Microdermal Piercings: What You Need to Know 

Understanding Microdermal Piercings

Microdermal piercings are unique. Unlike traditional piercings that go through the skin, they anchor underneath it.

The jewelry has two parts: the anchor and the top piece. The anchor sits under your skin while the top piece is visible.

This type of piercing can be placed almost anywhere on your body. Popular spots include the chest, back, and wrist. They add a stylish look that stands out.

Two Methods of Piercing:

1. Needle: Separates the skin to insert the anchor.
2. Dermal Punch: Removes a small piece of tissue to create a pouch for the anchor.

Aftercare is crucial. Clean the area with sea salt or saline solution. Always keep the area dry by patting it gently, not rubbing.

Healing generally takes a few months but varies from person to person. Keeping the area clean and following aftercare instructions will help it heal faster.

If the top piece of jewelry feels tight, you may need to see your piercer for adjustments. Please do not force it!

Are you considering a microdermal piercing? Make sure you understand the process, risks, and aftercare to keep it safe and stylish.

Pre-Piercing Considerations

Several things should be considered before getting a microdermal piercing. These include finding a skilled professional, picking a body location, learning about potential risks, and preparing for the procedure.

Choosing the Right Professional

It’s vital to choose a professional piercer with experience in microdermal piercings. Look for someone who is certified and has a clean, reputable studio.

Ask about their experience with microdermal piercings specifically, not just piercings in general. Check online reviews and ask to see a portfolio of their work. Knowing that your piercer follows proper hygiene practices can reduce your risk of complications.

Selecting the Location on Your Body

Microdermal piercings can be placed on various flat surfaces of your body. Popular spots include the chest, back, and wrist. Consider your daily activities and whether the piercing might get snagged on clothing or during physical activities.

Choose a location where your piercing won’t be constantly irritated. Consulting with your piercer about the best spots on your body can also be helpful.

Understanding the Risks

Like all piercings, microdermal piercings carry risks. These include infections, scarring, and possibly rejection, where your body pushes the piercing out.

Infections can occur if the area isn’t kept clean or if proper aftercare isn’t followed. To minimize risks, follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer and monitor the healing process closely.

Preparing for the Procedure

Before your procedure, make sure you are well-hydrated and have eaten. Wear comfortable clothing that won’t press against the area where you’re getting pierced.

Being relaxed helps in the process. Bring any questions to your piercer so you feel fully prepared.

The Piercing Process

Understanding the process of getting a microdermal piercing, including sterilization, the equipment used, the step-by-step procedure, and how to manage pain, is vital to a safe and successful experience.

Sterilization and Safety

Sterilization is crucial for preventing infections. Your piercer will thoroughly clean the piercing area with an antiseptic solution. All tools should be single-use or adequately sterilized in an autoclave.

Your piercer will wear gloves and may use a sterile drape to cover surrounding areas. This helps limit contamination. Ensuring a clean environment protects you from potential risks and complications.

Equipment Used

The equipment used for microdermal piercings includes needles, dermal punches, and the anchor jewelry. Needles often separate the skin, while a dermal punch removes a small piece of tissue to create space for the anchor.

Anchor jewelry has two parts: the base, which sits under the skin, and the visible top. The tops can be changed after the piercing heals, allowing for customization.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Marking: The piercer marks the entry point on your skin.
2. Inserting the Needle or Punch: They then use a needle or dermal punch to make a small hole.
3. Placing the Anchor: The anchor part of the jewelry is inserted beneath the skin.
4. Attaching the Top: Finally, the top piece is screwed onto the anchor.

This process is usually quick, lasting only a few minutes.

Pain and Pain Management

Pain levels vary, but you’ll likely feel a sharp pinch during the piercing. The pain is brief and lessens quickly as your body adjusts.

To manage pain afterward, avoid touching the area and follow aftercare instructions. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if needed. Keeping the area clean and dry helps prevent further discomfort.

