The nature of my work had meant that the only piercings I could have were those which could be easily concealed. For this reason I had only been able to have my tongue, nipples and septum pierced. Although I longed to add to my collection with some facial piercings, this was not an option...at least not until last summer. I was becoming relatively bored with the dull routine that was my life, and decided that this would be a good time to take a career break for a year or so, go do some travelling and take stock of things. I'd managed to save up some money and it was a case of now or never. One benefit of this decision was that as I was going to be away for a long while from the workplace I would be able to finally add some holes to my face to join those I already had elsewhere.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When A year ago Artist Pete Location Brisbane There were a few piercings I was particularly keen on, and it came down to a choice between getting my eyebrow, lip or bridge done. Although I absolutely adore bridge piercings, it seemed a bit too radical at the time, so I settled on my eyebrow for starters. (I would get my lip done a little later on). However, the actual decision as to when I would get my eyebrow pierced became a spontaneous one.
A mere few days after having arrived in Australia I had need to find a piercing studio when a ball fell off my septum circular barbell and I needed a replacement. A friend mentioned that there was a well regarded tattoo and body piercing studio in central Brisbane, close to where I was staying at the time. I can't remember the name exactly, but I think it was something simple like Brisbane City Tattoo & Body Piercing. Anyway, I do seem to recall that it was on Elizabeth Street.
I popped into this place, spoke to the piercer, a New Zealander called Pete, got the ball I needed for my septum jewellery, and on the spur of the moment decided that I may as well get my eyebrow done there and then. The place was not busy, this being daytime during the week, and so it was no problem to get it done there and then.
I was shown round into the cubicle area used for piercing and sat on a hospital type bench while the piercer got all the stuff ready to perform the piercing. The first part of the process was to agree on positioning. I had already made my mind up on getting my left eyebrow done, for some reason this just seeming more natural than the right side. (Question : Why does hardly anybody get both eyebrows done?) My eyebrow was quickly wiped to make it clean for piercing, and Pete marked a couple of dots on for me to look at in the mirror and see whether these suited me for the location. These were perfect, and so I gave the nod for the actual piercing to commence.
I had to lay down on the bench for the procedure, which was a good idea as I would be relaxed more and less likely to move while a needle was being inserted close to my eye! I don't remember every stage of the piercing, but it was all done and over very quickly. First the clamps were used to grip the skin so that it could be pierced. This was a little uncomfortable. There is some truth in the notion that the clamping if often worse than the needle going in. However, before I could say ABC the needle had been inserted and the whole thing was almost over. It wasn't pain-free, but was certainly endurable, a pretty quick sharp tinge and then nothing. The actual insertion of the jewellery was almost unnoticeable. I had chosen a barbell, because I personally prefer the way they look. There is something about rings that I find a little 'rough' looking in eyebrows. A curved barbell with small balls was used, thus giving a more discreet look to my new piercing. Curved barbells are also, I am told, less likely to reject than ordinary barbells.
I was given some aftercare instructions, before paying up and stepping out onto the street with a great sense of liberation. I had at last been able to get a piercing that I could proudly show off. I loved being able to look in the mirror and beam with delight at my new feature. The great thing about facial piercings is that they draw attention to the area which they adorn. A few people have commented on my eyes as being one of my better features, and in a way I guess the bar in my left eyebrow drew attention to these.
I had relatively few problems with this piercing after getting it done. I cleaned it daily in accordance with the instructions I had been given, and in a relatively short time it seemed to have healed. The only problem I experienced was bruising around my eyebrow, but apparently this does happen to some people and is largely a consequence of the area having been clamped. However, it was not painful and went away after a couple of weeks. You do have to be careful with eyebrows though because it is easy to catch it when washing your hair or changing shirts. I also found that I often forgot it was there and would wipe my hand over it.
I really recommend this piercing. Its not too painful, its not too hard to look after, and most importantly it is aesthetically pleasing.