Knowledge Builders

whats the difference between surface and dermal piercing

by Prof. Greta Feil MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

A surface piercing has an entrance and an exit with a surface bar connecting the two. A dermal anchor is a single point piercing with only one hole in which the dermal anchor base sits. Neither of these piercings are “traditional” in the way a nostril or lip piercing is.

Which is better dermal or surface piercing?

For example, if you'd like a piercing on your arm, piercers often recommend dermal piercings over surface piercings. Since you move your arms quite a bit during healing, surface piercings tend to see more tugging and snagging, which can contribute to piercing rejection.

Is a dermal piercing the same as a surface piercing?

Simply enough, dermal piercings use dermal anchors. A dermal anchor sits under the skin so that only the piercing jewellery is exposed. Surface piercings have two holes because they use a surface barbell for an anchor. The barbell sits under the skin and only the ends are visible.

Do surface piercings last for?

A healed surface piercing can last from a few months to a lifetime. The human body resists foreign objects including piercings. Rejection occurs when it is "easier" for the body to push the piercing out like a splinter than it is to heal a fistula (skin tunnel) around it.

What is the difference between dermal and Microdermal piercing?

Dermal piercings—also known as microdermal piercings or single-point piercings—are piercings that lie flat against the surface of the skin. The completely flat affect occurs because dermal piercings don't have a separate entry and exit point; instead, a dermal anchor is installed directly under the skin.

Do surface piercings always reject?

Surface piercings may be prone to rejection just because it is easier for the body to push the jewelry out of a small amount of skin. Non-surface piercings include the earlobe, ear cartilage, lip, or tongue. These types of piercings go all the way through the body tissue — in one side and out the other.

Can you change a surface piercing?

You may want to have your piercer confirm that you're well healed enough for a jewelry change before you alter your surface piercing jewelry. For a small fee, your piercer can change out your surface piercing tops for you.

Do surface piercings leave scars?

As with any piercing, there will likely be a scar when you remove the jewelry. Scars are typically minimal when the piercing is removed while happy and healthy, but if you wait to take out the piercing until it migrates, the scar tissue can be more extreme and unsightly.

What piercings are most likely to reject?

Some people are much more prone to rejection than others. The most common body piercings that reject are navel piercings and eyebrow piercings. The surface piercings most likely to reject are those that reside more closely to the skin's surface such as the sternum or nape (back of the neck) and Madison piercings.

How much does a surface piercing cost?

around $50 - $100Cost will depend upon the piercer and the location of the surface piercing, but you can expect to pay around $50 - $100. Since surface piercings are so easily rejected, choose a piercer that has experience with surface piercings; the success of your piercing will depend greatly upon how deeply your piercer pierces it.

How do you get a surface piercing out?

A traditional surface piercing is one barbell underneath the skin, and is far easier to remove. Simply unscrew one end, lubricate it, and pull the other end out through the exit hole. There are several different anchor styles. Unfortunately, most have holes in them for tissue to grow through.

What is the difference between a dermal piercing and a surface piercing?

The main difference between a surface piercing and a dermal piercing is that the surface piercing has an exit point, while the dermal piercing does not. A surface piercing consists of any piercing done on flat areas of skin, like the cheekbone or the nape of the neck.

What is dermal piercing?

Visit Instagram. A dermal piercing is a single-point surface piercing. This means that there’s one entry point and no exit point. Instead of securing the jewelry with a backing located behind the piercing, a dermal anchor is inserted beneath the dermal layer of tissue, leaving the dermal top to sit atop your skin.

How to do a surface piercing?

To complete a surface piercing, the piercer will pinch the skin in the area where you want to be pierced and stick the needle straight through. The puncture will then be filled with either a curved barbell or surface/staple barbell, depending on where you got pierced.

Is a surface piercing more invasive than a dermal piercing?

Both surface piercings and dermal piercings have a higher risk of rejection than other piercing types. The jewelry feels more invasive to your body, and your body will be keen to have it removed. Some areas of the body will prefer surface piercings over dermal piercings and vice versa.

Can a dermal piercing be removed?

The dermal piercing, while mild, enters into the realm of body modification. The procedure will feel a little more medical in nature, and when you want to have your dermal piercing removed, you’ll have to have it done by a professional, since the anchor sits within your body.

Is a belly button piercing a surface piercing?

Technically, eyebrow piercings and belly button piercings are included in surface piercings, but since they’re so popular, they’ve earned piercing categories of their own. To complete a surface piercing, the piercer will pinch the skin in the area where you want to be pierced and stick the needle straight through.

Where do piercings appear?

