Chest piercing offers a unique and captivating way to express personal style and individuality.
This type of piercing ranges from the subtle allure of dermal anchors, which glisten like stars against the skin, to the more pronounced and dramatic sternum piercings. Whether it’s a single, elegant piece or a symmetrical arrangement, chest piercings are about creating art on the canvas of the body.
Let’s get to know how you should get a chest piercing and what to keep in mind before getting one.
What Does Chest Piercing Mean?
A chest piercing refers to any piercing located on the chest area and can be either a dermal piercing or a surface piercing like a sternum piercing.
In dermal chest piercings, a small anchor is placed under the skin with a single entry point, and the decorative jewelry is visible on the surface. This style allows for placement almost anywhere on the chest.
Alternatively, sternum piercings, often placed between the breasts or along the breastbone, involve a barbell that sits on the skin’s surface with both an entry and an exit point.
Both styles can vary in their look, from subtle and elegant to more prominent and decorative, depending on the jewelry chosen. While chest piercings can be a beautiful addition to one’s style, they require careful aftercare and attention to heal properly and maintain their appearance.
What Are The Types of Chest Piercings?
Below are the most common types of chest piercing you can explore.
Dermal Chest Piercing
Dermal Chest Piercings involve a single anchor implanted under the skin with a decorative top visible on the surface.
These piercings offer great versatility in placement across the chest area, allowing for personal expression through a range of jewelry styles, from subtle gems to bolder designs.
The procedure for dermal piercings is more intricate, as it involves creating a small pocket in the skin for the anchor.
Sternum Piercing
Sternum Piercings, also known as cleavage piercings, are surface piercings located along the breastbone.
These piercings are a bold statement, typically featuring a barbell that sits horizontally or vertically along the sternum. The aesthetic appeal is significant, especially with decorative barbells that enhance the area.
They require precise placement and a careful approach to healing, as the sternum area is prone to movement that can affect the piercing’s longevity.
Center Chest Piercing
This is a surface piercing located at the center of the chest, often above the sternum. It can be adorned with a barbell or decorative surface jewelry. The placement makes it more visible than under-chest piercings, offering a bold statement.
Collarbone Piercing
While not directly on the chest, collarbone piercings near the clavicle area can complement chest piercings. These are often surface piercings placed parallel to the collarbones.
Multiple Dermal Piercings
Apart from single dermal piercings, multiple dermal piercings can be arranged in patterns or designs across the chest. This allows for creative expression through body art, forming shapes or symmetrical designs with the jewelry.
Under-Chest Piercing
Under-chest piercings, placed just below the breasts, create a unique and eye-catching look. These are typically surface piercings that can be adorned with various jewelry types, from sleek barbells to more ornate pieces.
The placement makes them a more discreet option, yet they offer an element of surprise and allure.
Chest Piercing Procedure- How It Works?
Getting a chest piercing is an exciting venture into the world of body art, blending precision and personal expression. Here’s a glimpse into the unique procedure:
Initial Consultation: It all starts with a conversation. You sit down with your piercer, discussing your vision and the perfect spot on your chest for the piercing. Whether it’s a dermal, sternum, or under-chest piercing, this is where your idea begins to take shape.
Prepping the Canvas: Next comes the preparation. Your chest area is carefully cleaned and disinfected. It’s more than just hygiene; it’s about preparing the stage for a new form of expression.
Marking the Spot: With a gentle hand, the piercer marks the exact location on your chest. It’s a moment of agreement – a tiny mark that signifies where the magic will happen.
The Piercing Moment: Depending on the type of chest piercing, the approach varies. For dermal piercings, a small dermal punch creates a tiny hole for the anchor. For surface piercings like the sternum, a sterilized needle makes a precise passage for the jewelry. It’s a swift, meticulous process, often accompanied by a pinch of discomfort – a small price for the beauty to come.
Jewelry Placement: The chosen jewelry, reflecting your style, is then carefully placed. It could be a sleek barbell for a sternum piercing or a shiny dermal top sitting neatly in its new home.
Precautions and Healing Process of Chest Piercing
The healing of a chest piercing requires careful attention and diligence to ensure a successful and healthy outcome. Here are key aspects to consider before and during the healing process:
Before Getting a Chest Piercing
Research and Professionalism: Choose a reputable piercing studio with experienced piercers. Quality of work and hygiene standards are paramount for a good healing process.
