So for most of my modified life, I have spent months preparing for piercings -- research, research, research, pictures, research, chatting with friends, debating about telling my family, research, and so on. But in the past year, I've grown really sick of all my dilly-dallying. I've read so much on piercings that research isn't required anymore -- I already know more than I ever wanted to about most piercings (I mean, does a person without a penis really need to know the mechanics of a PA?). I have cleaning, care, and maintenance down to a science, and I now have an entire shelf devoted entirely to extra saline solution, tegaderm, vitamin E oil, tea tree oil, non-iodized sea salt, and gauze. I already use a sponge instead of a loofah to avoid ripping piercings out, and I have a bar of nice and simple fragrance-free soap to keep the suckers clean. I now have a go-to piercer (Courtney at CheapTRX: she's a pro with a needle, and just a wonderful person in general!), and I a m a relatively permanent fixture in the store. Basically, I'm ready for anything!
At A Glance Author Casey Contact Casey@bme.anon IAM ohhellno When N/A As a result, I've evolved into a spur-of-the-moment piercer (piercee?). My tongue wins the "short on thought" competition, given that I was holding my friends hand as she got hers done, watched the needle go through, and immediately said, "uh, I think I'm getting that. Now." So we both left with our tongues pierced and sucking on popsicles together. My first microdermal was contemplated, but my second was, "uh, yeah, I want another. Now." And I thought seriously about my nipples for only a few days before taking the plunge. (And I'm about to head back to get my navel and a surface. Uh, like, in a few hours.)
Of course I've had other piercings that I thought about forever -- it took me months to get my rook done (my first "real" piercing), and serious time was put into my lip since it involved intense parental sweet-talking. The first time I had my septum done, I debated for weeks. Stretching my lobes took some thought, and every time I let my lobes settle down and heal, I had weeks to think about moving to the next size.
So I've had the best of both worlds.
And how do I feel about it? Well, I think it's a personal choice whether you are patient or sudden with your piercings -- I've heard some people say that they regret getting piercings they didn't think about long, or some people say they are glad they spent so much time waiting for their piercing because they felt rewarded.
Personally, I have to say I love giving into the piercing bug and nabbing a quickie piercing job. Since I could care for my piercings in the dark, with one hand, and after a lobotomy, worrying about maintenance isn't a problem. Also, my family hates piercings no matter what, and half of my friends will think I'm insane no matter what -- why bother spending weeks warming them up to the idea when nothing really seems to help? I'm never one to regret a piercing -- honestly, I'd take it out if I hated it, but I really don't see that happening... My piercer-in-tow is excellent, so it's not as if I'll regret not seeing someone else about it. No, I really see no downside to getting my piercings quickly; the rush is the same, and the product is just a beautiful.
Of course others feel differently; I've read stories of people regretting piercings because he or she didn't spend enough time thinking about it. Top complaints I hear are: "the placement is wrong", "the piercer was bad", "the studio was dirty", "everyone was mean", "I just don't like it that much..." Well simple solution -- use half a brain and go to a respected, clean, and friendly shop. A "fast" piercing doesn't mean sacrificing your health -- just do not make stupid choices! If the piercer marks the placement off, say something. If the piercer gets offended, say goodbye. And in the end, if you don't like the look of your metal, just take the damn thing out. Holes will heal, and the scar will fade.
Sometimes less-than-wonderful things influence people's want for a piercing. Peer pressure is known to push people into piercings just to jump on board, but you really can't be disappointed with anyone but yourself. Got a nose stud because all of your friends have one? Or did you get your tongue pierced just to show you could take the pain? If you chose a piercing for a flaky reason, chances are you won't love it after a few weeks. Everyone knows drugs and alcohol are big no-nos when getting a piercing, but of course when someone's had a few drinks, having their friend pierce their nipple with a safety pin seems like a remarkably better idea than it had a few hours ago. Again, no one to blame but yourself. Hope you won't get tetanus or Hep A, take out the piercing, and keep sharp things out of sight when you drink or smoke (or shoot, or swallow, but come on, get a grip already!)
Not all quickie piercings are smart -- and some are just downright idiotic. But this doesn't mean all spur-of-the-moment piercings are bad choices. Quite the contrary. If you can be intelligent about choosing a piercer, and know your way around the cleaning, and the potential risks, no need to let time hold you back. Sometimes we get inspired to add to our piercing collection, and we catch the bug. Yes, most modded people know exactly what the "piercing bug" is, and we know it can be more annoying than the flu -- the voice in the back of your head is gonna camp out until you satisfy it.
And I just see nothing wrong with that. Enjoy this life, you only have one -- and there is nothing more rewarding than making your own body a work of art.