I decided about 6 months ago that I wanted to get my tongue pierced. After waiting for the right time and opportunity, I decided one late August evening to just go and do it. After visiting quite a few studios, I found one I really liked. It was in Dothan, Alabama on Ross Clark Cirlcle. It is called B&E Tattoo. Here is what happened...
At A Glance Author Jessica McKeown Contact myssjessica@yahoo.com When A year ago Artist Jason Studio B&E Tattoo Location Dothan, AL I gave the lady, who introduced herself as Kat,my driver's liscence and I filled out a large form. She then asked me to stick out my tongue to measure it, and showed me some barbells (which were carefully sealed up). I picked out a sterling silver one, and she said it would be forty dollars including the piercing. The piercer, Jason, went to the back room with the jewelery and told me it would be about fifteen minutes because the jewelery is being serilized. I felt a bit at ease, but I was still nervous.
Later, I was brought to a bathroom where Jason asked me to brush my teeth, swish with peroxide, and then flouride (listerine). After I did that, I was sat down in a chair where he put on gloves and marked the spot on my tongue where he would pierce. I wanted it in the center. He asked me if the spot he picked was okay. After agreeing with the pen mark on my tongue, Jason clamped my tongue with a big metal clamp...which actually hurt compared to the needle. He then dipped the needle in to what looked like some ointment... which made me feel extremely comfortable.As he got the clamp right, he took the needle and in two seconds had it and the barbell through my tongue. I thought it was going to hurt so badly. I was preparing myself for death! But nope. I am a cry baby, but this honestly did NOT hurt me. I honestly tell people I could hardly feel it. It was so fast and felt a little bit sore...afterwards..., but when he pierced it, it only felt like pressure.
I was so excited when I was done that I wanted to show everyone! It may seem like the bar is too long, but when your tongue swells, it needs room to expand. But usually about 4-6 weeks after the piercing, you can change to a shorter one. (you can't tell unless it's YOUR tongue) He gave me an aftercare sheet and told me how to use the sea salt. Sea salt is a salt that is mixed with water and swished around to comfort and clean the piercing. He asked if I had any questions and I said no and my friend Jenny and I headed home.
I traveled forty-five minutes to get to B&E Tattoo, so I had Jenny drive me home just in case I wasn't feeling well. We stopped by Sonic to get some crushed ice for me to suck on. The ice really helped. It always made me feel a little bit better and it will defenitely keep the swelling down. I wasn't swollen yet, but later that night, I felt it.
When I woke up the next morning, my tongue was a bit swollen, but not too badly. I ate some ice cream and mashed potatoes that day. It felt like I had been talking all day, even though I hadn't. I would say the second and third day was the worse...and they weren't even that bad! I could never not talk...but I had to think about it before I did talk, because I was so afraid I would bite down on it. I've never swallowed a ball. Although, yesterday I did bite it while it was a little bit loose and it was floating around in my mouth. if this does happen, you WILL notice it. And it probably won't happen while you're sleeping, if that's what you're afraid of. I got my tongue pierced on a Tuesday, and by that Friday I was 100% normal. I coudl eat anything, talk my head off, sing again, and smoke normally! I can honestly say it was worth it because I love the way it looks. You can get glittery, flashing, glow in the dark, colored, and pictured barbells, which is cool. I always match my balls with my outfit. And I choose not to have a short barbell. i also could take mine out to clean it about a month afterwards. After three or four days, you'll almost forget it's there. I do now! After this, I want my labre' pierced!!!
Since my visit to B and E Tattoo, I've brought my step sister to get her belly pierced, and my best friend jenny to get her tongue re-done. Jenny wanted to go there so badly (since she went with me) because of the serilization procedure that Jason and Kat used on me, and what her piercer didn't use on her. She is VERY VERY happy as well.
You can instant messege me with any questions at myssjessica or email at myssjessica@yahoo.com
ps- for those of you who have extremely professional jobs, there are clear retainers out there which are quite comfortable and affordable.