I have always had an oral fixation, even as a child. Always chewing on pens or sucking on suckers. So it was no surprise to anyone when I got my tongue pierced just after turning 18. However, here I was at 26, newly divorced and needing something new, so I decided that a lip piercing was it.
At A Glance Author Jamie Leigh Contact Jamie Leigh@bme.anon When A week ago Artist Seth Studio Area 51 Tattoo & Body Piercing Location Crystal Lake, IL I've always been fond of my lips and definitely wanted to draw attention to them. Plus, I wanted a piercing that not everyone has (the tongue and eyebrow are very much more mainstream now than they were when I first started getting pierced). So I thought the lip would be a suitable choice.
Once again, I decided to go to Seth at Area 51 in Crystal Lake, IL. This would be my 4th piercing with him, so I was definitely comfortable with him by this time.
I went by on a Friday night, there was no wait, and they were even having a "sidewalk sale" with $10 off all piercings, lucky me! I filled out my forms and gave my ID (I really love this shop, they are very professional about everything, even though this wasn't my first visit by a long shot, they still continue to always follow all procedures, which is always comforting). Seth went to get ready while I finished my forms, then we were ready to go.
I walked into the back and sat down in the chair. As per usual, I got a detailed explanation of exactly how the piercing was going to go (of course, there were a few "but you know that alreadys" thrown in, but I liked that he still took the time to explain everything to me, regardless of past experiences.) Seth is one of those people that is very easy to talk to, so even from my first piercing with him I was not nervous, he kind of makes you feel like an old friend, which helps the nerves!
After explaining everything, he held up a few rings to see what the best size would be (I have a slightly large bottom lip). Once he decided on one that would not be too tight with the swelling, he cleaned and then marked my lip for the piercing. He had me smile and move my lips a bit, to see how his placement was going to look with various facial expressions, and then had me take a look. Looked good to me! I sat back and prepared myself.
He clamped my lip and told me to take a deep breath in, and then let it out slowly, at which point he would go ahead with the piercing. I took my breath in, then he told me to let it out. As I did, he pierced. There was a slight pinch, but quite honestly, of all my piercings, this one was by far the least painful. (So far I have had navel, eyebrow, cartilage, tongue, and nipples).
He then unclamped it and slid the ring thru, which was pain free, and then put the ball on, which took a little more time. I am always nervous having someone else put in the ball for me because I am afraid they will yank it accidentally, but Seth took his time, he didn't try to force it, and there were no problems. He gave me the soap, and explained the cleaning procedures to me, once again, he didn't have to because I've had a lot of my piercings done in the recent past, but he still made sure to stick to professionalism, which was nice. And that was it!
The swelling that night was not horrible, but was definitely noticeable. I was told the next morning would probably be the worst. And yes, it was, but nothing unmanageable. Cold water to drink and Aleve worked wonders on the swelling though! It is now 4 days later, and I must say, this is by far the easiest piercing to take care of. Wash twice a day, swish with some alcohol free mouthwash. The swelling today is down some from previous days, tho still there. The outside hole is barely red anymore and there is very little scabbing or discharge. The inside hole is slightly irritated, but no worse than when you bite the inside of your cheek or anything.
Overall, very pleased with my lip ring. I LOVE the look, and I like the attention it gets me, it's put me back out there in terms of stares and such (I'm a sucker for being a tad bit of a freak, other than my piercings, I am a pretty normal looking gal). I would definitely recommend Seth and Area 51. Prices are reasonable, they are always nice to talk with and very professional. Going back again soon for another piercing!