Everything You Need To Know About Dermal Piercings

While body modification itself is nothing new, dermal piercings, a newer method of body piercing, has been a huge hit in the last ten years. However, are dermal piercings more risky than standard body piercings? Honestly, the answer is pretty tricky.

Dermal piercings, also known as microdermal piercings, differ from standard piercings as they don't contain two separate entry and exit points. According to the Association of Professional Piercers, a dermal piercing procedure involves implanting a titanium anchor into the dermal layer of the skin using a dermal punch or need. From there, interchangeable jewelry can be screwed into the anchor, and act as typical jewelry.

What makes these piercings so controversial, however, is the lingering anchor in the skin. As any dermatologist or doctor could tell you, there is always risks involved when it comes to introducing a foreign body to your skin. One of the main risks associated with the procedure is tissue damage, according to notable tattoo site, Tatring.com. If not installed properly, the piercing could potentially damage surrounding nerves or blood vessels.

Another set of risks involved with the piercing stems from the placement. If placed too shallow in the skin, the piercing could migrate; in contrast, if it is placed too deeply, the skin could form itself around the piecing and become embedded. An easy way to avoid these placement issues is to be sure to work with a skilled piercing professional. Be sure to chat with them before about their experience, and their work with dermal piercings before proceeding.

However, even if you do work with a professional, there are many after-care risks associated with piercings. One of the biggest concerns is bacterial infection. According to the Huffington Post, infections occur in 20 percent of all piercings. Learn how to lessen your own chances by chatting with your piercer about the specific after care needs of your new piercing. It may differ from site to site, so it's always best to chat with a professional.

The last thing to be aware of is that dermal piercings can interrupt certain medical procedures. For instance, the Huffington Posts reports that dermal piercings can affect the findings in an MRI scan and even disrupt certain surgeries. Be sure to report any piercings to your doctor before undergoing medical procedures.

Now, while this may seem like a lot of risk involved, the Association of Professional Piercers reports that if done properly there is no more risk in an anchor piercing than in a traditional body piercing. In short, it's always best to seek out the professionals before tampering with your body.