I've always loved surface piercing's, previously I had, had my neck pierced and loved it, they look good on any part of your body and are pretty fun to get pierced. With all this in mind it didn't take me much time to think of my next piercing.
At A Glance Author emma Contact bagpuss1811@hotmail.com When A month ago Artist carl Studio in2skin Location Manchester Originally I wanted to have my lower back pierced, but after having the area checked out it seemed that it could not be done, due to my skin being too taught.
I hadn't previously thought of a sternum bar but after seeing many pictures I decided it would look good. Firstly I contemplated having it quite high on my chest, but after a bit more thinking I decided that the placement would look better lower, at least scarring would not be as obvious if rejection occurred. I didn't ideally want a vertical bar, a lovely horizontal one, I thought, would look better. They're seemed to be a bit of skin in that area, so, off to Manchester I went.
I asked about the sternum and was warned of the problems that can occur, (i.e., bleeding and rejection) I acknowledged these problems but decided the risk was worth it, I was still determined to get it pierced.
Almost immediately I was allowed through to the piercing room. Carl checked the skin and after a few pinches the area had been checked and I was told I could have it pierced horizontal, as wanted.
I had 20 minutes to spare, while the bar was being sterilized in the autoclave, So after dawdling around and a few cigarettes back to in2skin it was. The excitement by now had kicked in.
I waited in the room for 10 minutes at the most then it was time to get pierced.
The spots were marked up with pen and checked carefully, then time for the clamps! Normally I don't understand how people find this part painful but I must admit they were pretty uncomfortable, most probably because the skin in the area is pretty tight and sensitive. Only way I can think to describe the sensation is like a tight pinch.
Before it was pierced the area was sprayed with the nicest smelling spray ever, the freezing spray. Now it was time for the needle.
I can't say I watched the needle going through, I wish I had but the way in which I was lay during the procedure made it awquad for me to see . I felt the needle exit my skin but other than that it was completely numb and painless. The PTFE bar was inserted and there it was all beautiful and shiny.
It did bleed quite a bit after being pierced so I was able to lie in the room until the bleeding had stopped, then it could be cleaned up.
When done I was given an aftercare sheet with all the information regarding cleaning (salt washes etc),I was told to go back to the studio the following week (to have it checked and, if needed, bar downsized.) So I thanked Carl and was on my merry way.
I know that your not meant to mess around with a fresh piercing, but in the excitement of it all, I ended up taking off the tissue covering the bar, and showing almost the whole of Manchester the beautifulness.
I don't think this had any consequences although I wouldn't recommend others to do so, when the plaster is placed you are asked to leave it to cover the piercing for around four hours.
In the first few days it was rather red and itchy also pretty uncomfortable to sleep on my side, due to pressure on the bar. When I went back the following week the bar was changed to a larger size, to allow swelling, since then its been doing good indeed.
I must admit the sternum piercing is a lot more hassle than most other piercings, often needs cleaning due to crusties etc. But I think this is because of the way I lie when sleeping. As the bar is horizontal, and the placement is in-between my boobs, pressure is applied to the bar when I sleep, from lying on my side. This results in a slight pain to the area when I wake up in the morning. I should really try sleeping on my back, would make sense, but I can never seem to sleep like that.
Although originally I was told it would not be possible to do my lower back I'm thinking of going back to have it checked out vertically, I imagine the aftercare and healing process would be the same as the sternum.
I definitely recommend in2skin if your looking to have any piercings. I've had many there, as have my friends, all have turned out beautiful and infection free.