Well today was the day. The day I go to Eastbourne to get a new piercing, the left side of my lip to be precise. I've already had the middle and the right side pierced as well as various other piercings but I just couldn't help feeling nervous.
At A Glance Author Titanium Boy When It just happened Artist Steve Studio Deep Blue Location Eastbourne Me and my girlfriend jumped on the train from Hastings and arrived in Eastbourne at about 12:30PM and took the short walk from the train station to Deep Blue. When we arrived we were kindly greeted as we always are, and asked what we would like today. I replied that I wanted the left side of my lip pierced. We were asked to wait a few minutes as it is always busy there. We sat down and waited, I still felt really nervous. Owen the piercer came out and had a nice chat with us as he always does, laughing and joking with us to try and keep me relaxed. They know us pretty well in Deep Blue and that's what I love, the fact that everyone that comes through the door they treat like family, you just feel safe and at ease which I think is very important in a place like that.
Anyway, back to the story. It was time for me to go into the back now and my nerves were getting worse. Though I do have a fair amount of piercings I just couldn't help it. As we walked through the waiting room into the back, we were kindly greeted by the other staff(Terry). Owen was cleaning the surfaces as always. What I like about this place is their high standard of hygiene. All the surfaces are always shiny and white. Whenever you receive a new piercing they always show you step by step what they are doing, from putting on new gloves to opening a brand new needle from its sealed packaging in front of you.
All my piercings so far have been done by Owen but today he asked if Steve, his apprentice could do it under his supervision. I agreed as Steve is really more than capable as he has pierced my girlfriend a few times before.
Steve examined my face for a good few minutes before marking where the new piercing would go, as having them all equal is very important. Next he cleaned the area thoroughly and asked if I was ready. I said yes and he held the clamp firmly and asked again if I was ready, I braced myself and replied yes again. The needle slid through without me even noticing and the insertion of the labret stud was even quicker.
I sat up and he asked if I was feeling ok, and I said yes. I walked over to one of the many large mirrors they have to inspect my new piercing. Needless to say it was perfect as they always are. I don't even know what I was nervous for really, it was not as bad as I thought it would be, I guess I just forgot what it felt like. But when your in the hands of a good piercer it really helps.
I paid for my piercing and was told as always that if I have any problems I can always come into the shop or give them a call. After that we sat around and chatted with the guys for awhile as always. You never feel rushed, like they want to get your money and throw you out the door so they can get the next person in. They always take their time to talk to you, get to know you and build up a relationship. That I think is a very good thing because I really feel safe there because there is a connection with you and the piercer that goes beyond just "piercer" and "customer". As I said before and I'll say it again, you feel like a member of the family. I just feel like I'm sitting in my front room at home when I'm there which helps me to relax.
That was three days ago. My new piercing is completely fine. There is no tenderness or redness. Hardly any swelling at all which is good, as my other two were quite sore for about four days. I'm going back in about a week to have it changed for a ball closure ring which I think will look better.
If you are thinking of getting a new piercing, but are a bit nervous, don't be. Go to Deep Blue and talk to the guys there. They are the most friendly, caring bunch of people I have ever met. I have been going there for about four years and in that time I have been given the same amazing high standard of piercing. Seriously, just give them a try, you won't regret it.