I've been cruising BME lately, looking for ideas for my next piercing. I don't have a lot done, and don't intend to get much more done, but then again I thought the Industrial would be the last! So I've decided to get a snug, and was reading other peoples' experiences with them to see how much it hurts, how many have had bad experiences and so on. It occurred to me that other amateur modders might be curious about Industrials, so that's why I'm writing. This is my vote for "absolutely yes, get the industrial". You'll read about it in a paragraph or two.
At A Glance Author Jenkathag Contact Jenkathag@aol.com When Six months ago Artist Chris Studio A-1 Tattoo Location Kansas City MO The first time I saw and industrial piercing, I was watching an adult film called "Jenna Loves Brianna". I saw Jenna Jameson sporting an industrial and little else, and thought it was the most elegantly sexy piercing I'd ever seen. I've always been a fan of ear piercings. They can be delicate yet bold...sometimes unexpected, but always attractive on that sensuously curved and sculpted bit of flesh. Being a large girl, my ears are about the only part of my body that I would consider pretty, or even normal, so it seems only natural to adorn them. I'm glad I did. It's been six months almost, and I still can't get over the change in my appearance that two little holes made. I still think my industrial is sexy, even if others don't. As a self-confidence booster, my industrial gets an A+.
The actual process of getting it was almost as pleasurable as the result. I went with my best friend Christy to A-1, because she planned to get her industrial done. I was a little upset, because it had been my idea, and I was nearly broke and didn't think I could afford one. Christy, however, is supersweet and volunteered to pay for mine, so we were able to get them done together which made the memory twice as valuable. Chris at A-1 is my favorite piercer. He's the only person who's been allowed to poke holes in me since the unfortunate tongue incident in 1998. I trust him, and was glad to see that he was on duty that night.
Christy and I filled out our paperwork, then went back into the piercing room together with Chris. He explained the after-care procedures, and got to work. Christy volunteered me to go first, so I hopped up on the table. Chris marked my ear, and I checked to see if the placement looked OK. It did, so Chris had me lay down on the table in preparation. I tried to relax, but I couldn't. My palms were all sweaty and Christy said my face was getting quite red. There was no clamping for this one. Chris just sort of leaned over me with needle in hand and told me to take a deep breath. I did, and on the exhale, in went the needle. At this point I could choose to be a badass and say it didn't hurt, but it did, people. A bit, but not an unbearable amount. My mind went elsewhere after that. I almost didn't feel the second hole at all, and had no idea that he'd put the hardware in until he said he was done.
I wanted to watch Christy's procedure, but was incredibly distracted by my new and improved reflection in the mirror. Christy didn't complain too much. No screaming or crying at least. She said it hurt a "fair little bit", whatever that means. Then we were done. My new toy on my left, hers on her right. Side by side we were funky bookends. I never desired a cigarette more than after I was pierced, so I smoked and felt blissful.
I never had a single problem with my piercing while it was healing. It never got infected, scarred, or swelled-up that much even. It was easier than my nostril piercing to look after. I washed it once a day with Provon, and did the saltwater soaks twice daily for a month. Then I threw caution to the wind and just let my body heal itself, and nothing bad happened at all.
Christy had a bit of a different experience with hers. Her ear swelled quite a bit...too much for her original barbell to be comfortable, so she had to get a longer one, and have Chris switch them out. After the switch, she started to develop a good sized scar at the top hole. She consulted Chris again, and he had her use smooshed up Aspirin and tea-tree oil on it to reduce it. It worked out OK, and now she still has a scar, but it is just barely visible.
I hope that anyone considering this piercing will go ahead and do it if they can. It was a wonderful experience for me...a nice slow piercing with not too much pain and a fantastic payoff. I also highly recommend to anyone a visit with Chris at A-1 Tattoo on N. Oak St. in Kansas City MO. He's just simply the best I know of. Very personable, keeps it very clean and will tell you everything you need to know, without laughing when you ask how much it hurts. The whole shop is great. A lot of good guys there, used by myself and a bunch of my friends with trust!