I had the right side of my cheek pierced at a 4 gauge about 9 months ago. The piercer that I went to ended up leaving the shop before he could do the other side. After this happened I had a stage were I didn't know who I wanted to let pierce me or what shop I wanted to frequent. After some looking, I meet a couple phenomenal piercers in the New York City area. One of which was Sean from Gotham. Unfortunately Sean ended up also leaving Gotham a couple of months ago. Though Sean left the shop, his apprentice Stacy is still working at the shop.
At A Glance Author piercedsunflow Contact piercedsunflow@bme.anon IAM piercedsunflow When It just happened Artist Stacy Studio Gotham Location New York City Stacy is just a doll and assisted Sean with my vertical labret. For a bit she has been asking me to come in the shop and get something done. The only problem is I am kind of done with what some consider easier piercings. The only thing I wanted done on my face was the other side of my cheek. After dropping off film at a shop close to Gotham I decided to pop in and show Stacy how my vertical labret was healing. She asked me if I would let her poke me. I told her the only thing I could let her do was my cheek, Stacy jumped at the chance. I also knew this isn't exactly a piercing that she would do everyday and it would be good practice for her.
Needless to say I was a bit nervous. I know she is talented but it would be the first cheek she would be piercing and we were going to do it at an 8 gauge and then taper to a 4 gauge. I tried not to show my nerves because I figured she was nervous enough. I also knew she wasn't totally on her own, Ellie the new piercer was watching over her and helping through the entire procedure. As Stacy prepared the room and jewelry, she told me at any time I could back out and have Ellie do it. Though I knew I would never do that to her.
After setting everything up, it was then time for the marking. This was not exactly an easily thing to do because not only did she have to line it up with the other side, I also have a set of cheek piercings in front of were the new one would sit. Marking took at least ten minutes. I felt like every part of my face had been measured. I had to smile and then relax so they could get both views. Not only did Stacy measure; Ellie measured as well. After they both measured, they had what seemed like a small conference about were the placement should be exactly. When both were happy with the alignment I was told to lay down.
Ellie had to show Stacy exactly how to hold the clamps and how to pull my cheek. Again, I tried not to look tense. Also figuring it was time to start relaxing, taking my mind to a nice place and begin breathing. I also prepped myself mentally for the pain. Once the needle went though, two tapers needed to before the jewelry. I knew it wouldn't be a quick second and then it was over. It would take a little time; therefore I had to be ready mentally as well as physically. The last thing I wanted to do was flinch for Stacy.
After the clamp was applied a couple of times by Ellie and Stacy, Stacy took the clamps and prepared the needle. The needle was going from the inside of my mouth out. Ellie told Stacy that she was really going to have to push because it wasn't easy skin and it was a decent sized gauge. I didn't want to hear that but it was something I already knew. I was told to take a deep breath and let it out. Then told to breathe once again. On the second breath, was when the needle would enter. As I let out and tried to stay as still as possible, Stacy pushed the needle through. It hurt but it wasn't that bad. I got to relax for a couple of seconds as she got the taper. Another breath out and the 6 gauge taper was through. Two down one to go. Breathing out again as the 4 gauge taper was inserted and this time it hurt like hell. Stacy really had to shove it through. I know I made a funny face for that one. At this point my cheek felt huge! Just the jewelry transfer which went with no tro uble and then I was done.
Wow! We both got Ellie to tell us that we were hardcore. Stacy did amazing. Just as good as any other piercer that I have had work on me. After a few minutes the piercing started to bleed just a bit so Stacy cleaned it up. It was nice to let someone practice on me for a change. I wouldn't have let her if I weren't totally sure of her capabilities and she more than rose to the occasion.
I only got had it pierced three days ago but so far so good. My cheek did end up swelling and I'm glad the jewelry was made extra long because it needs the room. It is also hard to eat but nothing unexpected in a cheek piercing. The alignment seems to be perfect but I will be totally sure in a few weeks once the swelling goes down.