I can remember ever since I was in 4th grade I had an undying interest in tattoos and piercings, and other forms of body modification. I'd always paint designs on my arms and wear key chain loops that I managed to pry off. It was a genuine interest for body modification, I wasn't influenced from other people who words of peers, or music or television. Definetly something I desired on my own.
At A Glance Author stitch Contact stitch@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Lori Studio Forever Art Location Hornell New York
For the next 6 years I kept looking in the mirror with keychain rings on my lip. My parents were totally against any sort of body modification, especially the typical dislike of facial piercings. My dad would even get upset about the chain rings if he caught me staring in the mirror and admiring myself. I got tired of daydreaming and I was finally of the age where it didn't have to be a fantasy anymore.
I got the guts to ask my parents, thought I had all the facts learned and was ready for battle. The conversation was under a minute and of course it was no. I got into a huge debate about why and why not, and ultimately their answer stood. My mom was the one who was more open minded about everything and I knew I could probably negotiate good enough for her to sweet talk my dad. Nothing happened right away, and more turmoil and arguments rose so I dropped the topic for a few months, meanwhile I'd go here on BME a few times a week and keep reading the FAQ's in the parents section, and figured I'd wait a while longer until it was off their minds and they had a great day. A few weeks went by and I waited for the perfect day.
With the Parents FAQ about bodymods printed off, and patience in mind I engaged in the battle against stereotyping and modern times with my parents. Their good day turned into a sour one. I didn't understand why they kept their opinion so harshly. My dad wasn't even open minded enough to read the FAQ. I asked him just to read it and he wouldn't even bother. I convinced my mom to read it and she seemed alright with the idea finally after explaining the responsibilitys of caring for a piercing. I was half way there.
To get on with the story, the end of the school year came around and I was ready to drop out. I had no reason to finish school(in my young eyes) and I was fed up with everything. Being the chronic negotiator that I am, somehow I convinced my dad that if I finished school for the year with flying colors that I could get my labret done. Score! And even better, I made up a clever excuse to get it done 6 weeks a head of time. (I had a trip scheduled out of country and it needed to be healed so I could remove the stud and put in a retainer). I was psyched! Finally after 7 years of daydreaming I was actually able to get it.
A few weeks later, I had enough money saved and enough guts to go get it. Finally. I waited a few days after I actually could go until I felt ready. After about 3 days I figured I just had to face it. Its funny how when you can actually do something and it isn't a fantasy anymore, you're not as sure about it as you thought you were. But this was something I knew I thought hard about for a long time and it was time to hike up the skirt and get my first piercing. It was so nerve-racking being there. The smell, the people, the awkward silence. I ended the day with a smile and a 14g labret spike, and a lot of compliments.
Months went by and it healed just fine. It was fun learning how to clean everything, going on sites and reading all the jewelry I could get for it, and it was so cool talking to people and feeling above everyone else that didn't have piercings. I felt a oneness with the rare bunch(around the area) that did. I was so happy to have it, I felt complete.
After reading some of the issues on gum recession when I first got it, it turns out my body didn't fit the piercing very well. I had it placed to where the piercer and I figured it would not be a problem, but after a few months of constant checking, I noticed slight gum recession and figured it wasn't practical to leave in, so I had to take it out.
About another half year later not a day went by where I missed something there. I thought about it a long time again, and figured the side of my lip would be good and last. A slight debate with my dad, but a more open minded mom helped convince him again and being older, they figured I had more slack for my privileges. I saved up again and was ready. This time I had no fear and was so excited to finally have part of me back, and here to stay for good. I got ready, got something to eat, and was on my way. I showed up, waited around for about an hour. Got all my papers signed, picked the jewelry, waited for the autoclave machine to finish, and we figured the best placement. I planned on snakebites in the near future so we got the side lined up perfect for an accompanying ring later.
Now, about a month later its almost totally healed and it feels awesome, and looks amazing. Its exactly what I wanted. The jewelry fits perfect and there hasn't been the slightest problem since the swelling finished after about the first five days. My advice though, make sure your body fits the piercing you want. Don't cut any corners and think long and thoroughly about your options.