At A Glance
Author	Aaron Cihlar
Contact	iskateforssk@msn.com
When	A month ago
Artist	Tracy Faraca
Studio	Black Hole Body Piercing
Location	Portland, Oregon

This is outlining my vertical bridge experience that took place on december 16th, 2001. Ive written this experience in steps to make for easier reading ;]. enjoy!

Step One: The Decision.

Of all the piercings i have seen, the one i always saw as most "visually pleasing" was the vertical bridge. Since the first time i saw one on a friend of mine, I was inspired and intrigued. I knew that one day I would also be the holder of one of these beautiful masterpieces (which to me, that's what it is, way more than a piercing.) This last year, I made my final decision, and realized that a vertical bridge would be the piercing I would long for.

Step Two: Began Research.

Being that vertical bridges' aren't the most "common" piercings, i needed to start my research on not only my anatomy (see if I was able to recieve this piercing physically), but also on the ups and downs that could come from recieving this piercing. I started, of course, by talking to people who have already went through the healing process of vertical bridges', or some other difficult to heal surface piercings. I got some very interesting answers. Being that none of the experiences came from my local area, i needed another medium for research. Being that i have been coming to BME for more than 3 years now, i figured it was a good place to continue my search for my beloved piercing. The pictures and experiences put my mind at ease, and made me realize that my dream for a vertical bridge was very realistic, and quite capable. Now, I had the task of finding someone to do it.

Step Three: Finding the piercer.

Im very picky on who touches my body, and who i allow to do work on me. Finding the studio wasn't really the problem, but picking the piercer was. I have been going to Black Hole Body Piercing, in Portland, OR for a couple years now. They are the only people i allow to do any kind of piercing work on me. I was sure thats where I would want to go. The problem was, i didn't even know if they had ever done a vertical bridge before. I went back and forth, thinking of all the possibilities, would i call them, just to be let down and find out that it is not possible there. Or, would they be able to do it, and I would have the thing i have wanted more than anything for the past year. I figured I would call and give it a shot.

Step Four: The Call.

I paced back and forth in anticipation. I had the phone in hand, but for some reason, couldnt quite make the call, in fear that they wouldn't be able to do it. Finally, I got up the nerve, dialed the number to black hole, and heard the voice on the phone. I heard the voice on the other side, and quickly asked if there was a piercer there that could do a vertical bridge. The lady on the phone stated that it was possible and that I would have to come in for a conseltation. I was stoked! That was wayy better than what I was expecting to hear. My conseltation wasn't for another week (on my 19th bday to be exact), so i spent some time preparing for this piercing.

Step Five: The WAIT.

The waiting is always the worst part. I spent most of the time working, trying to get my mind off my excitement. I paced alot, wondering if it was going to be a success, pinching my skin, seeing if i had enough for the piercing. Just a bunch of things I did out of being nervous. Finally the day had come.

Step Six: The Setup.

The day was here, and I was more than ready. I had an early appt., which helped my nerves alot. I got in the shower, washed out all the rest of my piercings so they look presentable ::also wanting the piercer to know that I take care of all my other piercings, and that healing this one wouldnt be a problem). I quick last check of everything, and my and my brother were out the door.

Black Hole is about 35 minutes away from where we live, so the drive helped calm me down alot. We arrived at black hole at 12:01, almost perfect on our timing. Went to the counter, told the lady that i had an appt. at 12 for a vertical bridge. She immediatly pointed me int he direction of tracy, the master piercer at Black Hole. She sqeezed and manipulated my skin, looking for a little give where she could place the piercing. She was pretty confident that she could do the piercing, although she did warn me of possible rejection risks. ::Black Hole is just like that, they care about their customers::. I was lead upstairs where the piercing room is, and immediatly jumped on the piercing table (by this time I was getting rather anxious). Tracy went over the procedure, something that wasn't new to me, and began marking with a keen eye. The first marks were just barely off (considering this is the center of my face, they have to be right on). That was easily fixed with a slight m ove of the top mark. After the marks were perfect, she finished her bit of setup and i began to lay back and recieve the piercing

Step Seven: The Actual Piercing.

Tracy lined up the needle, informed me of what was to come, I began the breathing exercises that Black Hole is so good at enforcing, and felt the needle being pushed through. I must say, the entire procedure was rather painless (although i do have a really high tolerance for pain, i always have). My skin was a little tighter than expected, but with a little bit of manipulating, the barbell was in, and i was left with the most beautiful thing that has ever graced my body (well, besides my girlfriend ;]). It did swell quite a bit, but that was easily taken care of with ice and ibuprofan.

The Aftercare:

Quite simple, Sea Salt soaks three times a day for the entire healing period (which tracy put at about 6 months). I have been sticking strictly to that, and everything has been working out great. ;].

Now that I have the piercing, I wouldn't trade it for the world. It is infact my favorite piercing, and definatly the best looking. I get mixed responses about it, mainly along the lines of "That must of hurt" or "Why did you pierce your forehead?". I could sit there all day and explain how piercing has made my life complete, and how modification has lead me to believe that have a part in this world, but they probably would never understand. I think its safe to say that I have done enough explaining, now its time to live life to its fullest.

Thanks for experiencing one of the brightest points in my life with me.

Aaron Cihlar - iskateforssk@msn.com

PS: If you are ever in the Portland/Vancouver Area, Visit Black Hole Body Piercing... You wont be sorry.