Dermal Piercing: What to Know

Medically Reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on March 06, 2024
Written by Sarah Vanbuskirk
7 min read

Dermal piercings, also known as single-point piercings, anchor jewelry underneath a layer of skin.

A dermal piercing is a popular body-jewelry technique among teens and young adults. Studies say that 25%-35% of this age group has a body piercing, and 13%-18% of them remove it at some point.

Unlike other types of body piercings (such as earrings or navel piercings), dermal piercings don't have an exit point. Instead, the piercer inserts an anchor below the skin, which holds the visible part of the jewelry in place.

You should seek a professional piercer to get this type of piercing, which only takes a few minutes. First, the piercer cleans the skin with disinfectant and marks the spot where your skin will be pierced. Then, they make a small “pocket” or hole using a needle or “skin punch” instrument before inserting and securing the metal anchor into the opening. Finally, they put an ornamental piece of jewelry on top of the anchor and twist it on to keep it in place.

Dermal piercing vs. surface piercing

Both surface and dermal piercings are done on flat areas of skin, like the face or chest. But dermal piercings have one entrance hole that’s held in place with an anchor, while surface piercings feature a double piercing connected by a piece of jewelry under the skin.

Dermal piercing cost

The price of dermal piercing varies depending on your location, the level of experience of your piercer, and the jewelry you choose. Expect it to cost in the range of $50-$100 or more.

Healing time

The healing time varies from person to person. The average healing process for a dermal piercing lasts 1-3 months. Swelling and crusting are normal during the first few days. You should always follow the piercer's instructions to avoid complications. Watch the area for:

  • Severe pain or swelling
  • Discharge that's not clear
  • Foul odor
  • Skin redness or rash

A single-point piercing can go on any part of the body that has thick, flat skin. It should be an area that can hold the anchor in place. The most popular zones for dermal piercings are:

  • The nape of the neck
  • Lower back dimples
  • The abdominal area and chest
  • Cheekbones and collarbones

You can choose from many types of jewelry for your dermal piercing. The most common options are small studs or other simple flat shapes. Keep the shape and size of the jewelry small to reduce the chance of snagging or falling out.

Most dermal piercing jewelry is made from metals including:

  • Gold
  • Titanium
  • Stainless steel
  • Niobium
  • Alloys (a combination of metals) such as gold and nickel

Some people are allergic to different metals, such as nickel and nickel alloys, so it’s safest to avoid jewelry made of these metals. Titanium and niobium rarely cause allergic reactions, and gold and stainless steel are also safe options if they don't contain alloys.

To avoid an urgent need for a dermal piercing removal, it's vital to care for the piercing during every step of the healing process. Your piercer will recommend that you:

  • Avoid wearing tight clothing.
  • Cover the piercing with a bandage for a couple of days.
  • Avoid touching the area unless you're cleaning it or applying treatment.
  • Wash your hands with antibacterial soap if you need to touch the area.
  • Pat the piercing dry with a clean gauze when necessary, and never rub the area.
  • Clean your piercing using a saline solution twice a day, and avoid soaps and harsh cleansers.
  • Wait about 3 months before replacing the top.

These precautions also work when treating the removal wound. If you follow them at all times, you shouldn't have additional discomfort.

There are risks with all open-wound procedures. But dermal piercings aren't more dangerous than ordinary body piercings, even when they go deeper into the skin.

Possible side effects range from mild to severe. Signs of a botched single-point piercing include:

  • Sharp pain
  • Skin infection
  • Irregular scarring
  • Hypergranulation, or raised tissue near the piercing
  • Tissue damage
  • Premature rejection

‌It's important to make sure that your dermal piercing is not too shallow or deep into the skin. When the piercing is too deep, the anchor might start pulling skin layers together, which can create an uneven scarring pattern. If the incision is too shallow, the anchor can fall out or move around.

Dermal piercing infection

Sometimes, dermal piercings can get infected. This can happen if the piercing tools, jewelry, or the place you're having it done aren't properly sanitized. You can also get an infection if you don’t keep the piercing clean as it heals. Touching your piercing without first washing your hands is one way this can happen. Going in a lake, hot tub, or pool before your piercing has healed can also result in an infection.

If the area swells for more than a few days after you get it, oozes pus, is painful, or feels hot to the touch, see your doctor. You may need to remove the dermal piercing. These symptoms might mean that you have a skin infection or an allergic reaction.

Dermal piercing scar

A dermal piercing is temporary and lasts several months to a few years. After it is removed (or comes out on its own), you might end up with a scar. If you get a scar, it is usually small. The skin may also darken. Scarring is more likely with larger or deeper piercings and with removals that require an incision. Some people have skin that is more likely to scar, including those with a history of keloids (thickened scar tissue). More experienced piercing professionals can reduce your risk of scarring.

‌People may remove their dermal piercings for a variety of reasons. If you're thinking about it, you should talk to a professional piercer, or ask your doctor to do it for you. Never try to do it on your own.

If the area swells for more than a few days after you get it or feels hot to the touch, have your dermal piercing removed as soon as possible. These symptoms might mean that you have a skin infection or an allergic reaction.

Your skin will start pushing your single-point piercing's anchor out after a few years. This process is normal, and the time it takes to happen varies from one person to another. If an old dermal piercing hurts or feels tight, consider a dermal piercing removal.‌

During the dermal piercing removal process, the professional piercer will:

  • Sanitize the affected area with an antiseptic solution.
  • Pat the area dry with sterile gauze.
  • Unscrew the visible part of the jewelry piece.
  • Dislodge the anchor by massaging the skin around it.
  • Make a small cut around the anchor with a scalpel.
  • Use a tool to extract the anchor.
  • Stitch up the wound or apply bandages to protect it.

‌You may take some over-the-counter medication to ease the pain after your dermal piercing removal. If the symptoms worsen or the wound doesn't heal, go to your doctor's office right away.

‌‌Dangers of performing a dermal piercing removal on your own

Think of dermal piercing removal as a type of microsurgery. Trying to do this at home might put you at risk. Scar tissue may have formed around the anchor, lodging it into the entry point. If you don't know how to remove it safely, you might cause irreversible damage to your skin.‌

If you have a dermal piercing, you’ll need to get it removed once your body starts to reject it. This usually happens after several months to a few years. A simple procedure can remove the jewelry if it doesn’t come out naturally. Follow your piercer’s instructions on wound care to help it heal well. Contact your piercer and doctor if you have any signs of infection.

How long will a dermal piercing last?

Dermal piercings don't last forever. They are considered “long-term temporary” by piercing professionals and should last from 6 months to a few years. Piercings that are done on more protected areas of the body, where they don’t get touched as often, usually last longer.

Do dermal piercings hurt?

There will likely be some pain when you get a dermal piercing. But the procedure is quick, and any discomfort is unlikely to last long. You may feel more or less pain depending on the skill of your piercer and your personal pain tolerance. Local numbing agents can also help reduce pain.

How do dermal piercings stay on your body?

Dermal piercings are attached to the skin with an anchor. The anchor is implanted using a small incision or piercing needle. The skin heals over the anchor to keep it in place, and the visible part of the jewelry screws onto the anchor.