Surface Bar (Staple) Piercing
A surface bar, also called a staple, sits beneath the skin at flat placements like the collarbone, chest or face for a sleek, eye-catching line. We pierce with a 14 gauge surface bar, and our SK Certified piercing specialists will help you find a placement suited to your anatomy.
- Pain level
- 4 to 5 / 10
- Method
- Needle
- Minimum age:
- 16 years*
- Jewellery type:
- Surface bar (staple bar) View jewellery options
- Downsizing:
- Not needed
- 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 Surface Bar (Staple) Piercing?
A surface bar piercing sits beneath the skin rather than through cartilage or a fleshy ridge. Common placements include the face, collarbone and chest, and it's a sleek, eye-catching option for making a statement.
Because it sits along a flat plane of skin, careful placement is key to reducing pressure and rejection risk. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will assess your anatomy first. 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 surface bar 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 surface bar is pierced with a 14 gauge surface bar, also called a staple bar. Browse our barbell jewellery collection to see what's available.
Step By Step: Your Surface Bar (Staple) Piercing Experience
- Your piercing specialist will assess your chosen placement and mark the entry and exit points.
- We pierce with a single-use sterile needle to create a clean channel beneath the skin.
- A 14 gauge surface bar is fitted flush against the skin.
- You'll get full aftercare guidance before you leave, including how to avoid unnecessary movement.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Find Your Nearest Studio
Be mindful of bumping or excess movement while it settles. Check our age, ID and consent requirements before your visit.
Nearest studios
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Aftercare
Healing takes time, and surface piercings need a little extra care since the bar 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.
- Be mindful of bumping or excess movement around the piercing.
When Can I Change My Jewellery?
Downsizing isn't needed for a surface bar, but tops can usually be changed after 6 to 8 weeks, with full healing taking a minimum of 6 months.
- Pierced
- Day one
- Downsizing:
- Not needed
- Fully healed:
- Minimum 6 months
Jewellery For Your Surface Bar (Staple) Piercing
The right bar and tops make all the difference to comfort while your surface piercing heals.
Starter Jewellery
We pierce every surface bar with a 14 gauge surface bar in 316L surgical steel, chosen to support healing from day one.
Building Your Stack
Once you're healed, explore our full barbell jewellery collection to find bars and tops that suit your placement.
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 surface bar piercing?
A surface bar, also called a staple, sits beneath the skin at flat placements like the collarbone, chest or face.
Does a surface bar piercing hurt?
Most people rate it a 4 to 5 out of 10. You'll feel firm pressure as the needle passes beneath the skin. 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 surface bar piercing?
Common placements include the face, collarbone and chest. Our SK Certified piercing specialists will assess your anatomy to confirm a suitable spot. See our piercing info page.
How long does a surface bar 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 surface bar piercing?
We pierce with a 14 gauge surface bar, also called a staple bar.
Can surface bars reject or migrate?
As with any surface-level piercing, this is a possibility depending on placement, movement and aftercare. Our piercing specialists will talk you through the risks for your chosen spot. See our piercing info page.
When can I change the tops on my surface bar?
Tops can usually be changed after 6 to 8 weeks, once the initial swelling has settled.
Is the surface bar part of the two piercings from $80 deal?
This piercing isn't part of our two piercings from $80 deal. It's priced individually from $65, reflecting the extra care this placement takes.
Explore More Surface Piercings
A surface bar pairs well with a dermal for a similar sleek aesthetic. Check our piercing info page for more, or explore below.
