Skin piercings are a type of body modification that has been popular since ancient times. In fact, the oldest earrings ever found date back to 2500 BC. While most people are familiar with standard ear lobe piercings and even most facial piercings, dermal or surface anchor piercings have been on the rise in the last several years. With more than 83 percent of Americans stating they have had their earlobes pierced, this is one trend that is here to stay.
So what is a dermal piercing and what makes it so special? Single-point surface anchor piercings don’t pierce through the skin with an exit point like standard surface piercings and are much trickier to change and care for because of it. Instead, dermal piercings are embedded in the dermal layer with an anchor to keep it in place, without an exit point. With that being said, there are 5 things you need to know about before you get a surface anchor piercing.
Find a Licensed Professional
The best way to ensure that your dermal piercing looks great and heals properly is to get it done by a licensed and insured body piercing professional. Do your research and ask for recommendations from friends and family. Once you think you’ve found someone you’re comfortable with, be sure to look at previous work, visit their shop and ask about any qualifications and what type of business insurance coverage they carry.
Get Familiar With The Piercing Process
The dermal piercing process is a bit different from your standard through-and-through piercing. The process begins with a qualified technician sterilizing the area and using either a dermal punch to remove a small piece of the flesh or a needle to create an L-shaped pouch in the skin. From there, dermal forceps are used to insert an anchor with either a round or footed base into the area. This process is much more involved than a traditional piercing and should only be attempted by a professional in a clean and licensed shop.
They’re Versatile
One of the best things about dermal piercings is the fact that they can be placed just about anywhere on the body. You can even get a dermal face piercing. Depending on your tastes, you can simply get a single facial dermal piercing or create different designs and shapes with several dermal piercings in a row. Tattoos can be accented with dermal piercings and you can even have the jewelry placed on a finger or toe to resemble a ring.
They Can Migrate
Dermal piercings can migrate or be rejected by your body. They can also be easily caught in clothing and become dislodged while they heal, so extra care is important with a surface anchor piercing. In the early days of the healing process, it’s best to handle the pierced area of your body with great care to allow the piercing to heal properly and prevent rejection or migration.
Aftercare is Key
For proper dermal anchor piercing healing, you’ll need to keep the area clean and protected and keep up with self-care as well. This means practicing good hygiene, getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated and eating well. You should also try to avoid using nicotine whenever possible to help speed the healing process. Follow the aftercare instructions laid out by your body modification team and don’t be afraid to contact the shop with any questions.
What to Know Before You Go
Before you visit your nearest tattoo and body piercing shop keep these facts about dermal piercings in mind:
- Surface anchor piercings are versatile and can be placed almost anywhere on the body
- A dermal piercing should only be completed by licensed and insured professional
- The piercing process is much different than a standard piercing
- These piercings require lots of aftercare to avoid rejection or migration
Want to learn more about the importance of working with a licensed and insured body modification professional? Visit the Marine Agency Insurance blog online today for more info and contact us about body piercing insurance.
