I was getting antsy again; antsy to get something pierced. Earlier this week, I had called around to several places in San Jose, where I am going to school, to get quotes on a septum piercing. The prices weren't very friendly, so I decided to call Anomaly. I knew I would be coming back home, to Los Angeles, to visit this weekend. As expected, the price was right.
At A Glance Author Kimmie Q. Contact Kimmie Q.@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Steve/Sque3ze Studio Anomaly Body Piercing Location Pasadena, CA I've long considered Anomaly my "home studio", given that I have frequented the shop for various jewelry changes and stretching procedures for my lobes. The décor and setup of the shop make it very welcoming and comforting. The staff contributes to the comfort factor, too. They are extremely knowledgeable and NICE! I would say this definitely helps in reassuring me that they know what they are doing. What a change from most shops.
I saw my friend Michelle on Friday let her know that I wanted to get pierced. She was excited to hear this, since she wanted to come with and have her nape pierced. We ultimately decided to go on Saturday.
Friday night, I checked out some stories and pictures of septum piercings on BME. For some reason, I wasn't feeling it so much anymore. I started browsing the site a little more, and stumbled across Nipple piercings. I felt the urge inside to do it. One of my friends who is heavily into body mods, had once suggested that I have this procedure done. In his words, "I can totally see you doing it and enjoying it."
We arrived at Anomaly late Saturday afternoon. I told my friend Michelle that I was probably going to get my nipples pierced instead of my septum. She was all for the idea. But, I was starting to wuss out. Before we left for the shop, I read about the healing times, the pain, and it sounded like such agony! I wasn't sure if I wanted to go through with it.
After about 20 minutes of chatting with the staff, they "accidentally" shoved a clipboard with a release form in front of me. I took this as a sign, and filled it out.
They had begun the process by placing all of the tools in the autoclave, to ensure sterilization. Steve asked me if I would prefer to be pierced at a 14 ga or 12 ga. He explained the benefits of a 12 ga, and I was sold.
Admittedly, as the clock ticked, I became more nervous. I kept thinking, "Is this something I really want? Am I going to be okay with the pain?"
It came time for me to be marked up and ready for piercing. I removed my shirt and wasn't as uncomfortable as I thought I would be. I was asked to have my arms by my side to ensure perfect alignment. After the marking, Steve asked Sque3ze to make sure it looked right. A second professional opinion never hurt.
The breathing patterns were carefully detailed to me. The music in the background was soothing and inviting. They had asked if I preferred to do them both simultaneously, or have them done separately. Being nipple piercings, I believe that they should be considered as two separate piercings. So, I decided to have them done one at a time. After making this decision, I felt at ease and finally ready.
I laid down and began the breathing exercises, reminding myself to just relax and calm down. This couldn't be as bad as I am psyching it out to be. It's just a piercing.
I kept my eyes closed in fear of potentially freaking out by watching my nipples being pierced. I felt the clamps on my nipple, and the needle ready and positioned to enter my flesh. It came down to the three deep breaths he instructed me to take. By the third breath, he pushed the needle through and I felt an instant rush. The pain was totally bearable and not as bad as I thought it would have been.
Then again, I have a high tolerance level for pain. I had my lobes pierced at a 2 ga, then tapered to a 0 ga. Also, my four fully impacted wisdom teeth were removed while I was still awake. *Shrug*
It was time for my left nipple. The routine was repeated with exact precision. After the piercing was completed, I continued breathing to make sure I didn't pass out from the rush of blood to my head.
I got up from the chair and looked in the mirror. Beautiful.
Honestly, I felt complete and extremely satisfied with the piercing. Although I was originally reluctant, I am glad I followed through with the procedure. It was something I had wanted for a while and I am pleased that the fear of pain didn't prevent me from having it done.
Sometimes you just have to grow some balls and go with your gut.
I'm glad I did. This wasn't just a piercing. It was an addition to my identity.