Dermal anchors can be such a fun and versatile piercing. While it can give the piercer almost endless options for placement, in reality, dermal anchors can be very finicky. Placement needs to be fairly specific for them to have a chance of healing.

Dermal anchors were invented to replace surface bars–essentially a staple-shaped piece of jewelry with a bead on either end that would sit on top of the flat surface of a nape or maybe a sternum piercing. The problem with surface bars was the high rate of rejection as the jewelry would literally push itself from beneath the skin.  Conversely, the dermal anchor is much smaller. Areas of the jewelry are drilled out, resulting in your healing tissue growing through these holes and “anchoring” the jewelry in your body.

For a dermal anchor to be a viable piercing, placement needs to be taken into consideration. High traffic areas that will either see a lot of irritation or are hard to keep clean (i.e. fingers) are not likely to hold a dermal anchor for long. We advise all clients to take the advice of our piercers, they will discuss the best options for you for placement and jewelry size.

Please dress appropriately for your piercing appointment and consider the clothing you are wearing in relation to your new dermal anchor.  Wearing super tight high-waisted jeans when coming to get lower back dimple dermal is not the best choice.  The more irritation a fresh piercing sees, the more likely you are to experience rejection. Short-term adjustments to clothing or your lifestyle may be required.