My first nipple piercing was done last July, and on Saturday, after months of nervous debating I finally went and had my left one done to match. Seeing as I already had my right one done, I thought I knew what to expect and I was dreading it - so I dragged a friend along for moral support and told him in no uncertain terms not to let me back out this time.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Cath Studio Chioko Location Camden, London Cath at Chioko recognized me as soon as I walked in, and instantly put me at ease. I filled out the necessary forms, showed my proof of age, let her know of my allergies, and chose the jewellery. I decided on a bar for the initial healing period as it means there's less movement. We went in to the small piercing room - though I should probably say that Chioko is small, full stop – and she asked me to remove my clothing, and asked if I was warm enough. I thought that was a nice touch to be honest.
First she cleaned the area, and then began to look at placement. The marking up took a while as my right nipple was pierced diagonally (so it's almost pointing down at my navel) and of course I wanted the other one to be as symmetrical as possible. I'm not particularly self-confident, so standing up, dead straight whilst someone stares at my breasts was a rather bizarre experience, especially seeing as she was cross referencing and tracing lines across. But, I'd rather that than end up with piercings which are sightly off.
After the placement was decided and we were both happy I sat down in the chair so Cath could measure which length jewellery should be used, and then double check before finally preparing the tools and jewellery. I specified that I'd rather not see the needle, as I always do. I can look afterwards, or whilst the cannula is through, but something about seeing the needle prior to the piercing always puts me on edge. As always, she was more than happy to oblige.
Once she was ready, she asked if I wanted to close my eyes - which of course I did - and then did some breathing exercises with me. Just the basic, breathing in, breathing out, but I find it really helps as something else to concentrate on. Then, on breathing in, she asked if I was ready. And, on breathing out, she pushed the needle through.
It's difficult to explain the sensation of getting your nipple pierced, it's unlike any other piercing I've had, be it surface, cartilage, or even my lip piercings. Like with anything you feel the exit hole more than anything, a slight sting but afterwards it's almost a pleasant feeling. After being told it was done, Cath asked if I was alright and asked me to breathe in, then out again as she inserted the jewellery. I know some people find this to be the worst part but it went in quite easily, with no more than mild discomfort, but that's possibly because the adrenaline was kicking in by then.
Cath applied a dressing, then I got dressed as she explained the after care to me, two salt soaks a day for the first few weeks, and that swelling is expected etc. All of which I already knew. She also mentioned to feel free to call or come back in if I have any questions, or I'm worried about anything. Which is always reassuring as I know so many studios who as soon as they have your money want nothing more to do with you.
Walking around London it was throbbing slightly but after an hour or so I had forgotten it was even there. That first night as soon as I got home I removed the dressing and cleaned the small amount of dried blood off with warm water and a cotton bud, then wore a thin camisole top to sleep in as I was very aware and slightly paranoid about catching it on my sheets.
I slept well the first night. When I woke and showered, there was no pain or discomfort. I'm on day three now and the only thing I have found is that loose clothing or material rubbing against it winds me up a little as the area is overly sensitive at the moment. So I would strongly recommend wearing a small top to sleep in for the first few days.
I'm incredibly proud of myself of finally going through with this piercing, they're extremely, aesthetically pleasing especially diagonally, and I have had nothing but nice comments. Doing this had made me a lot more confident with the way I look and feel. I would highly recommend both the piercing, and the studio where I had them done.