I had been planning on getting myself pierced as an eighteenth birthday present for myself. I knew I wanted a surface piercing (I just wrote an experience for that too) but as my birthday got closer, the idea of piercing my nipples started to interest me as well. Soon I had decided to get both nipples pierced with barbells diagonally (like this: \ /). For two weeks I was soooooooooo excited and really scared at the same time. I had never been professionally pierced besides my mall-gunned earlobes. My friend Joe had strongly recommended Ground Zero Studios in Haledon, New Jersey so off I went with my best friend, Emily, the Friday after my birthday.
At A Glance Author marissa Contact marissa@bme.anon When N/A Artist Pat Studio Ground Zero Studios Location Haledon, NJ When Emily and I arrived, I no longer felt nervous and uneasy. The shop was very welcoming with its bright colors and friendly staff. I announced that I had called a few days ago and then Pat immediately knew whom I was and why I had come. I handed him my driver's license to photocopy and I filled out the necessary paperwork stating that I was not under the influence of anything and that I was informed about the procedures and aftercare.
After thoroughly explaining all the aftercare, Pat took me into a little room to look at my boobs. I definitely thought that I would be much more nervous, but Pat was very professional about the whole ordeal, just like a doctor. Next we went back out to talk about jewelry. When I explained how I wanted my nipples pierced, Pat explained that I would never be able to breast-feed in the future if that's what I got. Though others have told me that this is not true, Pat said that piercing diagonally would severe the milk ducts. With no medical background I cannot attest to anything but this is what I was told whether or not it is true. Emily later asked him to explain why so I could tell that this was not one of those piercers who makes excuses. Pat showed me my choices based on the size of my nipples. When I told him that I wanted barbells, he showed me the length he'd have to use and I changed my mind. They looked to long to me and Pat said he was happy with rings with he got his nipples pierced. So I settled on horizontal ones with fourteen gauge CBR's and Emily, Pat, and I went back into the little piercing room.
I chose to have my surface piercing first figuring that it would be most painful. After my surface piercing was finished, I rested for a bit before getting to piercing my nipples. When I felt ready, Pat came back in to get to work. There was a small metal tray with unused needles in plastic, gauze, and rubber gloves. I took off my shirt and my bra and got ready for Pat to mark them. I joked with Emily and Pat about whether or not my boyfriend would be jealous. Pat explained about how maybe for the first nipples he pierced, it was a little funny, but after seven and half years of piercing, my nipples were just another piece of flesh to poke needles with. I was told that because my nipples are rather small, this would be easy and quick. He had me check out the marks in the mirror before I laid down for the procedure.
Pat started with my left nipple. I bit my lip and took a deep breath in and out. He pierced with the out breath. I swear that was the longest breath I ever took! It was extremely painful, but once the ring was in, I felt fine. I am not sure what exactly hurt, the needle or the jewelry but I think it was the latter. My right nipple hurt more, but that's probably cause I kind of held my breath. Next Pat put the balls in the rings it was all over. Emily and Pat both said how awesome they looked.
"Hot. That's the only word for that feeling, hot," said Pat afterwards, making me laugh.
I did not feel dizzy or light headed at all so I got up and looked in the mirror. I smiled at my reflection; they looked great. There was a little bit of bleeding, which Pat said he expected so we put some gauze in my bra. Then Pat answered all my bra-related questions. He said it was actually a really good idea that I keep a bra on to "keep them in place."
I thanked and paid Pat for the piercing and then gave him a generous tip, which he was grateful for.
On the ride home, Emily and I were so happy and giddy about the whole experience. Pat had been very professional and extremely friendly. I am very happy with my experience. Everyone considering getting his or her nipples pierced, really should know that the pain is worth it. I would suggest Ground Zero Studios for anyone in New Jersey interested in getting pierced. All of their staff is great, but I would recommend Pat or Paula.
This morning I was surprised at how "happy" my nipples were. There was just a little bit of dried blood, but they were not painful at all. I have done a few salt soaks to make them heal faster and used dial soap in the bath this morning. My boyfriend came over earlier and he loves them. I am pretty sure that I will change the rings to barbells when they are fully healed.