Dermal piercings use a tiny anchor under the skin to hold decorative jewelry. This article breaks down the procedure and key aftercare tips.
Understanding Dermal Piercings
Dermal piercings are single-point piercings. This means that they don’t have a separate entry and exit point for the jewelry, as is common for more traditional piercings. The piercer creates a little hole where an anchor can be inserted into the middle layer of the skin.
What’s the variety among a dermal and a surface piercing?
Although dermal jewelry remains on the top layer of your skin, dermals may not be surface piercings.
Surface piercings have a different opening and departure point. They’re anchored using barbells shaped like open staples.
Where does dermal piercing go?
A dermal piercing can be actually placed anywhere on the body, as long as the area of skin is flat.
Popular areas include the:
- cheekbones
- nape of the neck
- chest
- lower back
- abdomen
- thighs
While no part is necessarily out of bounds, the skin must be thick enough to support the dermal anchor.
What kind of jewelry is worn for this piercing?
A dermal piercing could be done along with a needle or with a skin (dermal) punch. The nature of jewelry used varies with how the piercing is performed.
Here are your options:
- Anchor. A classic dermal piercing begins with an anchor that’s implanted beneath your skin. Your anchor might have a rounded base or flat “feet” on both sides of the post.
- Top. Once the anchor is within place, your piercer will top away the anchor with the type of jewelry you’ve picked out. Examples include metal studs or magnetic gems.
- Divers have pointed-end bases with pre-set jewelry on top. Your piercer will use a skin puncher to put in this type of jewelry. Unlike the standard anchor and topper design, divers aren’t interchangeable.
What material options are available for the jewelry?
Talk to your piercer about the following options:
- Surgical titanium. If you have sensitive skin, titanium is the least likely to irritate.
- Surgical stainless steel. This is the most popular material by far, writes TatRing. While it’s hypoallergenic, it’s still possible to experience irritation.
- Niobium. This is yet another hypoallergenic product that will not likely corrode.
- Gold. Gold is valuable, so quality matters with gold. Use 14-karat yellow or white gold bullion throughout the healing process. Anything above 18 karats is not as hard. Gold-plated jewelry may cause infection and allergic reactions.
How much does this piercing usually cost?
A dermal piercing typically costs between $70 and $100, approximates Cost Helper. This may add another $10 to $20 to the overall cost.
You’ll also need to factor in a tip for your piercer. At least 20 percent is standard.
Also ask your piercer about upfront costs associated with aftercare, such as saline solutions.
How is this piercing done?
Dermal piercings are done along with either needles or skin punches. Both methods entail leaving an anchor beneath the skin.
For dermal piercing with needles:
- Your skin will be cleaned by your piercer, rendering it completely sterile.
- Once the area is dry, they will draw on your skin with a marker or pen so that the piercing can be done in the correct location.
- They’ll jab the skin with the product and then pull it back. This forms a “pocket” for the anchor to rest in.
- Your piercer will probably use forceps to place the base of the anchor into the hole. They’ll drive the fashion jewelry in until it’s completely in place under the surface of your skin.
- After setting the anchor, your piercer will screw on the jewelry top.
Will it hurt?
A little bit of pain is possible with all piercings. Dermals are no exception.
How you react during the piercing procedure depends on a number of factors, including:
- the positioning (the more fleshy the spot, the less chance it’ll hurt)
- the nature of procedure (dermal punches are more painless)
- your individual pain tolerance
- your piercer’s level of experience and reputability
What risks are associated with this piercing?
While dermal piercings are well-liked and very versatile, they are also very risky for complications.Certain to discuss the following risks with your piercer beforehand:
- Infection. When the piercing done in a sterile setting — or aftercare is ignored — bacteria are able to travel deep into the dermis.
- Displacement. When the anchor isn’t put deep enough, it can become displaced in the dermis and relocate to another region of skin.
- Rejection. Rejection is when skin tissues grow in the dermis until the jewelry is entirely forced out.
- Damage to tissue. Too deep insertion can cause damage to the surrounding nerves or arterias.
- Hypergranulation. This is a red bump around the piercing area indicating that the piercing is irritated because the jewelry fits too tightly, or the piercing is otherwise troubled.
- Scarring. If your piercing is rejected or otherwise phased out, then a small amount of scarring will occur because the hole shuts up.
How long does it take to heal?
A dermal piercing heals within one to three months. If you don’t follow your piercer’s aftercare recommendations, the piercing may take longer to.
They usually aren’t cause for issue unless the piercing is also dripping yellow or green pus, hot to the contact, or showing other signs of infection.
Cleaning and care
Appropriate care and cleaning are essential to the success of your dermal piercing.
During the healing process, do:
- Leave the area wrapped with a bandage for some days.
- Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before handling the area.
- Change to a new paper towel after each time the piercing is cleaned.
- Wash two times a day with a saline or sea salt solution.
- Gently wipe away any crust that’s formed between cleansings.
- Cover the piercing to protect it from obtaining wet during showering, if practical.
- Dry the area with a pat after every cleanse or after showering.
Symptoms to watch for
Mild swelling and crusting on any new piercing are to be expected, but symptoms may indicate some more serious underlying health issue.
Visit your piercer if you have any of the following signs of rejection or infection:
- severe pain
- severe swelling
- skin that’s hot to the touch
- yellow or green discharge
- foul odor
- rash
With rejection, you may also experience:
- jewelry displacement
- jewelry that dangles or hangs rather than lying flat against the surface of the skin
- transparent or calloused skin around the jewelry top
- complete anchor dislodgement
How long will a healed piercing last?
There’s no real timeline for a dermal piercing. However, your skin will eventually grow and push the anchor up to the surface until it breaks out. Whether this happens within the next three months or three years depends on how well you look after the piercing.
How to change the jewelry top
Once your dermal piercing has completely healed (about three months), you’ll remain in the clear to change the external jewelry top. It’s best to have your piercer do this so you can avoid complications from this kind of accidental anchor dislodgement.
If you do choose to replace the jewelry top yourself, follow these steps carefully:
- Wash your hands with antibacterial cleansing soap before touching the area.
- Wipe the area with a saline or sea salt solution..
- Pat the area dry.
- Unscrew the presenting jewelry top in a counterclockwise direction. If the top is stubborn, you might have to go visit your piercer. Your piercer will be able to use forceps to assist in unscrewing the jewelry.
- Screw on the new jewelry top in a clockwise motion.
- Clean the area again and carefully pat dry.
How to retire the piercing
If you must retire the dermal piercing, consult your piercer for professional removal. You should never attempt to remove this style of piercing on your own.
Your piercer will likely:
- Clean the area with a sterile service and pat the location dry.
- Unscrew the jewelry top.
- Massage the skin around the anchor to dislodge it.
- Use a scalpel to make a small incision approximate to the size of the anchor base.
- Use the scalpel to excise any scar tissue that has developed surrounding the anchor.
- Use forceps to pull the anchor outside of the skin.
- Apply a suture or bandage to the area.
