Microdermal Piercings: Best Placements, Aftercare Tips, and Potential Risks

Microdermal piercings, simply referred to as dermals, are single-point piercings that use Microdermal Piercings: Best Placements, Aftercare Tips, and Potential Risksa small anchor that’s inserted just below your skin with a decorative top that’s screwed into it. The result is a piercing that appears to float just above the skin, with no visible hardware or exit points. We love this look because the options are limitless: make a statement with one large gem in a prominent location, or line up two or three small gems in a row to accentuate your cheeks or shoulders. Our Orlando body piercing shop has rounded up the top-trending spots for microdermals right now, along with a few tips and tricks for aftercare and to avoid early rejection. Check them out here:

Picking the Right Placement

Microdermals are delicate piercings that are prone to snagging and friction. Even a slight snag could unintentionally pull out the dermal anchor, so you’ll need to consider your wardrobe, hairstyling, and lifestyle when deciding where to place your microdermal piercing. Pick fleshy areas with low movement and enough fatty tissue to hold the anchor base securely. Avoid high-friction or bony areas like your feet, hands, and wrists.

Trending Microdermal Piercing Placements

Microdermal piercing styles are all about location, location, location. Choosing the right placement is the difference between a gorgeously styled floating gem you can proudly show off and a piercing that constantly snags whenever you get dressed. Here are our top picks for microdermal piercing placements from our Orlando body piercers:

Collarbone

This large area lets you get creative while centering your style. Line up pairs of microdermals along your collarbone, or stack them in small clusters. It’s a great placement if you like wearing scoop or V-neck tops or live in your bathing suit during Florida’s hot summer months. 

Upper Chest

This placement creates the illusion of a distinctive necklace gem that’s magically held in place. Style your dermal here with a large statement gem, or stack three (or more) dermals vertically for a striking look that helps frame your body symmetrically. This placement is stable and known as one of the longest-lasting microdermal placements available.

Cheekbones

For a bold look that will make everyone stop and take notice, add these dermals to help accentuate your facial structure. These dermals are placed on your upper cheekbone (just around your blush line) and wrap around to the outside corner of your eyes. These dermals mimic anti-eyebrow piercings but with only one point, adding a level of mystery and intrigue. It also accentuates your eyes and helps frame your face. Once the piercing is healed, switch out the dermal tops to match your outfit or makeup look. Just note that this is a high-friction area, so be cautious about rubbing lotions, soap, and makeup directly around the piercing.

Nape of Neck

These dermals add a pop of surprise when you lift your hair or clip it back. These dermals are frequently styled in a vertical line extending down from your hairline to your upper spine. If you have long hair, watch out for tangles and snags that can cause irritation and increase your risk of infection. You’ll also want to make sure it’s placed far enough away from your hairline that it doesn’t agitate hair growth.

Piercing tip: Already have a tattoo in one of these areas? Partner with your body piercing artist to add a dermal near your tattoo design for a 3D effect and extra sparkle. 

Aftercare Tips for Microdermal Piercings

Dermals are at high risk of snagging and friction, and even slight movements during the healing process may cause them to reject early. That’s why it’s so important to follow your Orlando body piercing artist’s aftercare instructions. Clean your piercing with a fragrance-free antibacterial soap or saline solution at least twice daily. Avoid harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or ointments. You’ll also want to avoid fully submerging the piercing in water. If your piercing has to get wet, put a waterproof bandage over it. Also, look out for signs of infection after you get your piercing. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop a fever within 24 hours of getting the piercing, or if it feels hot to the touch.

Signs of Rejection: Know the Risk

Microdermals are considered to be temporary piercings that last anywhere from 6 months to a few years. Since the piercing is installed by placing a metal anchor into the first sublayer of skin, your body will naturally reject it over time and push the anchor out. Don’t attempt to remove the piercing yourself! Call us at Fine Ink Tattoos for a professional Orlando body piercing artist to do it for you. While this is a normal part of the process, you should seek professional removal if it begins to cause discomfort or feels excessively tight. Your body may be starting to reject your piercing if you see the anchor base shifting or lifting out of the skin, the entry hole begins to expand, or translucent skin starts to form over the anchor. Since the anchor is inserted under your skin, it may leave a small scar once it’s removed. While the scar will be swollen and red for a few days after it’s removed, it typically shrinks over time and resembles a small beauty mark or freckle. You can help your piercing last longer by taking care and choosing a low-friction area. Avoid wearing excessive makeup near the piercing site to avoid buildup.

Get Your Microdermal Body Piercing in Orlando 

Microdermal piercings can give your style a mysterious and magical feel. However, they require professional Orlando body piercing artists to ensure they’re done safely and with high quality to avoid early rejection or infection. At Fine Ink Studios, we love helping people create standout looks with piercings, and microdermals are a great way to do this! We have locations throughout Central Florida and Tampa, and we’re always expanding. Ready to try out this style? Let’s get it done. Book your appointment today!