This type of piercing is a stylish and versatile way to add unique body jewelry to various parts of the body. Popular dermal piercing areas include the neck, collarbone, sternum, cheekbones, and even the lower back. Whether you're new to dermal piercings or looking to expand your collection, this guide breaks it down from the piercing process to healing, jewelry options, and what to expect along the way.
Jump To:
You may have seen someone with a third eye or butterfly kiss piercing and wondered how they achieved that look. Unlike a typical body piercing, a dermal piercing has only one visible exit point where jewelry can be worn on the surface of the skin.
A dermal piercing, also called a transdermal, microdermal piercing or single-point piercing, uses a small anchor that sits under the tissue, while a small internally threaded post comes through the skin. A low profile threaded end attaches to the post, creating the look of jewelry resting on the surface without a second exit point.
Dermal piercings can be placed on different areas of the body as long as the location has suitable tissue and is not exposed to too much movement or snagging. Because placement depends on your anatomy, an experienced professional piercer can help determine whether a dermal piercing will work in the area you want.
A single-point dermal piercing works by placing a small dermal anchor in a pocket just beneath the skin. The anchor has an extended base that helps keep it in place, while the post exits through a single opening in the skin. A removable threaded end attaches to this post and is the part of the jewelry you see.
To place the piercing, a professional piercer creates a small opening and pocket in the skin for the dermal anchor's base plate. The anchor is carefully inserted beneath the surface so the post sits through the opening. As the piercing heals, tissue forms around the anchor and helps hold it in place.
So what's the difference between a dermal piercing and a surface piercing? Dermal and surface piercings may look similar, but they work differently. A dermal piercing has one piercing point and uses an anchor under the skin. A traditional surface piercing has two visible points, with jewelry entering and exiting through the skin.
This difference allows dermal piercings to create a single-point look in areas where traditional piercing jewelry may not give the same effect. Both types of piercings can be affected by movement, pressure, and snagging, so proper placement and aftercare are important.
Because the dermal anchor sits beneath the skin, removing a dermal piercing is different from simply taking out regular body jewelry. A professional piercer should remove the anchor to help limit damage to the surrounding tissue. Do not try to pull or cut a dermal anchor out yourself.
The visible threaded end may be changed once the piercing is healed and your piercer says it is safe to do so. However, changing the jewelry end does not remove the dermal anchor itself, which stays beneath the skin.
Pain is always a little subjective, but most people say dermals aren’t as bad as they expected. It’s more of a quick pinch than a lingering sting. Some parts of the body are more sensitive than others. The sternum and collarbone can be more tender than areas like the lower back or hips. Your pain tolerance and anatomy will both play a role in how much it hurts. Talk with your piercer. They will be able to tell you what to expect for your new piercing.
You might ask where you can get a dermal piercing on your body. While technically, you can place a dermal almost anywhere, there are some parts of the body better suited for them than others.
Dermal piercings are better suited for areas that are thick and flat. Other areas may be too prone to rejection, irritation, or another style of piercing may be a better option. Your piercer can let you know what your best options are.
Now that you know what a microdermal piercing is, you might be wondering how it’s done. A microdermal piercing involves making a small incision in the skin or using a dermal punch to remove a tiny bit of tissue. The piercer then uses forceps to insert the dermal anchor just below the skin and attaches a threaded end to the post.
Because of the tricky nature of this piercing, not all shops and piercers will offer it. You will need to find a professional piercer to perform this piercing.
So, how much does a dermal piercing cost? As with any body piercing, the price can vary depending on the shop and location. Because of the precision and expertise needed to do them, dermals can be more expensive than regular piercings. The dermal piercing price often ranges from $70 to $100, not including the price of jewelry. Since this type of piercing is more prone to rejection and migration, choose high-quality materials such as implant-grade titanium, stainless steel, or surgical steel.
The care and healing process for dermal piercings is similar to that for other piercings, but with a few added considerations. Healing can take two to six months, depending on the location, your skin, and how well you follow aftercare instructions.
Sometimes, dermal tissue develops a small raised bump called hypergranulation. This can happen if the area gets too much pressure or moisture, or if the jewelry is irritated from movement. It’s common and often treatable, but you should check in with your piercer if it happens.
While your piercing heals, avoid touching it or changing your jewelry. Some piercers may also recommend covering the area with a breathable bandage for the first day or two, especially if it’s in a spot that’s prone to rubbing, like your collarbone or sternum. Don't put pressure on it or apply makeup or lotion near the area during this time.
How do you clean a dermal piercing? Be careful when cleaning the area and don't scrub or use any cloth that could snag or catch on the jewelry. It can be easy to snag this style of piercing, especially if it's on your face. Use a saline solution to clean the piercing directly, and gently pat dry or let air dry. You can also wash around the area with sterile saline solution, just be careful not to scrub the site directly.
If you do need to touch it, wash your hands thoroughly before doing so and clean your piercing afterward.
You may notice small crust formations around it. Leave them be, and they will come off on their own. Don't pick them off, as you could be opening a scab and re-exposing your piercing.
If you notice signs of infection or have any other complications, talk with your professional piercer immediately.
Dermal piercings offer a level of creativity and placement flexibility that traditional piercings can't match. Ever considered a third eye or the trendy anti-eyebrow (butterfly kiss)? These unique dermal piercing locations are only possible with this type of body modification.
Every piercing isn't for every body. People with a history of piercing rejections, or those who are more prone to scarring or keloids, might want to avoid dermal piercings.
Dermal piercings are also challenging to hide, and you cannot temporarily remove them for a work shift. Even if you remove the top, you can still see the post. If you work somewhere that requires you to hide or remove your piercings, this might not be right for you.
Also, consider your lifestyle. Those who participate in contact sports or other activities that could risk injury to a piercing might want to reconsider getting a dermal. If you have naturally deep dimples or high cheekbones, cheek dermals may not be the best choice either.
Jewelry for this type of piercing is currently limited to internally threaded ends, and your best options will be flat or low-profile ends to avoid snagging on hair or clothing.
That said, there are still plenty of ways to customize your look with different types of jewelry ends! You can change the color of titanium ends by anodizing them, choose from fun shapes and themes, or pick colorful gem and opal ends!
We hope you found this information helpful! Share this blog, and follow us on all our socials @Bodyartforms! And don't forget to explore our diverse range of jewelry options at Bodyartforms.com.
