What is a dermal piercing?

Dermal piercing is possible on almost any part of the body The dermal anchor, also called micro dermal, belongs to the group of single point piercings. This means that the threaded rod, onto which various attachments can be screwed, only protrudes from the skin at one end of the puncture channel - at the other end there is an elongated plate that is placed under the skin .
There it grows into the tissue and is thus “ anchored ”, hence the name dermal anchor or skin anchor.
On the History of the Dermal Piercing
The idea of the dermal piercing is still relatively new. They were only introduced in 2006 and immediately experienced a real boom . While jewelry similar to a nose stud was used at the beginning, after initial experience, special implants for dermal anchors were developed. Today there are a variety of implants that ensure the optimal hold of the dermal anchor on almost all parts of the body, depending on the skin area and the depth of the piercing.
Dermal Piercing: Variants and Placement
In contrast to conventional piercings, which require an entry and exit point and therefore only fit in certain areas of the skin, dermal anchors can be placed on almost any part of the body . In addition, there is a large selection of base plates that a trained professional can select for any area. However, care should be taken to ensure that the skin is not exposed to excessive friction or pressure: areas of skin near the waistband or at the level of bra straps are not suitable for dermal anchors.

Popular and generally unproblematic areas for dermal anchors are the forehead, cheek or neck, as well as the neck, breastbone, arms and hands . Dermal anchors are often combined with tattoos. Or arranged in groups in a variety of shapes - such as a heart, a cross or a star. In principle, there are hardly any limits to your imagination and creativity with dermal anchors!
How are dermal anchors used?
Dermal anchors are inserted under the skin into a skin pocket. The insertion and removal of a dermal anchor is done through a minimally invasive procedure. Two different methods are usually used depending on the position on the body, skin type and skin tension: With the dermal punch, a small piece of skin tissue is removed using a biopsy scalpel - with the needle blade, a hollow needle is used. In both procedures, a tiny skin pocket is created by opening the skin , through which the implant is then inserted and screwed to the initial jewelry.
Dermal anchors are rarely inserted using a scalpel, but this method can also be used depending on the part of the body and the skills and preferences of the piercer. As with the insertion of the implant using a needle, no tissue is removed. However, the methods are not that different in terms of pain and the procedure sounds much worse in theory than it actually is.
Therefore, dermal anchors can usually be used without local anesthesia .
After insertion: Care of a dermal piercing
The aftercare of Dermal piercing is associated with the highest level of hygiene. After the dermal anchor has been inserted, the implant is under the skin - however, it takes another four to eight weeks until the wound has healed and the plate has grown in properly. Only then should you change the attachment. But even when the dermal anchor has healed, careful hygiene is the top priority. After all, dirt, germs and bacteria can get into the skin pocket through the opening. And quickly lead to infections due to the protected climate. It should also be noted that even when the dermal anchor has healed, wound fluid can leak out - after all. The skin pocket always remains open to the outside .
To avoid inflammation, a dermal piercing must be cared for properly from the start. A plaster should be worn for protection in the first week after insertion. It is also recommended to avoid tight or lint-producing clothing. As well as creams, perfumes and make-up on the affected area during the healing process. The dermal anchor should be cleaned two to three times a day with thoroughly washed hands and disinfected with a special spray . Crusts can be carefully removed with a cotton swab and warm water. In addition, sports, swimming, saunas and solariums should be avoided for around 2 weeks.
The following risks exist with the dermal anchor
- There is always the risk that you will get caught on your dermal anchor or even accidentally rip it out
- It can happen that the body rejects the dermal anchor
- Infections can form and encapsulate through the skin pocket
- The plate can slip and the dermal anchor can grow in crookedly
- Last but not least, there is the risk of improper placement, such as too deep or incorrect placement
As with all piercings, you should be careful when choosing a studio. First, make sure that it is clean and hygienic and get detailed information about risks, wound healing and aftercare beforehand. Because to ensure that you enjoy your dermal anchor, you should definitely put yourself in professional hands .

Dermal Piercing Costs and Removal
The cost of a dermal anchor can vary. Depending on the type and piercing studio, you should expect to pay between 50 and 90 euros . There are often discounts when inserting multiple implants.
If you want to have a dermal anchor removed, you will also have to go to a piercing studio - do not remove it yourself! Piercers make a small cut and take out the plate. A small scar remains, but this is usually barely noticeable.
Leave a Reply