Surface Piercings
(Service Prices Below DO NOT Include Jewelry)
Information inspired from The Piercing Bible by Elayne Angel
Surface Anchor - A Surface Anchor piercing (also known as a microdermal piercing) is a type of body piercing that creates a small pocket beneath the skin, allowing the base of the anchor to heal securely into place. Unlike traditional piercings, which have both an entrance and exit point, a surface anchor only has an entrance point. Surface anchors must be placed on relatively flat areas of the body where there is minimal movement or stretching. Popular areas for surface anchors include the sternum, cheek, upper eyebrow and more. However, they are not typically placed in areas that undergo a lot of movement.
Important Note: Surface anchors are semi-permanent because the base of the anchor becomes integrated into the tissue over time. While you can change the decorative tops once the piercing has healed (usually with threaded tops), you cannot easily remove or reposition the anchor base without professional help. Removal can require surgical intervention if the anchor becomes problematic, but typically, the base stays in place and can remain indefinitely. The main risk with surface anchors is migration or rejection. If the body begins to reject the anchor or the jewelry gets caught or pulled, it can result in irritation or scarring. Proper care during the healing process can minimize these risks.
Healing Time: 2-4 months
Price: $99
Surface Bar - A surface bar is similar to a surface anchor in that it is placed in flat tissue, but unlike the anchor, it has both an entrance and an exit point, giving it a different appearance. A surface bar is a staple-shaped piece of jewelry designed specifically for surface piercings. It has two ends that enter and exit the skin, typically appearing as two piercings sitting flat against the skin. This jewelry is designed to sit just beneath the surface of the skin, making it ideal for flat areas where there's minimal movement. The most popular areas for surface bars are similar to Surface Anchors.
Because the jewelry is placed flat against the skin, it's crucial to avoid movement or friction during healing, as this can lead to irritation or the jewelry migrating or rejecting. Like surface anchors, surface bars are considered semi-permanent. You cannot remove the bar itself without professional assistance, as the bar must stay in place to allow the piercing to heal. Once healed, you can change the tops or ends of the bar to suit your style or aesthetic preferences, but the bar itself remains in place unless removed by a piercer. Just like with surface anchors, surface bars are at risk of migration or rejection, especially if the piercing isn't placed in an ideal area or if there's excessive movement during healing. Proper care during the healing process is essential to reduce the risk of complications.
Healing Time: 4 - 6+ months
Price: $109
Healing Time: 4-6+ months
Price: $109
Some Common Surface Placement Examples Are
Anti-Eyebrow/Teardrop - Placed in the tissue atop the highest crest of the cheekbone toward the outer edge of the eye. It is like a traditional eyebrow piercing but flipped down below the eye instead of above. The angle may be diagonal, horizontal, or any orientation in which the tissue can be pinched and, therefore, pierced. Piercing is typically done in 18,16 or 14 gauge pending location, anatomy, surface anchor or surface bar jewelry and desired look.
Vertical Bridge or Third Eye - A vertical surface piercing placed between the eyebrows or somewhat above them. If the tissue is pliable enough, it may be placed slightly higher, on the lower portion of the forehead. This can be performed with a Surface Anchor or Surface bar in 16 or 14 gauge.
Warning: The same hazards of horizontal piercing in this region also apply (see the warning for the bridge piercing, above)
Sideburn Piercing - A vertical piercing on the facial surface in front of the tragus. This can be performed with a Surface Anchor or Surface bar in 16 or 14 gauge.
Warning: These are apt to bleed more than many other areas and may scar significantly. Your piercer should observe while you open and close your mouth and make facial expressions because migration and other issues are likely when these are placed in an area with much movement.