Thinking about a dermal piercing? These single-point surface piercings are eye-catching, versatile, and a little different from your typical earlobe or cartilage piercing. Here’s everything you need to know about dermal piercings: from what a dermal piercing is, to jewelry options, healing tips, and costs. What Is a Dermal Piercing? A dermal piercing is a single-point surface piercing. Unlike traditional piercings that go in one side and out the other, dermals sit flush against your skin. They consist of a small dermal anchor that holds a decorative top, giving a “floating” jewelry effect. Dermals can be placed almost anywhere: Below the eye Along the neck or collarbone On your hips or fingers Even on the forehead for dramatic effect The downside? Dermals can migrate or reject over time, especially if bumped or snagged. Proper placement and aftercare are key to longevity. How Do Dermal Piercings Work? Here’s a quick breakdown of the process: Piercer Prepares the Area: A small circle of skin is removed using a dermal punch. Anchor Insertion: A dermal anchor is placed into the hole with dermal forceps. Anchor Design: Some anchors have holes or a footed base to let tissue grow through, making them more stable. Even with the best care, your body may naturally try to push out the anchor, similar to how it expels a splinter. But with good aftercare and protection, a dermal piercing can last for years. How Much Is a Dermal Piercing? The cost of a dermal piercing can vary depending on location, studio, and the jewelry used. On average, expect to pay between $40–$100 for the piercing itself. High-quality jewelry or custom designs can add extra cost. Keep in mind: choosing a skilled piercer is worth it. Dermal piercings are delicate, and placement mistakes can increase the risk of rejection or migration. Dermal Piercing Jewelry Types and Materials Once healed, you can swap out your dermal top for a variety of styles: Shapes: Discs, cones, balls, animals, flat tops Materials: Surgical steel, titanium, 14k gold Design Options: Sky's the limit! Choose from jewels, synthetic opals, micron beading, and plenty of other styles for self-expression There are also all-in-one skin anchors where the top is permanent, or threaded/threadless tops that allow you to change up your look easily. If you’re unsure how to change your top, use a dermal holder tool or ask your piercer for help. Threaded vs. Threadless Dermal Jewelry When it comes to dermal piercing jewelry, you’ve got two main options: threaded and threadless tops. Understanding the difference can help you pick the right jewelry for comfort, style, and ease of use. Threaded Dermal Jewelry Threaded dermal jewelry uses a screw-style connection to attach the top to the anchor. This option is popular for its stability and long-term wear. There are two types of threaded jewelry: Internally threaded:The threading is inside the anchor, and the top screws in smoothly. This creates a cleaner insertion and reduces irritation during changes. Internally threaded jewelry is considered safer for new piercings, since the threading isn't external and won't irritate the piercing site. Externally threaded:The threading is on the outside of the post. These are typically more affordable but can cause friction when inserting or removing jewelry. If you want to dive deeper into the differences, check out our full guide here. Threadless Dermal Jewelry Uses a push-fit or magnetic system (no threading required, which is great for new or healing piercings, since threading can sometimes irritate the piercing site) Perfect for changing your top frequently or experimenting with different looks. Less risk of cross-threading, and easier to remove or replace without a tool. Ideal for beginners or those who like versatility in their piercing jewelry. Check out threadless options here. Which One Should You Choose? If you want long-term security and don’t plan to swap tops often → go threaded. If you love switching up your style or want something simple to remove → choose threadless. Healing, Aftercare, and Long-Term Maintenance Healing a dermal piercing takes time and care. Follow these tips for the best results: Daily Care: Wash hands before touching your piercing Soak twice daily with saline or homemade sea salt solution Mist with piercing aftercare spray as needed Avoid: Soap directly on the piercing (can dry it out) Tight clothing that rubs or presses on the piercing Bumping or snagging the piercing Common Issues: Crusties: Normal lymph build-up; soften with saline and gently remove Displaced dermals: See your piercer immediately Infection: Look for yellow pus, redness, or heat; consult a doctor Hypergranulation (“red bump”): Usually caused by pressure or moisture; adjust clothing and aftercare Scarring: Hypertrophic scars are common; keloids are rare. Treat with jojoba oil or silicone gel once healed Overall Health: Good sleep, hydration, nutrition, and avoiding nicotine will help your dermal heal faster. Other Dermal Piercing Resources If you're interested in learning more about dermal piercings, dermal piercing aftercare, and dermal jewelry, or even how to use a dermal punch to create a dermal piercing hole, check out the resources below. What Are My Dermal Jewelry Options? Dermal Piercing & Surface Piercing FAQs How to Properly Use a Dermal Punch
