A Brief Guide to Dermal Piercings

A Brief Guide to Dermal Piercings 

 A dermal piercing sits like a pretty gemstone on your skin. But how is it done without an exit point, and what is the healing process like? Let’s find out.

Have you ever seen a dermal piercing on someone and found it striking but don’t know how it works? We got you. You must have seen normal ear and nose piercings where the jewelry runs through the skin, and you can take it out by opening the stopper, but things are different with a dermal piercing. 

There is no exit point for the bead, gemstone, or stud that you wear. Instead, it just clings onto your skin. But how does that happen? That’s what we’ll help you understand so you can go for this cool piercing with all important information and rock it. If you’re planning to get a dermal piercing, keep reading to go in with clarity.

What Are Dermal Piercings?

In a dermal piercing, the jewelry sits flat on the skin’s surface and has only one visible point. It differs from standard piercings – like earrings or nose studs – because they go through a piece of skin and have two visible ends. However, a dermal piercing has one visible end while its other side is hidden under the skin. 

Such a piercing is done by anchoring the jewelry beneath the skin with a small base, called a dermal anchor. 

This design means dermal piercings can be placed almost anywhere on the body and let you customize your look. But because they’re embedded under the skin, the process of getting a dermal piercing is a bit different—and so is the aftercare.

How Do Dermal Piercings Differ from Other Piercings?

Traditional piercings puncture a flap of skin (like your earlobe) and insert jewelry that exits through the hole. As a result, you can swap the jewelry without seeking any help. However, dermal piercings don’t have an exit point because an anchor is inserted under the top layer of your skin, so the jewelry screws into it. So, your dermal piercing is more like a single point on your skin rather than a piece of jewelry passing through it.

Another key difference between the two piercing types is longevity. Other piercings can often last a lifetime if you care for them properly but dermal piercings are mostly semi-permanent. They can last for years, but their placement, aftercare, and your body’s reaction can influence how long they stay in place.

The Anatomy of Dermal Piercings

As we explained earlier, dermal piercings consist of two main parts; let’s discuss them in detail. 

• The anchor is the base of a dermal piercing, mostly made of biocompatible materials like titanium or surgical steel. It’s inserted under your skin and has small holes or grooves that let the skin grow around it while still holding it in place.
• The second part is the jewelry top, i.e., the visible part of the piercing, which the piercer screws into the anchor. The top can be a gemstone, a metal design, or any other decorative piece of your preference. 

Common Placement Areas of Dermal Piercings 

Expert piercers can place dermal piercings almost anywhere on the body, but not all points are safe. Here are the most popular spots for getting a dermal piercing:

• Chest
• Back
• Face (e.g., cheekbones, temples)
• Hands (e.g., between the fingers)
• Collarbone
• Hips
• Neck

How Are Dermal Piercings Done?

Doing a dermal piercing is an expert’s job because of how different it is from a surface piercing. When you go to a pro for this piercing, here is what their process will look like: 

1. First off, the piercer will discuss your desired placement and check if it’s suitable for a dermal piercing. They’ll then mark the exact spot where the piercing will go so it aligns with your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
2. The marked area will be thoroughly cleaned to reduce the risk of infection. Your piercer should also sterilize their tools at this point. Here are the tools used for a dermal piercing: 

• Dermal punch or needle
• Forceps
• Dermal anchor
• Jewelry Top

1. Next, with a dermal punch or needle, the piercer will create a small hole or pocket in the top layer of your skin. This step requires precision to make sure the anchor fits well.
2. The dermal anchor is then placed into the pocket using forceps in a way that it sits at the right depth and angle to hold the jewelry.
3. Once the anchor is in place, the decorative top is screwed onto it – the piercer will make sure it’s tight and sits flush against your skin.

What Is the Healing Process of a Dermal Piercing Like?

Dermal piercings generally take 3 to 6 months to heal fully, but this can vary. The healing duration will depend on your body, the piercings placement, and how well you follow aftercare instructions. The initial healing phase is where the skin starts to close around the anchor and that takes about 4 to 8 weeks. You’ll need to be extra careful to avoid irritation or infection during this time. 

