Saturday April 25th, 2009 @ 3:20 PM
I am considering getting microdermal implants, but I want to make sure I can get the jewellery I want beforehand. I am specifically looking for large spikes or jewellery which resembles horns. I have been searching online but all I can find are discs and small spikes.
Does anyone have any suggestions for online sources for such jewellery?
Thanks in advance.
All of the top manufacturers use an industry standard threading, so for most dermal anchors all you need to find is a 14 ga threaded end in the shape and size you want. If you are looking for a rather large spike I recommend also going with a larger microdermal, Anatometal makes them as large as 8 ga. Using one of these will provide a stronger base for the weight of the larger end. I also advise getting the spike made out of titanium (if you are desiring metal) as it will be lighter. Also, you could have bone horns made or pretty much whatever you desire if you want to spend a little more for custom pieces. Your piercer should be able to do all the groundwork for getting you whatever you want, if they can’t I’d be afraid to let them pierce me.
PS: I would still heal the micros with disc or other low profile ends and use the horns as a day time piece once it is healed.
+8 / 10 votes 
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Posted by Sean Philips | Permalink | Comments
Saturday April 18th, 2009 @ 1:06 PM
Hi people,
I’m a reporter writing for the Australian Centre for Independent Journalism about body piercing and the growth in non-specialist businesses like hairdressers and beauticians who are performing piercings.
What do you think: Is this trend real, or just anecdotal?
How widespread is it?
What are the issues related to unqualified or inexperienced piercers: hygeine, use of guns, lack of advice or information, piercing kids who are underage?
If this trend is real, what impact is it having?
My story is mainly about Sydney, Australia but I welcome comments from around the world. Please too feel welcome to share any contacts you would speak to if you were me writing this story.
Thanks for your help,
Jason.
I’m going to throw this one out there. Get sharing your thoughts, folks.
Personally, I believe that piercings should only be performed by competant piercers who have gone through decent apprenticeships and performed in purpose built studios, not hairdressing salons or the like. Unfortunately in the UK it is real, it does happen and piercing guns are frequently used. The reason why it is popular is mainly due to it being a cheaper option and also the fact that the majority of people out there are ignorant to the risks of being pierced by someone I would struggle to refer to as a professional piercer in an inappropriate setting.
+11 / 11 votes 
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Posted by Tiff Badhairdo | Permalink | 11 Comments
Saturday April 18th, 2009 @ 1:00 PM
I would love to get my tongue split but have an 18 month old daughter. Given that she’s at an age where she is picking up on the intricacies of spoken language I can’t really afford to be unable to speak clearly for a significant period of time.
I’ve read the tongue splitting info on the BME encyclopedia and it says about 2 weeks for initial healing, but I was wondering if you could give me an idea of how badly my speech will be effected during that time?
I have and am currently in the process of stretching my tongue piercing; would having a large gauge piercing first make any difference to the ability to speak after the split, or not really?
With regards to speech during the healing time, it is pretty much the same as when you get your tongue pierced as it tends to be the swelling that can hinder your ability to pronounce certain words effectively. Sometimes, the discomfort from the tip touching your teeth can affect your speech but it is a temporary thing as once it is healed you shouldn’t have any difficulties. It is worth noting that everyone is different but in my experience I have never met anyone with a split tongue who has a speech impediment that they didn’t have before.
The idea of stretching an existing piercing prior to a split is more to do with minimising regrowth and has little bearing on speech. Hope that answers your queries.
+14 / 16 votes
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Posted by Tiff Badhairdo | Permalink | 1 Comment
Monday April 6th, 2009 @ 4:55 PM
I am highly interested in getting alot of work done all over my body. At the moment i am hesitant to because i want to have a stable job that will accept it with decent pay and hours. I live in northern VA and I would like it if anyone had some advice for me?
People say not to get any of the mods i want but i feel its a way of life i choose a self exspretion and an art and i dont feel complete without it someone if u have any advice please help?
thank you
There are exceptions to every rule; while it is difficult to be employed in certain fields with visible modifications, I’m sure that you could find people who’ve worked hard, busted their butt and excelled in their chosen field regardless of the stereo-types that surround “people like us”.
