What Is Dermal Piercing?
Dermal piercing, single point piercing or microdermal piercing refers to a procedure that involves skin perforation to enable an anchor piercing to be inserted under the skin, piercing which is only visible on the surface of the skin.
Dermal piercing is different from surface piercing, as the former involves the embedding of a titanium implant (an anchor) in the dermal layer of the skin. The anchor has several holes, allowing for skin growth that will further stabilize the dermal piercing.
Dermal piercing may be performed on any flat surface of the skin, even in those areas less accessible to standard piercing.
Types of Dermal Piercings
There are several types of dermal piercings. Some of the most popular include finger dermal piercing or “dermal ring”, hip dermal piercing, back dermal piercing, chest dermal piercing, ear dermal piercing and face dermal piercing.
How Is Dermal Piercing Performed?
A dermal piercing may be performed by the means of a needle or of a dermal punch. The latter is less painful and therefore is usually preferred.
At first, the area where the dermal piercing will be made is sterilized, and then marked using a surgical marker. Using a dermal punch, the professional removes the skin tissues. Then the anchor and the piece of jewelry are placed by means of a surgical forceps. The dermal piercing procedure takes about an hour.
How to Care for Dermal Piercings
For the first 3 to 5 hours after the procedure, a dressing is placed on the pierced area. Then, during the following 1 to 3 months, until the healing occurs, the dermal piercing area needs to be cleaned regularly. Also, it should be protected from pulling, tugging, and other possible accidents that result in the dermal piercing being moved.
Dermal Piercing Risks
The main risk of dermal piercing is the development of infection caused by lack of regular cleaning or by touching the sensitive area with unclean hands. Infection may also occur when using an unsterilized needle or dermal punch.
Also, the dermal piercing risks being rejected by the body, the rejection rate being roughly 2%.
Any modification of the aspect of the dermal piercing, as well as any other unusual reactions (such as rashes), should be reported as soon as possible to a dermatologist.
Dermal Piercing Removal
Dermal piercings are semi-permanent and their removal may be performed by a specialist, with minimum scarring.
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