By the time I actually finally decided to get my lip done, I'd played around with the idea for quite some time. In the back of my mind I knew I'd eventually have it done; it was really just a matter of when.
At A Glance Author codeine Contact codeine@bme.anon When A year ago Studio Body Exotic Location San Jose, CA Inevitably, a friend of mine suggested I go with him to a place he'd been many times before. It being my first piercing, I was understandably cautious. He, having several piercings himself, was quick to quell any fears I had, and was instrumental in giving me that extra boost of confidence I needed before taking the plunge.
The shop was relatively quiet and unassuming, with the requisite, waist-high glass display cases full of jewelry. My eyes quickly focused on what I was most interested in, which were silver captive-bead rings arranged in ascending sizes. Since I'd already done a fair amount research beforehand via BME, I knew the general specifics of what I wanted. The desired location being center (bottom) lip. After signing a release, and a few other related papers, I produced my driver's license as proof of age and was brought into the back shortly thereafter. While not exactly as I had imagined it, everything appeared quite clean and sterile, resembling a cross between a small set of cubicles and doctor examination rooms. While I took my place atop a large cushioned table covered with a sheet of tissue paper, I tried not to let my nerves get the best of me. I must admit that the guy's demeanor was very calming though, appearing to have obviously have done this, and no doubt more complicated procedures, many times prior.
I was given a small amount of what appeared to be mouthwash, and he got right to work by attempting to mark the ideal location just below my bottom lip. This took some time, but as soon as we were both satisfied, I was told to lie down and relax. With my attention focused on the ceiling, I found my mind wandering due to the fact that the rest of the situation was pretty much out of my control. I figured I'd just do my best to be as still as possible and let him handle what he was obviously capable of doing. After being told about having a slightly larger-sized ring put in due to the amount of expected swelling, the actual piercing was underway.
Lasting no more than a couple seconds, and feeling like little more than a warm, sustained pinch, it was over. With it complete, and imagining what my lip now looked like, I was quite relieved. A dull ache roamed the general area, especially when I applied pressure to the area with my tongue, or attempted to slide the ring back and forth, but I found it to be tolerable. And, after receiving a set of aftercare instructions, both verbally and in the form of a purple sheet of paper, I was on my way. Of course, I couldn't resist playing with it for the entire ride home, catching reflected glimpses of myself whenever possible.
For the following few days, I was overjoyed. I bumped it pretty hard with my knee at least once, and not wanting to repeat that became a concern. Also, eating became a bit tricky, especially when opening my mouth widely was involved. I was told to avoid the usage of straws, too, so this meant that most of my drinking was done slowly, mostly via plastic bottles, and through either side of my mouth. My lip did swell a bit, as well, most noticeably on each side of the ring. Often, waking after a night of sleep would result in a sore and tender area of my lip in the center, just under the ring. I knew that this would only last so long though, and these worries aside, I didn't regret a thing.
During the recovery period, I found sea salt (not to be confused with Epsom) to be highly effective in helping dry up any excess secretions. I used the recommended 50/50 solution of warm water to sea salt, and found a typical shot glass to be quite conveniently sized for the task. With a small towel underneath, and it gently pressed against my bottom lip, I was able to retain a reasonable amount of mobility as opposed to being chained to the sink. A cotton swab soaked in warm water also worked especially well in cleaning around the newly-pierced area in between soaks. And, to deal with the dull aching that persisted early-on, ice cubes handled the job excellently. Popsicles, too, but I found that the ability to press the ice cube against the inside of my lip most effectively soothing.
With the whole experience semi-contagious, I was thrilled to now find myself a part of the pierced elite. ;)
First? Yep.
Last? Surely not.