I was ready for a new piercing since I was currently not healing any. I had to retire my not yet healed horizontal eyebrow and rook to forward helix orbital so it was time for another try. I hadn't put much thought into another piercing yet since I didn't expect for the time to come so soon.
At A Glance Author alienated_shorty Contact alienated_shorty@bme.anon IAM alienated_shorty When A week ago Artist Wendi Studio Lucky Monkey Location Ann Arbor, MI I went and saw my beloved piercer, Ms. Wendi, at Lucky Monkey. I was undecided as to what I wanted pierced when I arrived, but finally settled on a standard navel piercing. I had previously decided that one day I will have a navel project and figured that it would be as good as time as any to get it started. I usually tend to get more complicated and unusual piercings, so this was a break for her this time.
After ensuring that the bed was clean and she got out her supplies, she proceeded to clean the area to be pierced with Technicare. It felt kind of ticklish while she was doing this. She had me tuck my shirt up out of the way and put my arms to my sides to mark me. On a previous visit she had already inspected my navel to make sure it was suitable for the piercing. She placed one of her infamous purple dots and had me check in the mirror to make sure I was happy with the placement. I agreed and got up onto the bed. She had me lay down to double check the mark since the navel shifts a little when doing so. Everything still looked good so she started unpacking the jewelry, needle, and tools from their autoclave bags. I am always very nervous before a piercing so I tucked my hands underneath myself to prevent any flailing hands that might occur.
She clamped me and checked, checked again, and rechecked to make sure everything was perfect. She checked with me to make sure that the clamps weren't hurting or pinching me. As soon as the clamps touched me is when I really started to get nervous. Wendi kept trying to reassure me that a navel piercing wasn't that bad, especially considering some of the work I have had done. I couldn't help but still be nervous since I didn't know exactly what to expect. I took one last glance before closing my eyes at my friend, Jim, standing in the doorway who was next to be under the needle.
She had me do the usual breathing exercise of deep breath in and upon breathing out she pierced. I had to let out a longer breath than usual since she had a little trouble getting the needle to exit. After an extra couple of seconds it was finally through and she asked to make sure I was alright. I stated I was fine and she continued with the procedure, transferring the jewelry. The jewelry transfer was actually more painful than the actual piercing itself, even though she was fairly quick and gentle about it I still managed to let out a little grunting noise.
I didn't seem to bleed at all, but Wendi still cleaned the area afterwards. I tilted my head up to get a look at my new piece of metal and she informed me that I could sit up then if I felt comfortable. I was better than fine since the pain level was so incredibly low and totally not what I had expected. I got down off the table and went to the mirror to inspect my new 14 gauge curved barbell. It was perfect, as with practically all the work she has done for me.
We made small talk for a moment while she was cleaning up, and said how unusual it was for my navel to be so tough to pierce through. She explained that normally persons who tan a lot have tougher skin to pierce but she knew that I do not go tanning. She asked half jokingly if I wanted aftercare instructions but I declined as she had expected, since I have paid many of visits to her and have it down to a T, plus the advantage of having her as a roommate.
Roommate or not, Wendi acted in a totally professional and courteous manner the entire time. I was treated as a client and not as a friend. She still continuously changed her gloves at any chance of cross contamination like she was trying to break a record of the most gloves used in a procedure. Her room was very clean and tidy. She kept me informed all before and during the procedure of everything that she was doing so there were no surprises or uncomfortable incidents. The shop in it's entirety was extremely acceptable, all staff was friendly but still professional.