By the time I was 17 I was already really into piercings. I had my labret done and was simply aching for another hole. Luckily, my father was really supportive about me expressing myself. My mom was less than thrilled, on the other hand. but she always decided to just stay out of it.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When Two years ago Artist not sure Studio The Pin Cushion Location Hyannis, MA I had been interested in bridge piercings for a while, but I never thought I had the guts to do it. I was the quiet girl, the unassuming one who people wouldn't expect it from. Maybe that's what attracted me to it most. I kept trying to imagine the pain and the over-all experience, what it would be like to have one. I agonized over whether or not I'd regret it, would it be really hard to take care of? I decided that it was what I really wanted, and that I was willing to put in the effort to keep it.
My dad had taken me to every piercing I had done under the age of 18, and when I told him I was going to get an "eyebrow" ring, he was okay with it and brought me up there. I didn't tell him until right before I was brought in the room what I really had in mind! He just shrugged and said "ooookaay!" It was somewhat late at night so there weren't people in the shop besides the artists. One was a big guy who intimidated me, and the other was this really sweet looking girl who had all sorts of piercings, including a bridge. She shared her story with me and her presence really helped to calm my nerves. Apparently she was apprenticing, so she was there for the whole procedure.
I was amazed at how long it took to mark out the piercing's exit and enter points. They agonized over the placing for what seemed like an hour! They really cared about how it would look. After all, it's right in the middle of my face. After they finally got it just right, the process began.
I've been to the pin cushion several times because I really trust these people. They're very clean, very sterile and follow all procedures exactly. He changed his gloves a million times, instructed me on how to breath, and with my dad holding my hand I laid down. They put the clamp on, which felt really weird because it pulled my whole face up. Breath in, breath out....the needle was through! I was soo surprised as to how little it actually hurt. My dad said it made a really gross crunching noise when it went through, but despite the initial pinch of the needle, it was pretty painless. I sat up slowly and looked in the mirror....and fell in love. For some reason I really just felt like it suited me. It was crazy how much I loved it.
The pain was honestly minimal. I kept forgetting that it was there, and I'd rub my nose and feel it. I think it wasn't so bad because you don't use the bridge of your nose for anything, it's not like it moves. I followed the instructions on the sheet they gave me (which were to wash it with dial soap twice a day, and don't touch!) and it really didn't give me any trouble. Well, except for people's questions. "did that hurt?" "doesn't that make you go cross-eyed?" "does it go through the bone?" (it doesn't, by the way) "what does your mother think of that?" but I found my ways to handle it well.
a few months afterwards I got a medusa and they all came together to really complete my whole look. The bridge being the star of the show, of course. I was so proud, no matter what negative things people said. all of my close friends would tell me "it looks great on you, I normally wouldn't like it but you pull it off so well." It was my favorite piece of jewelry.
I had my bridge piercing for over 2 years, and it had minor infections during that time, which were mostly just a little swelling with some redness. Rarely did I get pus. Unfortunately, I was forced to break up my love affair with it, because I live in a really small, close minded town and I couldn't find a job for the life of me. I took it out and it closed within 2 hours I think. The next day i got a job. Go figure.
My advice for someone who's considering this piercing: do whatever the hell you want to. As long as you are responsible enough to take care of it properly, do the research to find a good shop, and are willing to put up with stupid questions from rude strangers, than by all means, be yourself. I still consider it my favorite, most beloved piercing. No regrets at all. I still think someday I will get it re-pierced, when I find the right job!