I'm a 21 year old college student who doesn't appear to be any more daring than any typical baby. But - a little while ago I took the plunge and decided I wanted something other than my ears pierced.
At A Glance Author LRoA Contact crowpie@aol.com When Six months ago Artist Tony Studio American Skin Art Location North Tonawanda, NY It took me a little while to decide on my navel. I wanted to make certain my piercing was something I could easily show off when I wanted to, but at the same time could be easily hidden (even during the healing process). What more perfect than a navel piercing?
Well anyhow, since I never had anything pierced before I had no idea as to what to expect. I had heard stories ranging from "it was the worst pain of my life" to "it was nothing but a slight warm sensation". Considering the multitude of varying accounts, I resolved myself to a completely open mind.
When I walked into the studio I felt a little excited, or maybe I was simply nervous. In any event, there were no customers in for a piercing, hence there was no long waiting period for me to spend talking myself out of my decision. So we began.
EVERYTHING was cleaned. The gloves were changed several times to avoid any cross-contamination. And there was even a picture of Elvis on the ceiling for me to look at. Classy, eh?
I was told to breathe in deeply and then breathe out. My piercer told me once I breathed out the piercing would be finished. (Pretty standard from what I have read) Well, I followed the instructions and felt annoyed afterward. There I was...laying in this big ugly piercing chair, nervous as hell and I hadn't felt the piercing. I thought my piercer was toying with me. Little did I know the piercing was actually finished. I simply hadn't felt it. I was thrilled! My piercer took a bow.
The healing period went well too. The only pain I felt from this piercing was the week after I was pierced. So, I soaked it in sea sault (by far and away the best method, as I had tried several) and the hole healed up just fine.
About six months later I decided my 14 gauge ring was too small, so I went back to have my navel stretched to a larger gauge. Everyone told me not to because the jewelery selection declines once you've gone larger than a 14. But I am certainly not the "cheerleader" type that wants cutesie little pink hearts and stuff. I like the nice, thick, heavy bent and circular barbells. I think they are much more beautiful than the dinky, cutesie little cheerleader piercings.
Now I absolutely love the piercing, and since then I have stretched it from a 14 gauge to a 6 gauge. I think it looks pretty snazzy at a 6, and don't plan on stretching it any further. Maybe I'll send in a picture sometime. (I absolutely LOVE large gauge piercings)
Anyhow, this piercing is definitely a piece of body ornimentation strictly for myself. I am not the type to wear half shirts or bikinis. I don't show things off. I've been told I appear to be somewhat "snotty" and conservative. In other words, I don't look like the kind of person who would have an ear piercing, much less a 6 gauge navel piercing. I know there are many different types of people with many different types of piercings, and these days it is most difficult to distinguish a lot of them from the rest of the non-pierced culture. I think I would deffinitely fall into that category, as I have an incredible respect for body art, in whatever form, even though I don't outwardly appear to "fit the type". (I do hate stereotypes) We must all take into consideration that appearances can easily be deceiving.
In fact, I am considering getting a septum piercing next. I think they are beautiful, and like the navel, can be easily tucked away until I feel the time is appropriate. It is also another piercing that I can have have simply for myself. It doesn't have to be shared with a soul until I feel like sharing it with them. To me, body art is sacred. It is an expression of a person's inner "self" that maybe shouldn't be shared openly until the person is ready to allow that inner "self" to become an outer "self".
And I guess all I can say to any "newbies" like me is, all you can really do is keep an open mind about the pain factor. Some people actually like the pain, and that's certainly fine - I can definitely relate to them. But for those of you who detest pain, you're cool too. Just don't think about it. If you can handle a shot from your general practitioner, you can certainly handle this piercing.
Oh - and if anyone is in the Buffalo/Tonawanda NY area, go to American Skin Art - I know a LOT of people with piercings and tattoos - they are by far the best.
Cheers!
LRoA