Put simply, the dermal vs surface distinction comes down to points of contact. A dermal – or microdermal – is single-point: one anchor tucked under the skin, one decorative top above. A surface piercing is two-point, with a bar bridging an entry and an exit. Dermals suit small, isolated flat spots; surface pieces span a flat run such as the nape or collarbone.

For microdermal piercings, we generally recommend planning for around 4–6 months, though the surface may look calm before the anchor underneath feels fully secure. The spot, your health, and how well you shield it from knocks all factor in. Ask your piercer for a timeline based on your particular placement.

Most people describe a fast, firm pinch or a brief feeling of pressure rather than drawn-out pain. It passes quickly, and an efficient piercer keeps the moment short. That said, sensitivity shifts from one location to another and from one person to the next.

Sterile saline is your main tool: spray or rinse as your piercer recommends, always with clean hands, then pat dry with a clean disposable product. Skip pools and hot tubs while it heals, and guard it against bumps and catches. Leave the top where it is until the piercing has fully healed.

Sometimes. An anchor sits below the skin, so taking one out can leave a small mark – faint for some people, more noticeable for others. Have a piercer or doctor remove it for the cleanest result; this is not a job to attempt at home.

Two parts: a dermal anchor seated under the skin and a top that threads onto it and can be changed later. We use implant-grade titanium for anchors, with compatible titanium, solid gold, or gem-set tops selected and sized for a snug, comfortable fit.

Surface piercings use a surface bar: a flat, staple-shaped barbell designed to sit along the skin and take strain off the two exit points. We fit implant-grade versions in the length and profile your placement calls for, which helps reduce the risk of migration.