At first glance, dermal and surface piercings might look similar, but they’re fundamentally different. Wondering which one’s right for you? That depends on a few key things. But first, let’s break down the differences so you can walk into your piercing appointment knowing exactly what you want.
What is a Dermal Piercing?
A dermal piercing, also known as a transdermal implant, is a single-entry piercing. Unlike traditional piercings that have both an entry and exit point, dermal piercings only have one hole with a small anchor embedded under the skin. These anchors come in two types:
- Round Anchors—Small, round, and flat
- Footed Anchors—Flat and elongated for better stability.
Round and footed anchors come with or without holes. However, holed anchors tend to last longer for two reasons:
- Healing tissue “grips” the anchor through the holes, making rejection less likely
- They sit deeper in the skin, making them more secure.
What is a Surface Piercing?
Surface piercings sit flat on the skin, but unlike dermals, they have both an entry and exit point — kind of like a traditional ear piercing, except they lay horizontally under the skin.
What is the Difference Between Dermal and Surface Bar Piercings?
Dermal piercings have just one opening in the skin, with a little anchor tucked underneath to keep it in place. Surface bar piercings, on the other hand, have both an entry and an exit point—but no anchor under the skin. The jewelry for both sits on the surface, but the big difference? Dermals show just one visible piece of jewelry, while surface bar piercings have two (one at the entry and one at the exit point). This is why surface piercings are often called “surface bar” piercings, since a bar passes through the entry and exit points with no anchor.
How Long Do Dermal and Surface Piercings Last?
Dermal and surface bar piercings are considered “long-term” temporary piercings. How long they last depends on your body’s reaction, placement, and how well you take care of them. Here’s a rough idea:
- Dermal piercings: Last 6 months – 3 years
- Surface piercings: Last 1 – 7 years
Want your piercing to last? Choose a spot on your body with more… ahem… padding. Fleshy areas—like the sternum, spine, or eyebrow—are more prone to rejection.
How Painful Are Surface Piercings?
Any piercing hurts to some extent. That’s a given. Pain levels for a surface bar piercing depend on… well, the surface. Getting a surface piercing in a highly sensitive area like the ribs or close to the eye is going to hurt more than a nape or chest piercing. It all depends on how many nerve endings your piercer is workin’ with. Overall, surface piercings don’t necessarily hurt more than traditional piercings. It’s all a matter of placement.
How Painful Are Dermal Piercings?
Pain levels for dermal piercings depend on the method your piercer uses. For dermal piercings, there are two main options:
- Piercing needle – A needle poking a hole directly in the skin.
- Dermal punch – A tool that punctures and removes a small chunk of skin.
While dermal punches are quicker and preferred by many piercers, they may be illegal for non-medical professionals to use in some states. Therefore, be sure your piercer is following state regulations before your appointment.
How Much Do Dermal and Surface Piercings Cost?
Pricing for dermal and surface piercings is pretty similar, but surface piercings can be a little more expensive. Check out these pricing deets:
- Dermal piercings — Between $40–$100
- Surface piercings — Between $50- $100
Shop location, experience, and jewelry type all play a role in the final cost.
How Long Do Dermal and Surface Piercings Take to Heal?
Like pain level, healing time for dermal and surface piercings highly depends on where you’re getting pierced. Nevertheless, here’s a general idea of what to expect:
- Dermal piercing — 1–3 months
- Surface piercing — About 1 year
Both dermal and surface piercings experience mild swelling and crusting for the first few days. So don’t sweat those symptoms… they’re totally normal.
It’s normal to have some mild swelling and crusting for the first few days — no big deal. But if the swelling sticks around or your skin starts to change color, that’s a red flag. If you notice prolonged redness, swelling, or skin changes, contact your piercer or a healthcare provider.
Dermal and Surface Piercing Complications
Of the two, surface piercings experience a higher rate of rejection. But dermal and other piercing types can still experience complications, such as:
- Intense Pain and Discomfort
- Irregular Scarring
- Hypergranulation (red bumps caused by excess moisture or pressure)
- Tissue Damage
If you notice any of these issues, don’t wait — visit your piercer right away. They’ll advise you on the next steps, so things don’t get worse.
Identifying Piercing Rejection and Migration
Rejection is always a risk — your body might just decide it’s not too happy with the foreign object you’re putting in it. As with anything, sh!t happens, right? But keep an eye out for these signs of rejection:
- Red, flaky skin around the piercing
- Shifting jewelry position (migration)
If the skin over your piercing starts thinning or you can see the anchor under the skin— that’s migration, which means your body is trying to push it out. This happens more often in thin or bony areas, so pick a fleshier spot if you want your piercing to heal peacefully (and last).
How to Spot an Infection
If your new dermal or surface piercing feels “off,” look out for these signs:
- Swelling that lasts longer than normal.
- Pus or unusual discharge.
- Skin that’s hot or painful to the touch.
Important: If you think you have an infection, don’t try to remove the jewelry yourself— that can trap bacteria and make things worse. Get in touch with your piercer or a healthcare provider for help.
Taking Care of Your Dermal and Surface Piercings
Taking care of dermal and surface piercings is pretty similar to other piercings—you gotta keep them clean, dry, and protected. But these types of piercings are a little more delicate, so you’ll need to give them a little extra TLC. To keep your new piercing happy and healing well, steer clear of:
- Wearing tight clothing or anything that can snag your jewelry.
- Touching the area (unless you’re cleaning or treating it).
- Replacing your top piercing too early — typical wait time is about 3 months.
Dermal and Surface Piercing Aftercare:
- Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your piercing.
- Sea salt and saline soaks twice a day and throughout the day as needed.
- Keep the area dry and protected when you aren’t cleaning or showing that bad boy off.
Speaking of sea salt and saline, here are some client-favorite aftercare supplies that’ll keep your dermal or surface piercing happy and healthy:
- Recovery Sterilized Saline Wash Spray
- Recovery Purified Saline Wash Solution Spray
- Recovery Sea Salt from the Dead Sea
- Piercing Care Cleansing Spray by Tattoo Goo
The Takeaway
While dermal and surface piercings share some similarities, they have key differences. Use this blog as your go-to guide if you’re in the market for a dermal or surface piercing so you can understand the differences and choose the piercing that’s right for you.
Dermal or surface — whichever you choose, just make sure you’re going to a reputable piercer and following proper aftercare. A little research now means a smoother healing process later.
If you wanna know more and take a deeper dive into dermal piercings, check out our blog, Everything You Need to Know About Dermal Piercings.
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