Well I had just moved back here from Portland, Oregon and decided I needed something new. I am originally from Oklahoma and moved up there for a change of pace and scenery. It was good to get out of the state for awhile but when i got back I needed something to liven up my life in Oklahoma. I had always wanted a lip piercing and had a friend who got her nipples done at 23rd Street and said they were very informed, friendly, and most importantly...clean!!
At A Glance Author ParadoxF11 Contact ParadoxF11@bme.anon Artist A really pretty guy, sorry dont remember yer name Studio 23rd Street Body Piercing Location Oklahoma City, OK So one rainy Saturday last March, we venture down to the studio. I was nervous, but also excited. I had several ear piercings, but nothing that you couldnt get done at the mall for free. Even though I now know that thats definatly not where you want to get your piercings done at. I remember being in the 8th grade and wanting a lip piercing, but the parents were and still are very strict about that kind of stuff. There was only a short wait to tell them what I wanted done, and then it was quick and painless. The staff was very supportive and comforting. They briefed me on what the procedure was, how much it would cost-about 55 dollars, and the aftercare. I had to initial several things that i was not impaired by drugs or alcohol, and that I would not hold the shop liable if I didn't clean my piercing..that kind of thing. They recommended using the sea salts and mild soap that they sold there at the studio-that was about another 10 bucks. I was then taken back into one of the rooms and was told to wash out my mouth with Listerine, then show him where I wanted the piercing, which was the right side of my lower lip. He marked the spot with a purple marker, inside and out. He then told me to lay back on the table while he prepared the needle. Everything was done in a very professional manner. Also everything was very clean, and he changed his gloves each time he anything that wasn't sterile.
Of course at this point, I was very nervous and starting to get a bit pale I think. But my piercer made sure I was calm and sure that I was doing something that I wanted to do. When I had calmed down a bit, I was then ready to get this done! He told me to take several deep breaths and asked if I wanted him to count. I said no, I hate when people do that. That was fine, and before I knew it, the needle was in then the jewelry.
The piercing didn't hurt much at all, about comparable to biting your lip. It bled just a little bit, but like i said, not much more than biting your lip very hard. I was very impressed with the quickness of the piercing and the efficient way he put in the jewlery. The piercer then made sure I was ok, and not going to pass out on him or anything before he let me leave the room. We talked about different piercings that I wanted and what he had, just small talk. I actually felt like I had accomplished something, like I had cleared a obstacle that was in my way. I was very pleased with the whole experience and would definatly go back.
The only thing that I didn't like was the healing time, which I'm sure wasn't helped by the fact that I smoke. It took about 6 months for it to be totally healed, and the first few days I looked like i got punched in the lip. It was pretty sore and hard to learn how to drink out of glasses and eat without dripping or getting food stuck in it. It was pretty swollen but went away after a few days. I also had a little trouble with the crusties that build up on new piercings getting pulled inside and hurting alot. But I found that it's best to use the sea salt and mouthwash after you eat, then you get any lil crumbs or spices out that might have been on your food. Other than that, I love my piercing and have several others planned such as both nipples, tongue, and stretching out my lower ear piercings.
I have also referred several people to 23rd Street, as it is the best shop I know of in the city. My friend who referred me there, has since gotten her Madison done, as well as her eyebrow and tongue. All at 23rd Street. I on the other hand, am only waiting to get another job and more money so I can start working on my piercings again.