£30 each

The Microdermal consists of a plate, a stem and an attachment. The plate is placed under the skin, the stem sits vertically through your skin and the attachment is the visible part above your skin. The jewellery we have chosen has three holes in the plate, utilising your body’s tissue growth to ‘mesh’ with the jewellery, forming a near permanent bond with the jewellery. The stem sits flush with your skin, and the attachment is a round, double sided dome. All this means is that, within reason, a single point piercing can be placed almost anywhere on your body. This opens up a lot of creative possibilities with patterns and shapes, or simply sits discreetly, all on its own.
 
Because of the permanent nature of dermal anchors, they will only be performed on adults, aged 18 and over, regardless of parental consent. Photographic proof of age will be required if you look anywhere near that age.

 So why chose a dermal anchor over a surface piercing? 
Dermal anchors, when cared for properly, will heal in a matter of days! More time will be required for the skin to mesh fully with the jewellery, but the visible part will cause little pain or discomfort. Dermal anchors do not move, so no friction is placed on the exposed skin cells and outside contaminants are not pushed inside the piercing.

 And the downsides?
The fusing of your body in the holes of the plate means this piercing is considered permanent! Removal requires cutting the new tissue from each part of the plate before it can be removed. This can be a lengthy process, sometimes leaving raised scar tissue. Your piercer at Area 51 can remove it but there are no guarantees.

So what next?
Have a read through the dermal anchor aftercare guidelines below, then contact Area 51 and arrange for a consultation before your piercing is performed. We will discuss placement, method and costs before we proceed with your piercing.

Cleaning solutions 
Saline solution is all that is needed to heal a dermal anchor piercing. No anti-bacterial, anti-septic or other solution is required. These will have a detrimental effect on the piercing.

 Cleaning Procedure
Saline should be used as a compress, once a day, first thing in the morning. Simply soak a cotton pad with the saline solution, and press against your piercing. Soak with a moderate amount of pressure for two to three minutes. Then dry the area around the anchor, using a fresh cotton pad and a small amount of pressure.

What to avoid
Avoid getting your dermal anchor wet through the healing process. This includes showering. Your Anchor will need to stay thoroughly dry to avoid infections. Avoid touching, moving, playing with, or any physical contact with your dermal anchor, apart from your saline soak.

Other healing aids
Zinc or arnica supplements will aid your body’s natural healing process. Arnica in particular will help remove any bruising. Use as directed on the packaging. Also ibuprofen will help if you notice any excessive swelling, again, only use as directed.

Other advisories
Use surgical patches for the next three nights. Patch up the piercing, making sure to allow some air between the anchor and the patch, and remove in the morning before cleaning. Change into clean clothes every day, and change your bed clothes frequently.

Changing the attachment
Your dermal anchor will need to be well healed and secured before changing the attachments. For this reason you should wait ten to twelve weeks before changing them, and always consult your piercer first