I decided it was about time to get some new gauges and went to check out the usual spots. I always check Hot Rod on the Southside first because everyone down there is really helpful and nice, I went in and was greeted by a guy who's name I can't remember. He and I started talking about what kind of gauges they had and I had almost decided to get a pair of amber 9/16th plugs that where amazing. I was a little uneasy because I have OCD and it really bothered me that they didn't look the same, I figured I could deal with it and asked him how much he wanted for them. He checked the book and said they would be sixty-five dollars for the set.
At A Glance Author twisted liiiies Contact mweeden388@msn.com When Three months ago Artist Josh Studio Hot Rod Location Pittsburgh (Southside) PA I had planned on spending about forty dollars thinking that would be about right because the last pair of gauges I got were forty dollars and they are a pair of 9/16th hand blown glass. Since the gauges I wanted were more than I expected I asked him how much a surface would be. He said they are seventy-five dollars. I looked at my friend Valerie and she knew right away that I wanted her opinion. She wouldn't give it to me and said that we both knew what I was going to get so just tell him so I can get it done. It took me about five minutes to decide. As I was trying to decide I talked to him about how well it would take, the chance of rejection and who the piercer was. He said Josh was in, I was excited because I know Joshes work and know he can do surfaces well. I told him I had originally wanted two surface collar bones but found out they probably wouldn't take because of bra and bag straps plus tee-shirts and things like that pulling on the piercing. I said I had settled for a surface sternum but didn't know if it would take. Josh said he would be willing to check to see if it would take.
He and I went into the back to check to see if it would work. We where in the back and just kind of standing there, so I asked him if I should take my shirt off, he said yeah. I began to take my shirt off and he turned around, once I had my shirt off I said ok, and he turned back around. He looked directly at the area considered for the piercing and pinched it. He said I had more skin than most girls but that it is because I have a bigger chest than most girls but even still he was nearly positive the piercing would still take. Asked Josh what effects running would have on the piercing because I run almost everyday, to my surprise he said it should be fine, just to wear a sports bra. So we went back to the front room where Valerie and the other guy where standing and talking. Josh went back to the back to do something when I told the other guy I was going to go for it.
He called Josh back to the front and I told him I was going to get it done right then, he seemed surprised but was excited. I filled out the paperwork and paid, leaving Josh a fifteen dollar tip, while he prepped for the piercing. Just as I had finished he said he was ready when I was. We went in to the backroom again and I took off my shirt, he told me to have a seat. I sat down and we talked about what length would work best and decided on a three fourth inch bar. He was super professional and seemed kind of nervous. He was careful not to touch me as he marked me for the piercing. We changed the marks three or four times to make sure that they where centered and evenly spaced. Once we had the marks down he told me to lay back and made the final adjustments. Then Josh prepped the area, again being careful to not touch me, he told me every single thing he was doing step by step.
I love the smooth tearing feeling of getting a piercing and the awkward-ness of the clamp, so when he clamped me I was super excited. He put the clamp on and he could tell by the looks of me that I knew to relax. Then he got out the needle and I asked to see it, he opened the package and showed me the needle. He then pierced me and it was amazing, I wouldn't say it hurt because I love the feeling but I did feel some pressure. Then he slid the jewelry in and twisted on the ends nice and tight. I stood up and moved to the mirror to admire my long awaited surface piercing. Josh smiled and said it looked good.
I went back to the front room and showed Valerie. She smiled and said she couldn't believe me, but yet she expected it. We left and went to get something to eat and I so wanted to take off my shirt and show everyone my new piercing. I behaved and kept my shirt on with the exception of a few friends who I flashed to show my new piercing. By the time I Monday rolled around everyone knew about my piercing and wanted to see it.
The care of it was easy, saltwater compress followed by washing it clean with dial soap. I did that for about a week when I just kind of fell out of caring for it. (I am super lucky with piercing and have yet to have one get infected and I'm up to 18 piercings now.) I continued my running and cleaned it in the shower after I would run. It's healed really well now. It crusts up everyone in a while but that's to be expected. It wasn't as painful as people think it is, and way easier to care for then it would seem. Mine hasn't rejected and I think I'm in the clear now (knock on wood). It was such a good decision except for the fact that I still have the same gauges as before, but it's defiantly worth it, so thanks Josh and Hot Rod for the great piercing. :]