The first time I saw an antihelix or rook or whatever it's called was on Kendall from Road Rules 11. At least I think thats what she had pierced. I thought it was really cute and really original. The idea of getting one only faintly occurred to me because I had wanted me belly button done for so long. Then a few months later I met someone with one and talked to her about it and she really loved hers and said it only hurt like a normal cartilage piercing hurt. So I decided that once I turned 18, I would get it. (My mom wouldn't sign off on any more piercings but I was so close to being 18 I could wait.)
At A Glance Author Lauren Contact LaNaG12@aol.com When It just happened Artist Brian Studio Piercing Experience Location Atlanta, Ga So when I turned 18 I didn't have the money, then when I did have money I didn't have any time, and then when I had time, I didn't know where to go to get it done. I found in Creative Loafing (local art newspaper) that there was a place called Piercing Experience that was rated the best place to get pierced, and apparently it has been number 1 for a few years. So I checked out the web site and it was really informative and there were so many positive comments in the guestbook so decided that was my place.
My sis and I decided to go on a Saturday, and she brought her boyfriend and I brought one of my friends. On the 45 minute drive there, I was second guessing myself and thinking that maybe I shouldn't get it done because it will become something to worry about infection and such. I was also getting a few butterflies in my stomach just because i would be my first "real" piercing. (I got my ears double pierced with a gun and also stupidly had my cartilage done with a gun.) So we went in the shop and it looked really nice with pictures and stuff and it wasn't dirty or anything so I figured it was a good place to get pierced. I went to the counter and told them what I wanted and then I filled out the paperwork. They mad a copy of my ID and noticed that I just had a b-day. I told them that this was my first thing I was doing that you had to be 18 for and they said they were honored that they were my first and they took 50% the price!!! I couldn't thank them enough. I talke d to someone about the jewelry I would get and I really wanted a ring but apparently for most of the healing process a barbell is best. I trusted they knew what they were talking about so I went with a plain and simple silver barbell. So they said it would be about 15 minutes so we went to the store and got some juice then came back and they were ready.
I followed Brian to the back room and he asked if it was ok if his colleagues watched and I said ok since he was letting my friend and sister watch. He told me to relax by wiggling my fingers and toes. He was so calm about it and made me a little more at ease. Then he showed me that nothing had been used before and everything was sterile. He then cleaned my ear with this gauze that was crispy crunching sounding and then placed a clean piece over my ear. He then poked at a few spots and I told him which places were a little painful to poke at. All the while one assistant was taping this experience and the other was watching. He then told me to take a deep breath and when I exhaled he pushed the needle through. It was so fast that I felt the pain about a second after it was done. And it wasn't even pain pain. Just like pulling a hair out of your head. He then put the jewelry in which didn't hurt at all and I was done!!! But I laid there for a few minutes and he gav e me a mirror to look at it. I couldn't really see it because it's more inside my ear but it looks soooo good!
We then went over aftercare and I asked him a few questions, thanked him, and then we were on our way. It didn't hurt until a few hours later and then it felt really sensitive to move my ear. 2 days later I still feel pain to wiggle my ear but I think so far its OK. I am very excited and have been showing it to everyone! I can't wait to go back and change it to a ring and make it more noticable! I am very glad I did it.