Dermal Piercing: Placements, Pain, Healing, And Aftercare

Dermal piercings have been a raging trend for the last few years in the world of piercings due to the unique appearance it offers that looks like you have gems or stones pasted onto the skin. Unlike traditional piercings, dermal piercings do not have any exit point. They are single-point piercings with the jewelry embedded in the skin. As the name suggests, the anchor for the jewelry is placed in the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. It is, therefore, also called a transdermal implant. The best part is that you can get them on any flat surface of the body such as the chest, arms, and hips. Scroll down to learn everything about dermal piercings before adopting this cool and funky style statement.

Piercing Guide: Dermal Piercing

• Placement: Any flat surface of the body
• Best Jewelry: Dermal anchor
• Cost: $70 to $100
• Pain Level: Medium
• Healing Time: 1 to 3 months

Dermal Vs. Surface Piercing: Differences Explained

Dermal and surface piercings are sometimes used interchangeably but are entirely different. Surface piercing is done on the flat area of the body, which sits like two piercings. The jewelry pieces are attached at the entry and exit points and sit flat against the skin. The skin is pitched, and a needle is pierced through the skin layer. The barbel-shaped flat holder is placed into the skin with two jewels on either side that sit on the skin’s surface. Unlike a surface piercing, the dermal piercing does not have an exit point. Dermal or microdermal piercing appears as a single-point piercing.

Did you know?

Microdermal piercing has a lower rejection rate and heals faster compared to surface piercing. Two dermal piercings can imitate a surface piercing.

Being a new kind of piercing and termed as invasive, you might be bothered about the pain aspect. Learn more about the pain associated with dermal piercing.

Do Dermal Piercings Hurt?

Like any other piercing, dermals are also painful. The pain level might be minor, from a discomfort or pinch to a more visceral feeling. However, the pain associated with dermal piercing varies based on different factors. For example, fleshy skin will hurt less compared to the skin closer to veins; skin punches are less painful than needles, and regardless of the piercing process, an experienced piercer can do it more efficiently than most, causing minimal pain.

As the first point proves, dermal piercings or transdermal implants are highly anatomy-dependent, and an unfavorable anatomy makes it difficult. Find out the suitable locations for dermal piercing.

Where Are Dermal Piercings Done On The Body?

Dermal piercing can be done on any flat part of the body. The skin in the area has to be thick enough to hold the anchor. Avoid bonier areas like the sternum or cheekbone, as there is a high risk of rejection. For a person who is active in sports, get the piercing done during the off-season to give it time to heal. The common places of dermal piercing include:

• Thigh
• Cheek
• Back of the neck
• Chest
• Hip
• Lower back
• Abdomen
• Forearm
• Dimple
• Hand

Clearly, dermal piercing can be done in most body areas. You can add one to your tattoo as a shining accessory, spruce up your facial feature, or get one on your neck or wrist as a permanent piece of jewelry.

Trivia

Dermal piercings started in the USA in early 2000. Currently, it is trending on TikTok with #dermalpiercing with 129 million views and #microdermal with 228 million views.

This piercing method was all over the internet following Cardi B’s Instagram post that detailed the entire process. Understand the procedure from the below section and be prepared for your piercing session.

Getting Dermal Piercings: What To Expect

Dermal piercings are done with needles or dermal punches. The steps in the dermal piercing process involve:

1. Sterilizing the skin and the piercing instruments.
2. Marking the exact spot on the skin once the area is dry to ensure proper placement.
3. Punching the skin using the needle or skin puncher to the right depth and pulling out the needle. This creates the hold for the anchor.
4. Inserting the anchor into the hole and placing it in position beneath the skin at the dermal layer.
5. Screwing the top jewelry into the anchor.

The dermal or biopsy punch method removes a small area of skin tissue to create a hole for the insertion of the anchor. But recently, piercers are preferring needles due to the reduced risk of scarring and damage to the skin.

Dermal piercing is the best choice for those who want a unique look. The jewelry is also different from the usual double-sided or ring types. Read below to understand how different types of jewelry used in dermal piercing stay on the skin.

What Type Of Jewelry Is Used For Dermal Piercings?

