Most of us think of a barbell and rings as body piercing. We often think the world of piercing is limited when it is, in fact, positive. There are some barbell jewellery piercings that go through the body in a way that the end is “capped off”.
Have you ever peeped at those cool piercings that look like they’re just chilling on someone’s skin? Picture cheek bling, jewellery for chest studs, or those rad ones on your neck, back, or hips. But hold up, how do they even happen? No way a needle can just pop through there, right? These awesome piercings fall into two categories – surface piercings and dermal piercings. They might seem alike and appear in similar spots, but trust us, they’re different vibes.
Before hitting the piercing spot, ensure you’re in the know. Your piercer might get what you want, but you must be clued in on the diff between these two types of piercings. Each brings its own set of possible issues, so do some homework on these unique piercing styles. Be prepared before you dive into your first dermal or surface piercing!
Dermal Piercings
When you spot a piercing that seems to have no way out, chances are it’s a dermal piercing. What makes it unique is its jewellery, called a “dermal anchor.” This anchor comes in different shapes. It gets tucked beneath your skin, and the top part peeks out for some stylish bling. The anchor can have a round base or a footed one. Sometimes, they even have tiny holes. As you heal, your skin grows through these holes, keeping your dermal snug and secure.
Getting a dermal piercing can happen in two ways: with a needle or a biopsy punch. The biopsy punch removes a small piece of skin to make room for the dermal anchor. People like this way because it’s usually less painful and has fewer rejections. The needle method is also an option. Your piercer uses a special needle to make space for the dermal anchor under your skin layer. The method may depend on where you live and its rules about piercing.
Using a dermal punch hurts less than a piercing needle and usually lowers the chance of your body saying “no” to the piercing. However, in some places, it’s only allowed if a medical pro does it.
Surface Piercing
Surface ones have an exit point, unlike dermal ones. This affects how they’re done and what jewellery you can rock. Since surface piercings have an exit point, no dermal anchors are allowed here. Instead, they go for a surface bar, and the shape depends on where you’re piercing. When you get a surface piercing, the piercer pinches the skin and slides the needle through that spot. And if you’re into surface bars, go for the staple-shaped feel.
As the piercing scene evolves, it’s getting trickier to spot people still vibing with surface bars while dermal are taking centre stage. But don’t just set it and forget it; keep a sharp eye on your dermals. If they start acting up, like sticking out or turning red, don’t ghost the situation. Head back to your piercer, get the deets, and sort it out pronto. Pull the plug on those rebellious dermal before rejection throws shade on your skin and leaves scars.
Even though dermal and surface piercings are like, they’re not a forever commitment. But are they worth the ride? These piercings are like the unicorns of the body art world, popping up in spots where regular piercings can’t hang. So, why not spice up your piercing journey with these edgy, temporary gems? The possibilities are practically endless.