Are engagement ring piercings safe? The non-traditional ring trend has raised a few questions
If the idea of wearing an engagement ring gives you pause (“What if I lose it? What if my fingers swell? What if someone steals it?”), then maybe an engagement ring piercing is more your style. This permanent-ish body modification is literally a piercing in the spot on your finger where a ring would typically go. The non-traditional engagement ring is actually just a dermal piercing (also known as surface anchor piercings, microdermals, or dermal anchors). You might have noticed Blac Chyna had them in her dimples.
Unlike typical piercings, these surface anchor piercings have no exit point. The jewelry is inserted into the skin (usually with a needle) creating an L-shaped pouch under the skin and held in place with a dermal anchor. The dermal piercing can also be done with the “punch” method, which is considered safer but does remove some skin tissue. The bling aspect of the ring is “anchored” just beneath the skin, which makes it look like a diamond without a band.
While the look is mystical and quite interesting, are engagement ring piercings safe?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BedPamYH2_k
According to the Association of Professional Piercers, “when properly performed by a skilled practitioner, surface anchor piercing is no more risky than an ordinary body piercing and takes no longer to perform or to heal.”
TatRing, the go-to source for everything body modification, laid out several risks that could arise with dermal implants if you get a botched procedure.
The major issue to be aware of is the body rejecting the implant and literally pushing it toward the surface and out of the skin. Rejection usually happens in areas with less skin, like the finger. However, if the implant is too deep, scar tissue can form. Another side effect could include hypergranulation, which is a red nodule at the injection site if the jewelry is too tight or there is too much pressure on the area. (Ouch.)
One thing to note that could compromise the safety of an otherwise healthy dermal implant is to remove one on your own. Always seek the help of a medical practitioner or professional piercer if you want to remove the piercing.
As always, with any piercing, have the procedure performed by a professional and always follow strict after-care guidelines. Happy non-traditional engagement piercing shopping!
