As a result of a recent break-up from a long-term partner, and to prevent what I know to be a nasty pattern in myself of jumping right back into the playing field, I decided to get my nipples pierced. I had had them pierced when I turned eighteen, but due to my completely uninformed and clumsy aftercare, they failed after having worn the barbells for a year (they healed in a week as soon as I removed the jewelry). I have wanted to get them done again ever since, but needed to take the time to educate myself, and to research everything. Voila! Enter Opportunity. I have been reading everything I could get my hands on for years now, and I figure that one sure-fire way to not "get any" is to pierce something vital (!) to the act. I know myself to be responsible in caring for all of my modifications, and that this would be a good way to keep OUT of the dating pool, as I know I'll keep them clean, not let anyone (not even me) touch them without scrubbing their hands first, n ot even THINK about letting any slobber into my fresh wounds, etc.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When A week ago Artist John Studio Black Hole Body Piercing Location Wells Ave., Reno, NV Here in Reno, there are a few choices in the way of piercing shops, but none with the knowledgeable, friendly, experienced, and CLEAN reputation of Black Hole. These guys (guys is a bit misleading...the owner (and one of the piercers) of Black Hole is a woman named Angela) have always been really great to me, friends of mine that have been clients, and generally everyone I've ever asked about their experience there.
Having watched John pierce on a couple of occasions, I have always been VERY impressed by his supernatural combination of professionalism and affability. He has always answered every question forthrightly and confidently, without making anyone feel less for the asking. As he goes through the steps to prep the equipment, jewelry, table, etc., you can really tell that he has a routine, but that the actions he takes are not routine themselves. He changes his gloves at the same point between certain steps every time (anytime blood pathogens have been present, and every time any form of cross-contamination could occur), makes eye contact when explaining aftercare, and generally promotes a sense of "everything in its place," which can only be a plus in this line of work.
After having had my driver's license Xeroxed by the girl up front, filling out a waiver form, and reading the aftercare instructions provided, we realized that there were no 12g barbells already sterile. So John tossed a pair into the autoclave, and I walked to the corner mart to procure myself a tasty beverage. I made it back in record time, and the clave hadn't run it's full cycle yet, so I plopped down in the waiting room to relax for a bit. The waiting room at Black Hole is truly something that needs to be experienced for the full effect. Plush couches, throw pillows (both satin and velvet), a distinct Indian theme (with statuettes and tapestries reflecting the culture), and stunning cloths draped overhead combine to create a very peaceful (but hardly boring) place to get centered before the piercing.
Eventually (seemed like it at the time at least), the autoclave cycle was complete, and it was time to enter one of the back rooms where the piercing takes place. Once inside, John asked me about the various modifications that I have had done, how recently, any future projects, and other general chitchat to indicate interest and establish rapport (I am not belittling these techniques, I actually think they work quite well when applied properly, which he did). He then asked that I remove my shirt and bra as he prepared some things on the tray, and I tossed them over the back of a conveniently placed chair. As he had me sit on the edge of the table (like the bed in a doctor's office, paper covered, little trays slide out of the sides and the bottom to rest your feet on) to mark my nipples, I had no sense of being self-conscious at all. He remained friendly, but this is where the professional part was very important to me. Being a 34D, I've had plenty of looks, snickers, a nd comments made at, to, or about my chest (sometimes I introduce them at bars as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum when it looks like some bonehead's eyes won't ever find my face). John couldn't have cared less. I really felt like I could have been a 42F or a 32A, and it would have been the same to him. He just went about marking me up, had me check the placement in the full-wall mirror, and asked me to lay down on the table.
I got a bit nervous at this point, and did some brief breathing exercises to slow down my heart rate. As I lay there, John explained everything that was about to happen. Take a deep breath, and we'll push through on the exhale. The barbell will follow the needle, screw the ball back onto the end, and then we're on to the other nipple.
Everything went as planned. As the needle passed through my left nipple (done first), all I felt was the pulling of the skin of the areola and some intense pressure. Then it was over and time for the right one. I'm not sure if there is any medical proof of anticipation making something hurt more, or if it's entirely psychosomatic, but the right one hurt a heck of a lot more.
Once it was finished, I looked at 'em in the mirror (superexcited to have new piercings!!!), got dressed, and he handed me a baggie of sea salt, reminded me to read all the way through the aftercare pamphlet in case there was anything he forgot or left out, and double-checked that I was feeling fine (i.e. no dizziness, vertigo, etc.).
It was all over in a matter of minutes, and they are healing nicely. Soak them twice a day, warm salt water, nothing else. Only thing I can't hang with is the ITCH as the healing process gets underway.
SMILES