So, I decided to get my nipples pierced. I was starting my last year of college, I had finally secured a nice apartment, and I was looking for a way to reward myself. I had been wanting to get them pierced for a while, but had been able to work up the nerve. Finally, about two weeks before the fall semester started, I grew a set and called Needlewurks to make an appointment.
At A Glance Author AlleyKatt Contact AlleyKatt@bme.anon When A year ago Artist Paul & Some Other Guy... Studio Needlewurks Location Saratoga Springs, NY Of course, I had done my research on B.M.E., reading people's experiences and checking to see if anyone had horrible nipple experiences. Every article I read, people were raving about the piercing and, in particular, getting both nipples done simultaneously. I figured if that was an option, I would have mine done simultaneously to cut down on anticipatory anxiety. I was confident in my choice of piercing as well as in the studio I had chosen.
I had gotten some work there before (i.e., labret and industrials) and I had total confidence in Paul, the owner/artist who had done all of my piercings prior. He was always quite courteous and professional, always took the time to make sure that everything was lined up and that I was comfortable. I waltzed into the studio, not even mildly wavering in my confidence. Perhaps, in hindsight, I should have been.
Paul filled out the paperwork, asked me about size and jewelry (I decided on 14 gauge barbells), and asked if I preferred to have them done individually or simultaneously. I said I would like them done at the same time and he agreed that it was probably best that way. I got into the room and Paul introduced me to the other artist. I took my top off and Paul proceeded to line up the prospective mark for the needles. When my nipples were decorated with four purple spots, I laid down in the chair for the moment of truth.
It was right about that moment when I began to get just a little worried. As I watched Paul open the sterilized packs of needles it occurred that at any moment, I was going to have relatively large metal rods impaled through one of the most sensitive areas of my entire body. I breathed a little bit and Paul and the other artist got their needles into position on either side of my nipples. Paul told me to take three deep breaths and that on the exhale of the third deep breath, the needles were going through. I nodded, half dazed, and started my deep breaths.
I made it through one. Inhale, exhale. Paul was counting out loud along with my breathing. When I got to the second breath, I was exhaling when all of a sudden, I felt the needle go through my left nipple. I gasped and screeched. The other artist had screwed up. Paul was very upset. He berated the other guy and apologized to me profusely; "This has never happened before on a simultaneous piercing. I'm so sorry." I was still in shock somewhat and just wanted to get them finished. Paul made the other guy leave and finished my other nipple.
I checked out my new jewelry in the mirror and I was very pleased. They were lined up well, the barbells were totally straight, and the pain was fairly minimal, if not timed all that well. I walked out to the counter where Paul waived the fee for the piercing and charged me just for the barbells. Again, he apologized for the whole incident and said if I needed anything or had any questions, to let him know.
I spent the entire ride home (my friend was driving, don't worry!) checking out my new additions. I was just staring down the front of my shirt thinking, "I have metal shoved through my nipples!" To be fair, I still find myself doing that every once in awhile. The healing process was fairly painless, barring a couple of bad experiences I had with catching the jewelry on bra straps and other various clothing items. Please, If you're getting your nipples done, take extra care when getting dressed and undressed, it's for your own good.
The whole experience could have gone a little bit better, but I love my new piercings. They healed up in about six months and I just got some new shields for them the other day at Infinite Piercing in Philly. I recently moved, but if I was still upstate, I would definitely go back to Needlewurks for more work, but I'd stick to Paul. They look great and feel great, but the experience I had getting them could've been better. If I had any words of advice for those pondering nipple piercing, it would be to seriously think about having them done one at a time. The more people involved in the process, the more room there is for error. Just think about it and Good Luck!