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Anti Eyebrow Piercing (Butterfly Kiss): Placement, Pain, Price, Healing, Jewelry, Sizes, Aftercare
If you're considering getting an anti-eyebrow piercing, you likely have questions about the piercing process and what to expect as you heal. Here's everything you need to know about this unique look before you schedule your appointment.
What Is an Anti-Eyebrow Piercing?
An anti eyebrow piercing is a horizontal facial piercing placed just below the eye on the cheekbone. It is also known as a butterfly kiss piercing or a teardrop piercing. Although it is gaining popularity, it is one of the more unique facial piercing options.
Surface vs. Dermal Piercing Anti-Eyebrow
Anti-eyebrow piercings are usually done with a surface bar. They have an entry and exit point and can be vertical or diagonal.
Dermal or microdermal anti-eyebrow piercings have anchors that hold the jewelry in place and do not reject as quickly. Dermal anchors are used for this type of piercings. To create an anti-eyebrow piercing, you would need 2 dermal anchors.
Surface piercings have a higher risk of rejection than dermal (microdermal) piercings. That's why reputable piercers prefer dermal implants for anti-eyebrow piercings. However, if you want a temporary piercing, you should go with anti-eyebrow surface piercings.
In the meanwhile, you can create the illusion of a surface anti-eyebrow piercing by placing two dermal piercings close to each other.
How Long Do Anti Eyebrow Piercings Last?
On average, anti-eyebrow piercings can last anywhere from a few months to several years. It's rare to maintain this type of piercing for a lifetime because the piercing travels through the skin directly under its surface rather than going from one side to the other, such as an earlobe piercing.
Anti eyebrow piercings don't always reject, however, they pose a higher risk of rejection because they are surface piercings.
Your chances of rejection increase if your piercer does not go through enough tissue, the jewelry is of poor quality or you fail to follow aftercare instructions.
Are Anti-Eyebrow Piercings Safe?
Anti-eyebrow piercings are generally considered safe when done by a professional piercer; However, they carry some risks like all other piercings.
Some of the most common complications include rejection, infection, scarring, swelling, pain, and discomfort. Fortunately, if you take good care of your piercing as it heals, your risks of complications decrease.
Anti Eyebrow Piercing Price
How much are anti eyebrow piercings? Anti-eyebrow piercings usually cost between $40 and $60, depending on the piercing studio. Your jewelry will also affect the overall cost.
If you choose to get two dermal piercings to create the illusion of an anti-eyebrow piercing, you will pay between $40 and $100 per dermal. Dermal piercings cost more because it is a more invasive procedure.
Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Healing Time
Anti-eyebrow piercings take between 6 to 8 weeks to heal. However, it may take longer depending on how well you follow aftercare instructions and if any complications arise.
Dermal piercings that look like anti-eyebrow piercings also take a similar amount of time to heal, though in some cases, it can take 12 weeks.
Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Pain Level
In terms of piercing pain, many people find the pain associated with anti-eyebrow piercings is minimal, with a score of 3 out of 10 on a pain scale. However, the discomfort you feel also depends on your piercer's experience.
The pain associated with a dermal eyebrow piercing is similar.
Anti Eyebrow Piercing With Glasses?
Can you wear an anti-eyebrow piercing if you have glasses? Yes, people with glasses can wear anti-eyebrow piercings. However, consider the placement of your piercing and where your glasses sit to avoid irritation or discomfort, especially as it heals.
When Can I Change My Eyebrow Piercing?
It takes about 6-8 weeks for initial healing. However, at 6-8 weeks the piercing might still close up if you leave it open for too long. After about 6 months to a year, you will be able to take off your eyebrow jewelry without worrying the piercing might close up.
Anti Eyebrow Piercing Jewelry Types
There are several jewelry options for an anti-eyebrow piercing. Before changing your jewelry, you must wait until it completely heals. The following are the most common types:
1. Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Surface Bars
Staple bar piercing with balls internally threaded 14G flat bar $18.9, SHOP NOW.
