The lovely Monroe. If you were like me a year ago, you must be very interested in knowing all of the little details of getting your adorable little Monroe (Also refered to as the Madonna....thou may choose) pierced. First, I want to accredit you for taking the time and thought into your next piercing via research and other's personal stories. I hadn't known anyone previous to my piercing who had theirs done, so local feedback was hard to obtain. Luckily through BMEZine, it was quite easy to enjoy an hour in front of my computer screen entertain with the tales others had on their Monroe piercing experience. With that, I will add my tale to the collection on a positive, encouraging note - Your Monroe is Beauty!
At A Glance Author Marissa Contact Marissa@bme.anon When A year ago Artist Jeff Studio Top Gear Location Sheboygan Wisconsin Rayna from Coal Chamber inspired me. Who has inspired you? I felt that she had many outlets of beauty, but the Monroe piercing put the 'cherry on top'. I wanted that cherry badly! My face included many different hints of beauty, but needed something to help it blend, yet at the same time, accent it. My labret was doing quite a good job to that, but looking at it all alone on my face didn't feel complete. The Monroe is a very feminine piercing...I was say quite the most with the nose. I've always struggled being 'feminine', so the Monroe definitely did the trick! It was edgy, exotic, and in my opinion, luring. On the plus side, my voluptuous lips made the ensemble of piercing 'tres bien'.
Being 16 at the time (but need I mind you, I was a very mature adolescent) it took a lot of coaxing towards my parental figure. Since it was (and although signs of improvement, still is) an uncommon piercing, I dealt with many times of hearing 'You want you WHAT pierced???', which was ok with me. Through much convincing and bribing, my ride was directly towards Top Gear, a swanky oldies piercing parlor. Jeff (the head piercer so to speak) discussed my thoughts and concerns with me pre-piercing. I released me small (but evident) concern for the pain factor, and my hopes for the outcome. His exact words towards the pain question; "It's a bit tear jerking, but nothing too bad". That was enough for me to through myself in the faux-leather chair and settle my nerves....until I saw the needle! Ha! This is where I wanted to turn around and say 'well it was nice seeing you but I'll come back when I'm not a complete wuss!' . None the less, I stayed glued to my chair as he slapped on the gloves and prepared the tools.
The Various steps of the Monroe Piercing...
(1) After cleaning the area of your face, a marker dot is put where the piercing is going to do the deed. Once looking at the location, I requested that it be lowered just a tad. I was concerned that the higher the Monroe was, the more it would take away from my lips. Hint of advice: don't be afraid to talk to your piercer about your concerns, thoughts, and ideas. They are there to let you leave pleased, not to be right. Only you know your exact wants, and better yet, your desired image. They are there to help you with support, answers, and the clean needles!
(2) A hand held steel clamp (which sounds worse than it is) was fastened to my upper lip, circling around the marker dot. This is another of the many parts I refer to as the 'Oh Crap!' phase.
Really, I don't mean to make this sound horribly wrong, just keep in mind that I can be a freakazoid depending on the situation. Keeping a calm mind and a clear perspective is necessary when getting any bod-mod to reduce pain and steady yourself.
(3) Jeff grabbed the needle with the hand not holding the clamp in place and placed it on top of the skin being pierced. With a 'one two three', the needle was already flowing straight through my skin. I could sense my friend, Brianna, and my mother flinch while observing the pierce. The PAIN (because that seems like the part everyone wants to know about) was hardly as bad as I thought. Yes, a bit tear jerking, and a level worse than my labret, but nothing to run away screaming with. I didn't need my tellitubbi after all! Ha.
(4) Last, but not least, the needle was removed and the jewelry was gently put In the newly made hole. Although he dropped the metal ball (eek), everything was perfectly ok. As he handed me the mirror, all I could say was "Wow....Thank you.." (which is a good thing to say when you are in shock of what just happened in the last 5 minutes!)
Although I hate to say it, there were some negatives. though a 16 gauge should always be used instead of a 14 gauge when doing a Monroe!!! Unfortunately, a 14 gauge was used, which I had to by smaller gauged jewelry for a long time later. It looks a lot petite and, in my opinion, radiant, that way. It been over a year, and I hate to say this, but if I take it out for longer than a minute it closes up big time! It may be due to the way my body is reacting to the piercing, but be aware that healing differs between each person.
On the whole, getting my Monroe pierced was a great experience, and nothing could ever take away from that. It makes me feel more feminine, independent, and composed. If you have any questions, feel very free to contact me ( I love to talk) and if anything, enjoy your 'cherry on top'. Chao!