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Dermal and Surface Barbells
Distinction between surface piercings and dermal anchors
Many people are not aware of the distinction between surface piercings and dermal anchors. In fact, they might even come in and ask for the wrong type. Normally, piercings are done through parts of the body with a front and a back or an inside and an outside. However, surface piercings and dermal piercings go through flat parts of the body.
For surface piercings, the best body jewelry to use are straight barbells. These barbells feature a flat design, which minimizes the strain they put on the skin surface they are anchored to. Dermal piercings, due to their detachable dermal tops, provide users with the flexibility to choose from and easily interchange a wide array of different body jewelry styles.
Piercing Method:
Getting a surface piercing is relatively straightforward (although not advisable, as it's common for individuals to attempt self-piercing). On the other hand, dermal piercings require a skilled body artist. The process involves creating a bore using a dermal punch or, at times, a large gauge needle. Once the dermal top and dermal anchor are assembled, the piercer inserts them into the bore using dermal anchor forceps. As the piercing heals, the dermal anchor becomes securely locked in place, allowing for easy changes of the dermal top.
Piercing Location:
Surface piercings are best suited for areas of the body with a curved outline, as this reduces strain on the surrounding tissue. Attempting a surface piercing on a flat body surface significantly increases the chances of rejection. Dermal piercings, however, can be placed on almost any location on the body, with the exception of areas with less skin and subcutaneous tissue, such as fingers, wrists, and toes. Their stable dermal anchors also allow them to stay in place in areas of the body that experience significant movement.
Piercing Cost:
Dermal piercings usually come with a higher cost compared to surface piercings due to the increased skill and expertise required. This cost difference can be as much as 75% for piercings at the same location.
Pain Threshold and Aftercare:
In theory, dermal piercings might be expected to be more painful than surface piercings due to their more complex procedure. However, in reality, this is not the case. While dermal piercings take more time to perform, they cause less stress and strain on the surrounding body tissue. As a result, they induce less pain over time and also heal faster.
Aftercare for both types of piercings is similar and generally involves routine disinfection with a sea salt solution, along with maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. It's crucial to avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands, as this could increase the risk of infection.
In conclusion, it's apparent that dermal piercings are a preferable choice over surface piercings. This is not to say that surface piercings are inferior; when done correctly, they can also be quite attractive.