Taking me up on a pact we had made in high school, a few weeks after my 18th birthday my good friend (we call him Chi Chi) came from out of state to claim the prize of my right nipple. I had never really expected to get it pierced, so calling to make an appointment at Splash of Color was a very surreal experience. When I walked in (the shop is located above a credit union and college apparel shop) I was surprised at how clean and inviting the environment was (it was my first time in such a shop). After proving my age, paying, and looking at jewelry (and nipple shields!) my friend and I were escorted to the private rooms in the back.
At A Glance Author Juniper Contact Juniper@bme.anon When Five years ago Artist A very kind lady Studio Splash of Color Location East Lansing, MI I was growing increasingly nervous, so I decided to go first, thinking that if I saw him in pain I might chicken out. The piercer was extremely professional, showing all of the proof of sterilization for each piece of equipment. I felt a bit like I was going to the gynecologist as I lied down on the table and felt her clamp my nipple. She tried to hide the needle (12ga) that she was going to pierce me with, but I asked to see it anyway (big mistake!). I warned her that I am prone to fainting and she helped position my legs so that it would be less likely (it worked). Anyway, I closed me eyes, laid back and after three inhales I felt the needle tear through my nip. I was shocked by how present it made me feel, that despite the pain the sensation of having a needle touching new areas of my body was very pleasant. I exhaled calmly and felt her slip the jewelry in. The cold cloth she applied afterward was incredibly soothing and the pain went away almost immediately. For not having been enthused about my piercing to begin with, I was ecstatic once it was finally done. I bounced up smiling and started talking to it (which I think made the piercer think I was a little manic). I was beaming for the rest of the day and the weeks to come (though not so much when my bra got caught sideways in the piercing and started tugging, which was a real bloody mess). My friend Chi Chi had a less pleasant experience due to having small nipples (he said that the piercer also was not as generous in time with the cold cloth as she was to me).
In the weeks that followed I continued to be enthused about my piercing. I began to view my body more as an artistic medium, the result of which was my flashing just about everyone I knew. I also had a giant boost of confidence, after all once you have metal in your nip what can't you do? And it made me a bit smug on the inside, knowing that no one would expect me to be pierced on first glance.
The aftercare of the piercing was pretty benign. I used a hydrating wash (which is intended for geriatric patients and has a very pleasant smell) each day to keep it from getting infected, and swirled the piercing like I was instructed to rotate the gunk out. The salt soaks were my favorite part. I bought a mug just for the purpose of salt soaking (which led to amusing times when people would get a glass of water and use the nipple cup). I was shocked by how well the salt soaks helped it heal, which led me to think that my mother's gargle with salt water suggestions for sore throats might be right on the money.
In terms of healing, my nipple healed up well for the most part, but was still somewhat crusty up to a year later (which was a little embarrassing). It also healed slightly crooked, which I think came from wearing a bra). I was pleased by the heightened sensation and I liked the look of it (a barbell with two blue metallic balls).
A few years later I got in the habit of wearing it only occasionally (I think the crustiness factor was the main reason behind this) and when I forgot the piercing at home when I went abroad for a summer I had to use an ice pick and some KY jelly to get the hole open again. After two similar experiences like that I decided to retire my nipple, since I had somewhat outgrown having it pierced. I have thought recently about re-piercing it, but before I do that I need to read the literature on scaring and whatnot (the scar there now is visible but not prominent). I have since gotten a vertical hood (10ga) and tongue web (18ga), having to remove the latter due to nerve damage.
If I had to give any advice to potential nipple pierce-ees, it would be to research the place you are going to well. I was young and stupid, but was incredibly lucky when I chose Splash of Color, which was incredibly clean, professional and skillful. That, matched with having sound knowledge of what you want pierced and why. Beyond that, happy piercing. Your nipple will thank you for it!