How to Get a Surface Piercing

A surface piercing is any piercing done on a relatively flat surface of the body, such as a wrist or the nape of the neck. This type of piercing allows for a great deal of self-expression, but because of the difficulty in healing, think of a surface piercing as temporary so you won't be disappointed if your body rejects it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide where you want a surface piercing. Because surface piercings can go anywhere on the body, your options are wide open. However, if you choose a place that's prone to being hit or jarred against something, or if you choose a place with a lot of movement in the skin and muscle tissue, your piercing is likely to be temporary.
2. Interview piercers before deciding on one. A surface piercing is the most difficult piercing to heal, and your jewelry is likely to migrate even with the most experienced of piercers. Ask potential piercers how many surface piercings they've done and their rate of success. You might also ask to look at their portfolios.
3. Ask about jewelry before you commit to a particular piercer. Permanent surface piercings should be done using surface piercing jewelry, the most common and useful of which is a surface bar. This type of jewelry is shaped like a staple, which speeds healing and helps prevent migration. If your piercer wants to use a regular barbell on a permanent surface piercing, it's safest to find another piercer.
4. Discuss placement with your piercer. Show him exactly where you would like to see each bead of the jewelry. If it's not feasible, he'll explain why and make suggestions for an alternate placement.
5. Check the guiding marks for the piercing carefully. Generally, surface piercings are marked with a both entry and exit points for the needle and with a line showing how the needle and jewelry move from the entry to the exit. Speak up if you're not satisfied with the placement.
6. Take a deep breath before the needle goes in and let it out slowly as the needle enters your skin. Often, surface piercings are done without clamps to ensure correct placement, so the needle may take more time to move through to the other side of your piercing.
7. Prepare yourself for some additional pain as the piercer inserts the jewelry. Because of its shape, the insertion of the jewelry can be somewhat more laborious than regular piercings.
8. Take especially good care of your piercing to avoid migration and scarring. Even hitting your surface piercing a year after you get it can cause jewelry migration.

Tips & Warnings

• Tygon is another type of surface piercing jewelry, which is a plastic tube with beads attached at each end. It's not as good as a surface bar but is an excellent choice if you want a surface piercing where bars can't be used.
• If you want a temporary surface piercing such as a corset piercing that you remove immediately after an event, you can use a curved barbell.
• There are a number of methods your piercer might use, so don't worry if your piercer's method is different from the one presented here.
• Before getting a surface piercing, understand that it might not work—even with the best piercer and the best care during healing.
• Remove jewelry if it begins to migrate or else your piercing will leave scars. If you have any questions, return to your piercer to have him examine your surface piercing and advise you on what to do.

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