I have, I believe, been thoroughly introduced to the wonderful world of larger-gauge piercing. Three days ago, I got my right nipple pierced with a 10g circular barbell. For those who are wondering, no, I did not wuss out and only get the one, I just couldn't afford both at one time. Although, I suppose, I could never prove that... On to my story...
At A Glance Author gothic pixie Contact pixywilow@hotmail.com IAM gothic pixie When A month ago Studio Tattoo Emporium Location St. Petersburg, FL The night before, while trying to go to sleep, I was lying there thinking of what I was going to do the next day, and I just sort of decided to get my nipple pierced. It was rather spontaneous, as I had never really given this piercing much consideration. Normally, I give my mods a lot more forethought, but I had some extra money. This is a rare occurrence, so I decided to go for it. For some reason, I thought it would also be special to go alone, so I could surprise my girlfriend with it.
The next afternoon, I walked up to the Tattoo Emporium, shortly before I was to be at work. It was empty, which was a surprise, as Saturday afternoons are usually quite busy. The wife of one of the piercers happened to be behind the counter, which was a relief. It was a lot easier to tell another woman about it, and ask her questions, rather than a man. It also was helpful that she too, has her nipples pierced. So, after some last-minute debating, I filled out the papers, paid my money, and went around to the back room, where the deed would be done. It was then that I asked what the standard gauge was for this. I am a fan of larger gauge jewelry, but not too crazy about stretching. Mostly because I can't afford to buy new jewelry all the time, but hey. Anyway, she said that they were usually done at a 14, which is pretty much what I had gleaned from BME. I asked her if they would maybe be able to pierce with something larger... I think my piercers like it when they are asked for something out of the ordinary (I'm here to serve)... Her face lit up, and she said that they would measure my breasts first to see how much room they had to work with.
So, in the back room with her and the piercer, I took off my shirt and bra, and sat in the chair. Conveniently, my nips were already hard, so the measuring was easy. It is weird though, to have people you hardly know playing with your tits. The girl then told me that I had more than enough room to go with a 10 gauge. The piercer, who also has his nipples pierced, was rather surprised at my choice. They readied the supplies, and I did my best not to look at the needle (gosh it sure did look BIG!). The piercer sat in the stool in front of me, and marked the placement, which I okayed in the mirror. He sort of locked my legs in between his, joking that he didn't want me to kick him in the balls. He is such a riot. She offered to hold my hand, which I accepted, since after having SEEN the 10g needle, I was pretty nervous. After cleaning the area with betadine, he told me to take a deep breath, and that he was going to pierce on the exhale... In went the needle. It went very fast, and was a lot less painful than I had expected. The only bad part was that sickening pop when the needle came through the other side. Then came the jewelry, my circular barbell. Immediately after screwing on the balls, he said "girl, you are badass". I asked him why and he said "you just got your nipple pierced with a 10g needle. Nobody does that". I was so proud.
So, after getting my look in the mirror, I put on my bra with a gauze pad and my shirt. They then went over the aftercare with me, sea-salt soaks and clean it in the shower. They told me that it might be more comfortable to wear a bra for the first few days, and I have found that to be true. The only time it has even been sore was after work that first night, but I had been doing a lot of overhead reaching. I even slept on it (by accident) and it did not hurt. The first time I cleaned it, there was a glob of blood on both sides, but it has reduced with every cleaning. Basically, I just stand in the shower, and let the warm water break up the crusties. It also feels very soothing to do this. Afterwards, I soak it in the warm sea-salt water, and then rinse it thoroughly.
The only down-side to this piercing I have found thus far, is that I want to show it off, and I can't. However, It makes me feel sexy to know it is there. I suppose it's just my little secret, only for me and my girlfriend... Who, by the way, absolutely loves it. I knew she would.
So, I guess my point is that even though it was spontaneous, it was responsibly done. By an excellent piercer. If you ever want a larger gauge than the regular, ask! If it is possible, and safe, go for it! Having been pierced by both large and small needles, I can tell you this: A needle is a needle. If you know you want big, it's a lot better to go that way from the start than to have to do all that stretching and waiting.
I love my piercing, and I can't wait to get the other one. I will keep you informed!