When I was only about eleven my interest in piercings begin to develop and over the next few years I was to get my lobes pierced an additional two times (with I gun...I didn't know better). I later added some cartilage piercings (and a fourth set of lobes- and none of these worked out in the long run, I blame the gun), but my interest continued to grow.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When A month ago Artist can't remember Studio The Milky Way Location Altamonte Springs, FL By fourteen I had gotten my tongue pierced; two years later my navel was done. Both of these had to be taken out in the end because I had not figured out my body reacted negatively to stainless steel. A year later I decided to go get the navel pierced again, since I found it to be a beautiful piercing and had missed it (especially after wanting one since the age of twelve).
I was very much relieved to see it begin healing well with titanium jewelry, as my piercer recommended.
I was satisfied for quite awhile but then I began considering other options. Perhaps a navel project? No, after some thought, I decided I wanted something more visible like a facial piercing. I had always found nostril piercings attractive(especially within Indian cultures, and what it meant to them), and so I decided it was for me.
By this time my eighteenth birthday would be approaching in a few months, and I decided it would be fun to do that day. My mother even approved of the piercing. She said it was the only one she would get for herself.
On my birthday, I called ahead of time and told the studio I would be coming in that evening. (I highly recommend it to anyone in the area- I have had wonderful experiences there!)
I had a few things to do before and wasn't really nervous, just looking forward to it. I always make sure to eat a good meal before getting pierced though, especially since I suspect I may have blood sugar issues and that can't help any.
Upon entering the studio, I was asked what I wanted and I gave my answer. I had rushed to the studio because earlier on the phone I had been told my piercer (the one I prefer) would be only be there piercing until I certain time. For some reason I had been misinformed though and someone else would be piercing that evening. I almost backed out then only because my piercer had previously made me feel very comfortable and I wanted the same experience. But with a little convincing from her and another family member at the counter (they are family owned/operated), I decided it didn't matter. It was my birthday after all and I had been anticipating this.
After signing the paperwork and proving my identity, I had to choose the jewelry. I told them it must be titanium for my sensitivity. Unfortunately there were only about three titanium nostril screws available. I choose the dark blue one, paid (it came out to at least $60) and my new piercer went to autoclave it, which left us waiting for at least twenty minutes.
At this point I did begin to feel somewhat nervous, but only slightly so. The stress that I did feel was probably raised by the very loud music next door. I continued to wait, walking around the shop and looking at the various things for sale(incense, necklaces, etc). I had a conversation with my former piercer who was there with her new baby.
After waiting for what definitely seemed longer than 20+ minutes, my piercer asked if I was ready. I nodded and followed him into the back room, which was very sterile as before. He had me sit down and marked the entry hole location. I stood and walked over to the mirror and decided I approved. Next he told me to lie back on the chair (it really is like a dentist chair), which was unexpected. I had expecting to be sitting, but didn't care as long as it was the best way. He was the piercer, not I.
At first I was not comfortable at all and even felt myself awkwardly sliding down the chair which really worried me(!)
I told him this and he gave me a minute to get more comfortable; I focused on keeping myself in that certain position without sliding (and this ended up taking my mind off the whole procedure anyway).
He gave his little speech about the sterility of the procedure and what he would be doing, carefully explaining each step to leave nothing in doubt. I closed my eyes- I may like piercings but I don't like to see the needles going through!
He told me to breathe deep long breaths in and out of my nose and that he would pierce on the next exhale. He used no clamps but instead inserted a soft tube like object into my left nostril. On my second breath before it was to be pierced, his cell phone went off which was amusing. We both had to laugh. I tried another couple of breaths, and this time on the third the needle went through.
It was not bad at all. I would say it was a sharp pinch, but sharp doesn't really describe it. It wasn't painful.
The insertion of the nostril screw was more painful. After that was done, I was told to turn my head to the other side (with the freshly pierced side up of course) so that it could be cleaned. Apparently it bled quite a bit, to which he commented is not uncommon with nostrils. He asked me how I was doing and I smiled and said I was fine. He told me I was a good patient and that I was free to stand up and go take a look at it in the mirror on the door.
I did so, and of course liked it. I think nostril piercings can really accentuate the face.
He came over and cleaned it once more; I tipped him and walked out of the room. I was given an aftercare sheet and was on my way.
For aftercare I use a diluted Provon solution with very hot water; in addition I take zinc supplements. I have to say it is more difficult to clean than some other piercings, since it is not on a flat surface, but it isn't too bad.
I usually clean it about once a day, preferring more of a LITHA(leave it the hell alone) method. I haven't had any problems with the jewelry.
One night though I woke up early in the morning and itched it without thinking, which pulled the screw seemingly an inch or so out of my nose. It was much more painful than the piercing itself. And a couple weeks ago I developed "The Bump" to some degree, but it has gone down greatly with additional hot compresses. If I have any more problems I will use the infamous sea salt compress.
Other than that, the piercing is doing fine and I am glad I have it! The pain was minimal. In fact, out of all the piercings I have had, the most painful have probably been my fourth earlobes which were gunned and went half into my cartilage and half into the lobe. (I almost passed out then!) And pain only lasts but a second or two, anyhow.
I would agree with those that claim piercing can be addictive. I've already been thinking about what I could get done next. I've always admired lip piercings, but thought that oral piercings were not for me because of my failed tongue piercing. But now since I know it was only the sensitivity to the jewelry, I am seriously considering getting my lip done. And I definitely know I want more navel piercings at some point... Maybe even a vertical bridge...