How are Dermal Piercings Done?

Posted March 12, 2025

If piercings appeal to you, we hear you. Learn how are dermal piercings done and decide if you want to go through the procedure or would you rather pass it. Dermal piercings are striking and unlike any other body modification, but getting one can feel like a leap into the unknown.

If you’re here, you likely want to understand what really happens during the process. Is it painful? How does it even stay in place? And most importantly, is it worth it? If so, we hear you.

Today, we’ll walk you through how are dermal piercings done – step by step so you know what to expect. We’ll also talk about these piercings’ pain levels to mentally prepare you for this edgy and personalized body modification. So stick around a little longer and learn all about dermal piercings.

What Exactly Is a Dermal Piercing?

A dermal piercing sits on the surface of your skin. Unlike usual piercings, which mean a hole going through a flap of skin or cartilage, it uses an anchor. The anchor is placed under your skin’s surface to hold the jewelry and gives the appearance that the piercing is sitting on your skin.

A dermal piercing consists of two parts: the anchor and the jewelry. The anchor is a small piece (usually made of titanium or surgical steel) sitting below the dermis layer of your skin. It has holes or grooves that let your skin grow around it to keep it in place. The visible part of such a piercing is the jewelry that screws into the anchor and can be customized to suit your style – like a gemstone, a spike, or a simple stud.

How Is a Dermal Piercing Different from Other Piercings?

Dermal piercings look similar to surface piercings, but their procedure, placement, and healing differ. Let’s break it down so you can understand the distinctions.

Surface Piercings vs. Dermal Piercings

Surface piercings use a barbell that goes through a flat area of your skin, and both ends of the jewelry are visible on the surface. The jewelry enters and exits the skin, making it a single, continuous piece. However, dermal piercings only have one visible end (the jewelry) and its anchor remains hidden under the skin to give it a subtle appearance.

For example, if you’re looking for a piercing on your collarbone or cheekbone, a dermal piercing might be the better choice because it’s less likely to shift or irritate the skin. On the other hand, if you’re piercing a flat area like your wrist or nape, a surface piercing could work – but you’ll need to be extra cautious about aftercare.

Here’s a quick comparison to highlight the key differences:

Placement and Structure

Surface Piercings: A curved or straight barbell passes through the skin, with both ends visible in a surface piercing.

Dermal Piercings: Only the jewelry is visible; the anchor sits under the skin to hold the piercing.

Procedure

Surface Piercings: The piercer creates two holes in the skin and threads the jewelry through them.

Dermal Piercings: The piercer makes a small incision, inserts the anchor, and attaches the jewelry to it.

Healing Process

Surface Piercings: Surface piercings can have a higher risk of rejection because the jewelry moves more and can irritate the skin.

Dermal Piercings: Although dermal piercings can also be rejected, the anchor’s design allows the skin to grow around it, often making it more stable in the long term.

Flexibility

Surface Piercings: They are limited to flat areas of the body where the jewelry can sit comfortably.

Dermal Piercings: These can be placed almost anywhere, including curved or bony areas.

Jewelry Options

Surface Piercings: Mostly use barbells are used in surface piercings, which can limit customization.

Dermal Piercings: These offer more jewelry options, from gemstones to spikes, giving you more room to personalize your look.

How are Piercing Piercings Done? (Step-by-Step Process)

If you want to get a dermal piercing, understanding the process can ease your nerves because it’s different from what we usually see. It’s a precise procedure that requires skill, cleanliness, and attention to detail. Here’s how dermal piercings are done:

Preparation and Sterilization

Firstly, the piercer makes sure everything is clean and sterile. A professional piercer will use gloves, sterilized tools, and disposable needles so you don’t catch infections. The area of your skin where the piercing will go is also cleaned thoroughly with an antiseptic solution. A clean environment is always your first line of defense against complications.

Marking the Placement

Next, the piercer will mark the exact spot where the piercing will go because placement affects how the piercing looks and how well it heals. The professional will consider factors like skin thickness, movement in the area, and your preferences before marking. They use a surgical marker to make a small dot and ask you to check it in the mirror to make adjustments if needed.

