'm really happy with it. And don't worry when you
sneeze--it doesn't hurt! I'm watching the piercing to make sure everything is ok and I seriously plan on calling the studio if I have any questions or anything seems to be going wrong.

If you want this kind of piercing, I say go for it. I'm not sure what my moms going to think but I'm 19 years old and I figure I deserve a treat now and then. Just wait and make sure you really want it, and that you have a reason for wanting it other than just
looks. All my piercings signify something to me and I love telling everyone my stories and reasonings. :O) If you have ANY questions, please email me, I'd love to be able to help you out.

Happy piercing!