For many years I have kept my interest, rather, fascination, with body modification to myself. It wasn't easy. Sure, I nodded along when my girlfriends as school made the usual derogatory (or at least shocked) comments when "strange" people would walk by. Nevertheless, it stayed with me. A short yet painful bout with teenage depression, and through it, cutting, led me to realize (this years later), that body modification is truly a way to express yourself. And you are always in control.
At A Glance Author warrior_juice Contact warrior_juice@bme.anon When A week ago Artist Shawn Swoffer Studio Gods of Flesh Tattoo Studio Location Toronto That being said - this is to relate my experience with my septum piercing. Prior to getting this done, I had three piercings in each ear (8g+16g+16g) and one medium sized tattoo on my back. All were relatively inconspicuous - and were far from enough.
I happen to live in the vicinity of a great little tattoo studio called Gods of Flesh, owned by Cory Smith (of Nokia cellphone commercial fame), a great artist with 18 years experience. Having previously befriended the manager and piercer, Shawn, I went over one evening and proclaimed my desire to pierce my septum.
We went right next door to the tattoo and piercing supply store (quite convenient I must say) and to pick out the jewelry. I had my heart set on a small 16g curved barbell, although the piercer had first suggested a circular barbell. What I wanted was to have only the beads visible coming out of my nose.
Afterwards, we returned to the studio and Shawn prepared his station for me. I was nervous - yet so excited. I was ready. One of the tattoo artist's made a comment about the significant pain of piercing the septum (at least that was his experience), but I didn't let that discourage me. In fact, it motivated me even more!
I'm called in and I sit down in front of the piercer. He explains to me the procedure and then proceeds to place the clamp on my septum. The moment he let's go of the clamp - all hell breaks loose. The clamp was so darn tight that I felt my whole face burn bright red and tears shot out of my eyes. I couldn't take it! And here I thought I had such a high pain tolerance (I had dozed off during my tattoo). He quickly took the clamp off and apologized, saying that although the clamp had to be tight to ensure a level piercing, he would try to loosen it a little bit. So he did. The second time was just as bad, but I was determined to go through with it.
As I felt the needle poke at my nose and then heard the "ready" - adrenaline started to rush. Suddenly the needle slid right in and the glorious sensation erupted. He took off the clamp, smiled at me and said "Take a look".
The mirror shows a young women with a needle poking through her septum. It was divine. I was smiling so hard it was aching - looked so apocalyto-esque! I sit back down, look up at the piercing and grin. "We'll put in the barbell now, ready?" he asked. I nod happily.
The jewelry goes in without a problem. The piercer apologizes as he sticks his rather manly fingers up my nose and screws on the loose ball. "It might hurt as I tighten this, not much room to work with" he explains - but there was no pain. Whether it was the adrenaline, or my love of getting pierced, no matter. Here I was, the proud owner of a brand spanking new septum piercing.
This was almost a week ago and my septum is healing well. The first two days were rather sore and tender, but nothing out of the ordinary. I wash the jewelry and the barbell twice a day with gentle, non-fragrance soap. I try to do it after a shower so it has a chance to soften up, otherwise I put a cotton pad soak in very warm water over it for a few minutes first. At one time it did get quite sensitive (be careful when you kiss someone right after getting it pierced!) so I did a rather awkward (in terms of holding my nose in a cup) sea salt soak, but it got rid of it over night.
In the end, this was a wonderful experience. Being able to trust your piercer and be prepared to take very good care of your new metallic friend (and the wound of course) is basically all that is necessary. I look forward to new experiences and I hope you're enjoyed reading about my experience. I would very much recommend to anyone who lives in Toronto, or even in the vicinity to visit Gods of Flesh Tattoo Studio for their tattoo or piercing needs.