Also, healing times can also depend on where the piercing is located. For example, areas with more movement or friction, like your hands or chest, may take longer to heal compared to less active spots like your back or collarbone.

Aftercare Tips for a Dermal Piercing 

You need proper aftercare for a smooth healing process because these piercings can get infected otherwise. Here’s what you need to do during the healing phase: 

1. Use a saline solution or a piercing aftercare spray to clean the piercing area. Avoid harsh products like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can dry out your skin.
2. Your hands carry bacteria, so touching the piercing unnecessarily can increase the risk of infection. If you must touch it, wash your hands thoroughly first.
3. After cleaning, dry the piercing with a clean paper towel, and try not to use cloth towels, as they also carry bacteria.
4. If your piercing is in an area covered by clothing, wear loose, breathable fabrics to prevent friction. Otherwise, it may hurt.
5. Redness, swelling, and tenderness are normal in the first few days of getting a dermal piercing, but if these symptoms persist or get worse, or if you notice pus or a foul smell, seek medical help. 

Also, here are some activities to avoid in the initial few weeks of getting a dermal piercing:

• Swimming: Pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water can introduce bacteria to the piercing and increase the risk of infection.
• Excessive Sun Exposure: UV rays can irritate the healing skin and cause discoloration around the piercing. So try to stay indoors as much as possible, in the first two weeks at least.
• Heavy Exercise: Activities that cause excessive sweating or friction can irritate the piercing and slow down your healing.
• Makeup or Skincare Products: If your piercing is on your face, do not apply makeup or skincare products near the area until it’s fully healed.

How Long Do Dermal Piercings Last?

Dermal piercings are a commitment, but they’re not always permanent. The following few factors will determine how long your dermal piercing lasts:

1. Placement: As explained earlier, if your dermal piercing is on any area with more movement or friction, like your hands or chest, it’s more likely to experience rejection or migration. But less active areas, like your back or collarbone, will hold piercings better.
2. Aftercare: Proper cleaning and avoiding irritation can extend your piercing’s life. Neglecting aftercare, on the other hand, can give you infections or cause rejection.
3. Your Body’s Reaction: Everyone’s body is different, and some people’s skin may naturally reject the piercing over time, while others may have no issues at all.
4. Jewelry Quality: High-quality materials like titanium or surgical steel are less likely to cause irritation or rejection than cheaper alternatives.

Can Dermal Piercings Be Permanent?

While some people keep their dermal piercings for years (or even decades) they’re considered semi-permanent. Your body may start to push the piercing out over time and cause rejection. But this doesn’t mean you did anything wrong; it’s just how some bodies react to foreign objects. If you’re lucky, your piercing could last five years or more. But for many, it’s common to see signs of rejection within one to two years.

Go For That Cool Dermal Piercing You’ve Been Thinking About 

If you’ve been on the fence about getting a dermal piercing, here’s your sign to go for it. Yes, healing requires patience and care for the piercing, but its edginess will make it worth it. If you’ve found the perfect spot and design, take the plunge. You’ll likely wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

FAQs

Can you sleep on a dermal piercing?

Yes, you can after the piercing fully adjusts to your body. But, for the first few weeks, sleeping on it can cause irritation or even displacement if it’s on your back, chest, or another area that comes into contact with your bed, 

Can you change the jewelry yourself?

Not during the healing process. After your piercing is fully healed (after 3–6 months), you can change the jewelry, but it’s best to have a professional do it the first time. They can show you how to unscrew the top and replace it safely without disturbing the anchor.

Do dermal piercings hurt more than other piercings?

The pain level is subjective, but most people describe dermal piercings as a quick, sharp pinch followed by some pressure. It’s not necessarily more painful than other piercings – just different. 

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Stay Local Tattoo and Piercing

3865 Wadsworth Blvd,

Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Phone: (720) 242-9615

@staylocaltattoo