That said- don’t be surprised if you don’t run into many Doctors/Lawyers/Judges/Executives/etc with heavy visible modifications. The key word here is visible. While I totally get where you’re coming from with your belief that this is a “way of life and form of expression” you’re right in assuming that it will make your career path more difficult.
My advice? Stay in school. Go for higher education in the field you want to enter. Make yourself invaluable and most of all- DO NOT LET YOUR MODIFICATIONS DEFINE YOU. We’re all of us so much more than just the things we do to our bodies; yet we get so hung up on the physical.
The drive that makes most of us desire these modifications are what separates us from people who choose not to go down this path. We’re already different, with or without the modifications.
Best of luck!
+35 / 35 votes
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Posted by Shawn Porter | Permalink | 5 Comments
Monday April 6th, 2009 @ 12:51 AM
how long will it take to close up my 9/16 gauges? i need to take them out for a job, and an agreement for a tattoo. and i dont want to just have my skin hanging there, so what can i do to close them up, and not have them nasty looking?
While it’s SO tempting to say something like “maybe you should’ve considered that before STRETCHING (not “gauging”) your ears”, I’ll answer you seriously - there’s no set answer, everyone’s experience varies, and you’ve well and truly stretched past what most sensible piercers would call the point of no return. Leave the jewellery out (don’t bother downsizing, just leave your lobes empty), massage them frequently with Bio-oil or the like to help tighten them up, and hope for the best, that’s my advice. If you don’t have the patience or inclination to see what happens naturally, you could always consult with a plastic surgeon to have them reconstructed…!
+26 / 26 votes
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Posted by Lori St.Leone | Permalink | 5 Comments
Tuesday March 31st, 2009 @ 4:46 PM
Hi,
I was just informed that my family & i will be going on a vacation to Greece which means I will be in a swim suit. The problem is that I have six microdermals on my stomache and very conservative parents who have no idea I have had them eight months.
I was wondering, is there was a way to hide them? Are there tops to the dermals that will hide them? I really don’t want to give up my very costly babies but i may have to because my mom made me take out my vertical labret as soon as she found out. And im afraid if she saw these i would be kicked out of my family.
How long does it take for you to heal after microdermal removal? Will there be scarring?
Thanks:-/
http://i44.tinypic.com/2dtxauo.jpg (my belly)
Honestly, your best bet for hiding them is a one piece bathing suit, which from what I understand, is very “in” right now. While there are flesh colored hider tops, they are not all that effective, especially for 6 pieces.
I don’t know your parents at all, but in most cases I have found parents, if talked to on an adult basis without screaming or whining are receptive to the “why I modify my body” talk. If you approach them on your own accord and explain these two key points, they should be receptive:
-Why you choose to modify your body.
-How the modifications you have chosen are semi-permanent, or if they are permanent, how they will fit into your adult life and future career.
If you can’t answer these questions then your parents have every right to be questioning your decisions. If you can answer them and you calmly and maturely explain your reasoning to your parents and they are still not receptive you have only two choices; confirm to there wishes or tell them something along the lines of “I am sorry you feel that way. I still do and always will love you, but I have made these choices for my life and I am committed to them. I do hope that one day you will realize that what I choose to do to my body is not much of a reason to cut ties with your child, and on that day i will welcome you with open arms.”
Of course if you still live with your parents or off of your parents money, you really have no grounds for arguing. If this is the case move out, take care of yourself and prove yourself as an adult, then go back to ‘the talk”.
As for the questions about removal of the microdermals, this is a perfect example of a question that should have been asked BEFORE getting the mod as well as a perfect example of questions that can be answered with a simple search on BME.
+30 / 34 votes
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Posted by Sean Philips | Permalink | 11 Comments
Friday March 27th, 2009 @ 7:55 PM
Hi there BME,
So recently I’ve been contemplating about doing a DIY suspension on myself and been thinking about all the negative things that could come with it.
I don’t think that’s it would really be a good idea although it would really be something to me. The thing is that the word “suspension” is unheard of in my country - I live in Malta, an extremely small country - and there are no options as to where to get a suspension apart from doing it myself. The only help I would get was from a piercer I know (one of the few in this tiny country), that has hooked people for suspensions but never did one himself.
