At this point in time I am 8 months into a body piercing apprenticeship under Linda at Tattoo Alley. Prior to this self piercing of my septum, I had pierced my tongue myself under the supervision of Linda. That experience wasn't my favorite, as I had only been apprenticing for two months at the time and was not fully prepared for piercing myself, but all is well and I now have a beautifully healed tongue piercing. This self piercing experience went a little differently, this time it was my preconceived plan and was long awaited.
At A Glance Author Taradactyl Contact Taradactyl@bme.anon IAM Taradactyl When A month ago Artist Myself Studio Tattoo Alley Location 26212 Pac. Hwy. S. Kent, WA 98032 I had wanted my septum pierced for about three years, but because I was not 18 I had to wait for about two and a half years. The glorious day came when I turned 18, but I instead chose to get my cheeks pierced. Exactly one week after turning 18 I begun a body piercing apprenticeship. When I began my apprenticeship I was told that I wouldn't be able to get pierced or tattooed at the shop for the first six months, in order to show them that I wasn't there solely for free tattoos and piercings, and I could understand and respect that. So I had to wait six months, as if the two and a half years already hadn't been enough. But, as they say, good things come in time.
I now take you back to last month. It had been seven months since I had begun my apprenticeship, and I felt mentally ready to pierce myself and receive an enlightening experience from it.
I spoke with my boss and told her that I would like to pierce my septum myself. She said that was fine, but she would definitely need to be there to supervise and make sure I didn't pass out or any thing. At this point I was very excited, I had already waited a very long time for this piercing, and now the time had come.
I waited a couple of days until it was earlier in the week and would be more convenient.
I set up my station with everything I would need to perform the piercing. I positioned a chair in front the mirror on the wall and positioned my tray in a spot where everything would be easily accessible. At this point I was feeling excited and slightly nervous. Every septum I had pierced seemed to be very intense and more painful than most other piercings for my clients. I was expecting it to be pretty intense, but I was ready for it. Mind over matter baby!
So I sit down on the stool and get my forceps placed in my "sweet spot". Already that is very discomforting. I bring the needle up to my nose and take a deep breath in.... and out. And the piercing is done. Wow, that was absolutely nothing like I expected. It was a sharp sting and that was it. I had heard so many descriptions of the sensations felt, but no one said it stung. But, of course, every one feels things differently. My eyes watered up a lot as was expected. I wasn't done yet though, I still had to insert the CBR. That part was very quick and not painful at all, I could just feel the jewelry slide in. Afterwards it stung for an hour or so, but nothing that wasn't bearable and entirely ignorable.
The healing was a breeze. I clean it three times a day with a salt water solution on a q-tip, clean all the crusties off and leave it alone. I didn't, and don't, play with it, touch and hit it on things all the time. It's given me no problems and is just about fully healed now. In case you're curious I pierced it with a 14 gauge 3/8" captive bead ring. Once it's fully healed I'd like to get a porcupine quill to wear in it occasionally. For any one who is contemplating this piercing but has heard a ton of stories about how painful it is, well for me it wasn't bad at all. As long as you try no to get yourself worked up and you stay calm and breathe, you'll do just fine. And always make sure to eat a good meal before getting any body modification. I really believe in the idea of mind over matter. Realize that it may be painful, but you are going to live and it will be over quickly, and once it's over, you'll, hopefully, have a beautiful piercing. Just make sure you go to a piercer who is knowledgeable, friendly, and knows what they are doing. A good piercer should make you feel comfortable and help you have the best piercing experience you can. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about anything.