My piercing was something I knew I wanted for quite a while. I'd say, since I was eight or 10 years' old. I have an aunt, I'm sure there's one in every family, who is a world traveler and a free spirit and had hers done in India when she was my age. I've always loved the beauty of nostril piercings, so I've had my mind made up about this for a good 10 years or so.
At A Glance Author April Contact aprildemetria@yahoo.com When It just happened Artist Noah Babcock Studio Evolution Location Albuquerque, NM I turned 18 last Christmas and decided that when I graduated from high school I would get it done. But, I couldn't find the time on the day of graduation to go the studio. I had my mind set on Evolution because my friend Nikki had her tongue (6g), rook, and multiple ear lobe piercings done by Noah. I had been with another friend to get her nose pierced there and the staff was very friendly and the environment was cleaner than some doctor's offices.
I was just hanging out one day with a friend, we had nothing better to do, so all of the sudden I just said "Hey! Let's go get my nose done!"So, we did.
We drove into Albuquerque and went into the shop, which had changed since I had last been there seeing as how they're currently under redesign. I picked out my jewelry, discussed the care and what not, waited a little bit and then it was time.
I was full of nervous excitement. I was ready though. So I sat in the chair and breathed trying to focus while Noah went over the after care, which was good because it takes your mind off what exactly you're doing and helps you focus less on your nervousness, while my friends Ana and Elana waited nearby. Ana and I had discussed earlier in the day whether or not I should clean my nose before, but that was quickly taken care of by a q-tip, which caused me to giggle as it tickled the inside of my nose.
He marked the dot on my nose with a purple marker and I proofed it and we were good to go. I panicked a little as he put the receiver tube in my nose, but I closed my eyes and tried to breathe as calmly as I could. But, before I knew it he had the needle in. It wasn't nearly as bad I thought it would be. It did cause me to gasp and spaz out a little, though. But other than that, it was less painful than all 10 of my earlobe piercings, which I did myself (Not a smart thing in retrospect, so I'm going to Evolution for the next set of cartilage and earlobe piercings) My eyes did water though, causing my mascara to run down my face and people to ask me why I had a black eye.
The whole thing only cost about $47, which in my opinion is not a bad deal for a stab in the face. I choose a 18-gauge nose screw with a tiny pink stone.
It's now day three with a new hole in my head and I'm looking forward to keeping it for a lifetime. So far, I've had no redness, swelling or oozing. I'm doing the sea salt soak, like recommended, three times a day and washing it with the antimicrobial soap.
The only problems I've had are sneezing, which is slightly painful, and those itches you know you can't scratch because you're better off not touching the area.
Everyone around me seems to like it, including my manager at my work, who I thought would have an adverse reaction to it and make me cover it with a band-aid, but no. I was glad I didn't have to, considering the plastic wouldn't let it breathe properly.
When I showed my mother, she joked "Oh, as if we all didn't see this coming" and went on with her day.
Overall, I'd say I'm extremely happy with my piercing. I've lavished it with attention to make sure it stays healthy and clean for the rest of my life. I'm also looking to get more in the near future. I'm thinking about up sizing it to a 16 or 14-gauge and getting another one in the same nostril. I have, what they like to call, a rather large nose so I'm sure it'll fit, I've seen two piercings in the nostril on people with much smaller noses than mine. I'm also considering getting two in the right nostril as well. Also, there will be many more in the ears to come. It was a wonderful experience and I'm going back for more.
Noah, is one of the best piercers in the country from what I've heard, and I highly recommend the studio to anyone in the area looking for a piercing.