Before getting my nape pierced I was well informed of the time consuming aftercare, the tygon vs. surface bar issue, as well as the prominent threat of rejection. After reading a document regarding surface piercing rejection at www.piercing.org I became very concerned about the probability of the piercing actually staying in. The writer for piercing.org stated, " I personally assure you that the probability of a surface piercing looking attractive and healthy for more than a scant few days or weeks (long enough to get a picture to go in a portfolio, on the internet or a magazine) is too low for us to suggest it as a viable adornment. The all too rare occasion when a superficial piercing lasts for longer is cause for celebration and amazement." This was very discouraging news; however, I decided to get it done anyway in hopes that strict adherence to the aftercare would deliver a "nape miracle".
At A Glance Author Cocu Contact Cocu@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Tim Studio HTC Location Phoenix, AZ So my decision had been made and I was on my way to see Tim of HTC (Phoenix). After reading about the success of surface piercing with tygon I decided to research it more. Apparently only certain types of tygon tubing can be used for the initial piercing, and even at that the material is not considered to be implant grade. After reading that I decided to use the implant grade steel surface bar. Anyway Tim did the entrance and exit markings on my neck and he took his time in making sure that they were aligned correctly. After that I lay down on the reclined chair and waited for the magic to begin! This piercing was truly the most unusual feeling out of all the work that I have gotten done. It was an extremely cathartic experience. I felt the needle enter and it glided through amazingly smoothly. I think that anyone even considering this piercing is obviously beyond the pain question, like myself. However, I was eager to experience the actual insertion of the rigidl y shaped surface bar. I truly felt nothing but the coolness of the steel as Tim placed it in. There was a fair amount of bleeding but it stopped immediately after Tim cleaned it up. My nape was not red or sore after the piercing and it was photographed for the HTC portfolio. So the actual process of the piercing had ended, but the aftercare saga was just beginning.
From my research and Tim's advice I have found that sea salt soaks are an instrumental tool for maintaining a surface piercing (7-8 oz. Distilled water with ¼ teaspoon of sea salt w/o iodine) The soaks increase the circulation to the area and provide ample blood flow to the bottom half of the surface bar. By increasing the blood flow the risks of migration and rejection are significantly reduced. I perform 5-10 minute soaks 4-5 times a day. Occasionally 30 minutes after the sea salt soaks I will do hot compress (folded paper towels soaked in hot water) and then I will use a Q-tip to remove any lymph that has built up around the jewelry. Currently my nape is entering its 5-month of healing and shows no sign of rejection or migration. I have begun to cut back a bit on my aftercare to prevent over-drying. However, I recently purchased a bottle of Provon (surgical soap) from rings of desire and have begun to use that as a part of my aftercare as well. Yes, the aftercare can be a bit tedious but I think it is defiantly worth it.
Anyone who gets this piercing should be aware that it does have more of a "shock value" than a navel, eyebrow, lip, etc. I have had several people poke and grab at it, which would obviously piss anyone off. Not to mention my nape tends to get a little red/irritated after such assaults. There is always the typical behind the back whispering and insulting from the majority of people. However these negative responses are only a tribute to the narrow-mindedness and ignorance of the general population.
All in all, my nape journey is merely starting, but at this point I would defiantly consider it a success. It is a beautiful and a not so "main-stream" piercing, but if you want one you should recognize the commitment that is involved in the aftercare (because nobody wants rejection). For a final note I must acknowledge the amazing ability of Tim at HTC. I have been pierced by a variety of different people and I have to say that he is truly of the highest caliber. While aftercare is definitely an important factor, nothing can beat the perfect placement of a piercing to begin with. Choose your piercer carefully and if your in the Phoenix area head over to HTC (off of the I-17).