Can You Get Dermal and Surface Piercings at Gravity?
Dermal and surface piercings open up placements that a standard piercing simply cannot reach, from a single sparkle on the cheekbone to a bar across the nape of the neck. They are some of the most eye catching pieces a studio can offer, yet they also demand real skill to place and maintain. This guide explains what dermal and surface piercings are, how they differ, the healing they need and why they are best left to a specialist. Luton clients can find all of this expertise at Gravity.
What are dermal and surface piercings?
A dermal piercing, sometimes called a microdermal or dermal anchor, is a single point piercing. A small anchor sits just under the skin and a decorative top screws onto it, so all you see on the surface is one neat gem or shape. Because there is no exit hole, a dermal can be placed almost anywhere flat, such as the cheekbone, the chest or the back of the neck. It is a versatile way to add sparkle where a traditional piercing would not work.
A surface piercing is different. It uses a specially shaped bar, often described as staple shaped, that dips under the skin and shows two ends on the surface. Surface bars suit flatter areas like the nape of the neck, the sternum or the hips. Both styles sit in the surface of the skin rather than passing through a natural fold, which is exactly why placement and technique matter so much.
Dermal anchor and surface bar compared
| Feature | Dermal anchor | Surface bar |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | A single point anchor under the skin | A staple shaped bar under the skin |
| Visible part | One decorative top | Two ends on the surface |
| Common placements | Cheekbone, chest, back of neck | Nape, sternum, hips |
| Typical healing | 1 to 3 months | 3 to 6 months |
| Removal | Best done by a professional | Best done by a professional |
The comparison highlights an important point, which is that both piercings need professional removal as well as professional placement. These are not pieces to attempt at home. Understanding the differences helps Luton clients choose the style that suits the look they want and the part of the body they have in mind.
How dermal and surface piercings heal
Ranges are typical guides only. Surface work heals more slowly and depends heavily on placement, jewellery and aftercare.
What makes dermals and surface piercings work
Success with these piercings comes down to a few professional fundamentals. Here is what a specialist gets right.
Anatomy led placement
The piercer chooses a flat, low movement area that gives the piece the best chance of staying put and healing cleanly.
Implant grade jewellery
Anchors and tops in ASTM F-136 titanium are biocompatible and reduce irritation during the delicate healing period.
Correct depth
Placing the anchor at the right depth is a skill that keeps the top sitting flush and helps prevent early rejection.
Professional removal
Dermals and surface bars should always be removed by a trained piercer to protect the skin and avoid damage.
Thinking about a dermal or surface piercing near Luton?
Gravity has the experience these piercings demand, from careful placement to safe removal. Speak to the team about your idea before you travel from Luton.
Understanding rejection and migration
Because dermal and surface piercings sit in the surface of the skin, they carry a higher chance of rejection or migration than a piercing that passes through a natural fold. Rejection is the body slowly pushing the jewellery out, while migration is the piece gradually shifting position. Neither is a sign that you did anything wrong. It is simply the nature of surface work. The right placement and jewellery are what keep the risk as low as possible.
It also helps to have realistic expectations from the start. A well placed dermal can last for years with good care, though no surface piercing is guaranteed to be permanent in the way a lobe is. Treating these pieces as beautiful but demanding is the healthiest way to enjoy them. A specialist will always be honest with you about the odds for your chosen placement so you can decide with your eyes open rather than being sold a promise that cannot be kept.
This is where a specialist earns their reputation. Choosing a low movement area, placing the anchor at the correct depth and fitting quality jewellery all stack the odds in your favour. Sensible aftercare then protects the piece while it settles. If you ever notice the top lifting, the skin thinning or the jewellery shifting, contact the studio early so it can be checked before any problem develops.
Caring for a dermal or surface piercing
Good aftercare makes a real difference with surface work. Keep these habits in mind.
- Protect it from knocks. Be mindful of clothing, bags and hair that can catch the top and disturb a healing anchor.
- Clean with saline only. Use a sterile saline spray and avoid picking or twisting the jewellery at any point.
- Keep it dry. Avoid soaking in baths, pools and hot tubs while the piercing is fresh.
- Leave the top alone. Do not unscrew or change the top yourself during healing, since this can loosen the anchor.
- Act early on changes. If the piece looks like it is lifting or moving, contact the studio for a professional check.
Why these piercings need a specialist
A dermal or surface piercing cannot be done with a piercing gun and should never be attempted casually. Placing an anchor at the right depth or seating a surface bar correctly takes trained hands, sterile technique and a real understanding of how skin behaves. This is precise work where experience shows in the result, which is a big reason Luton clients travel to a dedicated studio rather than settling for a service that does not offer it.
Removal is just as important as placement. A dermal anchor in particular needs a professional to take it out safely without damaging the surrounding skin. Gravity handles the whole journey, from planning the placement to fitting quality jewellery and removing or changing the piece when the time comes. That end to end care is what these piercings deserve.
Placement ideas and planning your piece
Part of the appeal of dermals and surface piercings is the sheer range of places they can go. A single dermal can add a subtle highlight to a cheekbone, sit as a sparkle below the collarbone or finish the nape of the neck. Surface bars can trace the sternum or sit neatly on the hips. Because every body is different, the best results come from planning the placement together so the piece flatters your shape and sits somewhere it will not be constantly knocked.
It is worth thinking about lifestyle too. A dermal on the hand or wrist faces far more daily wear than one on the chest, so the piercer will talk through how your routine might affect a given spot. This kind of honest planning is what separates a piece that lasts from one that struggles. Bring your ideas and inspiration to the studio and the team will help shape them into a placement that works in the real world.
This guide belongs to the Luton Piercing Guides hub, where Luton clients will find clear answers to every question before their visit.
For the full range of guidance on booking, jewellery and aftercare, head to the Luton Piercing Guides hub page and browse the topics at your own pace.
If you are weighing up your options, the guide on Body Piercings Beyond the Ear in Luton shows the wider choice available, while Navel Piercings for Luton Clients and Re-Piercing a Closed Hole for Luton Clients cover more of what a specialist can do.
You can find full details of the piercings on offer and how to book on the Piercing Luton page, ready for whenever you plan your trip to the studio.