Aftercare and Healing

Proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth healing process and to prevent infections. This includes immediate steps right after piercing, ongoing care, understanding the healing duration, and handling any issues.

Immediate Aftercare

Once you get your microdermal piercing, you should clean it gently with a sea salt or saline solution at least twice a day. Pat the area dry with a clean, disposable paper towel to prevent bacteria from spreading.

Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands. This can cause infections or irritations. Keep the area dry, and try not to submerge it in water, such as pools or hot tubs, for the first few weeks. Use a bandage if needed to keep the area clean and protected.

Wear loose clothing that won’t rub or catch on the piercing. Tight clothes can irritate it and slow down healing.

Long-Term Care

After a few weeks, clean your piercing daily with a sea salt solution. Pay extra attention during your daily hygiene routine.

Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can be too harsh and slow down the healing. If you must use soap, stick to mild antibacterial soap. Change your bedding regularly to ensure you are not sleeping in a dirty environment. Try to avoid bumping or snagging your piercing on clothing or other objects.

If your piercing is in an area exposed to the sun, apply a high-SPF sunscreen to protect the area and prevent scarring. Also, regularly check the tightness of the jewelry top to ensure it remains secure.

Healing Duration

Microdermal piercings can take a few months to a year to fully heal. On average, you might expect yours to heal in 1-3 months if you follow proper aftercare. The healing time can vary based on the individual’s body and how well you care for the piercing.

It’s essential to be patient during this time. Your body needs to heal around the microdermal anchor slowly. Avoid changing the jewelry until it is fully healed. If your piercing does not show signs of improvement, consult your piercer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you notice redness, swelling, or discharge, it could be an infection. Clean the area and apply a saline solution. If the symptoms persist, see a professional.

Sometimes, the body may start to reject the piercing, causing it to move closer to the skin’s surface. This usually happens if the area gets knocked or caught frequently. Protect the piercing from trauma and contact your piercer if you notice changes.

Avoid removing the jewelry yourself if you experience problems. It’s best to visit your piercer, who can safely handle the situation.

By staying diligent with your aftercare, you ensure a healthy and beautiful new addition to your body.

Jewelry Options

There are many options when it comes to jewelry for microdermal piercings. You must consider the types of jewelry, materials used, and how you can change and customize your look.

Types of Jewelry

Microdermal jewelry usually includes two main parts: the anchor and the visible top. The anchor sits under your skin, and the top piece is visible above the surface.

Popular tops come in many styles, such as basic discs, sparkly gems, or more elaborate shapes like stars or hearts.

You can choose different shapes, colors, and designs to match your personality. Both simple designs and fancy decorative pieces are available, so you can easily find something that fits your taste.

Material Considerations

The right material for dermal jewelry is essential due to potential skin reactions. Common materials include:

• Titanium
• Surgical Stainless Steel
• Niobium

Titanium and niobium are often recommended because they are hypoallergenic, making them less likely to irritate. Titanium, in particular, is known for being lightweight and strong.

Surgical-grade stainless steel is also a good choice, but it’s crucial to ensure its high quality to avoid any skin issues.

Changing and Customizing Jewelry

One of the fun aspects of microdermal piercings is the ability to change and customize your jewelry. Once your piercing is fully healed, you can switch out the tops to suit different occasions or moods.

To change the tops, you can unscrew the current piece and replace it with a new one. Make sure to wash your hands and use sanitized jewelry to avoid infections.

Customizing jewelry can involve selecting different colors, shapes, or even custom-made pieces. This way, you can keep your look fresh and match your jewelry to your style or outfit.

Lifestyle and Microdermal Piercings

Living with microdermal piercings can affect various aspects of your daily routine. It’s important to know how to manage these changes from exercise to sleep.

Daily Activities with Piercings

With microdermal piercings, everyday tasks may require extra care. Be cautious to avoid tugging or snagging the jewelry. Clothing with loose fabrics can help prevent accidental pulls.

Be mindful when washing your face or brushing your hair. A wrong move could irritate the piercing site. For jobs with physical tasks, consider covering the area with a bandage to protect it.

