What Is a Surface Piercing?

Surface piercings are some of the coolest piercings out there, but they’re also some of the most misunderstood. I get asked about them all the time, especially when people are trying to figure out the difference between a surface bar and a dermal anchor.

Both of these fall into the world of “surface” style piercings, meaning they sit close to the surface of the skin instead of going fully through a feature like an earlobe or nostril. They can look super clean and beautiful when done correctly, but the jewelry choice matters a lot for healing, comfort, and longevity.

Staple Bar Surface Piercings

A staple bar, also called a surface bar, is specifically designed for true surface piercings. It has two visible ends, with the bar sitting just under the skin in a shape that helps it lay flatter and create less pressure.

This is the jewelry I prefer for most true surface work because it’s designed for the job. When placed properly, staple bars are usually more stable and more realistic for long-term success than trying to force the wrong style of jewelry into a surface placement.

Why staple bars are a better choice than curved barbells 

• They sit flatter under the skin
• They create less tension on the tissue
• They are made specifically for surface piercings
• They usually heal better than curved barbells in these placements
• The tops can often be changed later depending on the style

Dermal Anchors

Dermals are different. Instead of having two visible ends like a surface bar, a dermal anchor has one visible top. The base sits under the skin like a small anchor with holes that your tissue grows through,  and the decorative top screws into it.

Just because a piercing looks cute in a photo doesn’t mean it’s the best option for your body, your lifestyle, or your healing.

Which One Is Better?

It depends on your desired aesthetic and where you want to place it! In general, staple bars are usually the better choice for true surface piercings because they’re more stable and designed to distribute pressure more evenly. Dermal’s can be better in certain areas where you want a single gem.  

When someone comes to me wanting surface or dermal work, I don’t just jump in and do it. We talk about:

• Your anatomy
• Your lifestyle
• How likely it is to snag
• How much movement the area gets
• What kind of longevity is realistic
• Whether a staple bar or dermal makes the most sense

Are Surface Piercings and Dermals Permanent?

Surface piercings are best thought of as long-term temporary piercings. Some last a long time, and some do not. Even when they are done correctly, the body can still slowly push them out over time because they sit in shallow tissue.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth getting. It just means you should go into them with realistic expectations. Good placement, high-quality jewelry, and proper aftercare all matter, but no surface piercing comes with a guarantee.

Final Thoughts

Surface work is one of my favorite things to do because it takes so much precision and planning. When the anatomy is right, the jewelry is right, and the placement is right, they can be seriously stunning.

If you’ve been thinking about a surface piercing or dermal and you’re not sure which direction makes more sense, come talk to me. I’m always happy to walk you through the pros, cons, healing expectations, and whether it’s a good fit for you.

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