Microdermal hip piercings are the current sensation in the piercing world. A space long dominated by surface piercings is being taken up by the more permanent microdermal piercings. The low rejection rate displayed by microdermal hip piercings is making it a hit amongst the metal loving crowd. The single point piercings have made it possible for enthusiasts to get multiple piercings without insertion of barbell rods which leave ugly scars.
Surface Hip Piercing
Surface piercings which came into being long before microdermals, are any type of body piercings that take place on body parts which are not convex or concave. The piercing procedure involves insertion of a rod like structure inside the skin which is placed parallel to the skin. The bar doesn’t actually traverse through the skin tissues from one side to the other but a surface flap of the skin. Though the surface hip piercings have had a successful stint, there is a bad side to these piercings. On removal of these piercings, the metal bars inserted previously leave behind ugly scars on the body. The rejection rate among surface piercings was very high because they are difficult to heal. Our body rejects these foreign objects placed in the skin and tries to push them out, known as “the rejection”. High rejection rate and the ghastly scars left behind by surface hip piercing have led to its decrease in popularity.
Microdermal Hip Piercing
Microdermal hip piercing can be placed anywhere on the skin. The implants are L-shaped thus making them distinguishable from the surface piercings. The L-shaped appearance is due to the anchor component of the piercing which is inserted in the skin with just a step lying exposed. This step has a threaded hole, into which interchangeable jewellery is fixed. Microdermal hip piercing is an advanced alternative to surface piercing which offers less rejection rate and leaves smaller scars. The microdermal hip piercings are evolving rapidly with constant modification being done to the jewellery structure like the larger holes in the anchor component to encourage tissue growth through the piercing.
The procedure
The process to get a microdermal hip piercing is not very complicated. The process involves a miniscule pocket creation around the hip area above the pelvic bone and insertion of the anchor in this pocket.
- The first step involved in the piercing procedure is marking of the spots. The hip area is cleaned for sterilization and a marking is done on the hip. There can be multiple markings for multiple piercings as per the individual’s preference.
- To insert the anchor component of the piercing in the skin, it needs to be cut out. A needle or a dermal punch is used to create pockets in the skin. A needle is used to create L-shaped pouch instead of just a hole. Dermal punch cuts out a circular portion of the skin creating small cavities in the skin which facilitate piercing placement.
- The difference between a needle piercing and a dermal punch piercing is that a needle separates the skin tissue to make space for the anchor base plate, whereas a dermal punch removes tissue on the marked location to create a cavity for the piercing.
- The next step involves placement of the metal piece in the skin pocket with forceps. The anchor part of the piercing is placed inside the skin pocket to align parallel to the skin surface with just the tip left exposed.
- The exposed tip has a threaded hole to which a stud is fixed.
The anchor placed inside the skin has holes in it for the skin tissues to grow through it. This makes the piercing permanent with time.
Microdermal piercing risks and precautions
- Microdermal hip piercing is an intricate process and hence should always be performed by a professional. The most basic risk when piercing your body is tissue damage. Placement of the piercing is very important as the dermal layer contains nerves and blood vessels which may get damaged if the piercing is being done by an unqualified person. If the piercing is placed deep inside the skin, there is a possibility it will pull the skin layers together, known as embedding and if it is placed too shallow, the piercing migrates to the surface and is finally rejected.
- Always choose a professional piercer as the risk of development of bacterial infection increases exponentially when the instruments used in the piercing process are not sterilized. The piercing should be cleaned regularly otherwise there are chances of contracting an infection through airborne bacteria.
- The piercing to be used should only be made of titanium as the rejection rate for titanium is very low when compared to other materials. Our body has a natural tendency to fight against foreign intruders and hence there are chances of a piercing getting naturally rejected.
- The location of the piercing area is very important for its survival in the first few months before it becomes permanent. Make sure the location selected would not be prone to tugging and banging which will disturb the piercing. A good yank can remove the piercing in its initial months when it’s not permanent.
Piercing aftercare
To avoid infection and rejection of the piercing, it is important to take care of the perforated area with the following measures.
- Daily cleaning of the pierced area to avoid general infections.
- After the procedure is done, a surgical dressing or bandage should be put on the piercing location so as to avoid bleeding and disturbance to the piercing. Do not remove this bandage for a good 3-5 hours. It is advised to keep the piercing area covered for a few days for protection.
- For daily cleaning of the piercing area, you can create a home based salt solution. Dissolve a quarter tea spoon of salt in a cup of warm water and clean the pierced area 2-3 times a day with clean tissues / towels soaked in the solution.
- Consult a dermatologist if you feel the skin around the piercing is highly aggravated by inflammation or pus formation.
Piercing is a highly safe body art form when done with the help of a professional.
Checkout this Cool video for Microdermal Hip Piercing FAQ’s
