Microdermal Piercings: What You Need to Know

Ever wanted a body piercing that feels a bit mysterious? A microdermal piercing may be just for you! This trending piercing style is all about intrigue, giving the illusion of gems floating just above your skin. Learn more about microdermal piercings and whether you should consider one for your next Orlando body piercing here:

What Is a Microdermal Piercing?

Microdermal piercings, or simply dermal piercings, are single-point piercings anchored underneath your skin. Dermal piercings don’t have an exit point. Instead, a small metal anchor is inserted into the skin, which holds the visible jewel, ball, or decorative metal in place.

How Dermal Piercings Are Made

Since you’re inserting the jewelry anchor into your skin, dermal piercings take a trained eye and skilled piercing artist to achieve this look. It’s important that you have an experienced Orlando body piercing studio, like Fine Ink Studios, create this piercing for you to ensure a safe and hygienic experience. Dermal piercings are made by using a punch or a needle to create a small, oval-shaped hole (about one or two millimeters wide). Then the anchor, which is a small rectangular piece of implant-grade steel, is inserted. Once it’s implanted, your body will naturally create scar tissue around it, firmly securing the anchor in place. The jewelry tops are then screwed into the tiny screw hole that remains just above your skin. Dermal jewelry tops are usually flat to avoid snagging and tearing during daily life, especially if your piercing is in a high-friction area like your chest, arms, face, or stomach.

Dermal Piercing Placement

Dermal piercings are ideal when they’re placed in flat, fleshy parts of your body with skin that’s thick enough to hold the anchor. Since these piercings become part of your skin, you’ll want to consider your daily lifestyle and whether the piercing will be prone to snagging or pulling during your daily activities. Here are some popular placements for dermal piercings:

• Nape of neck

• Collarbone

• Chest

• Cheeks

• Hips

• Between your eyebrows (third eye)

Dermal Piercing Aftercare

Dermal piercing aftercare is similar to caring for other piercings. Your Orlando body piercing artist will give you specific instructions for your exact piercing. One of the primary ways to promote the healing process is to avoid creating friction with the piercing and your clothing or other jewelry. One accidental snag could pull the anchor out of your skin, completely removing the piercing altogether. If your piercing is in a high-friction area, be cautious when changing clothes and engaging in physical activities. You’ll want to clean your piercing with a fragrance-free antibacterial soap or saline solution at least twice a day. Avoid using harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or ointments to clean your piercing. You’ll also want to avoid fully submerging the piercing in water. This means you’ll want to hold off on taking your beach day or a dipping in your spa’s whirlpool for the first few weeks. If you must engage in these activities, cover the piercing with a waterproof bandage. If the skin around your piercing is hot to the touch or you have a fever within 24 hours of getting your piercing, seek medical attention right away. These could be signs of infection.

Download our complete piercing aftercare guide here.

Common Questions About Microdermal Piercings

Below, we answer some of the most common questions we get asked about microdermal piercings:

How Long Does it Take for Dermal Piercings to Heal?

Everyone heals at their own pace, but most dermal piercings take between one and six months to fully heal. Your Orlando body piercing artist can give you a more specific timeline based on where your piercing is and your skin type.

How Long Do Dermal Piercings Last?

While microdermal piercings are unique, they’re not permanent. They can last anywhere from six months to several years. Eventually, your skin will reject the anchor and begin to push it out from underneath your skin. While this often happens naturally, if your piercing starts to feel tight or uncomfortable, you may need to get the dermal piercing professionally removed.

How Painful Are Dermal Piercings?

As with most piercings, how much it hurts depends on where you get it. Most people find the brief discomfort is worth it when they see their new piercing.

Can I Change My Dermal Piercing?

You can change out your dermal piercing by yourself if you have interchangeable internally threaded jewelry with a screw top. However, if there isn’t enough space for you to safely remove the old top and add the new one, you’ll want to go to an Orlando body piercing studio to get the jewelry switched out.

Can I Remove My Dermal Piercing?

Microdermal jewelry often comes out naturally after several months to a few years. If it doesn’t, you can have your Orlando body piercing artist remove it. The removal process is relatively simple, involving an incision into the skin to remove the anchor.

Microdermal Piercings with Fine Ink Studios

Microdermal piercings can give your style a unique twist, but it’s important to have a professional Orlando body piercing artist make sure your piercing is safe and well done. At Fine Ink Studios, we love helping people create standout looks with piercings and tattoos. Want to try this style? Book a consultation with us today. With over 20 locations in Central Florida, there’s always a Fine Ink Studio close to you.