April 13, 2025

Dermal Piercing (Microdermal): Types, Cost, Pain, Duration, Jewelry, Cleaning, Aftercare

Dermal piercings are a popular body jewelry choice among young adults and teenagers. However, unlike traditional piercings, they carry a higher risk of complications. If you are considering a dermal piercing, it is important to understand the pros and cons associated with this type of body modification.

What Is a Dermal Piercing?

A dermal piercing, also known as a single-point or microdermal piercing, doesn't have separate entry and exit points like traditional piercings. It is created by inserting a small, oval-shaped anchor just beneath the skin's surface. The jewelry attaches to this anchor and sits flat on the skin.

Types of Dermal Piercings

Dermal piercings are versatile and suitable for flat areas of your skin on various parts of your body. Where is a dermal piercing? Here are some of the most common types of dermal piercings.

1. Back Dermal Piercing

A back dermal piercing involves anchoring dermal jewelry beneath the skin in the lower back, typically near the dimples.

2. Face Dermal Piercing

Face dermal piercings involve placing a dermal anchor beneath the skin's surface on a flat area around the face.

For example, a dermal cheek piercing, commonly called a dimple piercing, is situated near the cheekbone. This type of dermal piercing involves inserting a dermal anchor into the area of the cheek tissue where a dimple would naturally occur.

A cheekbone dermal piercing involves placing the anchor beneath the skin on the cheekbone.

A facial dermal piercing is any type of dermal piercing located in various areas of the face, such as the eyebrow or cheek.

3. Chest Dermal Piercing

A chest dermal piercing is typically located in the center of the chest, the cleavage area or just below the clavicle.

4. Hip Dermal Piercing

Hip dermal piercings are placed near the hip bone through the skin around the pelvic area.

5. Neck Dermal Piercing

A neck dermal piercing can be placed either at the nape or on the lower front part of the neck.

6. Eye Dermal Piercing

This piercing involves placing a small flat anchor under the skin with a visible piece of jewelry near the eyes.

For example, a Third-Eye piercing is a unique and edgy body modification that sits above the bridge of the nose. It is also known as a forehead dermal piercing or a vertical bridge piercing.

7. Eyebrow Dermal Piercing

Eyebrow dermal piercings typically sit just above, below, or at the end of the eyebrow.

Butterfly kiss dermal piercing is also known as an anti-eyebrow piercing. It is typically positioned horizontally along the cheekbone. However, you can also place them below the eye socket, vertically beneath the eyebrow, or above the cheekbone.

8. Lip Dermal Piercing

A lip dermal piercing is typically positioned in the center of the bottom lip.

How Do Dermal Piercings Work?

How are dermal piercings done? When getting a dermal piercing, your piercer will create a small hole to insert an "anchor" into the middle layer of your skin. The base of this anchor typically measures between 6 and 7 millimeters in length, just enough to secure the top portion of the jewelry. The jewelry rests on the surface layer of your skin.

What's Special About Dermal Piercings?

Dermal piercings are unique, trendy, and a great way to express your style. You can place a dermal on parts of the body where traditional piercings are difficult to achieve, offering you a wider range of placement options.

Some people prefer dermal anchors to surface piercings because they tend to heal better and are somewhat less prone to rejection or migration than surface piercings.

Dermal Piercing Cost

How much is a dermal piercing? Dermal piercings typically cost between $40 to $100, not including your jewelry.

How Long Do Dermal Piercings Last?

Are dermal piercings permanent? Dermal piercings are semi-permanent. Although they can last for a significant length of time, they will eventually reject or migrate. How long your dermal piercing lasts depends on several different factors, including:

Placement - Dermals placed in areas of the body with less movement tend to last longer.
Care - Adhering to proper aftercare can prolong the life of your dermal piercing.
Individual body chemistry - Some people find their bodies are more likely to reject foreign matter and objects, including piercings.
Most individuals can expect their dermal piercings to last between 1 and 5 years. However, some may experience migration or rejection much sooner.

Do Dermal Piercings Hurt?

The level of pain you may experience depends on the placement, your piercer's expertise, and your pain tolerance. Generally, dermals are rated between 4 and 6 on a piercing pain scale of 1 to 10.

Dermal vs Surface Piercing

A surface piercing places a surface bar under the skin. The entrance and exit points lie close together on the skin's surface. This technique gives the wearer a double-pierced look and requires a barbell that sits flat against the skin.

Surface piercings have a higher risk of rejection than dermal (microdermal) piercings.

Dermal Piercing Jewelry

Jewelry Type: Dermal Anchors

Dermal Piercing (Miscrodermal): Types, Cost, Pain, Duration, Jewelry, Cleaning, Aftercare

Tiny dermal piercing with a ball titanium microdermal anchor $17.9, SHOP NOW.

