Dermal Piercing Teardrop

Dermal piercings are also known as single-point piercings. That’s because dermals don’t have a separate entry and exit point for jewelry, unlike traditional piercings.

Instead, your piercer will create one small hole so that an “anchor” can be inserted into the middle layer (dermis) of your skin. The base of the anchor is typically 6 or 7 millimeters long, just enough to secure the post.

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The actual jewelry is screwed into the top of the post. It sits on the surface layer, giving the appearance of beads on your skin.

Daisy Flower / Teardrop / Moon Dermal Implant Titanium

Surface piercings have a separate entry and exit point. They’re anchored using barbells shaped like open staples. This barbell is inserted underneath the skin. Decorative tops rest on the skin’s surface.

A dermal piercing can be done with a needle or with a skin (dermal) punch. The type of jewelry used depends on the way the piercing is done.

A dermal piercing typically costs between $70 and $100, estimates Cost Helper. Some shops charge separately for the jewelry, too. This may add another $10 to $20 to the overall cost.

The Secret Piercing Code

For a dermal piercing with a skin punch, your piercer will follow the same steps as above, except the hole is made with a punch instead of a needle. The skin punch removes a small bit of tissue to create the pocket that the anchor will sit in.

Although dermal piercings are popular and highly versatile, they also carry a high risk of complications. Be sure to discuss the following risks with your piercer beforehand:

Bling

A dermal piercing typically heals within one to three months. If you don’t follow your piercer’s aftercare recommendations, the piercing may take longer to heal.

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Crusting around the jewelry top and minor swelling is typical during the first couple of weeks. These symptoms will gradually decrease as the healing process continues.

They usually aren’t cause for concern unless the piercing is also leaking yellow or green pus, hot to the touch, or showing other signs of infection.

Surface/Microdermal

There’s no real timeline for a dermal piercing. However, your skin will eventually grow and push the anchor up to the surface until it falls out. Whether this happens within the next three months or three years depends on how well you care for the piercing.

Dermal Piercings: Everything You Should Know Before You Commit

Once your dermal piercing has completely healed (about three months), you’ll be in the clear to change the external jewelry top. It’s best to have your piercer do this so you can avoid complications, such as accidental anchor dislodgement.

Although a general practitioner or cosmetic surgeon may be able to remove the dermal, you should talk to your piercer before moving forward with removal. They can discuss the pros and cons of having an outside party remove the anchor and may be able to make a referral, if needed.

Cheek

A prospective piercer from a reputable shop is your go-to authority for dermal piercings. They can also answer specific questions related to your desired placement and associated risks. A reputable piercer will also be honest about whether the desired area is good or not for a dermal piercing.

Finally Did It! Got My Dermal!!

Has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Crusting around the jewelry top and minor swelling is typical during the first couple of weeks. These symptoms will gradually decrease as the healing process continues.

They usually aren’t cause for concern unless the piercing is also leaking yellow or green pus, hot to the touch, or showing other signs of infection.

Surface/Microdermal

There’s no real timeline for a dermal piercing. However, your skin will eventually grow and push the anchor up to the surface until it falls out. Whether this happens within the next three months or three years depends on how well you care for the piercing.

Dermal Piercings: Everything You Should Know Before You Commit

Once your dermal piercing has completely healed (about three months), you’ll be in the clear to change the external jewelry top. It’s best to have your piercer do this so you can avoid complications, such as accidental anchor dislodgement.

Although a general practitioner or cosmetic surgeon may be able to remove the dermal, you should talk to your piercer before moving forward with removal. They can discuss the pros and cons of having an outside party remove the anchor and may be able to make a referral, if needed.

Cheek

A prospective piercer from a reputable shop is your go-to authority for dermal piercings. They can also answer specific questions related to your desired placement and associated risks. A reputable piercer will also be honest about whether the desired area is good or not for a dermal piercing.

Finally Did It! Got My Dermal!!

Has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.