I tend to be the kind of person who thinks about a new body modification for a very long time before going through with it. I like it to sit with me first. That makes sure that a: I don't regret it and b: when I finally do get it the anticipation of it makes the actual experience all the more enjoyable. This was especially true for my nipple piercing.
At A Glance Author yaffa Contact yaffa@bme.anon When A year ago Artist Aaron (I think) Studio Tribal Ways Location Boston, MA Having grown up with a far too generous bust size, I had a breast reduction when I was seventeen, chopping my 44JJ down to a 40C (yes, they make bras that big...ironically they go up to size KKK). The surgery left me with many scars and a right nipple that was mostly numb. When toying with the idea of a nipple piercing I only really wanted one (I'm not very big on symmetry) and decided on the right one since I figured not only would it hurt less, but everyone says nipple piercings increase sensation. It's a win-win situation.
Tribal Ways is generally considered the most professional piercing studio in Boston, so I made myself an appointment and dragged my friend Deena with me. After a delicious lunch on Newbury Street we went inside and met with the receptionist. While describing the aftercare procedure to me she kept pointing to her stomach, and demonstrated how one would use an upturned cup for a sea salt soak, once again using her tummy as the model. Finally I asked if she knew I was there to get my nipple pierced, and we all had a big laugh since whomever I had spoken with on the phone while making the appointment thought I had asked about a navel piercing.
Everyone at Tribal Ways was great. They answered all of my questions, showed me the autoclave and spore test results, and the equipment they'd be using on my poor defenseless nipple. Finally it was curtain time and Deena, Aaron, and I locked ourselves in the piercing room, which has an uncanny resemblance to a barbershop, where I took of my shirt and bra, took my seat, and assumed the position. Aaron marked up my nipple (I was getting a horizontal piercing with a 14ga CBR, on his recommendation), and next thing I knew there was a needle digging its way deep inside. Remember how I said my nipple was numb? Well, it stopped being numb that very second. I'm not much of a wimp when it comes to pain, but holy heck that hurt like a mofo! I think it was the seven years of numbness just waiting for a catalyst.
He got the needle through, slipped the CBR in, and next thing I knew I was done. Stepping outside that first day was a doozy. It was the beginning of February in one of Boston's infamous freezing winters, and having cold metal in a raw erect nipple pressing against a thick wool coat is not exactly the most pleasant of feelings. Looking at it that night it seemed a bit crooked, which I was worried about, but I figured it probably just needs to settle.
It never bled much and after the first week cleaning wasn't so bad. I cleaned it in the shower twice a day using Ivory soap and gave it a sea salt soak twice a day for the first two or three months (I know every studio has different aftercare directions. Tribal Ways is very much against anti-bacterial soaps but in favor of Bactine, which I sprayed on my nipple after every soak. For me though it was a great after-care regime).
Since those first few months I now wash it with Dr. Bronners Baby Mild soap in the shower every day and give it a sea salt soak whenever it seems unhappy, maybe once or twice a month. I went swimming in a lake every day while working at a summer camp four months after getting the piercing, and it survived that experience with flying colors. I changed the CBR to a barbell after about ten months, and still try to avoid sleeping on it since that irritates it a bit, but in general it's been quite happy.
The only real complaint I have about it is that it never did settle, and stayed crooked, which bugs me but it looks a little neat the way it lays at an angle. If I ever get the second nipple done I'll have it done at an angle, too, so they'll mirror each other.
The folks are Tribal Ways were incredibly nice, but considering it's so expensive there and my piercing was a bit messed up, I don't know if I'd recommend it. The most important thing of course is to go wherever you feel the most comfortable, and to try and avoid nipple piercings in the middle of winter!