Three kinds of jewelry are majorly used in dermal piercings:

1. Dermal Anchor

A typical dermal piercing has an anchor post with rounded or flat feet inserted underneath the skin. The dermal anchor extends towards both sides of the post and holds the post in place. The flat foot anchor is widely preferred as it gives a better placement compared to the rounded one. The anchor usually has holes in them so that the skin tissue can grab onto the anchor and prevent the movement of the anchor post.

2. Dermal Top

The anchor has a screwable head portion onto which the metallic or stone jewelry is fixed. The dermal top can be removed or interchanged. Some anchors have magnetic heads with easy-to-attach gem tops, which makes it easy to change the piercing without visiting the piercer. The top can be anything from balls, disks, or cones to stars or hearts.

3. Diver

These are single-piece dermal piercing jewelry with no separate anchors. It consists of a pointed-end base with jewelry on top. This is fixed into the skin using a skin puncher.

When you are spending time, money, and effort on a piercing, ensure that you get the best-suited jewelry piece, not just aesthetically but also functionally effective. Choose one that will suit your skin type and fit your budget.

What Jewelry Material Is Used For Dermal Piercings?

The right choice of jewelry is essential to ensure proper healing and longevity of the dermal piercing. The popular and suitable jewelry options include (1):

1. Surgical Titanium
It is the most suitable option for sensitive skin types as it is least likely to cause irritation.

2. Surgical Stainless Steel
The most popular one is surgical stainless steel. It is hypoallergenic, even though irritation is likely.

3. Niobium
It is also hypoallergenic and does not corrode. It is lightweight yet used less frequently as it may cause irritation in highly sensitive skin types.

4. Gold
14-karat yellow or white gold is recommended by experts for the healing period. Gold jewelry above 18 karats is not durable, and gold-plated jewelry can cause infections or allergic reactions due to the presence of nickel (2).

Besides choosing the material and type of dermal piercing jewelry, it is necessary to understand the healing and aftercare process to decide if you are ready to take the leap. Let us get into the intricacies of caring for your dermal piercing to ensure a smooth transition to adorning your skin.

Dermal Piercing Healing Time And Aftercare Tips

The average healing time for a dermal piercing varies from one to three months. However, this may take longer if proper aftercare procedures are not maintained. Dry patches and crusty buildup form around the fresh piercing during the healing process, and it is perfectly normal. Crusting is a part of the healing process, which decreases after the first few weeks. There are no major concerns if you do not observe pus or other signs of infection. Following proper aftercare procedures during the healing time is essential to ensure a successful surface anchor piercing (3):

• Wash your hand with antibacterial soap before touching the wound.
• Keep the piercing area covered with a bandage.
• Clean the wound with sterile tissue/cotton.
• Clean with saline solution or sea salt twice daily. Saturate the crust in saline solution and soften it. Wipe to remove the crust. Do not pick the crust.
• Keep it dry and cover it to protect it from getting wet.
• Pat dry after cleansing or showering.
• Do not use neosporin, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol on the piercing.
• Do not play with or remove the jewelry and leave it on for at least three months till the piercing is healed completely.
• Wear your hair up during the healing time to avoid it getting tangled in the piercing.
• Do not wear tight clothing around the piercing site.

Keep these healing and aftercare tips ready, but still, it is imperative to understand the potential side effects that may arise during a dermal piercing procedure. Read on to explore the potential challenges and how to address them.

Potential Side Effects Of Dermal Piercings

Even though dermal piercings are common, they are not without risks, which may include the following (4):

• Infection

Like any other piercing or wound, there is a high risk of infection if the wound comes in contact with bacteria due to improper aftercare or an unhygienic piercing process. Look for infection symptoms that include severe pain, high temperature around the area, yellow or green pus, swelling, or rash.

• Displacement

Improper setting of the anchor can cause it to get dislodged from the dermis. Infection of the piercing site can also cause displacement and dislodging.

• Rejection

The body may recognize the anchor as a foreign object and reject it. Skin tissues expand in the dermal layer in response to the wound and push out the anchor, dislodging it. The anchor becomes visible through the skin following a rejection. The piercer carefully removes the anchor and applies a compression bandage.

• Tissue damage

If the piercing is not done carefully, it can go deeper than the dermal layer and damage the blood vessels or nerves.

