I usually start experiences with explaining why did I choose to get the piercing in question. Well, in this case, I have no idea where did the idea come from. One day I just wanted it and I knew that I would get it soon.
At A Glance Author Mangaartist Contact Mangaartist@bme.anon IAM Mangaartist When It just happened Artist Zagyvai Gábor Studio Black and White Tattoo Location Budapest, Hungary Having been a little disappointed in the piercing studio I went to previously, I was looking for a new reputable place to try. Zagyvai Gábor (iam:wyrd) has a really good reputation with a really impressive portfolio. I mailed him on IAM and soon we agreed on an appointment.
When I woke up today, I couldn't believe I am actually going to get my septum pierced later on the day. As the lessons in school passed by, I became more and more nervous. I don't usually freak out this much before piercing but this was my first one where I had no one to accompany me and it is also my first facial piercing.
By the time the bell after registration rang, all I could think about was the piercing. I read a lot of horror stories about how much septum piercings hurt and on the way to the studio, I pinched my septum multiple times to try and prepare myself for the pain I expected.
I had some difficulties finding the place but I had plenty of time and I eventually got there 15 minutes before my appointment. My heart was in my throat by that time and I just walked past the studio. That moment I spotted a DM on the corner so I went inside and bought a small bottle of water and a package of tissues. Outside the shop I cleaned my nose well, but I mean very well.
As I turned to go back towards the studio, the thought of going home and forgetting the whole thing flicked through my mind. But immediately I knew that if I did go home without the piercing I would really hate myself afterwards. So I sipped at my bottle of water and, gathering all my courage, I pushed down the handle. I knew this is the "point of no return".
I went upstairs (there is a photocopying shop downstairs) and when I heard the buzzing of a tattoo machine I knew I am at the right place. I was invited inside and after a few minutes I was told I can go.
Gábor was really friendly in person as well and I was feeling much more at ease now. He lead me to the back of the room and after I sat down on the chair (which was much less dentist-like than any other piercing chairs I've seen) He drew the curtains which made me feel comfortable, I've never seen this practice before.
He opened a jewelry box and chose the appropriate sized curved barbell. After disinfecting my nose with a cotton swab and some brown liquid he washed his hands and put gloves on.
The next thing was the septum clamp, the type that has a little tunnel so the piercing won't be crooked. My heart was racing but I told myself it will be okay. He opened the package of the needle and asked me if I was ready. I don't remember what my answer was but he readied the needle so I must have said something like yes.
At this point I thought it was best to close my eyes, I would have really freaked out if I saw the needle next to my nose. He informed me he's going to do it now. I shut my eyes tight as I felt the needle go through. What a surprise it was! After all the horrible pain I was expecting it really wasn't bad. I would say my navel piercing was definitely much worse. To date that was my only piercing that made me scream obscenities.
Throughout the procedure Gábor always told me what he was doing which made me feel relaxed. He took the needle out and I could feel the cannula against my nose.
I opened my eyes and I noticed they were really teary. He handed my a tissue so I could dry my eyes before we proceeded.
I knew that the next part would be the insertion of the jewelry but he told me anyway and I'm very thankful of that. He asked me if my lobe was 4mm which was a really good way of making conversation and instantly I wasn't focused on the insertion.
Surprisingly again, it didn't hurt though I expected it to be even worse than the actual piercing. I believe I never saw a piercer being so careful when putting the jewelry in.
He screwed on the ball and said that I should check sometimes to avoid it getting loose as it is hard to screw the ball on a curved barbell in a septum piercing.
He told me that this is how it looks when it is flipped down and motioned towards the big mirror to my left. I turned to that direction and as I saw the two small balls just showing, I knew it was perfect and I couldn't have been more satisfied with it. He asked me if he should flip it up (for hiding purposes, my school is not exactly the most open-minded one around) and I said yes. I looked into the mirror again and wow, it was invisible.
Gábor asked me if I liked a piece of dextrose (they sell those in little candy shape, I loved it when I was smaller) and I happily accepted it. With trembling legs I tried to stand steady in my slightly high heels and I eventually succeeded. I still couldn't believe I've done it!
He explained aftercare (with a Q-tip, apply Betadine to both sides of the piercing around twice a day for 4 weeks) and assured I can call or go back any time if I have any problems. I payed and left, with a grin on my face.
I couldn't help running the whole way to the tram stop, still not believing what I just did. I ran a whole stop in the opposite direction than where I was supposed to go only so that I could run through Petofi bridge and see the waves of the Danube under my feet.
This liberating feeling stayed with me the whole way home.
Will I go back to Gábor for piercings in the future? Definitely. Do I recommend him? Most definitely. He was friendly but professional at the same time and made almost-chickening-out-me feel comfortable which is a great accomplishment.
If you're thinking about getting your septum pierced, don't let the pain stop you. Take into consideration that for some people it hurts more than for others, but for me it was a pleasant surprise.