So, what should I do? Should I just wait for an endless time to maybe do a suspension later on in my life, or just try it out?
Thanks,
Isaac
Hey Isaac;
I certainly understand the impulse- sometimes we feel something so strongly it seems that we won’t be complete if we don’t go through the process. Five years ago I would have told you to go for it- it’s your body and obviously you have every right to do what you want when you want it.
Funny thing is- I grew up. I learned that I am NOT my body and that these rituals are important but not my whole being- so while the impulse is still there, the reality is that it should be a healthy, SAFE and introspective experience. That the preparation is as important as the ritual; and that good things truly do come to those who wait.
So if you’re asking for opinion… wait. Wait until you find someone who can facilitate the experience and make it a truly life altering event. You owe it to yourself.
+26 / 26 votes
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Posted by Shawn Porter | Permalink | 2 Comments
Saturday March 21st, 2009 @ 10:28 AM
Good morning to everyone at BME,
Just sending an question though to ask for some help or information. I was just recently asked by our local city council to hold talks with the youth of the district. To try and curve the amount of self/ home piercings.
I am chasing any good information about the harm that occurs and the dangers. I do have some of my own information. But would like to have better information. The youths have a some sort of respect for me.
So the council is hoping it will encourage them to listen and learn. As of recently the kids have been busted piercing each other with same needles. Which is the worst thing out there. Then on the other side the parents and teachers have no knowledge or understanding of why they do it. So they panic.
So anything you can suggest would be very wonderful photo, stories?
Cheers
Dion
ModScene- Piercing Studio
I’m throwing this up so people can contact you, Dion…
+15 / 15 votes
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Posted by Shawn Porter | Permalink | 16 Comments
Friday March 20th, 2009 @ 6:47 PM
I want to get my hips pierced. I don’t want a surface piercing though. Is there a way to get it done without it being a surface piercing? The way I want it (if it’s possible) looks similar to a Monroe. Basically, a stud that goes straight in and doesn’t come out of another side.
You can have your hip-area pierced using surface anchors (aka Microdermal anchors, dermal anchors, etc) That sounds exactly what you’re looking for!
+6 / 6 votes
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Posted by Lexci Million | Permalink | 1 Comment
Friday March 20th, 2009 @ 6:45 PM
I’ve recently been in an accident where I had some neurological damage that’s being monitored by doctors. Through my Xrays and CT scans, it hasn’t been an issue having my 9 ear piercings, two navels, and my hood piercing. But for the MRI I’ve been cautioned that unless the metal I have in my piercings is for sure high-grade titanium, I could have some issues with getting an MRI. I’ve heard of the metal heating up or outright being pulled from my body because apparently MRI’s are big magnets? I don’t know. But anyway, taking my piercings out temporarily doesn’t bother me. I’m just having some difficulty with my hood piercing. I’ve had it for over 2 years now and I cannot get that sucker to budge. I’ve had a 16g gold barbell in there since I was first told I was able to change the jewelry. I’ve kept it clean and it’s been fantastic for me, but I’m kind of concerned about what would happen if I just left it in for the MRI? I fight with it for a couple of minutes everyday trying to get the balls loosened, but since it’s in such an awkward spot, I can’t really reach it with tools to stabilize the barbell and try to work at the ball a little better. And of course, my boyfriend is of no assistance. Sure, he loves the piercing, but ask him to help me get it out and he runs and hides and gets all grossed out, haha. Are there any tips and tricks that I could try at home by myself to get this bugger out or should I just suck it up and go see my piercer and throw them a nice tip to help me get it out? Ideally, I’d like to just get the jewelry loosened to where I could hop into the bathroom before my MRI and take it out and put it back in afterward. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Definitely have a piercer help you loosen the barbell balls. We’ve got all kinds of tools and tricks (and experience and skill and the right angles) to get even the toughest stuck barbell balls loose.
DO NOT wear that jewelry in an MRI.
+21 / 23 votes
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Posted by Lexci Million | Permalink | 8 Comments
