I've been wanting my nipples pierced for quite some time now, and I finally grew a set and had it done today. I have been hesitant to show my boobs to a complete stranger, and have them put metal through my nipples. However, my desire for the aesthetic loveliness of barbells through nipples drove me to finally get it done.
At A Glance Author Dannosaur Contact Dannosaur@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Katrina Studio Sub Q Location Sacramento, CA
I was concerned about the pain, of course, but not so much as actually asking for what I wanted. I feel like I am fairly pain tolerant, and my previous piercing experiences have not been terrible. I do, however, have a pathological inability to ask for what I want. In an effort to get past this, I became determined to get my nipples pierced. I'd been agonizing it for long enough, and finally decided that today would be the day. It would be my birthday gift to myself, and it would get me rolling on a path to be more assertive. (Yes, I suppose my nipple piercings do make me feel more powerful and confident.)
I left my apartment this morning, hell bent on getting them pierced. I was incredibly nervous- not so much about the pain- mostly about the toplessness, and actually having to assert myself and tell someone exactly what I want. I am comfortable telling my hairdresser what I want, why can't I tell my piercer what I want done?
Turns out, I had absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Katrina, the piercer, had a great bedside manner, explained everything very clearly (though I was so nervous that I pretty much forgot everything she said). She suggested I grab a bite to eat first to calm my nerves and keep me from passing out. Her most amusing bit of advice was to not wash with a loofah, or to be very careful, because the sponge will catch. Yikes.
Initially, she took me to the back to see if she had jewelry for me, which she did- 12ga barbells, which I learned from BME is a good size for nipples. We got all the paperwork filled out, took care of the business end of things, and I popped over to Starbucks (gag) for a snack. I noshed while she went over the healing procedures, and when I felt ready, we went back to the ever-so-familiar room. She was very professional, and made me feel as comfortable as I was going to get. I got my Dr. Bronner's lavender soap (love it!), some antiseptic stuff for the first three days, and my directions. It was finally happening.
She had me remove my shirt, and I flipped my bra down (I wore a strapless bra, because after reading some BME experiences, I thought it would be a good idea, and I recommend it), and stand perfectly still as she marked me. She then asked me to lay down while she cleaned the surface (chilly!). I stared at the ceiling and she told me to take a deep breath while the talked me through all the steps, and the needles went through. I won't lie- it was quite painful. She did it freehand, no clamps. Bottom line, the most painful part of the experience was when she put the needles through.
It was a fairly intense, burning, achey pain. She put the barbells in, which really took away most of the ouch. I'll say this- the whole experience was less painful than my lobe stretch from a 2ga to a 0ga. (my lobes were tight, the tapers were off, he tried at least 5 times on my right ear. Ouch.) By the time I left, the pain had lessened even more. I don't have a large chest, but I did expect there to be more pain than there was with movement. So that was a pleasant surprise.
I surprised my boyfriend at work with my new metallic accoutrements. Needless to say, he was shocked that I actually went through with it, and at how awesome they look. I had to pick my car up from his work, which was my whole reason for leaving the house in the first place. I was dreading the ride home (bumpy, construction-laden, streets combined with the iffy suspension of my 63 VW Karmann Ghia), but it wasn't half bad.
The one negative, if you can even call it that, is that they were out of the length she wanted to use, so I have longer barbells than I need. I do get a free downsize to 7/16" length, and the longer ones will help me with cleaning. So really, it is less of a problem, and more of an inconvenience. Also, Katrina had some concerns that I may have some issues with healing, because my nipples are more flush with the rest of my breast than what is typical. She stressed that if anything at all concerned me about my piercings, to call, or, even better, to come in, and have someone take a look at it.
I highly recommend Sub-Q and their talented piercers. I've had nothing but good experiences there. Everyone there is very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. All the piercers I've dealt with there have been really great, and do a really good job making you feel comfortable in what can be a very uncomfortable situation.
I am really glad I did my homework on this one. Reading the experiences on BME and elsewhere really gave me that final boost of courage and allayed my fears about getting my nipples pierced. For now, I am having a love affair with my boobs, and I feel a surge of confidence with an area of my body where I was previously very self conscious. I literally can't stop looking at them, but NO TOUCHING!
All in all, a great experience.