Even though it may seem that a bridge piercing should be a pretty big decision, this was a spur of the moment piercing for me. I tend to work like that. I knew I needed a new piercing because I had had a rough week of rejections. I had to take out my cleavage piercing after 6 wonderful months (but I'm putting it back ASAP)! I also had to wave byebye to my 2 lower navels. I went to the shop I always go to, New Breed in Lafayette, with my 2 best friends. I wanted a vertical labret at first but my piercer halfway talked me out of it, plus, I wasn't exactly sure that's what I wanted. I really did want a piercing people could see though. It was a tough decision because up until this piercing I had no facial piercings at all. My friend kept giving me suggestions but I would always say "eh...I dunno...". Finally she said, after looking at my piercer, "how about your bridge?" For some reason I said yes.
At A Glance Author Annie Contact lilorphanflutie@hotmail.com IAM bootknocker11 When A week ago Artist Chris Studio New Breed Location Lafayette, IN I was rather nervous because I thought it would be in my line of sight but Chris promised it wouldn't be. He had one and he said he couldn't even see it. I was also nervous about pain (even though I have a high tolerance) but he again assured me it wouldn't hurt, especially since I'm such a trooper.
Piercing commence: Marking this piercing was incredibly difficult because I always tense my face and it was really hard for me to relax my facial muscles. I had to lay down the opposite way I usually do, with my head on the footrest so he could stand at my head so I was looking at him upside down. The clamps felt pretty cool. They didn't hurt at all. Chris told me I had to close my eyes....even though I thought it would've been cool to watch him stick a needle right by my eyes but I obeyed. I was afraid the piercing would hurt but honestly the most uncomfortable part was Chris having to have his knuckles in my eyes to keep his hands steady!!! I thought he was going to pop them out! I had to remind Chris to warn me before he pierced because he's used to not warning me since I never really feel anything but he did. He pierced on my first exhale and I swear it did not hurt at all!!! I have to admit though, I opened my eyes when he went to go get the jewelry and let me tell you, it is pretty weird to see a skewer through your nose millimeters from your eyes. He pierced it with a 14ga barbell.
When I first got up I did notice my new bar but only because light was glinting off of it. After a few hours I got used to it and I barely noticed it was there. It didn't get really red or anything afterwards but Chris was right. The swelling was pretty bad. I was very glad I had a longer barbell in it. The swelling stayed for a good 3-4 days but now I can see a good chunk of barbell so I am switching it this weekend.
I have been lucky with my bridge because I have had no pain or anything. Just some itchiness. When I woke up the next day and again the day after that there was some blood crusted on it but none leaking anywhere. I was worried because I thought it would be bright red and yucky and since it's right there where everyone can see it they would get grossed out but it didn't at all. It looks like I've had it my whole life. The first few days after having it, I would look in the mirror and be like "what did I do to myself? That is NOT me in the mirror" but now I am completely used to it and think it's wonderful looking.
The aftercare I did was cleaning it twice a day with some antibacterial soap and water with a Q-tip. I also did sea salt soaks once a day.
Now that the technical part is out of the way, I must say that this piercing caused a lot of reactions in me afterwards. I must say, with my cleavage piercing I got lots of odd looks from strangers just walking around but if I was uncomfortable I could easily cover it up. I was not at all expecting the reactions I am getting from my bridge piercing. Aside from people asking the usual "did that hurt?" I now have people telling me I am disgusting and acting stupid by getting that pierced. I didn't know it would be like this (considering I LIKE looking at people's piercing) but it really hurt sometimes. So just be sure if you get a facial piercing that you know what you are going to have to deal with. Now I am accustomed to it and usually either explain myself to the person or blow them off. I even forget my bridge piercing is there sometimes but it brings me back to reality when my roommate tells me that people are staring at me. I don't know if I'll get completely us ed to the stares but hopefully I'll get used to them soon. Getting a facial piercing is a big commitment to myself and I definitely used my bridge piercing to show myself how committed I was to my body and how much I valued myself no matter what others' say. I am really proud of this piercing and what it's taught me about the people with whom we share this planet. So uh...go get one!