Things to Know Before Getting a Dermal Piercing

Dermal piercings, sometimes called single-point piercings, stand out from traditional piercings because they’re done differently. Unlike regular piercings, which involve making two holes to insert jewellery, dermal piercings are made with just one hole. Instead of having an entry and exit point like earrings or nose studs, dermal piercings consist of a single point where the jewellery is anchored under the skin’s surface. This creates a unique look and allows for more versatility in placement on the body.

When you get a dermal piercing, the piercer puts a small hole in your skin and inserts an anchor into the middle layer, called the dermis. This anchor is about 6 or 7 millimetres long and supports the jewellery. The jewellery is then screwed onto the anchor, sitting on top of your skin and looking like beads on your skin.

What is the difference between a dermal and a surface piercing?

 Dermal and surface piercings may seem similar because both involve jewellery sitting on the skin’s surface, but they’re different in how they’re done.

Dermal piercings are unique because the jewellery is anchored into the middle layer of the skin, called the dermis, through a single entry point. The jewellery is then screwed onto this anchor, giving the appearance of beads or studs on the skin’s surface. This method provides stability and reduces the risk of rejection or migration.

On the other hand, surface piercings involve using barbells or similar jewellery shaped like open staples. These pieces are inserted under the skin with separate entry and exit points. The decorative tops of surface piercings rest directly on the skin’s surface.

we can create striking looks, surface piercings are more prone to complications like rejection, migration, and infection due to their placement and interaction with the body’s movement and healing processes.

Can you put a dermal anywhere?

Dermal piercings can go almost anywhere on your body with flat skin. Typical spots include the cheekbones, back of the neck, chest, lower back, belly, and thighs. But the skin needs to be thick enough to hold the piercing well. So, talking to an expert piercer is essential to check if the skin suits the piercing. That way, you can ensure your piercing stays in place and feels good.

Which Jewellery is Suitable for Dermal Piercings?

 A dermal piercing can be done with either a needle or a unique tool called a skin punch. The type of jewellery used depends on how the piercing is done.

  1. Anchor: First, a small piece called an anchor is put under the skin. It might have a round base or flat parts on each side.
  2. Top: After the anchor is put in, you can choose your jewellery, like metal studs or magnetic gems, and it’s placed on top of the anchor.
  3. Diver: Another type of piercing, a diver, has exceptional jewellery with a pointy base and decoration on top. These need a skin punch and are different from the usual anchor and jewellery style.

Piercing Jewellery Materials?

When you’re picking out your piercing jewellery, think about these materials:

  1. Titanium: It’s good for sensitive skin because it’s less likely to make you itch.
  2. Stainless Steel: This is the most common choice. It usually doesn’t cause problems, but some might still get irritated.
  3. Niobium: Like titanium, it’s also good for sensitive skin and won’t rust.
  4. Gold: If you want gold, make sure it’s 14-karat yellow or white gold. Avoid higher karats because they might not be strong enough. Also, be careful with gold-plated jewellery as it can cause infections and skin reactions.

Process of Dermal Piercings?

Here’s a simplified breakdown of what happens during a dermal piercing:

With Needles:

  1. Cleaning Your Skin: First, your piercer will clean the area where you’ll get pierced to ensure it’s spotless and sterile.
  2. Marking the Spot: Once your skin is dry, they’ll use a special pen to mark precisely where the piercing will go. This helps make sure it’s in the right spot.
  3. Poking with the Needle: Using a needle, they’ll gently poke your skin to create a small hole. Then, they’ll remove the needle.
  4. Inserting the Anchor: Using forceps (a unique tool), they’ll carefully place the base of the anchor into the hole they made with the needle.
  5. Adding the Jewelry: Finally, they’ll screw the top part of the jewellery onto the anchor, securing it in place.

With Skin Punch:

  1. Similar Steps: The process is quite similar, but instead of using a needle to make the hole, they’ll use a punch tool.
  2. Creating Space: The punch tool removes a tiny piece of skin, creating a small pocket where the anchor will sit.
  3. Inserting the Anchor and Jewellery: After making the space, the piercer will proceed with inserting the anchor and screwing on the jewellery, just like with the needle method.

In both cases, the goal is to securely place the anchor under your skin, with the chosen jewellery on top.

How do you clean and care?

Taking care of your dermal piercing properly is essential for healing well. Here’s what you should do: Keep the piercing covered with a bandage for a few days. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching the area. Use a new paper towel every time you clean the piercing. Clean the piercing twice a day with a sea salt or saline solution. Gently wipe away any crust that forms between cleanings. Try to keep the piercing protected from getting wet during showers. Pat the area dry after cleaning or showering. 

The healing time of Dermal piercings?

 Dermal piercings typically take between 1 and 3 months to fully heal. However, if proper aftercare instructions provided by your piercer are not followed, the healing process may be prolonged. During the initial weeks following the piercing, it’s common to observe some crusting around the jewellery and experience minor swelling. These are typical aspects of the healing process and should gradually diminish as the piercing heals.

Paying attention to signs of infection during the healing period is crucial. Symptoms such as yellow or green pus, the area feeling unusually hot to the touch, or any other unusual symptoms should be taken seriously. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Ignoring signs of infection or delaying treatment can lead to complications and hinder healing. Therefore, it’s necessary to be vigilant and attentive to any changes or abnormalities in the piercing site. Following proper aftercare guidelines and promptly addressing any signs of infection are critical steps in ensuring the successful healing of a dermal piercing.