I'm not entirely new to piercing, as I've already got my nostril pierced, and have had my belly button pierced in the past. I've also had a few small tattoos (I sometimes think that tattoos and piercings go hand in hand!....if you'd have asked me a few years ago if I'd have ever had a tattoo or a piercing (other than my ears), I'd most certainly have said no!), and had been feeling that I wanted something else doing for some considerable time. I'd wanted an eyebrow piercing for a while, but could never pluck up the courage to have it done. It wasn't the pain I was worried about, as I'd already had my belly button pierced at Artistic Tattooing, so knew the procedure, and the fact that they used an anaesthetic spray to numb the area. It was more the fact that it was so visible, and if it didn't suit me, or I didn't like it, I was worried about scarring. Also to a degree, I was a little worried about what people might say! Nostril piercings are discreet, whereas eyebrow p iercings are a little more "in your face" sort of thing! I also work in an office, and although I know that my current boss wouldn't really have any objections to this, I was aware that future bosses might! However, I decided to bite the bullet and once I'd made up my mind to have it done, I needed to have it done there and then! As I'd already had my belly button pierced at Artistic Tattooing, and found them to be very clean, and informative, they were obviously my first choice, so I gave them a call to see if they were busy, and as luck would have it, they could fit me in.
At A Glance Author Angela Contact Angela@bme.anon When A week ago Artist Tyson Studio Artistic Tattooing Location Wellington, Shropshire, UK Artistic Tattooing is a small studio, but I've always found the staff to be very friendly, and the premises are very clean and sterile. So, I grabbed a sandwich and and a drink, and off I went....I made the mistake when I had my first tattoo of not eating anything, and promptly fainted twice during the procedure. Perhaps it was nothing to do with low blood sugar and more to do with the fact that I'd worked myself up so much beforehand, but I always made sure after that that I'd had something to eat and drink beforehand, and never experienced any problems after that.
Once at the studio, Tyson introduced himself and explained the procedure. He explained that they use an anaesthetic spray to numb the area, so it would be painless, or minimal pain. I explained that I wanted a barbell, as I thought it would be less likely to be knocked about (I have three children who can be a bit boisterous), and Tyson showed me the jewellery that they had in stock. He explained that they chose the length of jewellery to suit the eyebrow, and so he chose an 8 mm barbell and went through the positioning with me. He cleaned the area, marked it and let me have a look. He asked me to lie on the table facing slightly away from him and covered my eye so that he could spray the area, He told me that I could stop him at any time if I felt the need. I was aware of the clamps going on, but didn't feel anything. Tyson talked to me all the time, re-assuring me that I was doing well, and that made me feel very calm. I only felt a tugging sensation as he actuall y pierced my eyebrow, and he carried on talking to me throughout the whole process. He put the jewellery in and cleaned my eyebrow again, and placed a small amount of petroleum jelly on the piercing before covering it with a small dressing.
He explained that I may experience some swelling and bruising, and explained the aftercare procedure. He told me to leave it alone as much as possible, and not be tempted to mess about with it.
I did experience swelling and bruising, but because he'd explained that this may happen I wasn't worried. I ordered some jewellery from him with small jewelled balls on each end, and shall change the barbell when it's all healed, but shall go back to Tyson to check that it's okay to change it and probably get him to do it for me.
My piercing experience was a good one, and although it took a while for me to get used to the new look, I do like it. I also like the fact that so many people tell me that I "don't look like the sort"...whatever the "sort" is!
I plan to go and have my nipple pierced at a later date, and of course will go back to Artistic Tattooing to have that done.
So thanks Tyson...you're a star!
Angela