Dermal Piercing: Procedure and Healing

Short answer: A dermal (microdermal) piercing is a type of piercing placed into the skin at a single point, where the jewellery doesn’t enter at one end and exit at the other like a needle. A small, perforated base (anchor) sits under the skin; only the screw-on top (stone, disc or ball) shows on the surface. Initial healing usually takes 1–3 months, and full settling up to 6 months. The risk of snagging and rejection is higher than with classic piercings, so the choice of area, jewellery material and an experienced practitioner are decisive.

How does a dermal piercing work?

In a classic piercing, the jewellery enters through one side of the skin and exits through the other; a barbell or ring sits between two holes. A dermal piercing has a single entry point. At this point the practitioner makes a small pocket under the skin and places the base of the jewellery horizontally in it. The upright post on the base faces out of the skin, and the visible decorative top screws onto this post.

The base usually has holes in it. During healing, tissue grows through these holes and holds the base in place. This is what we mean by the jewellery “anchoring”. That is why a dermal piercing is a more technical procedure, somewhere between a piercing and a small surface implantation.

The difference between dermal and surface piercings

The two terms are often confused. A surface piercing has two entry and exit points on a flat surface, with a U-shaped bar sitting under the skin. A dermal piercing is single-point and has no bar. The advantage of a dermal is that it can put a single bright point on flat surfaces with a very minimal look. The disadvantage is that, because the base sits close to the surface, it is more sensitive to knocks and snagging.

The most popular dermal placements

Above the collarbone: Often done as a symmetrical pair of dermals. Watch out for friction from straps, bag straps and seat belts.
Cheekbone (facial dermal): Gives a subtle sparkle near the corner of the eye. Needs care during make-up and face cleansing.
Breastbone (sternum): Lots of contact with clothing; bras and tight clothes can make healing harder.
Nape and lower back: Because of friction from hair, pillows and waistbands, how well it holds varies from person to person.
Finger and hand: Because these areas move a lot and are in constant contact, the chance of rejection is significantly higher; usually not recommended.

The basic rule for choosing an area is simple: the less the skin moves and the less it rubs, the more likely the dermal is to stay long-term. At the first consultation, your anatomy and daily habits (bags, sport, sleeping position) should be assessed together.

How is the procedure done?

The procedure usually goes like this: the area is cleaned and marked, a small opening is made with a sterile single-use needle or dermal punch, the base is placed horizontally under the skin and the top is screwed on. It takes a few minutes. The pain felt varies from person to person; most people feel brief pressure and a burning sensation. For more on pain perception, see our piercing pain management guide .

Dermal piercing is not offered by every studio, and the practitioner needs specific experience with this technique. Be sure to ask the hygiene and experience questions in our studio checklist, especially for dermals.

Choosing jewellery

Dermal jewellery has two parts: the base under the skin and the top outside. The base material matters because it is in direct, long-term contact with the tissue. Titanium is the most popular material because it is light and nickel-free; we explain why it stands out in our titanium piercing jewellery guide . People with a nickel sensitivity should also read the nickel allergy and piercing jewelry article.

The tops (stone, disc, ball) can be changed by a professional once healing is complete. Because the base stays fixed, changing the look doesn’t require a new piercing.

Healing and aftercare

Mild redness, swelling and clear-yellowish discharge are normal in the first days; you can find out in detail which of these symptoms are normal in our crusting, discharge and lymph guide . The general aftercare principles are the same as for other piercings:

Clean once or twice a day with sterile saline (choosing saline), then gently pat dry with clean gauze.
Don’t twist or move the jewellery, and don’t try to unscrew the top yourself.
In the first weeks you can protect the area with a plaster or dressing; this reduces snagging especially while sleeping and doing sport.
Take care that towels, jumpers, hair and bag straps don’t catch on the jewellery.
Stay away from pools, the sea and hot tubs in the first weeks (shower, pool and sport guide).

You can find what to expect week by week on the piercing aftercare calendar and healing times table pages.

Rejection and snagging: the main risk with dermals

The body can see the base under the skin as a foreign object and push it towards the surface over time. This is called rejection (migration). Signs include the jewellery looking more prominent than before, the top tilting, the entry point widening and the base becoming visible under the skin. If you notice these signs, contact your practitioner without forcing the jewellery; details in our piercing rejection guide.

Another common problem is snagging. A dermal caught on a jumper or towel can shift, bleed or come out completely. We explain what to do in that case on the if your piercing got caught or torn page. If there is redness, increasing heat and dark, smelly discharge, see the infection or irritation guide and, if necessary, a health professional.

Who is a dermal piercing not suitable for?

For people prone to keloids (keloid or hypertrophic scar?), athletes whose area takes constant knocks, and people who often cover the area or expose it to friction for work, a dermal piercing may not be a good choice. People taking blood thinners and those with chronic skin conditions should consult their doctor before the procedure. Our rules for under-18s are on the parental consent page .

Dermal piercing at Cadde Piercing Studio

A dermal piercing price list is not on our price list, so suitability and price are given separately depending on the area and jewellery. For a pre-assessment at our studio in Ümraniye Çarşı, message us via the booking page or on WhatsApp (+90 533 250 01 77). If you are looking for a minimal look that heals more easily than a dermal, also consider the nose or ear piercing options.

Got a question? Ask on WhatsApp or book an appointment in Ümraniye at our studio in Ümraniye Çarşı.

FAQ

What is a dermal piercing?

A dermal piercing is a type of piercing where the jewellery is placed into the skin at a single point, with no entry and exit hole. A small base (anchor) sits under the skin, and only the top of the jewellery shows on the surface.

How many days does a dermal piercing take to heal?

Initial healing usually takes 1–3 months; the tissue fully surrounding the base can take up to 6 months depending on the person and the area.

Is a dermal piercing permanent?

No. The body can push the jewellery to the surface over time (rejection), and the jewellery can be removed by a professional if wanted; a small mark may remain.

Can a dermal piercing be removed at home?

No. Because the base is under the skin, trying to pull it out can tear the tissue. Removal and top changes should be done by a professional.

Where can a dermal piercing be placed?

Most often above the collarbone, on the cheekbone, on the breastbone, on the nape and around the wrist. In areas that rub constantly or move a lot, the retention rate drops.

Can you have an MRI with a dermal piercing?

Titanium jewellery is generally considered MRI-compatible, but the decision always belongs to the medical team doing the scan. Always mention your piercing and the jewellery material before your appointment.

Having a problem? If you have signs of infection (increasing pain, warmth, yellow-green discharge, fever), see a doctor without removing the jewellery. For aftercare and jewellery advice, book an appointment or +90 533 250 01 77 call our number.

This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.