Health Check: Be aware of any skin conditions or allergies you have. Discuss these with your piercer to avoid complications.
Lifestyle Considerations: Consider your daily activities, clothing choices, and anything that might impact the piercing site.
During the Healing Process
Cleanliness: Clean the piercing site twice a day with a saline solution or as advised by your piercer. This prevents infection and promotes healing.
Avoiding Irritation: Be cautious with clothing that might rub against the piercing. Opt for soft, loose-fitting garments that don’t press on the area.
Mindful Activity: Limit activities that put pressure on the chest or could cause trauma to the piercing.
No Swimming: Avoid pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water as they can harbor bacteria harmful to a fresh piercing.
Dealing With Infection and Other Aftercare Tips
If you encounter signs of infection in your chest piercing, make sure you address it promptly and effectively to ensure proper healing and prevent further complications.
Keep the Jewelry In: As tempting as it might be to remove the jewelry, keep it in place. Removing it can lead to the piercing holes closing up, potentially trapping the infection inside and making it more difficult to treat.
Continue with Regular Cleaning: Maintain a strict cleaning regimen. Gently cleanse the area with a saline solution as directed in your aftercare instructions. This helps to flush out bacteria and aids in healing.
Seek Professional Advice: At the first sign of an infection – such as increased redness, swelling, unusual pain, or discharge – consult a healthcare professional or return to your piercer for advice. They can assess the severity of the infection and recommend the appropriate course of action.
Adhere to Medical Guidance: If your healthcare provider prescribes antibiotics or suggests a specific treatment plan, follow it diligently. Complete the full course of any medication, even if symptoms seem to improve, to ensure the infection is thoroughly treated.
Monitor Your Piercing Closely: Keep a close eye on the piercing during the treatment process. Note any changes in symptoms and ensure the infection is not worsening.
Rest and Allow Healing: Give your body the chance to heal. Avoid activities that could stress or aggravate the piercing site, and ensure you’re getting adequate rest.
How Much Does A Chest Piercing Cost?
The cost of getting a chest piercing in the US can vary widely based on several factors. Typically, prices range from about $40 – $55 for each piercing.
This cost depends on the specific location of the piercing studio, with prices potentially higher in major cities or upscale areas.
Additionally, the choice of jewelry can impact the overall cost, as higher-quality materials like titanium or gold will be more expensive than standard options.
Jewellery You Can Wear With A Chest Piercing
Both the comfort and healing process depend on what jewelry you wear for your chest piercing. Here are some suitable options:
Flat Discs or Beads for Dermal Piercings
For dermal chest piercings, flat discs or bead tops are popular choices. They sit flush against the skin, reducing the risk of snagging on clothing. Available in various designs and materials, they can range from subtle and understated to more decorative and eye-catching.
Barbells for Surface Piercings
For surface chest piercings, like those on the sternum, barbells are a common option. Choose from straight or curved barbells, depending on the piercing’s location and your anatomy. These can be simple and sleek or feature decorative elements like gems or unique shapes.
Dermal Anchors with Interchangeable Tops
Dermal anchors provide versatility as you can switch out the visible tops. This allows for a variety of looks from a single piercing, from minimalist studs to ornate jeweled tops.
Titanium or Surgical Steel Jewelry
Given the sensitivity of the chest area, it’s advisable to opt for hypoallergenic materials like titanium or surgical steel, especially for new piercings. These materials are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Biocompatible Materials
For those with sensitive skin, consider biocompatible materials like bioplast or PTFE, especially during the healing process. These materials are flexible and can reduce stress on the piercing.
Wrapping Up
In summary, chest piercings offer a unique and striking way to adorn the body, ranging from dermal to surface styles like sternum piercings.
Selecting the right type of jewelry, such as flat discs for dermal or barbells for surface piercings, is crucial for both aesthetics and comfort. The healing process requires diligent aftercare, including regular cleaning and avoiding activities that might stress the piercing.
While chest piercings can be an alluring addition to your style, they demand careful consideration and commitment to aftercare for successful healing and longevity.