I've been wanting nipple piercings since I was 17, and have been planning on getting them since then, but never did. I turned 18, and got a few other piercings and tattoos, yet never got my nipples done.
At A Glance Author Jif Contact Jif@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Dan Studio The Shaman's Den Location Binghamton, NY Earlier this week, I had been in Boston visiting a friend, and was going to get them pierced while I was there. I walked into the shop, took a look around, checked out the jewelry and prices. I was just about ready to get the piercings done when I saw what changed my mind.
The shop I was at pierced ears with a piercing gun. This said to me that either A) they didn't know what they were doing, or B) they didn't care about their customer's safety. Most likely it was a mixture of both.
I woke up today, and just decided "Today is the day". I went to work, spent my whole shift psyching myself up, and headed straight to "The Shaman's Den" after work. On my way into the shop I saw my step-brother's car outside, and discovered him inside getting a tattoo. I said "hi" to him, but I was really nervous, and just wanted to get the piercings over with.
I filled out the forms, had my ID photocopied, and headed back to the room where my piercings would be done.
Before I sat down in the chair, the piercer, Dan, went over exactly what the procedure would be, what the aftercare would be, and how long they would take to heal. I've been through this before, but it's still nice to see that a piercer cares enough to go over this with you. There are many who just want you in and out and therefore don't take the time to tell you things you really should know, so I was patient and listened carefully.
After this, we decided what size jewelry would be best for me, and then Dan marked my nipples. We decided on 12 gauge captive rings, since I plan on stretching to a 10 gauge as soon as possible to help prevent tearing, and the 12 gauge rings will help prevent migration better.
I laid back, and the clamp was applied to my left nipple. I've heard that this hurts, but I wasn't bothered by it. It just felt a little cold.
Up until this point I had been very nervous, just waiting for the pain. As odd as it may sound for someone going into my ninth and tenth piercings, I'm deathly afraid of needles. I was really scared that I was going to get one and then chicken out on the second, or chicken out entirely and not get either.
I sat back in the chair, waiting, while he got the needle ready, and then I took a deep breath, and Dan pierced as I exhaled. The pain was strong, but not anywhere near what I had expected. After the jewelry was through a sterile saline wipe was applied to the piercing to soothe it. This felt really good.
There was a little bit of blood (a drop or two at most) which I expected. I'm a heavy coffee drinker, so I know that I bleed a little more when getting pierced or tattooed. I'm just glad I didn't drink much last night (I had one beer) since I didn't know last night that I was going to be pierced today.
After he took that off, he showed me a spot where the needle had passed through the cork and into my chest a little bit. I hadn't even felt it, and I figured it was much better that it stabbed me than him. As long as there is no blood shared everything is fine by me.
The right nipple went just as quickly, only this time without passing through the cork, and that was that.
On the way out, I was given a sheet with all the aftercare details that he had already explained written out, as well as the shops phone number in case I need to contact them. I was also given (to my surprise) all the supplies I would need for my aftercare, including Provon soap and a small tub of sea salt.
I paid for my piercings, tipped Dan, and left. Overall I was very happy with the experience, as Dan was very professional. Everything was clean and sterile, the room was very neat and orderly, and Dan was very friendly.
Basically, I couldn't be happier. If you're ever in the Binghamton, NY area I would recommend him without a second thought.
After getting home I called my mother to tell her what I did and get the lecture out of the way.
Now I just have to wait for the lecture from my girlfriend, who wanted to go with me when I got it done, but was at work when I did. Oh well, she's gotten pierced without me, so it will be ok.
Later on, I saw a bit of blood on my right nipple (another drop or two), but a sea salt soak got rid of it, as well as feeling really good on the sore nipples.
I'm really surprised that I went through with this, given how long I've wanted it and how long I've chickened out for.
I'm glad I did.