It was in my thoughts for quite awhile and because I had none of my facial piercings left I had to, just HAD TO go get poked. I called The Altered Native in Orangeville and booked an appointment for a horizontal lip ring and an eyebrow (that's another story in itself) for myself the following Monday night.
At A Glance Author strawberry gashes Contact scabsgunsandpeanutbutter@hotmail.com When A week ago Artist Jay Studio The Altered Native Location Orangeville Ontario As we drove up to the place I could feel my stomach hurt. Which was unusual as I've had many piercings and never felt like this before. It could also be because this was a new piercer and a new place and I didn't know if I could trust him you know? I'd always gotten my piercings in Toronto at New Tribe and was always happy with their work.
I walked in and Jay the piercer/tattooist walked me into the back room and made me take off my shoes. I signed the waiver and waited for him to set up shop for me. He told me to come around back and lie back in the chair. It was very clean, looked very sterile. We decided the piercing should be right where I had the old hole before. He slid a black felt tipped pen down my lip and told me to check in the mirror before stabbing me.
I was pleased with the placement and proceeded to lie back down in the big white chair. He brought me a cup of what I thought was mouth wash (had it been i wouldn't have turned green due to the taste). I swirled it around in my mouth as long as I could before spitting into a little cup. Then he gave me this kidney shaped this thing ( I guess for my spit) and I kind of felt like those dogs who have lamp shades over their necks. I started to shake a little as he clamped my lip ever so hard. Take a deep breath in a relax. I did and then came the biggest pain ever. I forgot how that felt. The tearing, the pull through, the agony. But it was in and I was all done. Looking in the mirror I noticed that the 14g hoop was a little oversized but considering my bottom lip is big it was just right for the swelling I was going to have.
I paid Jay and we spoke about getting my custom tattoos done and told him I'd call him in a week. He gave me a herbal spray and a herbal mouth wash both of which taste pretty damn nasty. I decided not to use them as the salt water solution i used in the past did me good.
I came home that night and kept checking myself out in the mirror. I really did it. I work at Pearson Airport dealing with loads of people so I didn't really know what they were going to think of me, the high ranking managers there. So uptight. But I didn't care. It looked good and I've always loved my lip piercings so whatever they could say or scare me with was no problem with me.
The week ahead was tough as the skin around the inside with stretch when I would open my mouth for food. And not licking my lips as much the top layer of skin on my bottom lip was peeling so bad I was embarrassed. Chap Stick to the rescue. At night when I was asleep I or my fiance would unknowingly hit me in the mouth by accident causing me to run to the bathroom to wash out my mouth. Come to think of it whenever I'm in a little bit of pain I wash with salt water and it instantly feels better. It's amazing how many times I hit myself in the face when I sleep. I'm surprised I don't wake up with a swollen face every morning.
It's been about a week and everything is healing up fine. I had that white ring in the inside of my mouth (which bothered the hell out of me when people asked just exactly 'what is that white ring around your piercing?). The crusties aren't too bad and my mouth feels a whole lot better. I can actually open my mouth wide enough for food now. I'm eating a lot better but do have the rare occasion of putting a fork through the ring and crying out in pain.
My fathers reaction was typical "You have that stupid ring in your lip again" Yes and I'm loving every minute of it. I think facial piercings are a beautiful thing and can't wait to get all mine back. But for now need to heal these ones and maybe get my septum done once again.
Overall I was happy with Jays professionalism and his work and do recommend him. He made sure I knew everything thoroughly. If you're ever in Orangeville you should check out his work. I'm proud of it and you will be too!