I have wanted to get my lip pierced for five years. I'm nineteen years old and this is my first facial piercing, my first big mod. I have five ear piercings (two on my left ear and three on my right). Although each one is symbolic of a significant life event and a part of me, they have also been killing time until I could get my lip pierced.
At A Glance Author Erene Contact Erene@bme.anon When A week ago Artist I wish I knew, she was lovely Studio Cold Steel Location Camden, UK I am not one of those lucky individuals who are able to get pierced with not much hassle. It's a long story that I won't go into, but most of my family have ceased contact with me completely because I got my lip pierced. I am not a smoker, drinker or drug user. I am very hardworking and ambitious with a solid ethical system. I just choose to look a little different than what is considered 'conventional'. Getting pierced was put off for a very long time, purely out of respect for my parents. One thing I have come to understand, however, is that I am who I am and I cannot change. I am upset at my family's reactions, but I did not do this to hurt them, and I am hoping we can sort things out soon.
Anyway, on to the actual story! Cold Steel was recommended to me and I knew it had a good reputation anyway. A vertical labret seemed perfect, as I am quite a perfectionist when it comes to my oral health. Plus it was a little different, and it would mark a significant point in my life; I was finally settled at University (and life in general) and I was becoming the person I wanted to become.
I was very nervous, but it was just a fear of the unknown. I'd read stories here many times, I think I've read them all! I didn't mind the pain, as I always say 'pain is temporary'. After the pain, I'd have a lovely new piercing I'd wanted for ages.
So it came to 2pm and I wandered over to Cold Steel with my piercing buddy Ann (with a stomach full of butterflies, chicken wrap and a mini-cheesecake.. I was so nervous and I didn't want to faint!). The guy behind the counter who asked me to fill in my details and pay correctly guessed my name was Greek and pronounced it perfectly with a lovely Greek accent! But I digress..
The lady who was to pierce me (I really wish I knew her name, I'd recommend her) was extremely friendly and kept me at ease. She told me to follow her up some stairs to a very clean piercing room. All the way through she chatted to me and made me feel comfortable, and I knew exactly what was going on, which I loved because I'm thinking of becoming a piercer myself so I liked knowing the procedure. Also changed her gloves alot, which made me feel confident!
After cleaning my lip a few times, showing me the jewelry and marking me up (don't be afraid to ask to be re-marked!), she asked me to lie down and close my eyes. I figured since it was my first facial piercing she didn't want me to be scared by the needle or something. I got a little more nervous when she clamped my lip (doesn't hurt, I promise), as I waited for a sharp focus of pain, like when you prick yourself with a safety pin. I didn't even feel the needle enter or exit my lip, I just felt an overwhelming pressure on my bottom lip which lasted about 5 seconds. It hurt ALOT but it was over pretty quickly. It would be something I'd do again but I have a high pain threshold. I thought the jewelry insertion would hurt, but that was painless.
After the curved barbell was in, I sat up slowly to look at my long-awaited piercing.. it was so perfect. I had looked at so many pictures, read so many experiences, done all my research, thought about it endlessly and now it was mine. I was so happy I told my piercer I loved her. She seemed to take it well!
Straight after leaving the studio, I went out to get a cup of ice from Starbucks to reduce the swelling, which was non-existent anyway. It's been five days and it hardly swelled at all, I got really lucky. It's been healing really well and I'm so pleased, but it's still salt soaks and antibacterial soap twice a day and mouthwash after having anything that isn't water. The aftercare is easy once it's incorporated into your daily routine and it's no hassle if you love a piercing as much as I love this one. Always think really hard about piercings before you get it done, the aftercare is really important!
I am so happy I got it done, I adore it, and have been complimented on it lots. It feels like it's always been there, and it makes me really happy and more confident. Nostril piercing next, methinks.
Thank you for reading, please e-mail with any questions :)