First, let me just give a little background here.
At A Glance Author alison Contact somename789@gmail.com When It just happened Artist Dee Studio Monique's (soon to be 1603) Location Ybor/Tampa, FL
I've been interested in the septum piercing since I was about 12, when I saw the cutest, most demure-looking girl with a tiny straight barbell between her delicate nostrils. I didn't think it would work for me (I've been a little self-conscious of my nose), but a respect (and even love) for piercings began with her. Wherever she is, I'd like to thank her!
Anyway, I've been pretty mild in my mods. As far as piercings go, I've got my tragus and eyebrow done, and have had various others that I've done and subsequently removed. I also have 2 tattoos – one large (ugly/going to get it covered up) one on my left hip and one smaller, cute one on my right. I never thought I'd get the septum, partly because I was afraid it would hurt too bad, and partly because, frankly, I thought it would look absolutely awful on me. However, eventually (which, from what I've read on here, almost all of us do this!) I started to think more and more about my nostril divider, and how neat it would be to be able to hang something from that. Inevitably, I came to the conclusion that this would be my new piercing, whether it would look good or not. I had to have it. Not only is it quite personally significant (for a variety of reasons), but it's also incredibly easy to hide.
I asked around to see where a good place to get some work done would be, and the parlor I chose (which some kind of filter keeps messing up the name, so I can't really type it in) came with a glowing recommendation. I checked the place out, it looked beautiful, very clean and the people were quite friendly. I came back the next night (tonight) to get it done. I'd decided on a 12g retainer, since I'd need to hide any piercings for work, and asked if they had it. The guy at the counter said they did not, and offered a 14g retainer instead. Upon seeing the 14g, I thought it would look better anyway, so was actually delighted by this surprise. I filled out the necessary paperwork - and at this point was getting quite nervous! It had been some time since my last piercing/tattoo (and I'd been reading every damn story on bmezine!) and thought I might embarrass myself by crying or passing out, or something stupid like that. I joked a bit with the guy who gave me the paperwork and aftercare information, and paid them (about $48 for the piercing and retainer) and was taken to the booth area.
Now, I read a lot of stuff here, and heard everything from profuse crying to lots of blood, to the worst pain ever... So I was a little nervous. But, really, pain is relative – a piercing (generally) won't kill you, and it can give you an idea of what you can withstand, which might make you realize just how strong you can be. I figured, well, if it hurts worse than I think, well, then, I'm a badass. And if it didn't hurt that bad? Still a badass. So what's the big deal? With this resolved, I was ready for another hole in my body.
He got the needle and jewelry ready, prepped my nose and felt around in there for where to pierce. He asked if that was how I'd be most comfortable (to get the piercing) and I sat back in the chair, a little more relaxed, and he placed the needle just inside my nose. I gripped my boyfriend's hand (still expecting excruciating pain) and just a few seconds later, it was over. I won't lie – it hurt. Was it the worst pain I've ever felt? Hell no. He did it fast, which minimized the pain, and when he gave me a mirror, I knew it was worth it!
Ecstatic, I sat up and was so excited (and full of endorphins!), I could have jumped all over the walls, like a pierced ninja. I probably did something similar to a dance and left the parlor. I was so excited, in fact, that I forgot to tip. So I went back to tip Dee, a little embarrassed, but on a mission, since he did such a great job. I chatted a bit with everyone else there (that I saw) and I also actually got to talk to one of their tattoo artists, Casper, for a minute and ask him about some tattoo stuff I'm interested in, which was good.
So, basically, everyone was friendly and cool – a really great group, which made my experience much better than I imagined it would be. I've never been to such a great tattoo/piercing parlor, and I think I can safely say that I won't be going anywhere else to get anything I want done. The septum piercing didn't hurt me nearly as much as I was afraid it would (but does anything ever really hurt as much as you think it will?) and if you're thinking about doing it, I say go for it. Just make sure you go to a place where you feel welcome and safe. And remember, even if you think you're a huge pansy, you are always stronger than you think (as lame as it sounds, it's true!).