So it all began with me being bored on a Tuesday evening. I had been contemplating getting a new piercing for quite awhile, but was not sure if I wanted to continue with what I was working for, another nostril piercing, or move on to the lip project I was planning on doing in the future. I had been wanting both sides of my bottom lip pierced for quite some time, as my two center labret piercings were getting quite boring since getting them six years ago. So I decided to go ahead with one of the lip piercings so I could have something new to play with
At A Glance Author msLady Contact msLady@bme.anon IAM msLady When A week ago Artist iam:exploding-star Studio Blue Flame Location Raleigh, NC I was not sure who I wanted to pierce me. I am very picky about piercers for good reasons. I have had some terrible experiences with inexperienced piercers, and was not looking for a traumatic piercing experience, but I did not want to drive very far to the guy who usually pierces me, so I decided to try out a local piercer named Jason at Blue Flame in downtown Raleigh. I had talked to him on many occasions and had him change some jewelry for me in the past. I decided that he was right for the job.
I went to the shop and he was gone getting some grub, so I waited for him to come back, which gave me time to decide which side of the lip I wanted to pierce. I went with the right side because I have my left nostril pierced, and my theory is that the right side of my lip would "balance out my face."
Jason returned and we decided to go with a ring so I would have room for swelling. I hate rings in my lips, but knew it would be better than having a labret stud that was too tight, and I have the tendency to bite the backs when I chew.
We went back into his room and he prepared his tray for the procedure. He had the regular tools laid out. We started talking about random things as he got finished setting everything up.
I was not very nervous because I was comfortable with him, and I have had many piercings and knew the procedure very well with my background in piercing. He prepared my lip, and marked the spot. I liked the positioning, so he continued with final markings and preparations.
He did not use clamps, which was amazing. I haven't had many piercings done free hand, but really like it. Jason dried off my slobbered on lip one last time and lined up the needle on the inside of my lip. He was very gentle and warned me as he was about to push the needle through. There was very little pain throughout the whole piercing and insertion of the jewelry. I got cleaned up and was on my way.
One week after getting my lip pierced I decided to switch to a labret stud. I was getting sick of spinning the crusty junk through the hole, and it was still getting quite irritated when I talked for long periods of time or ate.
I was having a hard time getting the ball off without pliers, and had gotten the hole nice and sore so I went to a friend's shop and while she ate her hot pocket I changed the jewelry. She had attempted it, but it was too sore for someone else to do it. I opened up the ring nice and wide with a pair of jewelry openers so I could easily remove it. I cleaned up the hole and rinsed before proceeding.
I put the new labret stud in, but it was too short, so I got a longer one and it worked out great. The swelling went down later that evening. Two days later I put the shorter one in so I would not bite the longer one anymore.
It has been thirteen days now and it is going very well. There is just a little soreness and stiffness in the morning, but it feels fine about an hour later. The flat back is getting settled into position, and all is going well. I am very happy with my new piercing, and am excited to get the other side done.
I almost had myself convinced last night to get lowbrets and my cheeks pierced, but it is pretty up in the air right now. I do not know how my future employer will feel about all of the current metal in my face.
So I guess that is all. I highly recommend getting to know your piercer before you get anything done. Know their techniques and procedures. Watch them pierce if they allow it, look at their portfolio and talk to people they have pierced if possible. A new piercing can be a traumatic experience, or a good experience, and this one was great.