At A Glance
Author	Anonymous
Contact	anonymous
IAM
When	Six months ago
Artist	Fred Arminger
Location	Northern Virginia

I had wanted my nipples pierced for some time. However, in my ongoing quest for originality and uniqueness I sought something slightly more interesting than the run-of-the-mill nipple ring. I envisioned, instead of the 'standard' nipple piercing, a deeper piercing. My areolas are about an inch and a and eighth in diameter, so I decided it would be quite aesthetically pleasing to have barbells placed behind the nipple, from one edge of the areola to the other. I understand that this, by no means, is the first attempt at a piercing like this. However, an idea need not be unique to make it original.

I proposed the idea to my very good friend Fred who, as fate would have it, was a professional body piercer. We talked at length about the jewelry to use (i.e. length and gauge), and we decided on 1 1/4" 12ga Barbells. I know many people who have had their nipples pierced, and I am aware that it is a sensation unique to the individual. Some people take it without flinching while others have lost consciousness. Being the hopeful cynic that I am - I planned for the most excruciating pain I could imagine. The next day we put in the order for the jewelry. When it all came in Fred autoclaved it and entrusted me to the packages to keep until the time was right and when I felt ready.

I let a number of weeks go by while I kept the jewelry safe. I like to take a lot of time before a piercing – not out of apprehension, but out of anticipation. I like to really know that I want this done, and when the time comes I expect to feel as if it is something that belongs in me - that I can no longer be without.
I found myself one Friday night at Freds house with a group of very close friends. My best friend was also there, and this evening he was having his second pair of 6ga Scrotum rings done. We are all family and we all trust one another, so it was sort of an exhibition event. Feeding on my best friends adrenaline I decided it was time for my areolas. I left to go home and get the jewelry without saying a word. Upon my return I revealed to Fred and my friends what my plans were. Needless to say this is an event personal to me, but the curious smiles of everyone else gave me a measurable degree of strength.

Fred, being a professional body piercer, was very well prepared. The room was clean, and well lit. All of his tools were autoclaved, not just the needles. This is something all piercers should do, so pay attention. As I watched Fred prepare I fed my adrenaline with the dulcet tones of Meshuggah. Fred had his table covered in disposable cloth with paper towel spread over that. The two needles lay still sealed (they should stay sealed until just before the piercing itself along with other tools that may be needed). After setting everything out in position Fred removed his rubber gloves and tossed them in a bio-waste canister and donned a brand new pair. He had no medical table/chair in his home, so I removed my shirt and lay on the floor using my sweatshirt as a pillow. Being a close friend I had no issues with him straddling my waist so he could get a perfectly centered view. He used a toothpick and 'some purple stuff' to mark the centerlines of the vertical and horizontal, as well as the tangent lines on the edges of my areolas. He then changed his gloves again.

I placed my hands under my ass, and I crossed my legs. I was preparing for some serious pain, and the last thing I wanted was to have a reflex jerk my arm or leg out and fuck the process up. Point of Wisdom: 'when needles go through your skin – be vewy vewy still'.
I put myself in a state of peace. I imagined myself in my favorite place in the world; I kept my eyes closed softly (as usual with a piercing). I reminded myself that the fear of pain is purely psychological. The foersters went on the first nipple, and to my surprise it felt... good. I never considered myself one for nipple torture, so damn was I surprised.
Three deep breaths later I felt the tip of the needle break through, I was very lucid and could feel the movement of the needle. I can honestly say that I felt no perceivable pain. It felt warm; to be honest I would liken it to a knife through warm butter.
The entire process was smooth and quick. Both areolas were done flawlessly and without problem. I sat up amazed at the lack of pain, elated and excited from a sense of completion.

There was considerable swelling and minor bruising as expected with penetration of that much tissue. This is why I suggest that whenever you have a barbell piercing you use longer-than-needed BBs.

For the first month I showered twice daily. I cleaned my face, arms, hands, and hair first (everything ABOVE the piercing). I would cup my hand beneath each nipple, one at a time, and let the warm water pool up rather than allow the shower stream direct contact. Once the area was saturated, and the crusties soft and loosened I let the stream take over and carry the little crusty fuckers into dark aquatic oblivion (this process of pooling the water in hand and letting crusties come off on their own might take up to 10 minutes so BE PATIENT). At no time did I intentionally touch the shaft of the bar that enters the skin. While immersed in water I would gently rotate, and slide the barbell back and forth in order to work fresh water in to cleanse the piercing. I used a 2/3 water-antibacterial soap (Dial – you know, the 'Orange stuff') solution. I cleansed the entire area around the nipples and chest. I let a lather build up over the nipple itself where I would s lowly turn and slide the barbell back and forth to let soap in to clean inside. I then repeated the process of allowing the water to pool up and wash away all traces of soap. I did this in conjunction with salt soaks during the day when showers weren't an option, or when the piercing would start to appear aggravated or infected. After a month I cut it down to a single shower a day.
I also take a multivitamin and vitamin B complex daily.

It's been nearly 6 months now, and I couldn't be more pleased. The sensation and the look are amazing. I suggest this to anyone who is looking for a little more than the standard nipple piercing. There are pictures of them in the BME nipple gallery.

(this is my first attempt at experience writing, so ALL criticism is welcome)