"Let me go and I'll come back to you; force me to stay and the further I'll run."
At A Glance Author vanessa Contact ho_xihuei@hotmail.com When A month ago Artist HP Studio Body Decor Location Singapore, Heeren
Since my body modification journey begun, I started listing the types of piercings I wanted to get, in order of priority. On top of this list, I had another for "piercings that look fantastic but I probably will not muster up the courage to do". A nipple piercing fell into the latter category (along with tongue and eyelid piercing). However, coming from an extremely conservative, traditional, narrow-minded etc. family, I was given a stern warning not to get anymore piercings or I will jeopardize my overseas studies or whatever 'privileges' I was 'entitled' to. (At this point in time, I had a navel, tragus, anti-tragus, rook and numerous other lope piercings.) Desperate for another piercing, and I mean, d-e-s-p-e-r-a-t-e, yet not being able to do anything visible, I finally decided, a nipple piercing will 'dispel' any negative energy in me, and will definitely be a very cathartic experience.
After deciding that a nipple piercing will be my next mod, there was this extreme lapse of time between my decision and the action. I was hesitating, worried about : the pain factor, the risk factor, and whether I am allowed to play tennis shortly after I pierced myself. I bummed around for a couple of weeks , proudly proclaiming that I am going to get a nipple piercing to my good friends (an empty vessel makes the loudest noise - although theoretically it's not entirely empty.) And FINALLY, when I told another one of my friends, she said "When!? Can I come along?" And I was like, "Sure thing! You can help me film the process so I could view it later, for I'll probably freak if the needle comes into my vision." Then eventually, we decided I was going to do it The Next Day.
I read many many experiences on BME, and I thought I was ready for this piercing. Last thing to do was check with my piercer if vigorous exercise is fine, and it is. Only thing is that I have to make sure I clean the piercing immediately after so that no bacteria from my perspiration will get infect the piercing. So, whoppee! (Oh and I checked if I had to go with or without a bra -- she said it was fine to wear a bra. It would probably be more comfortable as there will be more support. A sports bra will be the best.)
So off I went The Next Day, met my friend and proceeded to the shop. I swear, my heart decided to travel upwards and it was hanging around my throat, as if it's fun. I was so nervous. My piercer was showing some magic card trick to a bunch of school children when I arrived. After they cleared shortly, I told her I was coming for a nipple piercing. She immediately remembered me from the call earlier on and she proceeded to showing me the types of jewelery I could endow my nipple with -- a straight barbell, curved, or a captive bead ring (CBR). I chose the CBR simply because it appealed more to me and I could play with it (not too sure if it's a wise choice though). Then, after filling up a form (which I did with a shaking hand and a numb brain), paid my piercer (tipping aint a tradition here), I was told to walk for another 20 minutes while she sterilizes the jewelery and wait for her fellow tattoo artist to be done with the room. (I refused to do it sitting up in an area enclosed by curtains only. And I think it's very important to be comfortable.)
When it came time for me to get into the studio, I freaked. My friend decided she was not going to come in with me as she thought that she might be the reason for me being extremely nervous. (A camera, my top off, and an audience is not exactly what I was prepared for).
In the room, all by myself with my piercer, I took off my top. At this point in time I was much more calm. And I did not feel very awkward with my top off as I thought I would be. She marked the spots. It was about time. My piercer noticed I was very nervous so she told me that I should not be as I have been through quite a number of painful piercings (the rook). However, in a slip of her mouth, possibly, she said that this would be The Most Painful Piercing I was going to experience. Oops. I kept everything in until she clamped my nipple. Ouch. OUCH. The feeling was totally different from any of my other piercings. It was... really painful. I freaked again. I started babbling nonsense like "Oh god why am I doing this." etc etc. I stopped her from piercing a couple of times until finally I took a deep breath and said "Ok I'm ready!" During this time of insane babbling, she positioned the needle and was totally ready to pierce me. And also during this time, my nipple was starting to get numb. With my "go ahead", the needle went through. It was really quick. But really painful. Extremely painful. Out of this world kind of pain. Ouch. And she was done.
I was not really prepared for such a pain as most experiences I read mentioned how it was just immense discomfort. Thankfully my piercer did it really quick. After it was done, it turned out that my nipple did not take back its original shape instantly. And according to my piercer, this is because my nipple was clamped for too long a time, but after a shower or two, it will naturally slide back. That said, I was endowed with a gorgeous piercing. It was almost as if I feel stronger. Perhaps due to its cathartic effect. ;)
Another thing I experienced was a lingering pain. After the piercing was done, I felt sore. I could barely stand up straight, let alone walk properly. The lingering pain was not much better than the pain felt while clamped. Once again, according to my piercer, the nipple piercing is one that will leave a lingering pain that will dissolve after some time. Well, the pain went away eventually, with a few dozen sticks of cigarettes after about two hours. Thankfully, all went well.
After care was pretty simple. This piercer of mine did not believe in after care solutions of any sorts. All she told me was to use anti bacterial soap to wash my piercing, make sure all the soap is cleaned off and dried using a clean tissue instead of my bath towel, which is really not very clean. Towels are also another hazard for nipple piercings. Once, while drying myself, my towel flipped the ring and my piercing bled. There were a few drops of blood, but that was enough to freak me out. I quickly dapped it dry and prayed for it to stop bleeding. After that I put on a comfortable bra and left it alone. Til this day it seems pretty fine. Not much problems unlike my anti tragus and rook which I play with all so often that they are almost always bleeding or crusting insanely.
My nipple piercing has definitely enhanced its sensitivity immensely and it has helped make my naked body look much more stunning. To anyone who considers this piercing -- just do it. BUT, remember to take good care of it, for the sake of your baby.
P.S. Oh and please do remember to let your friend in to video/photograph you if you have any intention to do so. I regret so badly dumping my friend outside!