Impact on Sports and Exercise

Your piercing can be at risk when you play sports or work out. Activities with high impact or contact, like football or basketball, could lead to injuries.

For safer workouts, try low-impact exercises such as yoga or walking. To reduce the risk of damage, always cover your piercings with a bandage or sports tape.

Swimming and Bathing

Water activities need extra caution. Chlorine in pools and bacteria in lakes or oceans can cause infections. Wait at least a few weeks after getting pierced before swimming.

When you do swim, monitor the healing process. And remember to always dry the piercing thoroughly afterward to avoid moisture buildup.

Sleeping with Piercings

Sleeping with microdermal piercings takes some adjustment. Avoid putting pressure on the piercing by sleeping on your back or the opposite side.

Consider using a travel pillow with a hole in the middle to avoid direct contact. Clean pillowcases regularly to keep the area clean and free from bacteria.

Complications and Solutions

Microdermal piercings can look amazing, but they come with potential complications. Knowing the signs of infection, allergic reactions, rejection, migration, and when to seek medical attention can help you manage any issues.

Signs of Infection

Infections can be a serious problem with microdermal piercings. Watch for redness, swelling, or pain around the piercing. That is also a warning sign if you see yellow or green pus. Fever is another symptom that indicates the infection could be spreading.

To help prevent infection:

1. Always keep your piercing clean.
2. Clean the area with a saline solution and avoid touching it with dirty hands.
3. If you suspect an infection, consult with your piercing professional.

Allergic Reactions

Some people have allergic reactions to the materials used in piercings. The most common material that causes reactions is nickel. If you are allergic, you might experience redness, itching, or a rash around the piercing.

Choose high-quality materials like titanium or surgical stainless steel to avoid allergic reactions. If you think you are having an allergic reaction, switch to a hypoallergenic material and see a doctor if symptoms persist.

Rejection and Migration

Rejection occurs when your body pushes the jewelry out, treating it as a foreign object. Migration happens when the piercing moves from its original spot. Signs include the anchor becoming more visible or the skin growing thinner over the jewelry.

To minimize the risk, follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions carefully. Avoid putting pressure on the piercing or snagging it on clothing. If you notice signs of rejection or migration, discussing re-piercing in a different location or removing the jewelry entirely might be necessary.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Knowing when to seek medical help is crucial. If you experience severe pain, a high fever, or see red streaks spreading from the piercing site, immediately visit a doctor. These can be signs of a severe infection.

Chronic issues like continuous swelling or prolonged allergic reactions also require medical attention. Early intervention can prevent further complications and ensure your piercing heals properly. Feel free to contact a healthcare professional if you need clarification.

Removal and Aftercare

Microdermal piercings require proper removal and aftercare to avoid complications and ensure the skin heals well. Below are the critical points about professional removal, post-removal care, and scar prevention.

Professional Removal

Always have a professional piercer or dermatologist remove a microdermal piercing. Trying to remove it yourself can lead to scarring or infections. The procedure involves cleaning the area, making a small incision, and gently removing the anchor. The professional uses sterile tools to reduce the risk of infection. After removal, follow the expert’s advice on aftercare to promote healing. Missteps can cause extended healing times or complications.

Post-Removal Care

After the piercing is removed, focus on keeping the area clean. Wash with mild soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment if advised. Avoid touching the area with dirty hands. Watch for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or pus. If these symptoms occur, seek medical advice immediately. Hydration and a balanced diet can aid the healing process. Avoid strenuous activities that might irritate the area during the healing period.

Scar Prevention and Treatment

Scarring can happen after removal, but certain steps can minimize it. Apply silicone scar sheets or gels to the area to help the skin heal smoothly. Gentle massage of the area with vitamin E oil can also be beneficial. Avoid sun exposure, as UV rays can darken scars, making them more noticeable. If significant scars develop, consult a dermatologist for laser therapy or microdermabrasion treatments.