So, I have read a plethora of these stories on BME. A lot of them are the same-- "ever since I was this age I've loved piercings" or "I couldn't wait to finally get this piercing." My decision was more on the random side.
At A Glance Author anonymous Contact anonymous@bme.anon When It just happened Studio Extreme Graphics Location Brockport, NY Before 4pm today, I had acquired nine piercings total- three lobe piercings in each ear, a cartilage, a tragus and a navel; all relatively "normal." To be honest, I had just gotten a big paycheck this past weekend and wanted to spend it on something. I have a tattoo in mind that I've been imagining for a year or so, but I didn't have the design ready and I wanted an immediate pleasure today. I don't like the idea of any facial piercings, so where else could I go? I wanted something kind of secretive. Not many people are going to see this nipple piercing, so why not!
With that said, I told my parents I was going out to "Friendly's" with my friends in Brockport. Now, my parents are really laid back people, but I'm pretty sure they'd lose a little respect for me if I had straight up told them about the piercing. I ended up going by myself, because for some reason, I figured my friends would be a little uncomfortable watching me get pierced (most of them hate needles).
Driving there I started getting super excited-- my adrenaline started pumping. Outside on the street I noticed a LOT of people sitting around inside. For a minute I thought I'd have to announce to everyone in the parlor I wanted my nipple pierced, there were so many people there! I walked right up to the counter in Extreme Graphics and told the guy, "hmm... this is going to be a little awkward, but I want my left nipple pierced today." He replied with a "ok, no problem!" and proceeded to take my ID, file the paperwork and clean my jewelry. I chose a simple 14 gauge sterling silver ring. For some reason I thought having a barbell would make me look like I had a deformed nipple when I went braless. My total was $20, and I added in a $5 tip.
BY THE WAY: Piercings in Western New York are ridiculously cheap (without the service being cheap as well). I guess a lot of people from all around come here for their tattoos and piercings. I'm glad I decided to do it here before I leave for college across the country again!
So eventually I was led into the back room, sat in the chair and took off my shirt. What a way to get to know someone! Let me add that this man is a pro at making you feel comfortable. I had no problem having a guy pierce me, I almost preferred it. I watched him change gloves a few times-- everything was very sterilized. He had me sit up straight to mark the entrance and exit holes. I almost didn't bother to look; I know the piercer usually knows best, and this is a guy I definitely trust. I can't even imagine how many nipple piercings he's done in the past thirty years. I was watching Invader Zim on the TV while he described the process to me. He kind of did it a little half-assed because I had been to the parlor so many times. Anyway, the clamp didn't hurt whatsoever [and it shouldn't if the piercer is doing the job correctly], and eventually he told me to take a deep breath in. On my exhale he pushed the needle through. It wasn't any more painful than any of my other piercings. It was just a slightly intense burning feeling. No biggie! I'd almost consider my navel piercing a little more painful. I didn't even notice him putting in the jewelry. I bled just a tad and he placed a Q-Tip underneath for a few seconds. We placed a piece of gauze in my bra and headed out.
For an hour after I could feel it throbbing a little, but nothing too serious. When I got home I checked the bleeding situation. Luckily, there was only a small dab of blood on the gauze. I did have to remove a little dried blood from the jewelry, however. I've felt no soreness [except when my best friend accidentally hit me in the boob with a roll of wrapping paper... weird, I know...]and I'm sure it'll heal perfectly without bruising. What a nice little present to give myself for the summer! I don't think I'll get my other done, though. It's time for me to stop before I get addicted to piercings. Perhaps I'll move onto tattoos!
So in conclusion, nipple piercings aren't part of the norm yet, so get one while it'll still make your friends shocked! Good Luck! :)