- Dermal piercings are small implants that pierce just one side of the skin. They are inserted with a needle or a dermal punch, preferably by an experienced body modification specialist. The implant takes three to six months to heal, depending on the site, and requires more maintenance than surface piercings. In comparison, surface piercings usually involve puncturing either side of the skin, such as the ears. These are easier to care for, as well as cleaner, and usually heal within 12 weeks.
- Surface piercings do not need jewelry with special anchors to stay in place. In contrast, dermal piercings use pieces composed of a flat base with holes and a post on one end. The holes are where the tissue grows through once inserted under the skin. This permanently and securely anchors the base in place. The post left sticking out from the healed skin is where the actual bead or accessory is attached or screwed on. For both types of piercings, hypoallergenic metals and biocompatible substances are the jewelry materials of choice.
- The way dermal piercings are placed gives them a lower rejection rate, meaning the foreign object is less likely to migrate or be rejected by the body. This is what makes these types of piercings much harder to remove. The implant must be taken out by a professional who knows how to extract jewelry with tissue wrapped around the anchor. Regular surface piercings, by comparison, are closer to the surface of the skin, and the body is more likely to force out the jewelry.
- With both types of piercings, an aftercare regimen is paramount. Although consulting the piercer for detailed instructions is the first step, most care instructions include washing or soaking the piercing with a saline solution for at least five minutes every day. Most piercings can be soaped, but usually no more than 30 seconds twice a day, making sure the area is not only rinsed, but also dried thoroughly.
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