by L.C.

Created on: February 10, 2010

Sub-dermal anchors, also known as microdermals or just dermals, consist of anchors implanted beneath the skin, as the title suggests. While regular piercings such as an ear or lip ring pass quickly through the skin, a surface piercing is performed on an area not as concave or convex, such as the hips or nape. Surface piercings are known for being very finicky piercings that are hard to heal and have a very high rejection rate in comparison to other piercings. However, sub-dermal anchors decrease the risk of rejection and generally heal better than surface piercings.

The concept behind a dermal piercing is simple enough. While a needle can be used to create a pocket for the anchor to be inserted into the skin, a dermal punch is generally preferred and allows for quicker healing. Once a pocket has been created, the anchor can be taken with a pair of forceps and placed into the skin. The gem top will already be attached to the anchor, and once the piercing heals the gem can be changed. Many people find this process considerably less painful than getting a surface piercing, and it is generally a quick procedure.

Dermals should be taken care of like any other surface piercing. Most importantly, don’t touch your piercing. By touching a piercing with your dirty hands you are introducing bacteria to a fresh, healing wound. After you are pierced and the bleeding has stopped you should apply a Tegaderm bandage, which will keep the anchor in place and also keep germs away and reduce the risk of infection. Once you notice crust around the dermal, your bandage is falling off, or it has been four days since being pierced, you should give it a sea salt or Epsom salt water soak. Add ¼ teaspoon of salt to 8 oz of warm water, and then hold the mug or cup over your piercing and allow it to soak for at least five minutes. If you notice any crust around your piercing gently wipe it away with a q-tip soaked in salt water.

Ultimately, your main concern should be taking care of yourself so that your body is in an optimal state for healing. This means being rested, eating well, and reducing stress in your life. You might want to take a multivitamin with 3000 mg of vitamin C to promote faster healing. If you notice green or yellow pus coming out of your piercing, it is painful a week or more after being pierced, and the area around it is red and swollen, go to your piercer immediately for further instructions. Your piercing may be infected, in which case the piercer will be able to direct you.

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