Things to Learn Before Getting a Dermal Piercing

Dermal piercings, aka single-point piercings, are different from regular piercings because they don't have separate entry and exit points for the jewellery. Instead, your piercer makes a small hole to insert an "anchor" into the middle layer of your skin.

This anchor is about 6 or 7 millimetres long and secures the post where you screw in the actual jewellery. It sits on the surface, making it look like beads on your skin.

Dermal vs. surface piercings

Now, what's the deal with dermal vs. surface piercings? Well, single point dermal jewellery sits on the top layer of your skin, but it's not the same as surface piercings, which have separate entry and exit points. Surface piercings use barbells shaped like open staples, anchored under the skin, with decorative tops resting on the skin's surface.

Places to get dermal piercing 

As for where you can get cute dermal piercing, pretty much anywhere on your body with flat skin works. People often go for cheekbones, the nape of the neck, chest, lower back, abdomen, or thighs. The key is that the skin needs to be thick enough to hold the dermal anchor securely. So, while no area is off-limits, thickness matters!

Alright, let's break down the bling for dermal piercings:

1. Anchor: This is the OG dermal jewellery. It goes beneath your skin and can have a rounded base or flat "feet" on each side of the post.
2. Top: Once the anchor is snug under your skin, it's time for the fun stuff. You get to pick the top part of your jewellery. Think metal studs or magnetic gems – whatever floats your style boat.
3. Diver: These are a bit different. Divers have pointy bases with preset jewellery on top. Your piercer uses a skin puncture to slot this type of jewellery in. Unlike the usual anchor and topper combo, divers are like a one-piece wonder.

Why are dermal piercing so popular in 2023? 

Surface and dermal piercings are popular because they look cool and offer unique body jewellery placements. They're trendy for self-expression and adding a bit of edge to your style.

How to know the size of a dermal top and anchor?

To pick the right size dermal anchor, measure the thickness of your skin where you want the piercing. Tops come in different styles, like gems or flat discs. Just choose what fits your vibe and style.

What kind of jewellery is suitable for dermal piercing?

For surface piercings, go for flexible jewellery like PTFE or surface bars. They're better at adapting to your body's movements and reducing irritation.

Can I get dermal piercing? 

If your skin has enough thickness and the area allows for proper healing without much movement, you're likely a good candidate. Check with a professional piercer to be sure.

What is the process of dermal piercing?

1. Consultation: Talk to a piercer about your idea and check if it's suitable for your anatomy.
2. Cleaning: The piercer cleans the area and marks the entry and exit points.
3. Piercing: A dermal punch or needle is used to create a pocket under the skin, and the anchor is inserted.
4. Jewellery Placement: The dermal anchor is positioned, and the top is attached.
5. Aftercare: Follow aftercare instructions, usually involving cleaning with saline solution and avoiding irritation.
6. Healing: Dermal piercings can take several weeks to months to fully heal. Keep an eye on any signs of infection and consult your piercer if needed.

What is the aftercare of dermal piercing?

Clean it twice daily with saline. Keep hands off. Don't twist the jewellery. Skip harsh products. Gently dry with a paper towel. Watch for redness or weird stuff. No swimming till it's healed.

How long will a healed piercing last?

We can't really predict how long a dermal piercing will stay put. But as your skin grows, it'll nudge the anchor upward until it eventually falls out. Whether this happens sooner, like in the next three months, or takes its sweet time, maybe three years, depends on how well you take care of the piercing.

If you're thinking about getting a dermal piercing, your best source of info is a skilled piercer from a trusted shop. They're like the pros of piercings and can help with all your questions, especially about where you want to put it and any risks involved. A good piercer will straight-up tell you if the spot you're eyeing is a good or not-so-great idea for a dermal piercing.