At A Glance Author agent_orange Contact agent_orange@bme.anon IAM agent_orange When A week ago Artist IAM: Prodigy Location Blackpool Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to experience my first play piercing session, an account of which can be found here. After such a positive introduction I was keen to expand into further corseting projects - in particular a full back piercing, something which I had always admired and yet at the time of SCUK felt unable to attempt.
By now I was regularly corresponding with Prodigy, the person largely responsible for my introduction to play piercing. I explained that I wanted to do a traditional back corseting and he once more offered his services. This pleased me immensely, as I could not honestly envisage anyone else taking the role of piercer. I knew I could relax in his company and I trusted him to do the best he could. We decided that the best time to attempt the corset would be during an upcoming visit. This gave us time to prepare both practically and, for me at least, mentally.
I was in charge of supplies this time. Prodigy agreed that 23ga needles would be better for such a heavy duty piercing, as the 27ga ones used for my arm corseting would be neither long enough or thick enough to sustain a full back corset. Initially I found the prospect of being pierced with larger needles a bit daunting, but having the equipment at home meant I could experiment on my own until I was happy. Sure enough, after doing a few test piercings on my forearm I felt confident that it would not be a problem.
The weeks passed and before long I was reunited with Prodigy in Blackpool. We had a great time together, getting new mods, discussing future mods and generally enjoying each other's company. On the final day of my stay we decided to go ahead with the planned corseting. It seemed a fitting way to mark the end of what had turned out to be a very emotional few days.
Unlike my previous corset where I had a very definite idea of what I wanted, I was unsure of exactly how these piercings should look. Initially I had been thinking of just doing my lower back, but I wasn't sure I'd be satisfied with the end result. By now I felt very happy with Prodigy piercing me and I trusted him implicitly, so I let him have final say over where the needles went. He decided to start either side of the tattoo across my shoulders and work down, with the two rows of needles getting gradually closer together.
As with our previous session we decided to use Lidocaine gel to numb the area that was to be pierced. As it takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to take effect, Prodigy set about marking where the needles would go, using a medical marker. A line of dots was placed along my backbone as a guide so that the corset would be central. The first row of marks was placed just in from my left shoulder blade going down to the very bottom of my back. This was repeated on the opposite side until I had two rows of 15, starting off at the very edge of my back, going right down to the bottom where they were just a few inches apart. Having a digital camera handy meant that Prodigy was able to show me where the needles were to go, so I could suggest any changes to the pattern. I was more than happy with the proposed placement and so we set about finding a position that was practical and comfortable fo r both of us; me sat on the edge of the bed with Prodigy behind me.
With my back now tingling nicely, we were ready to start piercing. Prodigy gloved up and I prepared myself to feel the first pinprick. It stung initially and I flinched a little, remembering that these needles were ever so slightly larger. I assured a concerned Prodigy everything was ok and that I wanted to proceed, and felt the second find it's mark. I breathed deeply and concentrated on how pretty the end result would be, and the next few needles went in effortlessly. Before long there was a pause and Prodigy announced that the left-hand side was done. I felt flushed with pride and asked to see a picture. I looked at the completed row of piercings, and for the first time saw how the corset would take form.
The second side was much quicker as Prodigy settled into a rhythm. I was now completely relaxed; the first set of piercings felt warm and not at all painful. Before long the right-hand side was also done. With the exception of the bottom pair, which we decided to leave out, the corset piercings were done. I was now sporting 28 23ga needles in my back.
I was eager to get laced up, but ever the perfectionist, Prodigy set about rearranging some of the needles so that they were absolutely symmetrical. This was a little unpleasant, especially on the left-hand side, presumably as the needles had settled, but it was by no means unbearable. After 5 or so minutes re-piercing the odd stray needle, Prodigy handed me the camera and I saw my corset piercings for the first time. They looked beautiful - ready to be laced up.
Once again I had chose 7mm width ribbon, this time in black to compliment my ink. :) Prodigy found the middle of the 5m length, and starting at the top of my back, wove it round each pair of needles, criss-crossing my back. As before there was no pain, just a slight tug here and there. Within a matter of minutes I was fully laced into my temporary corset. It felt wonderful. Prodigy complimented me and then took the first of many photos, some of which I plan to submit to bme. Seeing the completed project for the first time I felt incredibly proud, and most of all fortunate to have met someone willing to help me achieve such a personal goal.
After 20 minutes or so it was time to remove the needles. Knowing that I bruise easily Prodigy took his time and applied arnica cream where necessary. This certainly seems to have worked as I was left will minimal needle marks and virtually no bruising.
With all the needles were out and disposed of safely I thanked Prodigy for another wonderful experience. The whole thing had taken well over an hour and I had gone from feeling anxious and doubtful to feeling deeply contented and positive. Now whenever I recall the episode, I am filled with the same emotions. I can honestly say it was one of the most positive experiences I have had to date, and I thank Prodigy again for his continued involvement.
And thank you for taking the time to read the latest installment in my corseting journey. As always, thoughts and comments are welcome via my IAM page.