Dermal (Single-Point Piercing) Piercing
A dermal, or single-point piercing, uses a small subdermal anchor with a removable top that sits flush against the skin. It can be placed almost anywhere on the face, chest or back, giving you a single point of sparkle without an entry and exit point. We pierce with a 14 gauge anchor and a 4mm top, and our SK Certified piercing specialists will help you choose the perfect placement.
- Pain level
- 3 to 4 / 10
- Method
- Needle
- Minimum age:
- 16 years*
- Jewellery type:
- Anchor with ball or gem top View jewellery options
- Downsizing:
- N/A
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
* Available: From 16 years with parental consent or 18 years without parental consent. Check our ID & consent requirements here.
What Is A Dermal (Single-Point) Piercing?
A dermal piercing uses a small anchor placed beneath the skin, with a removable top or gem that sits flush on the surface. Unlike most piercings, it has only one visible point, which makes it incredibly versatile for placement.
Popular spots include the face, chest and back, though almost any flat area of skin can work. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will help you choose a placement that suits your anatomy. Read more on our piercing info page.
What To Expect
Here's how your experience at SkinKandy unfolds from the moment you arrive.
How We Pierce
We pierce every dermal with a single-use hollow needle, never a piercing gun. Our SK Certified piercing specialists are nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention, so you're looked after from consultation through to aftercare advice. Read more about our approach on our piercing info page.
Choosing Your Jewellery
Every dermal is pierced with a 14 gauge anchor and a 14 gauge 4mm top or gem. Browse our flatback jewellery collection for top options.
Step By Step: Your Dermal (Single-Point Piercing) Piercing Experience
- Your piercing specialist will help you choose and mark your placement.
- We pierce with a single-use sterile needle to create a small pocket for the anchor.
- A 14 gauge anchor is fitted beneath the skin, with your chosen top attached on the surface.
- You'll get full aftercare guidance before you leave, including how to protect it while it settles.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Find Your Nearest Studio
A bandage is recommended for 4 to 6 weeks, especially while sleeping or working out, to reduce the risk of knocks. Check our age, ID and consent requirements before your visit.
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Aftercare
Healing takes time, and dermals need a little extra care since the anchor sits beneath the skin.
Your Daily Routine
Stick to a simple daily routine and stock up on the right products from our aftercare collection. For the full step by step, read our aftercare guide.
- Clean with sterile saline twice daily.
- Avoid swimming for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Use a bandage for 4 to 6 weeks, especially while sleeping or working out, to reduce the risk of knocks.
When Is It Fully Healed?
A dermal doesn't need downsizing, but full healing takes a minimum of 6 months. You can change the top once it's settled, without disturbing the anchor beneath the skin.
- Pierced
- Day one
- Downsizing:
- N/A
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Jewellery For Your Dermal (Single-Point) Piercing
The right top makes all the difference to how your dermal catches the light once it's healed.
Starter Jewellery
We pierce every dermal with a 14 gauge anchor and 4mm top in 316L surgical steel, chosen to support healing from day one.
Building Your Stack
Once you're healed, explore our full flatback jewellery collection to swap in different tops and gems.
Not Sure What Metal Suits You?
If you're torn between finishes, our guide on silver, rose gold or gold can help, or browse everything by material to compare options.
FAQs
What is a dermal piercing?
A dermal, or single-point piercing, uses a small anchor placed beneath the skin with a removable top that sits flush on the surface.
Does a dermal piercing hurt?
Most people rate it a 3 to 4 out of 10. You'll feel a quick pinch as the anchor is placed. Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
Where can I get a dermal piercing?
Popular placements include the face, chest and back, though almost any flat area of skin can work. Our SK Certified piercing specialists can help you choose. See our piercing info page.
How long does a dermal piercing take to heal?
Full healing takes a minimum of 6 months. See the average healing time by piercing type for how it compares.
What jewellery is used for a dermal piercing?
We pierce with a 14 gauge anchor and a 14 gauge 4mm top or gem.
Do I need to protect my dermal while it heals?
Yes, a bandage is recommended for 4 to 6 weeks, especially while sleeping or working out, to reduce the risk of knocks or irritation.
Can dermal piercings reject or migrate?
As with any surface-level piercing, this is a possibility depending on placement and aftercare. Our piercing specialists will talk you through the risks for your chosen spot. See our piercing info page.
Can I get a dermal piercing as part of the two piercings from $80 deal?
Yes, this piercing qualifies for our two piercings from $80 deal when paired with another standard piercing and selected surgical steel jewellery.
Explore More Surface Piercings
A dermal pairs well with a surface bar for a similar single-point aesthetic. Check our piercing info page for more, or explore below.
