Dermal Piercings
Dermal piercings, also known as microdermal implants or dermal anchor piercings, are a popular type of body piercing that can be placed on various areas of the body. Unlike traditional piercings, dermal jewellery sits just beneath the surface of the skin. The visible part of the jewellery is known as the dermal top, which screws securely into a small metal base called a dermal anchor.
Dermal Tops
There are many different styles of dermal tops available, from simple metal designs and single gems to more decorative and spiked options. There are a couple of important things to consider when choosing the right dermal top.
The most common gauge (bar thickness) for dermal jewellery is 1.6mm (14 GA), usually featuring an internally threaded connection. If you want to use a smaller gauge dermal top with a larger dermal anchor, this can be achieved using a suitable dermal converter.
It’s also important to consider the location of your dermal piercing when choosing a style. A spiked or raised dermal top, for example, may be more likely to catch on clothing or cause irritation depending on where it is worn. If your dermal piercing is in an area that is regularly knocked or exposed to friction, such as during sports, a simple flat metal or single-gem dermal top may be a more practical option.
Dermal Anchors
The dermal anchor sits beneath the surface of the skin, making the quality and material of the anchor particularly important. Choosing a suitable, high-quality material can help reduce the risk of irritation and ensure the jewellery is suitable for long-term wear.
Grade 23 Titanium is a popular choice for dermal anchors and is widely used in medical applications due to its biocompatibility and high standard of quality. This can be paired with a dermal top manufactured from 316L Surgical Steel, providing a wide choice of styles and finishes.
You may also notice that some dermal anchors feature small holes either side of the post. These holes are designed to help the anchor remain securely positioned beneath the skin, with tissue forming around and through the openings as the piercing heals.
Dermal Piercing Considerations
- Professional piercing: Dermal piercings should always be performed by a professional piercer using appropriate equipment and following suitable hygiene procedures.
- Healing and rejection: Due to the nature of dermal piercings, they can be more susceptible to rejection or migration than some traditional piercings. Incorrect positioning, repeated knocks and catching on clothing can all affect the healing process.
- Aftercare: Keep your dermal piercing clean throughout the healing process, ideally using a suitable saline piercing aftercare solution. Extra care should be taken while the piercing is healing, which can take up to 12 weeks depending on the individual and the placement.
About Gekko Body Jewellery
Here at Gekko Body Jewellery, we stock thousands of different types of body jewellery, so be sure to explore our other piercing categories. Our range includes cartilage bars, labret studs, tapers and septum clickers.
We’re also continually expanding our range of ear cuffs and nose rings and studs, giving you even more options when shopping for body jewellery.
We offer free UK shipping on all orders and same working day dispatch for orders placed before 15:00, so you can get your new piercing jewellery on its way quickly.