How I did it: I know this might have been in some other people's heads before, but I sometimes feared doing stuff I wanted to do, or postponed them, because I feared losing the goals ... Anyhow, quite recently, I have become rather enthusiastic about just DOING what I wanted to do, so I thought that, as soon as I got my money for December, I'd go to the piercer and get my tragus piercing done.

I went to the same studio I was in to get my nostril piercing (about four years ago or so?), because I know the studio is very clean, the piercer is nice, and I wouldn't fear what was going to happen to me. At first, on the 1st of December, I went there but the studio was closed, so I decided to go there again on the 3rd ...

This time, the studio was open, and it did not take long until I could walk into the actual "piercing room" ... I had to fill out something beforehand (well, and of course I had to say what I wanted to get done), in which was asked whether I was a bleeder, ill, or anything along those lines. Also, I had to fill in the number of my passport (which is most likely to make sure whether I am really over 18 years old :)).

Well, on to the piercing itself ... I had to lie down on a ... couch? (I am not sure about the term; it was not such a sofa you have in your living room, but it was flat and high ...) I then turned my head to the right (as I wanted to get my left tragus pierced), holding the hand of my sister who happened to come with me :).

Then I had to breathe in and out deeply, and the second time I breathed out, the actual needle (I guess it isn't a real needle, but I don't know all the terms ...) pierced the tragus. It hurt only a little bit. It was a little more painful when the stud was put through the pierced tragus, though.

When we were done, we went back to the part of the studio that is like a small "entrance hall". I got something to disinfect and clean the piercing with, and I was told about things I shouldn't do (sleeping on the side where the piercing is, or taking baths, or swimming, or anything like that is not allowed right now).

The healing is going to take quite some time, but that is okay.

My next step is going to be to get either my lobes stretched or an industrial piercing ;).

... If you have got any questions, please feel free to ask :).

Lessons & tips: - Best is to go to the studio in advance and make sure whether the piercer works in a clean surrounding. I did know the piercer beforehand and knew he did, but I figured it would not hurt to do something like this.

- Ask others whether they'd recommend your desired studio, or if they have another great studio on their mind.

- Sometimes there are opportunities to talk to piercers on fairs. (If you are allowed in, but usually there is at least one day you are allowed in.) This way you can get an idea of how they work, what their priorities are, and so on.

- Do as the piercer says, concerning the entire procedure of piercing. They know what is best in such situations ... (That breathing method is really great, and it works!)

- Make sure the piercing is always clean and that you won't touch it - even accidently. Also, if you want to get your tragus pierced, make sure every night you sleep on the correct side (opposite of the pierced side).

- I got a number to call for important questions. Also, there should be an appointment for a check of the piercing.

And, last but not least :

- If you have something you want to achieve, just go for it :D!

Resources: - Friends (who happened to encourage me even several months ago or so), and my sister (who accompanied me on my trip to the studio)

- Forum entries about tragus piercings, as well as wildcat.de (German site about piercings, tattoos, etc.), and those entries in piercing/tattoo-related groups I am in. Also, those of you at 43T who happened to get this done helped me a great deal and inspired me :), so thank you!

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Dec 05, 2010, 01:31AM PST | 0 comments | 3 cheers