Anti-eyebrow piercings are uncommon. So, you may not know people who have one or know a lot about it. However, since it’s a piercing in a pretty obvious spot, you should get all your facts straight before committing.
Aside from the aesthetics of an anti-eyebrow piercing, there are other factors to consider, like pain level, healing time, and rejection rate. This guide covers these factors in depth.
What is the anti-eyebrow piercing?
Anti-eyebrow piercing, also known as the butterfly piercing, is a type of face piercing located below the eyes and above the cheekbone. You shouldn’t mistake it for a cheekbone piercing. It’s a surface piercing, meaning it sits below your skin’s surface and has a double-pierced look.
There are typically two positions for this type of piercing.
Diagonal anti-eyebrow piercing
The diagonal anti-eyebrow piercing is done diagonally on the upper part of the cheek. It slants away from the eyes. It’s the more common anti-eyebrow piercing position. Based on the angle, sometimes it can be almost parallel to the eyes.
Vertical anti-eyebrow piercing
The anti-eyebrow piercing can also be placed vertically, although this is less common. This position is often determined by the amount of skin you have and your cheekbone.
Getting an anti-eyebrow piercing
The process of getting an anti-eyebrow piercing is quite simple. It’s essential to visit a professional piercer with surface piercing experience.
How is it done?
The whole process typically takes less than five minutes. Here are the steps involved:
Step 1: Mark the entry and exit points of the needle.
Step 2: Use a clamp to pinch the skin.
Step 3: Push a needle carefully through the marked spot.
Step 4: Pass the chosen jewelry, usually a surface bar, through the piercing.
💡 Warning: We advise you NOT to do this piercing alone or at home.
Is the anti-eyebrow piercing safe?
The anti-eyebrow piercing is safe. However, it comes with risks of redness, irritation, bruising, rejection, and getting a black eye.
Does the anti-eyebrow piercing hurt?
Yes, it does. The anti-eyebrow piercing has a rating of 5 on the pain scale. However, it also depends on your pain tolerance. Some people say the pain is similar to that of a nose piercing.
Piercing with a professional would cause less pain since an inexperienced piercer would likely struggle with passing the needle through the skin in one action.
How old do you have to be?
Most piercing studios require you to be at least 18 years old with a valid photo ID to get an anti-eyebrow piercing. If you’re a minor, they’ll require written consent from your parents or guardians and one parent or guardian to be physically present for the entire procedure.
How much does an anti-eyebrow piercing cost?
An anti-eyebrow piercing can cost anywhere from $30 to $60, excluding jewelry. It depends on your location and the piercing studio you choose.
Asides from the price, make sure you choose your piercer based on their experience and whether they use a sterile technique. Also, choose high-grade jewelry like solid gold and titanium to avoid allergic reactions.
Risks and healing
All body piercings have associated risks, including the anti-eyebrow. The healing process and timeline of the piercing depend on your aftercare practices and your body’s response to the piercing.
Pros and cons of an anti-eyebrow piercing
The anti-eyebrow should be your next piercing for many reasons. However, this facial piercing also comes with some negatives.
Pros include:
- Minimal pain
- Looks cool and edgy
- Doesn’t require a specific anatomical structure
- Is an alternative for two upper cheek dermal piercings
Cons include the following:
- Causes a black eye which can last up to two weeks
- Is prone to rejection and leaves a permanent scar
- Can be difficult to hide
How long does it take to heal?
An anti-eyebrow piercing typically takes at least six months to heal, but it can take longer. A general rule of thumb is to leave your jewelry in when in doubt.
Your healing process may extend if you don’t follow proper aftercare practices, such as cleaning your piercing with saline twice daily. Avoid sleeping on the side of your face with the piercing. Keep your hair away from your face to prevent snagging. Also, avoid makeup products on the piercing to prevent irritation and infections.
Does the anti-eyebrow piercing leave a scar?
When the anti-eyebrow piercing rejects, it usually leaves a scar. However, the scar may not be noticeable if your piercing rejects early and removes the jewelry immediately.
Do anti-eyebrow piercings always reject?
Anti-eyebrow piercings often reject. Like other surface piercings, they’re called semi-permanent piercings. However, this doesn’t mean they all reject fast. Some people enjoy the look of their piercing for several months and even years before it rejects.
Pro-tip: An alternative to an anti-eyebrow piercing is two dermal piercings in a similar location.
How do I know if my anti-eyebrow piercing is rejecting?
You’ll know your piercing is rejecting if it shows any or all of these signs:
- The skin starts to get thinner or tighter around the jewelry.
- The jewelry migrates to the surface and becomes more visible.
- The piercing area is red, irritated, and sore after the first few days.
- The jewelry is hanging differently.
- The piercing hole looks larger.
When you notice these signs, it’s best to return to your piercer to remove the jewelry. The longer you keep it in while it’s rejecting, the worse the scarring.
What’s the best jewelry for anti-eyebrow piercings?
The kind of jewelry you use for your anti-eyebrow piercing determines whether your piercing will reject or not. The best jewelry usually depends on the angle of the piercing.
Flat disc surface barbell
The flat disc surface barbell is the most recommended piece of jewelry for a butterfly piercing. It’s perfect for placement on flat areas of the body. The post is usually 90 degrees bent or 45 degrees bent. The flat disc end sits flush with the skin, which minimizes movement, thereby reducing the chances of irritating the piercing.
Ball surface barbell
A ball surface barbell is a type of surface barbell with balls as the decorative top. It allows more movement than the flat disc surface barbell but has more decorative options.
Curved barbell
A curved barbell has a curved post and is commonly used in many piercings. It can also be used in an anti-eyebrow piercing, although it’s rarely recommended. However, a professional piercer may recommend it in cases where it suits the piercing angle.
The rad face piercing
There’s no doubt that the anti-eyebrow piercing gives you a rad look. It has a simple healing process associated with minimal pain and can make you stand out in the piercing community. Although it has a high rejection rate, it might be worth trying if you don’t mind the scarring.
Now that you know all about this surface piercing, you can make a decision. Remember to go to a professional piercer to avoid infection and reduce the chances of getting a badly done piercing that will reject fast.
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