First off, I'd like to say that all of my piercings except one have been self done over the years. I have self-pierced over fifteen times successfully. This was my first time failing a piercing. As always, don't do this on your own! Unless you're like me, I know many people out there are, and are willing to face the consequences.
At A Glance Author Katie Contact Katie@bme.anon IAM kiru When It just happened Artist Myself Studio Bedroom This was one of my spontaneous moments, but I've been brainstorming on what facial piercings I want next to go with my septum. I also want to plan everything out to be symmetrical. I figured, why not? It's centered, a very thin place to go through, and easy to hide. My parents get easily upset when I show up with a new piercing, but give in if I've already healed it. (There's a tip for you naughty youngsters.)
It was late and I was tired. Tiredness leads to carelessness (which is probably why this piercing turned out badly). I was also watching Inu Yasha at the time (yes I'm a dork) which obviously would distract anyone from doing a good job of stabbing themselves. I've never had a reaction from not using sterile tools and materials, but this time I didn't clean anything off at all. I usually at least use hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol or soap (depending on the area), but my first mistake was not cleaning anything off. I didn't even brush my teeth. I just thoughtlessly proceeded.
I used a safety pin (I know, very irresponsible but it's always worked for me) and aligned it to the gum tissue. I pushed it right through very easily without much pain except a little pinching feeling.
If I do a late night piercing I usually leave the pin in for the night so I don't lose the hole while trying to put jewelry in. I never close the pin in case of extra sensitivity while trying to take it off, so I put a rubber earring back on the pin so I wouldn't poke myself during sleep. I knew right after it was done though that it was pretty crooked and I figured I'd let the minor swelling reduce and see in the morning if it was still just as bad. If not, I planned on using a salt soak, changing the jewelry to a 16ga curved barbell, and doing another salt soak.
I iced it and fell asleep. I drooled pretty badly on and off through the night, but I'm not exactly the most feminine girl. It didn't bother me at all and I just rolled over every time I woke up.
The next morning I checked it in the mirror and could more clearly see my definite error. When I pierced it, I started from the right side like I usually do. It was perfectly in place but as I applied pressure to the pin, it slid gradually up so the left side was maybe a mm too high. It just looked terrible. I was very disappointed in my ability, even though this was my first time attempting a smiley. I took out the pin and tossed it. Other than a little tenderness there was no infection or further swelling. I thoroughly cleaned my mouth after that.
What I learned most was simply I had to improve on my aim. If I do decide to pierce it again, I probably wouldn't do it myself just because it's impossible to see what you're doing even when you have a mirror in front of you. I would like to have this piercing even though it's not very high on my list, but because I'm not eighteen quite yet, I'd have to have a friend do it. I don't trust anyone else putting a needle through me so it should be an adventure finding a professional in a few months.
I'd say it was a lot easier than my retired vertical labret or my left helix because of the thin tissue, but it proved that alignment in this area is very crucial. I wonder now why I was so lucky with my septum.
Jeez, now after writing this it makes me wish I still had my smiley! I might try it again after giving my frenulum a rest - I don't want to traumatize the tissue too much. If it were to end up being crooked again, I would really like to know about the natural realignment of this piercing. Off to the FAQ for me! Obviously I should have been even more prepared than originally thought before conducting this piercing. Please, first time smiley piercers, I messed up! Do a better job than I did.
But good luck to any self-piercers! I hope yours turns out way better than mine did. Pay attention to your cleanliness and make sure you keep a steady hand in the right direction!