Dermal piercings have emerged as a stylish and adaptable type of body art. Dermal piercings are a singular form of piercing that doesn’t puncture the body and exit, as traditional piercings do. This kind of body jewellery has a permanent location on the skin with specialised techniques and can be inserted nearly anywhere on the body.
This guide will help you understand the ins and outs of dermal piercings—from the different types and the process to the potential risks and aftercare.
What is a dermal piercing?
Dermal piercing is a variation of body piercing, where a body ornament is put through an isolated area of skin from a dermal pocket. Unlike a normal piercing, which consists of two openings (entry and exit for the jewellery), a dermal piercing is anchored under the skin and has only one point of entry. The jewellery itself generally consists of a flat base that sits underneath the skin and a decorative top, exposed above the skin.
History of Dermal Piercings
Dermal piercings (1) have long existed but gained significant popularity in the early 2000s with all the other surface piercings. Although dermal piercings are one of the more contemporary body mod options, body embellishment by means of piercing is not new—the practice has existed in various cultures for millennia.
Types of Dermal Piercing
The two main types of dermal piercings are surface piercings and single-point dermals.
Surface Piercing
What is a surface piercing? A surface piercing is one or several pieces of jewellery placed underneath the skin surface. These piercings generally employ a barbell that passes through the skin at two entry points, allowing the jewellery to simultaneously rest flat against the body. Surface piercings are most often done in the chest, neck, and forearms.
Single-Point Dermals
A single-point dermal piercing features a flat anchor that goes underneath the skin with a single entry point. Such a piercing is subtler and is typically done on the dermis of an area of the body such as the lower back, cheekbones, or wrists.
The Piercing Process
Consultation and Preparation
Before getting a dermal piercing, you will have a consultation with a professional piercer who will evaluate placement of the jewellery as well as the procedure. They might evaluate your medical history to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for the piercing.
Procedure
Dermal piercing itself is a quick and straightforward procedure that normally takes about 20–30 minutes to complete. The piercer creates a small hole in the skin with either a dermal punch or needle after marking where the jewellery will go. An anchor—a flat object—is inserted under the skin, where the decorative jewellery will be inserted into the anchor.
Aftercare
The piercer will give detailed aftercare directions post-procedure. This could include drying the area with saline solution, no unnecessary touching, and non-alcoholic products to avoid irritation.
Considerations for Healing and Pain
Healing Time
Dermal piercings usually take between 6 months and a year to heal completely. But the time it takes to heal can depend on things like placement, aftercare, and how well you take care of the piercing.
Pain Level
Most people experience a mild to moderate amount of discomfort during the treatment, but the healing period is usually considered to be almost pain-free. The main discomfort comes from any swelling or irritation that can develop in the first few days.
Risks and Complications
Infection
As with any type of piercing, there’s always a risk of infection, particularly if aftercare instructions aren’t properly followed. Signs of infection are redness, swelling, and pus. Do clean your piercing regularly, as well as avoid touching it with dirty hands.
Rejection and Migration
Rejection happens in a situation where the body now starts pushing the piercing out, which means that it migrates toward the surface. This occurs when the jewellery is not anchored securely or when the body does not accept the piercing. Sometimes dermal piercings need to be removed if they begin to reject.
The Regular Maintenance of Dermal Jewelry
Choosing the Right Jewelry
Jewellery is one of the most important parts of dermal piercings. If you opt for a piercing, you’ll want to select biocompatible materials like titanium, surgical steel, or niobium to minimise the chance of irritation or infection. The jewellery should also be tight but should not cause any pressure or discomfort.
Changing Jewelry Safely
New jewellery cannot be inserted like a needle through a dermal piercing because jewellery cannot be passed through once it has entered the skin, thereby losing the anchor. To avoid damaging your piercings or giving yourself an infection, it’s ideal to go to a professional piercer for jewellery changes.
Cost of Dermal Piercing
How much you pay for a dermal piercing will depend on where you go, how experienced the piercer is, and whether the piercer will include the cost of the jewelry. Expect to pay a standard piercing fee of anywhere from $50 to $150 (often on top of jewellery costs).
Dermal Piercings — Debunked Common Myths
- Myth 1: “Dermal piercings hurt more than other piercings.” (False: The pain is comparable to regular piercing and is temporary.)
- Myth 2: “I’ll just reject a dermal piercing anyway. (False: Rejection can occur but not guaranteed if cared for properly.)
Dermal Piercing: Is It Right for You?
Dermal piercings are innovative ways to spice up your image and can keep you at the forefront of style trends. In case you want a different way to express yourself through body art and enjoy some flexibility and customisation, compound piercings may be just the right option for you. Just remember to research and find a good piercer and aftercare steps to make sure your piercing lasts healthy and beautiful.