surfacepiercing

SurfacePiercing refers to a type of body modification where jewelry passes through the skin and is visible on the surface, rather than being fully embedded beneath the skin or piercing through an anatomical structure like an earlobe. These piercings often appear as if the jewelry is simply resting on the skin's surface, held in place by small anchors inserted beneath the skin.

The most common type of surface piercing is the surface bar, a piece of jewelry with two ends that emerge from the skin at opposite points. The jewelry itself is typically a curved barbell or a straight barbell, depending on the placement. Surface piercings can be performed on various parts of the body, including the nape of the neck, sternum, hips, collarbones, and even the forearms.

Surface piercings carry a higher risk of rejection and migration compared to other types of piercings. Rejection occurs when the body pushes the foreign object (the jewelry) out, leading to the piercing migrating to a different location or healing improperly. Migration is the gradual movement of the piercing over time. Careful placement by an experienced piercer, proper aftercare, and avoiding snagging the jewelry are crucial for the longevity of a surface piercing. Due to the potential for complications, surface piercings are often considered a more advanced form of body modification.