Although all dermal piercings have an anchor embedded in your skin on one end, you can wear a variety of tops, including gems, flat disks, charms, spikes, and other shapes.

Jewelry size

Most dermal jewelry is designed to fit a 14 or 16-gauge anchor. The anchor will either be a rounded, flat disk or a faceted anchor, which features an elongated base resembling a foot. A faceted anchor tends to provide a stronger base for your dermal top. However, it's best to consult your piercer to determine the right anchor for your piercing.

The base of the anchor typically measures between 6 and 7 millimeters long, which is just long enough to secure the top.

Recommended Materials

The best materials to select for your dermal piercing are implant-grade titanium, 14-karat or 18-karat gold, and surgical stainless steel.

1. Implant-Grade Titanium: About $20-$40

Dermal anchor piercing with natural green moss agate 14G $24.9, SHOP NOW.

Titanium piercing jewelry is strongly recommended. Titanium is a corrosion-resistant shiny metal prized for its low weight and strength. It has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is hypoallergenic, lightweight, nickel-free, and won’t tarnish.

To be detailed, titanium is hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. It’s often recommended for those who are allergic to brass, nickel, and other metals common in jewelry.

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.

2. 14-Karat and 18-Karat Gold: About $40-$200

14-karat and 18-karat gold ear piercing jewelry can offer an elevated look. 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. Also, consider if you have allergies, such as an allergy to gold.

3. Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel: About $5-$30

If you opt for stainless steel, you should opt for surgical-grade steel. It often contributes to a smooth healing process and is extremely durable. However, even surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities.

Talk through all material options with your piercer to figure out what’s best for you and your skin.

Are Dermal Piercings Safe?

If done by a professional, experienced piercer in a sterile environment, dermal piercings can be safe.

Risks Associated With Dermal Piercings

While dermal piercings are quite popular, they come with a higher level of risk compared to traditional piercings. These risks and side effects include:

Scarring - Scarring may occur if the piercing is placed too deep, becomes infected, or is rejected.
Rejection - Your body may attempt to push out the piercing anchor because it is considered a foreign object.
Infection - Bacteria may enter the piercing site if the jewelry, piercing tools, or the environment aren't sanitized.
Hypergranulation - In some cases, a red bump may form around the piercing site.
Nerve damage - A dermal piercing may cause permanent nerve damage in rare cases, which could lead to numbness or pain.

Dermal piercings differ from traditional ones and involve a higher risk of side effects. It is crucial to select a piercer with substantial experience in performing dermal piercings. Once you receive a dermal piercing, it is important to follow all aftercare advice and contact your piercer with any questions or concerns about the healing process.

Dermal Piercings Pros and Cons

Like any other piercing, dermal piercings come with several pros and cons.

Pros

Dermal piercings offer a unique aesthetic that can help you achieve a minimalist, elegant look.
They can be placed in unconventional parts of your body, expanding your piercing options.
When properly cared for, dermal piercings generally heal faster than surface piercings.

Cons

Dermal piercings carry a higher risk of rejection, displacement, and migration.
You may experience a higher risk of scarring, especially if they reject.
The removal process is more complex and may require a small incision to dislodge the anchor.

Although dermal piercings are versatile, trendy, and unique, you must understand that they are temporary and carry a higher risk of rejection, complications, and scarring.

How Do You Remove Dermal Piercings?

Never try to remove a dermal piercing on your own. Dermal piercing removal is invasive and requires proper sterilization and sanitization. If you would like to remove your dermal, it's best to seek help from your piercer or medical professional.

How to take out dermal piercings? When you visit a professional for removal, they will first cleanse, disinfect, and numb the area. Afterward, they will remove the visible part of the jewelry. If the anchor proves challenging to remove, they may need to create a small incision to dislodge it. Once dislodged, they will gently extract it using a tool. After removal, the area around the incision is cleaned, and you will receive aftercare instructions to promote healing.

How Do You Clean a Dermal Piercing?

You should start cleaning your piercings the same day you receive them. Be sure to take the following steps to keep it clean and reduce potential risks:

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 a 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 spray 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.

Dermal Piercing Aftercare

You will need to take extra care to clean and sterilize your new piercing every day. Skimping on the cleaning can lead to an ear infection, scarring, and could even make it impossible to ever get your daith pierced again.

Dermal piercings require maintenance during their entire lifetime because matter can build up underneath the threaded top, causing the piercing to become irritated. Saline and/or shower rinses may be helpful with removing matter from underneath the threaded top.
Avoid putting makeup on these piercings even after healing.
Avoid sleeping on the piercing.
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.