My story begins in the summer of 2003. I wanted something a little more daring than just another hole in my ear. I began thinking about the Monroe piercing the bass player in Coal Chamber use to wear. I began asking my friends if they thought it would look good. My boyfriend really liked the idea because it's his favorite piercing on a girl. I was hesitant; I didn't want it to hinder my ability to find a job. I eventually decided to do it, and I needed to find a good piercing studio. I did searches online for good piercing studios, and I also went to BME to read experiences so I knew what to expect. I wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting myself into.
At A Glance Author Jen Contact Jen@bme.anon When A year ago Artist Brian Studio Black Hole Piercing Location Portland,OR My boyfriend recommended I go to Black Hole Body Piercing in NE Portland, Oregon. I was stoked! Before I went, I called and asked about prices and if I needed an appointment. I didn't, so I walked on it at 1:00 the next day.
As soon as I walked in, a nice man greeted me at the counter and asked what I was interested in piercing .I told him a Monroe then I filled out paperwork and gave him my identification. I picked out my jewelry and within a second or two, he was leading me up the stairs. Everything was very clean. They had cool music softly playing, and it made me relaxed.
I was nervous about getting a facial piercing! I never even thought about the fact the needle would have to pierce my skin, so when it happened it was a shock.
He prepared all the things he needed. Often changing gloves and practicing good hand hygiene, it made me feel even more comfortable about the situation. I definitely felt like I was in good hands.
He had me sitting on something like a dentist's chair. I dangled my feet and I sat down. He talked to me, and made conversation—but all I could think about was if it was going to hurt or not! The idea of pain made me a little excited though.
He wiped some of my make up off the area, and cleaned it. I also used mouth wash. Then I chose the spot, and he marked it with a little marker. I changed it a few times until it was exactly where I wanted it. He agreed it was a good spot.
A deep breath and the needle went through my skin. The needle was in for a few seconds as he prepared the jewelry. It all happened very fast, and It did not hurt one bit. It was quite painless. It was just weird having a needle through my upper lip! After he put in the jewelry, I looked in the mirror, and I was in love with it! I was a little nervous because I just hope it looked good to everyone else. My mouth felt kind of numb or stiff. It was a weird sensation.
I thanked him a whole bunch. They gave me a care packet with salt and information about how to properly care for it. I gave him a nice big tip and then I left happy with a new piercing.
I'd recommend Black Hole to anyone in the Portland area. They are very clean, have a friendly staff and plenty of cool jewelry to choose from. I was so glad I could have a diamond stud or even a long spike if I wanted instead of a boring ball.
After 4-8 weeks, I was told to come back and they'd downsize it for free. So, they put in a smaller post, and I also bought more jewelry when I went back! It healed very quickly. I remember after the second week it didn't hurt anymore. I never did get any swelling either. But it is perfectly normal to get swelling, so don't worry if you do!
I get lots of compliments on it all the time. My boyfriend thinks it's really hot, and I have never regretted getting it done! So far no job as turned me down because of the piercing. My parents think it's "hip". So it's a great piercing to get and still be professional at the same time. I work in a hospital, and no one takes a second glance.
It's important to keep the jewelry in, because it will close QUICKLY! I had to take my Monroe out recently for an MRI exam, and it was nearly completely closed by the time I went to put it back in right after. I eventually got it back in, but it was a big struggle. So be careful. It's not a piercing you can take out while you're at work, and then put it back in. It needs to stay in, otherwise you'll lose it.
The Monroe is one of the best piercing you can have !