Hi, there. I have been into piercings and tattoos as long as I can remember...perhaps back when I was 15~16 years old. All thanks to BME, of course. :) I currently have 6 piercings (industrial, two holes in each lobe - 14g and 12g - and a navel), and my most recent piercing is my septum. I plan to get more piercings (and a tattoo, hopefully) in the near future...as soon as I have the money.^^ Now, on with the story...
At A Glance Author Jaded Contact professional_slacker@msn.com When A month ago Artist Marc Studio Tokyo Body Arts Location Tokyo I was with my friend, Marc (he's also my piercer), who was going to get his septum pierced that day. After walking around Harajuku for a while, we headed over to Extreme Body Piercing studio, where one of Marc's friends, Gen, works and owns. When we came in, I was introduced to Gen, who seemed like a real nice guy. They talked, and after a little while, it was time for Marc to get poked. (I have never seen anyone actually *get* a piercing before, much less a septum piercing, and so when I was asked if I wanted to see him get poked, I said yes.^^) After Gen did all the necessary things - cleaning the equipment needed, sterilizing the jewelry, cleaning and marking Marc's nose, and making numerous glove changes -he took out the needle and clamps out of their packages. (Now, to me, the needle - which is 10 gauge - looked pretty damn intimidating, especially when it's going through your nose.) Anyway, Gen had Marc sit straight up against the wall, put on the clamps, and had Marc go through the breathing exercises while Gen lined up the needle. Then, he started to push the needle through, while Marc's eyes watered up (which is normal), and about what seemed like 30 seconds later, the needle was all the way through. Then Gen put the jewelry through, and it was all done. I was amazed how fast and easy that went, but since it seemed painful, I thought I wouldn't want such a piercing. Besides, I wasn't really interested in getting any nose piercings anyway...or so I thought.
Ever since Marc got his septum pierced, I started thinking what it would be like for me to get my septum pierced. I started looking through pictures on BME, and reading many, many experiences on the matter. The more I thought and read about it, the more I wanted it. However, there still was that pain factor...I knew it was going to be painful, or more so since I really do not like pain of any kind. I figured, though, that it would help me overcome fear of pain if I actually went through this piercing...and also it would suit my nickname, which is "moocow" or "cow" for short. (Don't ask, lol.) The only problem then, was the money, since I usually don't have much.
One day, I was talking to Marc, and somehow, we came to talking about what piercing I should do next. I mentioned a septum piercing, and he said, "I can do it at 5:00 or 5:15 if you want." I could have sworn then that my heart started beating even faster than normal. Today? I was prepared mentally (sort of, it has a habit of changing its mind often), but was I *really* ready for this? Since Marc was leaving work soon so that he could prep up for the next customer (after me, if I was coming), I had to make up my mind. FAST. Guess what I decided? ;)
On my way to Marc's studio, I was scared shitless. I couldn't believe I was doing this, and I was afraid that I wouldn't like it in the end. My mind was racing with many negative thoughts on my way there, and still was when I was at Marc's door. However, Marc put me at ease by talking to me, and for me, just by being in his presence is soothing enough. (Sounds weird, I know.) And finally, it was time for me to get my septum. We decided on a 12 gauge, and he got out all the (clean and sterilized) equipment, the clamps and needle out of their respective packages, and the (sterilized) jewelry. I sat up against the wall, and he came at me with the needle. (The clamps were hanging from my nose...quite painful.) I..well, panicked, and said over and over that I couldn't do it. Marc was patient, and calmed me down. After a little while, he asked me if I was ready this time. I shook my head. He came at me with the needle again anyway (lol), and I knew that if I don't do it now, I nev er would. He lined the needle up, I closed my eyes...and the needle went through, no problems. Of course it was a bit painful...like a very sharp pinch when the needle went in. My eyes watered up so much that they spilled down my cheeks, although I didn't really feel pain anymore...it was just a dull throb, then. Then, Marc slid the jewelry through, again with no problems, and I was all done. I looked into the mirror, and I was thrilled! (Although I couldn't see it very well. Then again, that's the point.) No regrets, at all like I thought I would have. I hung out a little bit more after having paid him, while he was prepping for the next customer until I got "kicked out." (The two girls who were the next customers, were nearby.)
All in all, it was a great experience, even if it was painful. I love my septum, and I can't wait to put a circular barbell in so I can show this piercing to everyone (and probably freak them out, lol). Also, I think I can handle pain a little more now...but I guess I'll have to test that when I get my conch done (or rather, when I have the *courage* to get my conch done). Anyhow, anyone who's thinking about getting their septum done, you should. :) It's a nice piercing and hideable, but please think about it if you're not too sure about getting a septum (the same would go for any piercing), and do some research, as well. (^_^)