Anti eyebrow piercings are usually done with a surface bar. The post of surface bars bends at a 90-degree angle, allowing them to sit flat against the skin. Surface bars snag less often than other jewelry types and create a sleek aesthetic.
Note: Choose a flat surface bar instead of a round one to avoid seeing the bar under your skin.
2. Curved Barbells
Curved barbell eyebrow piercing 16G 6mm 8mm 10mm titanium diamond eyebrow barbell gold silver $22.9, SHOP NOW.
Curved barbells are NOT recommended fo anti-eyebrow piercings as they are more likely to reject. But some choose this style as there are a larger variety of design options.
3. Dermal Anchors for Dermal Anti Eyebrow Piercings
Dermal Anchor With CZ for Dermal Piercing Implant Grade Titanium 14G $17.9, SHOP NOW.
You can create the illusion of an anti-eyebrow piercing by choosing dermal anchors. A dermal anchor features one end that sits below the skin, anchoring it in place while the other end stays exposed.
The top on the exposed end can be changed out for gems, balls, or spikes, making them a versatile option for those who like anti-eyebrow piercings but want to avoid surface piercings.
Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Sizes
- Gauge: Anti-eyebrow surface piercing barbells are typically between 14 gauge (1.6mm) and 16 gauge (1.2mm).
- Length: Surface bars are available in various lengths based on your preferecens, including 8mm (5/16"), 10mm (3/8"), 12mm (1/2"), and 14mm (9/16").
- If you opt for a dermal piercing, it will likely be between 16 gaueg (1.2mm) and 18 gauge (1.0mm). The length of a dermal implant is around 2.5 millimeters.
Recommended Materials for Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Jewelry
1. Titanium: About $20-$40
Surface barbell with opal white blue purple green opal titanium surface bar piercings 16G $22.9, SHOP NOW.
Titanium has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is lightweight, hypoallergenic, durable, nickel-free, non-corrosive, and won’t tarnish.
Its non-porous nature reduces places bacteria can hide, promoting healing.
Titanium is also hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. Titanium is nickel-free.
Its high density-to-strength ratio means your jewelry is very durable.
A lower density also makes titanium lightweight, a big plus for many users. Finally, the metal comes in many colors because you can anodize it.
The only real downside to titanium jewelry is that you will pay more for all those positive traits. Shop for implant-grade titanium with designations like ASTM F-136, ASTM F-67, or ISO 5832-3.
2. Surgical Steel: About $5-$30
Even surgical-grade steel contains small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities. Choose a different option if you are concerned about irritation or a nickel allergy.
Steel combines iron and carbon, improving its strength and ability to resist fracturing.
However, this silver alloy can contain other elements, including nickel. Make sure to buy surgical-grade steel jewelry. These will have ratings: ASTM F-138, ISO 5832-1, ISO 10993-6, ISO 10993-10, or ISO 10993-11.
One of the pros most people cite for steel jewelry pieces is the lower price point. Steel is also a durable option. These pieces are low maintenance because the steel does not corrode, rust, or tarnish.
Weight is the top complaint for those using steel jewelry pieces. Steel can be less comfortable if worn in piercings for long periods.
3. Solid Gold: About $40-$200
This metal will not rust or tarnish. It is also easy to decorate and shape. The added alloys in 18k, and especially 14k, make them more durable than 24k gold pieces.
One downside to gold jewelry is the price tag, which is expensive. Another concern will be that the metal is soft, making it susceptible to bends, breaks, and gouges. Gold can also be heavy, especially with more pure karat ratings.
4. Niobium: About $20-$60
Niobium is a light grey metal known for its hardness that is like titanium. The metal resists corrosion and tarnishing like others on the list, creating minimal maintenance for you.
It might be the best metal for a piercing if you want titanium-like durability with more malleability. That extra pliability makes it easier for jewelers to shape pieces. Niobium can come in various colors as it is something that you can anodize.
The only real downsides are that it weighs a bit more than titanium and you will likely pay a bit more due to the process involved in manufacturing this metal.
