A year ago, I would never have believed anyone who told me that today I would have anything but my ears — much less my nipples — pierced. But after carefully scrutinizing the pictures and reading all the recommended experiences here on BME, I decided that I might as well take the plunge and get my nipple pierced. Since I'm a real symmetry obsessive person, I decided that it would be best if I were to get both done.
At A Glance Author josh00 Contact josh00@bme.anon IAM josh00 When It just happened Artist Jeremy Studio Artistic Impressions Location St. Catharines, Ontario Quite a few of my friends, and people in general warned me that it was going to hurt. They got me thoroughly worried / concerned by telling me that nipple piercings get infected very easily, and, to get me even more nervous, told me horror stories of fresh nipple rings being ripped out. Ouch! But, I figured that was simply either people trying to scare me off, or maybe I was going to be in for a little bit of pain. I have a high tolerance for pain anyways so either way, it didn't really matter. As long as I took care of it properly afterwards, I was sure it would be fine. Later, after talking to my piercer Jeremy though, my fears were calmed and all was well.
The only decision left to make was where, and when to get the procedure done. I had tried to get them done when I was on vacation in Daytona Beach, but I was surprised to find that they wanted over four times the price that my local piercing / tattoo shop wanted. "Screw that," I said to myself. Though it was a disappointment, the piercings would just have to wait until after I got back home.
So, this morning when I woke up, I decided that today would be the long awaited, much anticipated day. I threw on some clothes, hopped in my car, and drove over to Artistic Impressions and told Jeremy that I was there to have both of my nipples pierced. There was no backing out now!
He asked if I wanted horizontal or vertical, but, I had previously decided on horizontal, so I told him.We went in the back to the notorious piercing room and he got his things ready. He decided that it would be best to pierce them at 16 Gauge because I have fairly small nipples. Although I'd initially wanted and planned to have them pierced at 14 gauge, I decided against it because Jeremy said it might cause the growth of some scar tissue. So, later I will be stretching them slightly and sliding some 14 Gauge CBR's in. Also because my nipples are so small Jeremy decided that it would be best to freehand the procedure rather than using clamps.
He marked two small dots on either side of my nipples and told me to take a slow deep breath.
I sat very still, hoping that the pain wouldn't be too much for me to handle manfully, and then I felt the tip of the needle graze my nipple, then a slight second of pain and pressure, and finally relief when the needle pushed through the other side. He put the CBR in, and closed it off.
He repeated the same process on the left one.
Both my nipples felt more hot, than in pain.As for aftercare, Jeremy advised that I wash both nipples carefully with anti bacterial soap about two times a day, and not to touch it without thoroughly cleaning my hands with the same anti bacterial soap. Then he recommended I buy a tea tree oil based solution called "Dragon Mist." When I asked him why not use straight tea tree oil, as a few people had previously told me that's what I should use, Jeremy told me that some people get a rash from it because it is very strong, and possibly irritate the fresh piercing. But not a big deal I thought and I decided to check it out.
After paying Jeremy for the piercings, along with a tip, I headed over to the health food store up the road. I asked the woman working at the store about the relative merits and disadvantages of using tea tree oil on a piercing. She informed me that a lot of people use tea tree oil on new piercings, and that she personally uses it too.
When I got home, I hopped in the shower and obediently lathered up with the anti bacterial soap. Even touching my pierced nipples gently, I notice that it feels very good. They're considerably more sensitive than usual.
So far, the only problem that I've encountered is that the seat belt in my car lays directly on my left nipple, and being clumsy as I am, I always have to be careful when I'm changing shirts.