As it always turns out for the best!
At A Glance Author Natalie Contact natalieclegg@hotmail.com When It just happened Artist Rob Ratcliffe Studio Border Rose Tattoo Location Littleborough, (Nr Manchester, UK) I'd wanted my nipple pierced for quite a while, but it was always a taboo subject within my household, as was any kind of piercing really. I was hesitant to approach the subject of nipple piercing, but I finally did it at around the end of November 2006. My mother had slight disapproval, but I presumed underneath, she knew I would get it one day anyway; I'm determined!
I took it upon myself to book an appointment with Rob, as I'd heard about his excellent reputation. Many of my friends had had piercings done by Rob, so I was sure he was to be trusted! I booked an appointment which was an appropriate time for the Christmas holidays, and when my friend was able to accompany with me for support!
The day was soon approaching, and as each day passed, I became more and more nervous. When I woke up that morning, I felt sick with nerves. If I had done it on the spur of the moment, there would have been less build up, but there's no guarantee Rob would have been able to fit me in.
I met my friend in the village half an hour before my appointment was due, and bought a sugary drink to raise my blood sugar levels – I didn't want to end up passing out! We went into the studio a little early, and took a seat on the old wooden pew, whilst I attempted to relax and calm myself! The staff were chatty and friendly, which brought about a nice atmosphere, adding to the atmosphere of the shop itself. The excitement and nerves were having a dangerous reaction inside me, and I didn't know what I was feeling at that moment in time.
I was asked to enter the back room, as my time was up! I walked in as confidently as I could, whilst feeling immeasurably nervous. Rob made small talk whilst getting his equipment ready, and suddenly, I felt calm and reassured. He was extremely professional and I trusted him straight away. I think this is an really important factor when getting any kind of body modification done, otherwise you won't feel comfortable whilst the procedure is taken out.
He measured the bar and made sure it fit just right, cleaned the area with alcohol and then asked me to take a seat in the black reclining chair. My friend sat next to me on the floor, and held my hand through the procedure – she appeared to be more nervous than me!
I led extremely still whilst he applied the clamp, which didn't hurt at all, even though one of my friends had warned me previously that it would. He then used the freezing solution and I giggled whilst I felt it swish over my skin. He told me about his own experiences of nipple piercing without numbing, and told me that the pain would be less for me, just because I was a girl, which reassured me a bit more!
He asked me to take a big, deep breath, and as I was breathing out, he slid the needle through (he did pre-warn me what he was going to do!). An extremely unpleasant pain ricocheted throughout my body. It was a sensation I'd never felt before - it was uncomfortable, but not unbearable, and it was a burning feeling. If anyone would be put off by the pain of nipple piercing, I'd advise them to have it done anyway, as it's probably not as painful as you'd expect. It certainly wasn't as bad as I'd imagined it would have been, but then again, I have quite a high pain threshold.
He made sure I was okay, and fed the jewellery through the piercing. He got up to look through his medical cupboard and I took a quick glance at my nipple, and exclaimed my approval, to which he laughed. He told me to lie still while he bandaged me up, and I was done in no time. He told me to get up slowly, once I told him I wasn't light-headed and felt okay.
As I left the studio, I said thank you, paid and left with a big grin and wished them a merry Christmas.
As the numbing began to wear off, the pain became greater, but more like a grazed knee than anything else. And the burning pain was still present.
It's still a bit sore now, but i'm keeping it clean and dry and it seems to be alright - It's only been done a couple of days so far!
My parents still aren't wise to my piercing, but at the end of the day, I decided it was something personal for myself, and for no one else. I don't want to be judged by any body else, which makes it all the more special, as no one can see it. I still think it's probably the best choice I've made in ages! Always make sure the piercer is reputable – Rob's a legend!