I don't want this experience to put people off getting their nipple pierced, however I want it to make people aware of how important it is to choose a properly qualified piercer with a good reputation. I am really disappointed with myself and have had my eyebrow pierced, my tragus pierced and my naval pierced previously so I should have known better giving the warning signs that I encountered. I will most definitely have bad scars for life as a result of a poor decision.
At A Glance Author njsummers Contact njsummers@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Female, unsure of her name Studio Body Beautiful Location Arbroath, Scotland My appointment to have my nipple piercing was booked for 10.15. I arrived early and filled out the consent forms at the studio. I feel I should add that the "piercing studio" is actually a beautician's parlour that also does body piercings. I was nervous but as they had there certificates of body piercing training on the wall, I figured it'd be fine as they knew what they were doing. At this point, I should also add the certificates on the wall stated they had been trained by a company called Inspirations, and it was one of those three day training courses that you can book yourself on on-line. I should have left when this became clear to me but I didn't. Big mistake!!
We went down to where they perform the piercings and I removed my top and bra and lay on the bed. The room was immaculately clean with a steriliser and all the clamps pouched and new needles in packs. She then marked where she was going to pierce me. At this point, I should have got up and walked. She didn't show me the marks so I didn't have the chance to comment on how they were placed. She proceeded to apply the clamps and began with the freeze spray. I was so nervous at this point I just wanted it over with. She then began the piercing. It was the most painful thing I have ever felt and the jewellery going in wasn't much better. What was strange is that I have read storied of nipple piercings from BME and they all went pretty smoothly, but here it seemed to take forever for the needle to get through which she blamed on the toughness of my nipple. Again I just assumed she was right because she was the one who was trained. She asked me if I wanted to see it but I refused as I was feeling so queasy. She then covered it and I got my top half dressed. She explained that I would need to come back in a couple of weeks for a change down, which I had never heard of with a nipple piercing but I just agreed.
When I got home, I removed the dressing and had a look. Boy, did I get the shock of my life. She hadn't pierced the nipple but had pierced from the edge of the area around it to the other side coming out on the edge again. My nipple hadn't been touched. Also at this point, the jewellery was beginning to embed so I contacted another studio for a second opinion. The guy here, on taking one look at my nipple area, was disgusted. He said although he doesn't knock other people's piercings, this was a mess and would need to come out straight away as it has been pierced far too deep. It was slightly painful coming out but the relief after words was brilliant. It bled like a bitch though and I now have a dressing over each of the holes so they settle down and don't get infected. I wish I had looked at the piercing before I had left the studio because at least I would have been able to say something. I dont feel anything could have been done apart from removing the bar but at least I would have went through the pain I endured whilst driving home. Also it cost me £33 which is now down the drain. I am going to right a letter of complaint though to try and get some if not all of this back.
I just hope there is no long term damage because of where it was pierced. Also, I have done some more research and have discovered a piercing studio with a good reputation and have already spoke to the piercer and she seems much more genuine and has been trained properly as she had an apprenticeship. The girl who pierced me went on one of these 3 day piercing school courses. So I have not been put of, if my wounded nipple is OK tomorrow, then I am going to get the other one done.
I hope this makes people think carefully about whom they let pierce them because I certainly will be probing deeper next time.
time.