Creating the Pocket or Punch

After the dermal piercing’s placement is finalized, the piercer will create a small hole or pocket in your skin where the anchor will sit. They’ll use either a dermal punch or a needle, depending on the technique they prefer. A dermal punch removes a tiny piece of skin to create a clean space for the anchor, while a needle creates an incision that’s stretched to fit the anchor. Both methods are good, but a dermal punch is preferred for its precision. Also, don’t worry about the skin puncture because the piercer will numb the area with a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort.

Inserting the Anchor

Now comes an important step: inserting the anchor. As we explained earlier, the anchor is a flat piece made of titanium or surgical steel with tiny holes or grooves that allow your skin to grow around it. Its job is to secure the jewelry, and your piercer will carefully slide the anchor into the pocket or hole they’ve created. This step needs a steady hand and experience, as the anchor needs to sit just beneath the surface of your skin. If it’s too deep, it won’t hold the jewelry properly, and if it’s too shallow, the skin could reject it.

Securing the Jewelry

When the anchor is in place, the piercer will attach the jewelry – the visible part of the piercing. It can be a gemstone, spike, or stud, whatever you like. The jewelry screws into the anchor, and the piercer will make sure it’s secure and sits flush against your skin. They’ll also check that the jewelry isn’t too tight or too loose, as both can cause issues during healing. After this, they’ll clean the area again and give you aftercare instructions.

Which Body Areas Are Commonly Chosen for Dermal Piercings?

Dermal piercings can be placed almost anywhere on your body, but some areas are more common than others. The following factors determine whether a skin area is suitable for dermal piercings or not:

Skin Thickness: Areas with thicker skin, like the chest or lower back, can hold anchors bette,r so they are good for dermal piercings.
Movement: Areas that move a lot, like the hands or feet, may have a higher risk of rejection if you go for dermal piercings.
Personal Preference: At the end of the day, it’s your body, and you can choose a spot that feels right for you.

Based on the factors listed above, here are popular placements and why they work well:

Chest: The chest is a classic spot for dermal piercings because it’s a flat area with enough skin to hold the anchor securely.
Lower Back: Also known as “lower back dermals,” these piercings are subtle and can be hidden or shown off depending on your outfit.
Cheeks: Cheek dermals are eye-catching and add edginess to your look. They’re generally placed just below the cheekbone for a dramatic effect.
Collarbone: Collarbone piercings are elegant and draw attention to your neckline, which makes them perfect for showing off delicate jewelry.
Hands: Dermals on the back of the hand or between the fingers make a bold statement.
Nape of the Neck: The nape placement is subtle and can be hidden by hair, which makes it a great option if you want something discreet.
Hips: Hip dermals are popular for their versatility – they can be placed along the waistline or lower on the hips for a flattering look.
Forehead: Although forehead dermal piercings are less common, they look cool and are placed near the hairline or between the eyebrows.

Dermal Piercings Are Worth It

If you’ve been planning to get a dermal piercing, now’s the time to go for it. The process is short, the pain is minimal, and the piercing looks super edgy. Also, proper care will heal your piercing smoothly, so there’s no risk. So, take the plunge – it’s not as scary as it seems. Trust the process and enjoy your new look.

FAQs

Does getting a dermal piercing hurt?

Most people describe the sensation as a quick pinch or pressure, but it depends on your pain sensitivity. Your piercer will use a topical anesthetic to numb the area so the discomfort is minimal. The entire process is quick, and any pain you feel during the procedure is short-lived. Afterward, you might experience some soreness or swelling, but this is part of the healing process.

How long does a dermal piercing take to heal?

Dermal piercings take about 3 to 6 months to heal fully on average. However, your body’s healing ability, the placement of the piercing, and how well you follow aftercare instructions can change this duration.

Can dermal piercings be removed?

Yes, you can remove dermal piercings, but it’s not as simple as taking out a standard piercing. Since the anchor sits beneath the skin, its removal requires a professional. A piercer or dermatologist will make a small incision to remove the anchor, which may leave a tiny scar.

Walk ins are more than welcome every day during business hours.

To schedule an appointment click here:

https://www.schedulicity.com/scheduling/SLTEDS

Stay Local Tattoo and Piercing

3865 Wadsworth Blvd,

Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Phone: (720) 242-9615

@staylocaltattoo