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Hello everyone! I’m Tori, and today, we’re discussing the edgy world of bridge piercings. Yes, my friends, you heard it right. We’re about to bridge the gap between the ordinary and the extraordinary, the run-of-the-mill and the show-stopping.
Bridge piercings, for the uninitiated, involve a small bar or ring placed horizontally across the bridge of the nose. It’s a bold, distinctive choice that speaks volumes about your personality. But guess what? The aesthetics of the bridge piercing are just the tip of the iceberg. How you wear it can take it from impressive to jaw-dropping, and that’s exactly what we’re going to discuss today.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the many ways you can style and customize your bridge piercing to fit your unique personality and aesthetic. Whether you’re going for the subtle and classy, the glitzy and glamorous, or the avant-garde and unconventional, I’ve got you covered. I’ll break down the basic facts, share some little-known secrets, and provide practical tips to help you elevate your bridge piercing game.
The Anatomy of a Bridge Piercing
So, what’s a bridge piercing? Picture a sleek barbell stretching across the bridge of your nose, the shine catching the light just right. That’s a bridge piercing. It’s typically a horizontal or curved barbell, but you might occasionally see adventurous souls rocking vertical ones.
Remember that day I spent half an hour explaining to a client why their septum piercing kept falling out? The same principle applies here. The bridge of your nose isn’t exactly plush with flesh, meaning even the tiniest jewelry might struggle to find a comfy home. This can sometimes lead to shifting or even total rejection of the jewelry – trust me, not an experience you want to sign up for.
Choosing the Right Jewelry
To minimize the risk, I’ve found that a small gauge, curved barbell works best. The curve allows the skin to settle around the jewelry, reducing rejection chances. Straight barbells, while doable, can add unwanted tension, upping the risk of migration and rejection. A rookie mistake I learned the hard way when I got my first bridge piercing!
Debunking Bridge Piercing Myths
Now, bridge piercings are popular with all genders, especially among the younger crowd. But they’re plagued by misconceptions. One that I hear all the time: “Won’t that make me cross-eyed?” Rest assured, this is far from the truth. Your eyes won’t naturally focus on the edges of the barbell unless you’re intentionally doing some funny face yoga.
You’ll notice the jewelry for a while, but eventually, it just becomes part of your look. Your body adjusts to what some might initially see as an obstruction. If you still spot the jewelry after some time, it might just be too long for your face. After a few months, all you should be seeing is your beautiful nose.
Another myth that’s been circling around is that you can’t wear glasses with a bridge piercing. The truth? As long as your piercing is properly placed at the top of the bridge, your glasses won’t be affected. You might not be able to see the piercing when wearing them, but that’s a small price to pay for 20/20 vision, right?
Size Matters: Gauge Guidance
To prevent rejection, most professional piercers, including yours truly, use one of the three smallest gauges for bridge piercings. Of course, you can always upgrade to larger gauges later. This approach minimizes the risk of infection or unnecessary tearing. Let me tell you, having seen some painful complications in my career, starting small is a smart move.
Your ability to comfortably wear a larger gauge barbell depends on the amount of available flesh and tissue. While some folks can effortlessly flaunt larger gauges, remember to consider the potential risks before going big.
Piercing Aftercare: The Golden Rules
Let’s talk aftercare. Once you’ve had your bridge piercing done, be cautious of cleansers, makeup, or hair products. They can cause serious buildup and lead to a speedy infection. A lesson I learned when I nearly botched my first piercing!
Healing time varies based on the initial gauge used for your piercing, but it’s usually between 8-12 weeks. After this period, you can switch to a smaller or shorter curved barbell if you prefer. Just remember that the inner tissue might still be healing, so handle with care.
Check out the images below for some bridge piercing inspiration. But remember, what’s most important is finding a piercing that truly speaks to you. After all, body art is all about self-expression. So express away, my friends!
What Are The Risks & Complications Associated With Bridge Piercings?
ridge piercings, like all body modifications, carry a certain degree of risk and potential complications. Here are some of the most common issues you might encounter:
- Rejection and Migration: Because the bridge of the nose has a relatively thin layer of skin, there’s a higher risk of the body rejecting a bridge piercing. This means your body may start to push the jewelry out, causing it to migrate and possibly leave a scar.
- Infection: As with any piercing, there’s always a risk of infection, particularly if the piercing isn’t properly cared for. Common signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge.
- Scarring: If a piercing gets infected, or if your body rejects it, you may be left with a scar.
- Incorrect Placement: If the piercing isn’t placed correctly, it could cause problems. For example, if it’s too close to the edge of the bridge, the jewelry might not sit correctly and could cause discomfort or other issues.
- Vision Obstruction: Some people find that a bridge piercing can obstruct their peripheral vision, especially if the jewelry is large or hangs down. However, this is typically not a significant issue and often something one can adjust to over time.
- Difficulty with Glasses or Eyewear: Although a properly placed bridge piercing shouldn’t interfere with wearing glasses or sunglasses, in some cases, the jewelry could potentially interfere with the fit of your eyewear.
- Nerve Damage: This is a very rare complication but still possible if the piercing is done incorrectly and hits a nerve.
- Hypertrophic Scarring or Keloids: These are raised scars that occur as a result of the body overproducing collagen while healing. While anyone can get these, some people are more genetically prone to them.
Remember, many of these risks can be minimized by going to a professional, experienced piercer and following appropriate aftercare procedures.
Conclusion
As we close our exploration of bridge piercings, it’s crucial to underscore the importance of thoughtful placement and selection of your jewelry. Working with an experienced professional can ensure the right placement at the top of your nose bridge, keeping your vision unobstructed and your glasses intact. Depending on your artist’s expertise and your location, you can expect to shell out anywhere between $40 to $90 for a bridge piercing.
While bridge piercings offer an eye-catching and edgy way to express your individuality, they also carry inherent risks, just like any body modification. These can range from migration and rejection to potential infections if proper aftercare isn’t observed. And remember, your skin isn’t a one-size-fits-all canvas – the type and size of the jewelry that’s best for you depends on your unique anatomy.
At the end of the day, whether you’re opting for a splash of ink or a dash of metal, remember to keep it safe, keep it personal, and above all, keep it you. After all, your body is your canvas, and you’re the artist – make your masterpiece shine!
