So im going to be getting 2 Dermal anchor's on my chest one week from this sunday and i have a few ??'s.I called and asked how they did it and they do it with a 10 gauge needle for the pocket.Is that okay?Or should i look for a place that uses dermal punches?Also after i get it what would the after care of it be?And any suggestions or tip's for this piercing would be appreciated.Thanks guys!Im supper excited!!

 Some places use needles, some use punches. In some states it's not even legal for piercers to use punches since they are considered "medical instruments." I think that a good piercer can install a microdermal successfully using either, but I know I personally would prefer having a needle used. The aftercare is like that of any other piercing; some people like sea salt soaks, others just leave it alone. A mild soap might also be recommended; see what your piercer recommends and what works best for you. Also, I've heard that sometimes it's recommended that microdermals stay covered (with slight pressure) for a few days to encourage them to settle into the skin...not having any myself I don't know how this works or even how often it's recommended. I would hope that your piercer can answer all your questions, and if not, it's time to find a new one.

 My microdermal was done with a needle, although I don't remember what gauge it was. It's on my nape, so in the beginning I used a cotton ball soaked in the usual SSS mix and held it over the piercing until it was cool 2-3 times a day. Mine was really low maintainance; I didn't have to keep it covered or anything like that, although I would definitely follow the instructions that your piercer gives you. It may depend on the location of the piercing. I've had mine for over a year and it's never gotten pissy at all. Just make sure that your piercer has a lot of experience doing them. Best of luck to you, I hope it works out as well as mine has!

I would definitely encourage the use of bandaids to cover the piercings for the first week or so. This helps them settle better. If you are allergic like I am, ask your piercer what else to use instead. Also, mine were done with a dermal punch. I used a shot glass to soak mine and it worked great!

 I heard a rumor that you have to get dermal anchors removed before going for an MRI.  Is that true?  I dont know what material dermals are or what you need to remove before MRIs either.  

Most dermals are titanium, and due to the difficulty that may entail removing one I find it hard to believe that they'd ever require removal for an MRI. Titanium is being used more and more (for instruments) in the rooms that house MRI machines because it doesn't readily react to the magnetic field. However, I wouldn't be surprised if someone who thought "no metals can go in an MRI" tried to say otherwise, even if they were employed by the facility.

i have heard that when its done with a needle it heals alott quicker than the punch. as far as aftercare, its a fairly new "trend" so many people have different suggestions for it. heres a site that may help with the aftercare instructions. good luck! im jealous! =0) im sure they gunna lo0k gansta!

My microdermal anchor was inserted into a pocket formed using a dermal punch for the initial hole and then a needle to create the pocket, although I'm afraid I can't remember the sizes/gauge. Mine was in the hollow of my throat and I wore a plaster over it when I slept or bathed, but otherwise let it breathe. I soaked a cotton bud or pad with warm SSS and rested that on the piercing until it was cool a couple of times a day, and the healing was uneventful.

I believe that my microdermal anchor rejected after one-too-many times snagging it on my clothes or hair, and it was very painful because the whole area swelled up including where I had healed through the anchor. So my main advice to people getting microdermal anchors installed is to be very careful with catching it even when you think it's healed and secure.