I'm a rather clean cut guy, but ever since I got my ankle tattoo three years ago I've been itching to get a piercing. A nipple piercing just appealed to me over any other, mainly because it still has a large "wow" factor for the general public and it really off sets my preppy personality. I like unseen contradictions :)
At A Glance Author Blair Contact Blair@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Lunchbox Studio New Life Tattoos Location Champaign, Illinois This was going to be my first piercing after entertaining the notion of getting my ears pierced. Everyone and their mother have their ears pierced (especially a lot of the male fraternity population here, which I'm involved in), so I really wanted something different. I've always mentioned to friends that a nipple piercing was something that interested me, with a variety of responses. "That is hot", "That is gay", "Dude, wtf", "Sweet", "Can I go with you when you get it done?". I'm sure many of you will get these responses also, ignore them and do what you want damnit!
The catalyst for getting the piercing was because a few acquaintances had it done and pushed my curiosity over the edge. I was also on Spring Break alone in the apartment, kinda doing some soul searching before I entered my final 8 weeks of college. I figured, "Fuck it, lets get it done".
My first stop was at Altered Ego tattoo/piercing parlor. The guy at the desk said they didn't have any jewelry, so I'd need to come back Monday...Ok, that is strange. I knew if I didn't get the piercing today I'd think about it too much and chicken out, so my second stop was New Life Tattoo. I had friends go to both stores, so it didn't really matter to me which one. New Life was cheaper, too! With the money I saved I gave my piercer a bigger tip.
After eating two slices of Antonio's pizza and washing it down with some with Cherry Coke, I made my way down the street to New Life Tattoo. The entire process was very quick, I was in and out within 15 minutes. Friendly staff, clean store, I was comfortable but super nervous...I kept on telling myself not to pussy out. After filling out a release form I met my piercer, "Lunchbox". He was a cool dude, laid back and all business. Lunchbox took care of cleaning the piercing area and setting up his sterile equipment, which was good to see. I was actually expecting a little bit more "psychological" prep, but he pretty much said jump up on the table and lets rock and roll. Oh God, here we go...
I wanted a vertical piercing with a barbell, but Lunchbox explained to me it is much more difficult to clean a barbell, so insisted I go with a hoop and replace it after the healing process. "Safty reasons". No problem, I can do that, thanks for the heads up. After some cleaning of the left nipple and marking the insertion point, on went the clamp (not as painful as everyone makes it out to seem)...I'm just thinking "fuck oh fuck man". Before I knew it, in the needle went. I tensed up a bit, but I swear to God I was expecting to yell or tear up a bit...but nothing happened. It was a very, very brief flash on pain. Shots at the doctor are worse, seriously. On went the jewelry and that was it!
After standing up I was a bit lightheaded. I took a look in the mirror and the piercing looked sweet. Lunchbox explained to me aftercare, then I paid and tipped the guy and was sent on my way.
I highly recommend people in the Champaign area go to New Life Tattoo for a quick and no nonsense piercing. I'm very satisfied with my experience, Lunchbox did a great job on the placement and looked after the health of my piercing by explaining to me the risks of starting off with a barbell. Good show!
Other thoughts:
1) Getting my (small) tattoo was more painful in the long run.
2) Once you get to the store, suck it up and do it. Push down any negative thoughts. It'll be fine.
3) I'd personally start with one nipple, then get the other pierced if you enjoyed the experience.
4) I had a maintence guy in my apartment after the piercing. I walked out of my room without a shirt on and the poor fucker couldn't look me in the eye after spotting the silver ring. Made him real uncomfortable for some reason. Hahaha.
5) I'm slightly worried about playing sports and stuff with the piercing, I'll be having nightmares of getting my nipple ripped off while playing basketball. God damn!
6) There is very little swelling involved, I'll be lifting weights later in the day. I'm not anticipaiting any problems with using my chest or range of motion.