First I'll begin warning you about the dangers of self modifacation. Not only is it very dangerous in the risk that you could hurt youself to a greater degree than the inatial piercing, but theres also the risk of diseases from unsteril needles. If you doubt yourself in your ability to pierce yourself then seek a professional. That money to go to a professional IS worth it instead of risking a disease, or worse.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon IAM watermoth When A year ago Artist Me Studio My basement Location Michigan
I'm sure many of you reading this have also spent the days of looking on BME on that ONE special piercing. That one you HAVE to have. I needed something to compliment my 8 gauge septum, and I didn't know what to choose until I came across a vertical labret.
It was beautiful, I had to have one. I spent a good week of reading DIY stories and looking at pictures of them. I decided either I would do it myself, or not at all. Though a professional would have been the best choice, I trust myself with my own body more than I would anyone elese.
- Piercing day -
I walked into downtown and stopped at a place that sells needles. I bought two 14 gauge needles (just incase) and a 14 gauge curved barbell. I was really anxious on the walk home, I wondered what my parents were going to say.
So I decided I was going to set up a tray with all my supplies on it. I had paper towel, needle lube, my jewelry, gloves, and my needles. I scrubbed my hands up really good with medical soap and put my gloves on.
I never use clamps, or mark the spot to pierce. I just go for it. I pinched my lip to see what feels right. After I decided I was ready to pierce, I opened a needle. I'm one of those whimpy piercers who push REALLY slowly, and take little breaks until its through.
The pain wasn't bad, I think after a while my lip just went numb. On a scale of one to 10, 10 beng the worst the pain was about a 4 and a half. I saw the sliver on the little area where the inside of your lip and actuall lip start and I knew I was almost done. One last push and it was thru. I was really really excited to see I had finally done it. No blood at all ... yet. The placement was perfect, not crooked at all to my sight. I was instantly in love with my work. I really couldn't wait to show it off.
Putting the jewelry wasn't a problem at all. I followed with the end of the barbell thru the needle. It felt funny like someone was pinching my lip. After that I sprayed some bactine on it. Which by the way numbs the inside of your mouth if you get it in there. I do not reccomend purposly trying to do so.
This is where the blood started happening, it wasn't a lot but enough to annoy me. The blood crusted over really quick, and it hurt to brake away from the crusties. It got REALLY red, and irritated everytime I tried to get the crusties off by hand.
- Next day -
The next morning when I woke up my lip was swolen, not terribly but enough for people to notice. I later saw my friend who gave me a hug, and my lip went right into his shoulder. That hurt more than anything I can remember ever. It started bleeding, but not too badly. Having my lip bumped didn't help the swelling at all but it did go down noticably by the end of the day. I also took a asprin around lunch, and I think that helped.
- Week later -
A week later and its looking good. Swellings almost just about gone. Actually it looks like I've had it all my life. I used provon and bactine on it and it feels good. When I tell people I did it myself they can't believe how good it looks for a DIY. Its more comfortable to move around inside my lip, and I'm noticing less crusties. I bought a really neat barbell for it when it heals, and I'm exicited for it to FINALLY heal. I still clean it every day in the shower with provon (which by the way does NOT taste good) twice a day.
If you have any questions you may AIM me. SN: Elitist Pulse
or you can e-mail me at RedBamboo140w@yahoo.com
I will be happy to answer any of your questions. Good luck with your body mods and PLEASE take my advice, and if you're concidering ANY piercing go to a professional. it truely is worth it.