By Meghan O'Neal. You might have noticed the seemingly magical piercings appearing on chests, cheeks, arms, and even fingers and hips. Somehow, gemstones beautifully adorn areas of the body that seem impossible to pierce.

What is the difference between a surface piercing and a dermal piercing?

At the core of a number of the differences between surface and dermal piercings is the difference in tools. A surface piercing using a traditional piercing needle to create the holes. Dermals, on the other hand, use a dermal punch to make the hole.

What is surface piercing?

A surface piercing is more similar to a typical piercing. The piercer uses a needle to make an entrance and exit hole. They then insert a surface barbell as an anchor and close it off with the jewellery end.

How does a dermal piercing work?

Dermals are more unique in their technique. The piercer uses a dermal punch to “punch” a single hole in the skin. They then insert a dermal anchor into the hole. The jewellery is inserted into the anchor, giving it the appearance of floating on the skin.

Do surface piercings require a professional touch?

Both surface and dermal piercings require a professional touch. Because of their placement, they have a higher chance of rejection than other piercings. A professional piercing and shop help to ensure a successful piercing.

Dermal Piercing

A dermal piercing makes a single point perforation in the sub-dermal skin layer of your body, which sets it apart from a surface piercing. This type of piercing is done by a professional piercer using either a dermal punch or a needle. However, most piercers tend to use the needle method for the perforation.

Surface Piercing

A surface piercing is done using a hollow needle. This type of piercing is anchored using a barbell and is more invasive and deeper than a dermal piercing. While a dermal piercing has a single point of entry, a surface piercing requires a barbell to be guided under your skin for a specific distance.

Wrapping Up

Both surface and dermal piercings are good options for you. However, one thing you need to pay special attention to is the piercing aftercare. Only if you care for them properly will they heal quickly and efficiently otherwise, you can suffer from various skin problems such as infections.

What is a dermal piercing?

Share on Pinterest. 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.

How much does a dermal piercing cost?

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. You’ll also need to factor in a tip for your piercer. At least 20 percent is standard.

How long does it take for a dermal piercing to heal?

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. Crusting around the jewelry top and minor swelling is typical during the first couple of weeks.

What happens if you don't pierce your dermis?

Infection. If the piercing isn’t done in a sterile environment — or aftercare is neglected — bacteria can spread deep within the dermis. Displacement. If the anchor isn’t inserted deep enough, it may become dislodged within the dermis and move to another area of skin. Rejection.

How to do a dermal piercing with needles?

For a dermal piercing with needles: Your piercer will clean your skin, making sure it’s completely sterile. After the area is dry, they’ll mark your skin with a pen or marker to ensure the piercing is created in the right spot.

What type of jewelry is used for a dermal piercing?

The type of jewelry used depends on the way the piercing is done. Here are your options: Anchor. A traditional dermal piercing starts with an anchor that’s inserted underneath your skin. Your anchor may have either a rounded base or flat “feet” on each side of the post. Top.

How does a skin punch work?

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.

1.What’s the Difference Between Surface and Dermal …

Url:https://www.almostfamouspiercing.com/blog/whats-difference-surface-dermal-piercings/

8 hours ago A surface piercing is more invasive than a dermal piercing because the barbell must be guided under the skin for a specific distance, while a dermal has just one point of entry. Surface bars tend to leave much larger and more obvious scars if the piercing rejects or migrates.

2.Videos of Whats The Difference Between Surface And Dermal Pier…

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35 hours ago  · A surface piercing is done using a hollow needle. This type of piercing is anchored using a barbell and is more invasive and deeper than a dermal piercing. While a dermal piercing has a single point of entry, a surface piercing requires a barbell to be guided under your skin for a specific distance.

3.What’s the Difference Between Surface & Dermal Piercings?

Url:https://www.chronicinktattoo.com/blog/whats-difference-surface-dermal-piercings/

20 hours ago A surface piercing has an entrance and an exit with a surface bar connecting the two. A dermal anchor is a single point piercing with only one hole in which the dermal anchor base sits. What is better dermal or surface piercing? The dermal piercing allows you to have only one piercing point, while the surface piercing requires two.

4.Surface Piercings vs. Dermal Piercings - bodyjewelry

Url:https://blog.bodyjewelry.com/surface-vs-dermal-piercings/

9 hours ago  · What’s the difference between a dermal and a surface piercing? Although dermal jewelry sits on the top layer of your skin, dermals aren’t surface piercings. Surface piercings have a separate entry...

5.Dermal Piercing: Pictures, Placement, Procedure, Care, …

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/dermal-piercing

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