I'm not generally the sort of person to be impulsive, but when my best friend asked if I would go along with her when she got her nipple pierced, the thought of getting another piercing (I only had my lobes pierced before) crossed my mind, but I dismissed the idea after a bit of thinking.
At A Glance Author Sian Contact carpathiancorpse@hotmail.com When It just happened Artist Clive Studio 4Skin Location Fakenham, Norfolk, UK
So, yesterday lunch time my mate and I walked into town from college to the piercing parlour called 4skin. She was very nervous and I felt nervous for her, but I was also very proud and thought she was very brave. When we went inside I squeezed her hand as she was led into the little room for piercing by Clive the owner. My boyfriend and I were sat on some chairs, talking to another employee about various piercings and what looks best on people. It was then that I decided I wanted my navel pierced.
I asked the friendly employee if they were free to do my piercing later in the day (I had a free lesson later), but he said they were booked up to do tattoos, but could probably fit me in after my friend. Feeling a bit of a rush from the excitement and nerves I decided to go for it.
My friend came out of the little room giggling and that calmed me down a bit. I explained to Clive that I wanted something too. He led me into the little room and started to clean my navel. As he was doing this I asked him whether the wipe contained an anaesthetic, and he said it did, which helped (My friend had her nipple numbed and it sounded like a good idea to me).
After measuring me up and drawing a few lines on my stomach Clive asked me to lie down as he prepared the needle. He let me choose which belly bar I wanted, and started explaining what he would do.
He told me how he would clamp my navel, then ask me to breathe in, and as I was doing this, he would push the needle through. He said the pain would only last a couple of seconds, and would be no worse than having an injection from the doctor.
So this was the moment of truth. I told Clive this was my first 'proper' piercing and that I was very nervous. He was reassuring and explained how it would only hurt for a second or two. He put the clamp on (which hurt a little and surprised me), and I knew there was no turning back. I breathed in deeply, a small "Oh!" escaped my mouth, and then it was over. I looked down and could see a small plastic sleeve through the new piercing. Clive then explained he had to fit the belly bar. This hurt a little bit, similar to the needle, but only lasted a second.
When it was all sorted and I could catch my breath Clive went through the after care. He also surprised me by saying "Bet you didn't know you did it without an anaesthetic!" I was shocked that he hadn't told me, but it made me realise how I really didn't need it anyway. The pain is just sharp and over so quickly anyone could bear it.
As I came out of the room my friend and boyfriend clapped. Clive gave me a lolly-pop to sort out my blood sugar levels because I had been nervous. I felt like a little girl that had just been to the dentist, and in a way it was very similar: chair, sterile environment, needles, gloves etc. However, I also felt so proud that I actually went through with it. The whole thing only cost £20, which I thought was very good considering some places charge about £35; however this didn't mean they skimp on the hygiene or anything. Also the atmosphere there was so friendly, relaxed, and Clive really new what he was talking about.
I stayed at my boyfriend's last night, and came home today. I hadn't told my parents I was getting a piercing, so when I got home I just lifted up my shirt and my mum just laughed. I had been scaring her with talk of getting my nipple done (which she didn't approve of), but when she saw my belly button she was delighted. My uninformed father thought I'd had it pierced twice (because of the two balls on the belly bar), but I suppose he can be excused as he's old and senile.
I only had this piercing yesterday, but now I've got the bug and can't wait until my next one. I'm thinking about getting more on my ears, as I only had the lobes done once and I don't think facial piercings would suit me as I have a very small face and features. I know I can pop in and talk to Clive any time if I have any questions. I felt so accepted at 4skin; it wasn't like a big, scary tattoo parlour with a rough looking man behind the counter that you're afraid to ask questions. Clive was really professional (even with my friend's nipple!) and I'd definitely go there again if I decide to have my nipple done. I wonder what the folks would say about that?!