Anti-Eyebrow Piercing Pros and Cons
Anti-eyebrow piercings are less common than other types of facial piercings. Because of this, you may not know much about them. Therefore, you should understand the pros and cons of this unique piercing before committing.
Pros
- There's less pain associated with anti-eyebrow piercings than with other options.
- Anti-eyebrow piercings take a shorter amount of time to heal than some other types of piercings.
- It's an excellent alternative to two separate dermal piercings and creates a similar aesthetic.
- It does not require a specific anatomical structure like some lip and ear piercings do.
- Anti-eyebrow piercings are less common and, therefore, look cool and edgy.
Cons
- Because of placement location, a black eye can develop, lasting up to two weeks after piercing.
- Anti-eyebrow piercings are prone to rejection because they are surface piercings. If they do reject, they may leave a noticeable scar.
- Anti-eyebrow piercings are challenging to hide.
- These piercings can become easily irritated if they come into contact with clothing, hair, or eyewear.
Anti Eyebrow Piercing Risks
Like any piercing, anti-eyebrow piercings come with some risks. The most common risks include:
1. Anti Eyebrow Piercing Rejection
Do anti eyebrow piercings always reject? Not always, however, anti-eyebrow piercings pose a higher risk of rejection because they are surface piercings.
Your chances of rejection increase if your piercer does not go through enough tissue, the jewelry is of poor quality or you fail to follow aftercare instructions.
2. Anti Eyebrow Piercing Scar
If you decide to remove your jewelry, scarring may occur. The chances of scarring also increase if your piercing is not adequately cared for throughout the healing process.
3. Anti Eyebrow Piercing Infection
Signs of infection include pain that is still present after two weeks, swelling, blood or pus from the piercing, and a fever.
4. Bruising
Because anti-eyebrow piercings sit close to the eye, they can bruise easily. Initial bruising should fade over time.
How to Clean Anti Eyebrow Piercings (Step by Step)?
It is recommended to use sterile saline that you buy from the store, rather than homemade saline, for cleaning your piercings. Homemade saline may be too salty for delicate piercing sites, leading to dryness and delayed healing.
Using mild, fragrance-free soap and water to clean your piercing site is also an option.
If you prefer homemade salt solution. You can start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with one cup of distilled or boiled (for at least 20 minutes) water. You may choose to use less of the salt mixture like 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon if you want a weaker solution that’s less likely to burn or sting. Stir the solution until it dissolves.
If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid using them for daily cleaning as they can damage cells.
Then proceed with the following steps to clean your piercing:
- Soak a cotton ball, a paper towel, or a non-plush cloth with the solution. Avoid fabrics that could snag and pull the jewelry or leave fibers behind. Gently saturate the piercing and cleanse it. Don't remove the jewelry!
- If you have a sterile saline wound wash that you buy from stores, then spay it while healing.
- Ensure you cleanse the piercing of any discharge or crusty material.
- Take clean gauze or cotton swabs and pat the area dry.
Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on how to keep your piercing clean once it has been placed.
Anti Eyebrow Piercing Aftercare
- Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
- Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
- Avoid getting in the water that might be dirty.
- Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline solution made for wound cleaning or soap and water to prevent infection.
- Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
- And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
- Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that may rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
- Use hypoallergenic jewelry like implant-grade titanium and 14- or 18-karat gold. Surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions.
- Don't move the piercing unless you're cleaning it. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
- Wait until your piercing heals before changing out your jewelry.
- Watch for potential signs of infection and consult your piercer or doctor if it becomes infected.
You should ensure you get pierced by someone experienced and reliable who utilizes the right cleaning and sterilization procedures. You’ll also need to choose high-quality jewelry that you aren’t allergic to. After you get your piercing, be sure to follow all instructions from your piercer.
Final Thoughts
Anti-eyebrow piercings offer a distinctive look and a great way to express yourself. By choosing a reputable piercing studio and following all aftercare instructions, you can enjoy the allure of this look while minimizing your risks.
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