When I first heard of nipple piercings, I thought, who could EVER want that? Well, how times change. About two weeks ago, I started to think that a nipple piercing might not be so bad; a week ago, I thought, hell, they look hot, and yesterday, I got mine done. My boyfriend laughed at the idea at first, saying, you'll change your mind, but eventually came round to it, with the one request that I not share my new piercing experience with his mom, who is a doctor and does not really like my enjoyment of body modification. I wholeheartedly agreed, and decided to just get one nipple done at this time (though now that I have one done, I definatly want my other one pierced as well!)
At A Glance Author Galileo When It just happened Artist Owen Studio Chameleon Location Boston I chose to go to Chameleon Tattoo and Body Piercing in Harvard Square because I had gotten my tattoo and my nose piercing done there, and thought that they were very clean, friendly, and talented. All of the piercers and tattoo artists seem very personable and really put you at ease. The piercings are quick and relatively painless, and the studio is so clean that a person could preform open-heart surgery on the floor with no danger of infection.
I chose the jewelery and paid first. After deciding that I wanted a hoop and not a barbell, I was called into the piercing room. I had decided on a hoop because I like the way it lies more then a barbell (also, I already wear barbells in my bellybutton, so I thought a hoop might be fun to have in my nipple.) My boyfriend accompanied me in. At first I was a bit self-conscious about the fact that the piercer was male and I was female, but quickly got over it. The piercer, after looking at my nipple, decided that I needed a small gauge piercing then normal, since apparently I have small nipples (who knew?) I chose to have my right nipple pierced, and Owen, the piercer, cleaned the area and marked where the piercing would go. He then asked me to lie down. I complied, and closed my eyes. He asked me to take a deep breathe, said I would feel a pinch, and reminded me to keep breathing. I inhaled, felt a brief flash of pain, akin to a rubber band being snapped against my skin, and then just a mild aching. The actual piercing was over in less then 2 seconds, and inserting the jewelery took probably 2 more seconds, tops.
Truely, it was an easy piercing. I have multiple ear piercings, a nose piercing, a belly button piercing, and a tattoo, and I actually think that my upper ear piercings where worse than the nipple piercing, in terms of both the pinching of the piercing as well as the after-piercing ache. My boyfriend, who watched the whole thing, said that the needle went right through, no resistance. I asked him if I flinched or squeezed his hand too hard, and he said that while I flinched a bit, all I really did was make a funny face. No tears, no horrors, nothing like that.
After sitting up, I was given complete aftercare instructions. I am so happy, because I honestly love the way it looks, as well as am very happy about the fact that I actually had the guts to get it done! I went back home, where all of my friends wanted to see it. My roommate loved it, as did most of the people who saw it. My boyfriend says he can't wait for it to be healed!
So far, it feels fine. I took a shower last night and washed it gently, and everything went well. I even danced last night, and it didn't hurt (surprisingly, the only time I realize that it is there is when I bend over... must have to do with gravity and the rush of blood to the head.) I was very surprised that I was able to dance with minimal problems, as the type of dancing I do involves lots of jumps, twists, turns, and beats. It oozed a tiny bit after I had it done, but overall there has been little mess, and I expect it to heal very nicely (I am a very fast healer and rarely experience any problems with my piercings.)I am doing warm sea-salt soaks and spritzing it with saline. Now that I have my first nipple done, I completely want my second one done, which makes me wish that I had just gotten both done at the same time!
For anyone looking for an awesome piercing/tattooing experience, I recommend Chameleon Tattoo and Body Piercing in the Garage Mall in Harvard Square. The people are nice and the atmosphere is bright and friendly. I have nothing but praise for them.