I started getting the jitters Tuesday morning, while waking up with coffee. Today is the day that I'm getting my nipples pierced! I had thought about it long and hard, I had talked to friends and gleaned their information, experiences and advice. I'd logged on to a couple different websites and read about the procedure, aftercare instructions, and personal stories. I'd looked at a ton of pictures. I'd really done my homework, I'll boast. What sealed the deal was my visit to the chosen studio.
At A Glance Author Shannon Contact Shannon@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Nic Studio Twisted Vision Location Peoria Heights, IL Twisted Vision Studio in Peoria Heights, IL has a good local reputation for piercings, I'd asked for friends' and co-workers' opinions. They run a special, Twisted Tuesdays, when any piercing is $25, meaning both my nipples would be $50. Very reasonably priced, but I wanted to be sure that the place was ok, so a week before, armed with a list of questions of my own and some gleaned from lists off the internet, I walked in to visit. I was greeted at the counter by Nic, the piercer. I told him what I wanted and explained that right then, I just wanted to check the place out, get a feel for things...doing my homework. He told me to ask away and I learned that he had 5 years experience professionally piercing, which was reassuring. I didn't want to place the health and aesthetics of my nipples in the hands of someone who didn't have a good idea of what they were doing, He then escorted me into the piercing room and went through all of the equipment, showing me that everything was sterile, needles were one time use, and that in general everything was handled properly, down to the disposal of used needles. His entire manner was kind, professional and courteous. And I was very impressed with how clean the whole place was. I walked out very reassured.
Fast forward to a week later, two days after my 28th birthday... I had made my decision and it was time. I showered and dressed with nervousness running rampant through me. I was a bit scared of the pain, but I was going through with it, no turning back. See, I had heard of people screaming, cussing, passing out, not expecting it to hurt as much as it did. It turns out that I simply overthought it, expecting the very worst.
After filling out the release and consent form and showing my ID, I went back to the piercing room again, this time with my boyfriend accompanying me. Nic went through the aftercare instructions with me, making sure I understood and answering the few questions I had. He got out the sterile packages of everything he needed and told me that he was ready whenever I was. I slipped off my tank top.
Nic measured my nipples with calipers, decided on the ring size (14 ga. 5/8" surgical grade stainless CBR's), and marked dots while I was standing. He had me check in the mirror to make sure that I thought the dots were placed well, and they were. It was time.
He had me lie down on the padded massage type table and started with the left nipple, like I'd asked him to. (I felt that it was the more sensitive of the two and I wanted it over with first.) I could feel my palms sweating as he applied the clamp, checking to make sure placement looked good. Since I'd read up on everything, I knew that he'd have me take a deep breath in and as I exhaled long and slow he'd insert the needle. I felt for a split second the coldness of the tip of the needle just before it pierced my skin and then the warm, sharp pain as it slid through. The worst of the pain really only lasted a second, literally. And I didn't even gasp or make any noise at all, just the exhalation of my breath. The needle was through, and Nic told me that he was going to slide the ring through while simultaneously withdrawing the needle; I might feel some warmth. I didn't really, what I did feel was a kind of tugging. Though I've never had any, I'd imagine that sensation was similar to getting stitches for a wound.
Nic let me calm down for a few minutes, and I needed it because I was experiencing a pretty big endorphin rush. My pulse was racing and my breathing had accelerated, signs that I recognized as a reaction to pain. Mentally, I calmed myself and when I was ready for the second one I told him so. He clamped my right nipple, asking me to make sure that the placement and pressure was comfortable as he had the first one. Again, I took a deep breath in and as I exhaled, he slid the needle through. The second one hurts worse than the first, I'd read, and boy is it true! But again, I didn't make a noise. When Nic told me that the needle was through, I lifted my head because I had to see. The sight of that needle through my tender flesh was intoxicating, as I again experienced an endorphin rush and actually got a bit lightheaded, not from the pain but from the physical sensation and mental stimulation. I watched as Nic slipped the ring through my second nipple. He then closed the rings onto the balls and I was free to stand up and go look in the mirror.
When I saw my perky little A cup tits with their puffy nipples crowned with my new rings, I was so proud. It was a great choice for me and I am so glad that I had it done. What a great way to commemorate my 28th birthday!