• Hypergranulation

Irritation in the piercing wound causes a red bump in the area, known as hypergranulation. It can be caused by various reasons like excessively tight jewelry or non-breathable clothing that applies pressure on the area. Hypergranulation may also be triggered by the presence of a foreign body (the jewelry) in the skin.

• Scarring

Dermal piercing scar develops following a rejection or removal of the piercing. This scar tissue develops as a result of a healing response and shuts the hole. Scarring is inevitable following a dermal piercing removal, but a professional piercer can help to keep it minimal.

These are some possible health and safety concerns of a dermal piercing. But if you are determined to follow the guidelines properly and have it anyway, the next step for you is to know how much a dermal piercing costs. Knowing the financial aspects will aid in making a decision for those considering this body modification.

How Much Does A Dermal Piercing Cost?

The average cost for dermal piercing ranges between $70-$100. Transdermal piercing is an invasive procedure, and you need expert hands for precise piercing. Only a piercer experienced with dermal punching can place the piercing deep enough to prevent rejection and avoid complications. Hence, always opt for quality over price.

The cost of jewelry may be extra based on your choice, which may vary between $10 to $50 or more. It is also a common practice to tip the piercer, which is mostly 20 percent of the actual cost. After piercing you have to spend on aftercare sprays, saline solution, and bandages. To get a clear picture of the cost, you can find a reputed piercing studio and enquire about their charge and experience so that you can be prepared before you schedule the piercing.

Precautions And Tips To Keep A Dermal Piercing Healthy

Even after your dermal piercing has healed, there is no guarantee as to how long it will last. Over time, the skin may expand and push the piercing out of the hole. In some cases, this happens suddenly, within the 3-month healing period, or over the years after it has healed. The timeline of the dermal piercing depends on how well you maintain it.

• Change the jewelry top only after the dermal piercing has healed completely.
• Get your piercer to change the top or the anchor to prevent accidental anchor dislodgement.
• Do not push or pull if the jewelry top is tight while removing. Get help from a piercer who uses forceps to unscrew.
• Opt for a magnetic anchor and top if you are planning to change the gem frequently. The more you move the jewelry, the higher the chances of rejection,
• Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching the area.
• Clean the area with sea salt or saline before and after changing the jewelry top.
• Do not leave your dermal anchor without the top for a long time, as it may flush with the skin and cause the skin to grow over it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to keep dermal piercing covered?

The success of the dermal piercing depends on the healing process, hence it is essential to keep it covered to protect from irritants and infections. Use a compression bandage for the first few days. The coverage period can be reduced after the initial healing time, but proper aftercare and covering protection are necessary for 3-4 months till it is fully healed.

Can a doctor remove a dermal piercing?

Yes. Never try to remove a dermal piercing at home. Always consult a professional piercer or doctor as they ensure sterile conditions and local anesthesia to prevent infection and discomfort. They usually do the job with a small effortless nick for removing the anchor, followed by bandaging the area to let the hole heal on its own.

Can dermal piercings fall out?

Frequent movement of the piercing area or disturbance to the jewelry can impact the anchoring process during the healing period. The skin may not grow over the anchor post properly. The dermal piercing may also come out following a rejection by the body. There is not much that can be done in such situations except taking the jewelry out, waiting for the piercing to heal, and re-piercing.

Are you curious about the dermal piercing process? Watch this video to see how the piercer goes about the process of microdermal piercing in the high cheek area. Having an exact picture of the procedure in mind will help you prepare for it.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Ikramul Haque ShazibProfessional Body Piercer

     

Ikramul Haque Shazib is a professional body piercer with 5 years of experience. He is based in Khulna, Bangladesh, and provides safe and high-quality body piercing services to his clients. Whether it's ear piercings, facial piercings, or body modifications, Shazib ensures that his clients have a comfortable and memorable experience.

Read full bio of Ikramul Haque Shazib

Reshma LatifBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Reshma is a content writer with a penchant for writing articles on relationships, makeup, and beauty. She started her writing career in 2007, soon after graduating from Mahatma Gandhi University. What began as a love for blogging bloomed into several freelancing opportunities over the years.

Read full bio of Reshma Latif

Shatabdi BhattacharyaAssociate Editor

Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.

Read full bio of Shatabdi Bhattacharya

Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

Read full bio of Joyce Joyson