Dermal Piercings- My Experience

 (WARNING; There is a picture with "cleavage" below, don't wanna see it, don't scroll!)

INTRODUCTION

I thought I would do a post on my experience with my dermal piercings. Mostly because I always get questions about how they work, what it was like, etc. Everyone's experience is different, and I would like to point out that I am not a professional! I am simply a girl who likes to write who thought it would be a good addition to her blog. ;) 

I put them into categories in case you were interested in certain aspects but not others. 

WHAT IS MY EXPERIENCE?

These are my only dermals. I have had them for almost 2 months now. I have actually had the same chest dermals done before in the exact same spot, but they unfortunately rejected. You can learn more about that experience in the sections below!

WHAT IS A DERMAL? HOW DO THEY WORK!?

The term dermal actually stands for 'sub dermal anchor' which is exactly the explanation for how they stay in as well. Most people don't understand how they can go in, but not come out the other side. What a dermal piercing does is pierce underneath the skin, beneath the "dermis" (skin) and implant a bar. Dermals are considered semi/permanent because of this. 

Getting underneath the layers of skin is how they anchor the piercing in. It sounds painful, but they are actually relatively secure this way! The piercing has a bar that goes underneath and then a spot in the top where a gem is popped in. 

WHAT IS THE PIERCING PROCESS LIKE? 

The piercing process is actually relatively quick and simple. I am not adding a picture diagram, or a video, because honestly those scared the crud out of me! No numbing agent is used (or at least on mine) so if you do not have a high pain tolerance, I would expect and prepare myself for moderate pain and discomfort. Everyone's pain tolerance is different as is there experience with the actual piercing. THIS PIERCING MUST BE DONE BY A PROFESSIONAL, please do not somehow attempt to do these at home. 

The piercer will mark on the part of the body where you plan to get the piercing. After you agree with the positioning, they pierce you! For me, I laid down flat on a table. The piercer pinched the skin firmly and then used a relatively thick hollow needle and placed it about 1/3rd of the way under the skin. Next, the needle is twisted to remove a part of the flesh so the anchor can be placed in. This will be the most painful part, but it is done in only a few seconds if done correctly. 

A clamp is then used to insert the bar underneath the skin flat and the gem is then placed on top. My piercer massaged the area with a gauze to help insure it was flush against the skin.... I can admit that this process was not my favorite part either. The piercing is gently cleaned and then gauze is placed on top to stop the bleeding if there is any. 

SIDE NOTE: The first time that I got my piercing done the pain was considerably less. The second time, it was done over scar tissue which meant that it could potentially stay in better but the pain and the healing process could be prolonged. Scar tissue is far more dense and hense can cause a longer piercing process.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Like all piercings dermals to have risks. The main risks are infection, as well as rejection. Infection is caused my improper cleaning or bacteria going under the skin and forming a pocket that is hard to clean. Rejection is from the body disliking the metal, becoming too infected or being irritated to the point of being pushed out of the body. These can be avoided by cleaning properly, not touching/fondling, using titanium vs. stainless steal & making EXTRA sure not to snag them.

My experience the first time came from rejection. Snagging, roughness, bumping of the piercing can simply cause it to reject! It took a few weeks of redness (but no pain) before my skin started to push the piercing up from the bottom of the bar until it simply popped out. Rejection can be sped up when it is too late by getting it "reverse pierced" at a piercing shop. This will help with the appearance as well as the scarring.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF IT AND WHAT IS THE HEALING PROCESS LIKE?

The cleaning of dermals is actually super easy! I recommend purchasing some natural sea salt, gauze and band aids. Buying premade saline solutions as well as piercing sprays is also another option. Make sure you can clean or distilled water access as well.

For my piercing it was recommended to clean it 3 times a day, although with time and healing I have begun cleaning it only morning and night. In a cup of warm water, add 1/4th teaspoon of sea salt and allow to dissolve. Using GAUZE NOT COTTON BALLS (to reduce snagging and fibers getting stuck) soak the pad in the water. Use this pad to wipe around the piercing and chest. You can allow to soak for a minute or two but keep in mind that frequent soaking can actually encourage rejection during the healing process. 

When you shower, make sure to rinse and stand underneath the water so the dermal is being cleaned for at least a few minutes. This will help with cleaning, pain and inflammation. It also softens the skin and makes it easier for the dermal to implant. 

During the first month I was also told to keep band aids on them at night to prevent snagging and to help them heal flat. I had a bad reaction to bad aids and would break out in a rash and painful swelling and my piercings became angry. I did this for only 2 weeks and then quit. Another option would be to use gauze and medical tape, but also listen to your body, if it tells you no then stop!

At one point my piercing became slightly infection and was having puss and extreme redness. I cleaned once a day for 3 days with a bactine spray and the infection went away. This is NOT recommended by piercers- but this is simply my experience. 

The pain the first week was pretty bad for me. The cleaning and showers definitely helped with the healing process. Snagging them on something small caused a LOT more pain and irritation when in the process of majorly healing versus now. Its not good to snag them, but be extra conscious during the first month of care. 

END NOTE: I reccomend simply weighing the pros and the cons of the piercing before you get them. I also reccomend talking to a professional and doing plenty of research. Dermals are semi permanent, remember that!