Hello, My name is Brian. About a year ago I wanted a new piercing. I live in a small town that is not close to a shop. So I decided that I would pierce myself, bad idea. So I decided that a labret would work. I didn't have the jewelry so I decided to use a "tooth" from one of those little black combs. I cut it off as far down as I could go and then I melted it into a round bulb at the end.
At A Glance Author Brian Contact Brian@bme.anon When A year ago Artist myself Studio home Location Okemah, Ok Then I got the needle ready by burning it and then putting it into rubbing alcohol. I put a touch of the rubbing alcohol on the inside and the outside of my lip, where the needle was going to go into my skin. The needle was industrial strength. It came in a pack that had needles to sew coats, a mattress, and carpets. They were all solid not hollow. I had to put a hole that could hold the comb "tooth." I wanted to back out but I had already told myself and my friends that I was going to do the piercing.
So I was shaking because I didn't want to mess up or hurt myself. I couldn't get a grip on the needle and it was not wanting to go in at all. So I struggled with it longer than it would have taken someone that is a Professional. I keep thinking that it would get easier the deeper the needle went into my skin. This is a false belief It was tougher to get the last layer of skin broken. Even then I had to get needle through the skin let it sit and then figure out how the hell I was going to remove the needle and put the, "tooth" in its place.
I wound up pulling the all the way inside my mouth and outside of my lips. It was dangerous because I could have stuck myself in the face with that stupid needle. The "tooth" was in backwards for a few days until I felt that i could put one in the way that it should have been. I also woke up a few times with the tooth missing only to wonder if I had swallowed it.
It was two months before I could get the proper jewelry. I think it took longer than most other peoples labret's because it was not one complete movement like it should have been. Another thing I found out the hard way is that you have to be careful when you eat. Biting down on jewelry of having it come into with your teeth is not easy to get use to I take mine out every night. Sometimes I don't put it in for a few days.
I would never let the hole close up and if it was done by a Pro it would have healed and may have been put in better. The lesson I learned is that I took a big risk and I didn't have to do that. I want some more work done in the future. But that is not going to happen unless it is done by someone with a good reputation for piercing or unless they have an excellent Instructor with years of experience teaching an apprentice. I would strongly recommend others to pay attention to my story.
I am considering getting my labret gauged. Not too big but big enough that I know it will always be there yet small enough that it would not stand out if I did not have a piece of jewelry inside at all times.
In the future I will be more than willing to share a photo with everyone that is out there. Because I do not always pick up on it but people take double takes and I do not realize why until it is too late. Most just have questions that they are too polite or feel may be an insult if they say anything. I feel most people are willing to talk about the experience and answer a few question and suggest an artist. It is when a modification goes bad or when someone tries to make them feel bad about expressing themselves through body art.
One last thing that I would like to put out there. We should have a national holiday to celebrate body modification and those that are involved and bring awareness. I believe a "whole" month would be long enough. Why not? It would allow every one that has work or wants work to bond and learn new things. Okay, Okay, I am just trying to justify getting at least one tattoo or piercing a year.
I love body art and appreciate those that are willing to take a stab. :-#