At A Glance Author ~*Tara*~ Contact ~*Tara*~@bme.anon When Six months ago Artist Glenn, I think? Studio Wicked Ink Location Goulburn, NSW Australia I think what originally made me want a Monroe/Madonna/Beauty spot piercing was seeing a photo of Rayna Foss-Rose of the band Coal Chamber and I thought it looked beautiful on her. I had always planned to get something pierced when I was legally old enough (because there was no way my mother would give me permission otherwise), but I hadn't decided what I wanted. I thought maybe my eyebrow or labret, but seeing heaps of people with both these piercings kinda turned me off either of them for a first facial piercing- God forbid people think I was following a trend! But I hadn't seen many people with a Monroe, and it wasn't long before I realised I was in love.My friends told me that they thought it would suit me, which I guess only encouraged me more in the end.
My 18th birthday came and went, and although I could get it done without parental consent, I was still uneasy about going against my mother's wishes.I begged and pleaded my case but the answer was still no.However, despite my desire not to upset her, I knew that I was eventually going to get it done whether she liked it or not.I had multiple ear piercings which she was not bothered by (after getting my 3rd set of holes, which she had been against, she decided it looked nice and got hers done too), so I figured she had just better get used to it. Besides, I had first had my earlobes done when I was 4 years old- as far as I was concerned, she had planted the seed for a life of body modification.
My day of reckoning was the 13th of May- black Friday, also Black T-shirt day in honour of the new Metallica album. Two friends and I had spent the day together in our Metallica gear (we're complete old school thrash losers, lol) and somehow they decided that I definitely had to get pierced that day. Before I knew it, they had taken me to our new local piercing/tattoo studio and I found myself asking for a 'beauty spot'. I was told that they could do it right then and there, so after about 5 seconds of consideration I found myself behind the counter, sitting up on a table and scared as hell.
Because of my nervousness, I recall saying a lot of really dumb things and generally feeling kinda awkward. I am pretty much a pussy when it comes to needles and was pretty scared of what was about to happen, but determined (plus I had friends cheering me on from the front of the shop, so I couldn't back out). The piercer got all the equipment ready and then wiped the top of my lip with some antiseptic-type stuff, with kinda stung and was really cold.He then marked a spot above my lip and I then checked to see if I liked it, which I did. I then sat back down and he gave me some gel which I put on the inside of my lip. After that it felt really big and numb. I think he then clamped my lip, which was really uncomfortable, and told me to open up my legs so I wouldn't kick him in the balls in case it hurt (I can recall that part quite clearly!). After this I was told to take a deep breath and then let it out.I closed my eyes and as I was breathing out, he stuck the needle throug h my lip. To my surprise and relief it didn't hurt! I felt it go through slightly but it was more uncomfortable than painful. He then pushed the stud through and screwed it on and I was done.
After he explained the aftercare, I paid and left. I was afraid of my mother's reaction, but although kinda shocked she was cool about it.I found it hard to eat that night, mostly because I wasn't used to this metal in my mouth. It wasn't painful at all. I rinsed it with Listerine and cleaned it with antiseptic, but unfortunately the next morning the ball came off while I was washing my face and I lost it.
I went back to the studio and they replaced it for free (apparently the original ball must have been faulty).
The only problem I had was that the area around the piercing became a little dry and red because of the cleaning I had to do, but that didn't last long. Other than that, it hasn't been sore or infected and it healed quickly. I love my piercing and I'm looking forward to getting more, as well as tattoos when I decide what I want. My little Monroe is definitely a conversation starter and I've had many people comment on how unusual they find it- although I think its becoming more and more popular. If anyone out there is thinking of getting this piercing but is unsure, I highly recommend it, as well as Wicked Ink, they were very professional and clean in my opinion. I'm still amazed at my initial hesitation to get it done- its a second of discomfort, but in the end its worth it!