I went to Adam's Body Art to get a cleavage piercing done. However, the surface bar I had was too long for the movement in the area. So unfortunately, I was not able to get it done. (Besides, I have always wondered why a piercer who doesn't do navel piercing on anyone who is more than stick thin— because of fear of stomach flab—would place a surface bar in the middle of two large breasts that would only suffocate the piercing?) In a way, it is fortunate it did not work out on account of been too long of jewelry (it was that jewelry or nothing as he dose not carry surface bars and I will only use those in surface piercing). I never really thought of that except as an afterthought, but it probably would have impeded healing anyway.
At A Glance Author rainbow bunny Contact rainbow bunny@bme.anon When Six months ago Artist Adam Studio Adam's Body Art Location Brandon, Manitoba So I still wanted some surface piercing (I already had my nape done, but I wanted more). We decided on my collarbone-ish area. I guess it was more rightly my sternum, as it was not as high as my collarbone, although it was parallel to it. (A lot of other areas seem to be high traffic or that clothes would agitate them, etc.)
Anyway, I ordered another surface bar from BMEshop and made an appointment. The placement was not the best. This is not because of Adam—I have always been pleased with him, but it just wasn't. Particularly in my sleep, when rolled on my side, the bar would push out (collecting bacteria all night long and then getting sucked back into the piercing in the morning). I did many hot compresses which squeezed out a disgusting amount of bacteria. They were chronically inflamed and very painful. Also, he made a point of saying how with surface piercing, making the points a little close than they should be is better than too far apart. Obviously, just the right distance would be ideal, but he is saying if it is slightly off at all, too close is better than too far. I do not, per se, disagree with too far been a bad thing. Clearly, there will be unnecessary tension and the jewelry may very well rip out! But... having it too close together (the main problem with the one side especially) made the bar poke out when layi ng on my side and gather bacteria that would get trapped in the piercing. I know surface is a hard thing to do and it was actually done very well. It is just a precise thing and I guess complications are easy to present themselves.
I took the worst one out first, thinking that just it could be redone, but eventually took out both. It has been four months since they came out and I am considering getting them redone but closer to the center of my chest (so if I do roll over in my sleep, they will stay put). I do not know if it is worth trying again, particularly considering the "dots" (red marks of the entry and exit holes) are just really about disappeared— finally, after four months —from the first go at it. But they were beautiful, and I think I will try it once more. But only once more... =) (It seems there are not a whole lot of viable places on the body for surface piercing and I am thinking this has to be one of the better areas-- short of the nape-- so I am going to really baby it the next time around and with closer to center placement, hope my chances at success will improve!)
As for the pain of surface piercing? My nape hurt a good amount (that is under a different experience write-up) but that is because the skin is so thick there. Surface piercing on my sternum I barely felt at all. I was also surprised to hear how he gets the jewelry in. Of course, looking at a surface bar, it would seem a bit tricky. But he clamps up the skin I guess, pokes through the needle, and inserts the jewelry while the skin is still "up", then lets it down and screws on the discs. So, while we all know surface piercing are ones you take your chances with re: healing, I wouldn't say to let it hold anyone back on account of the pain involved! They take so much work (aftercare, having to redo them in some cases...) but they are worth it! Very beautiful...
I have since replaced the ends with Anatometal gemmed discs. I think it would be neat to see these offered on the BMEshop, even though I made it via custom order. They are very, very beautiful!!! A bit more like balls than discs because of the added height given the depth of the gems, but I have had no problems with them catching on anything and they are absolutely gorgeous! =)