Back dimple piercings are piercings in each indentation on your lower back, just above your butt.

These little dimples are also known as the dimples of Venus. This explains why some people mistakenly call these piercings Venus piercings.

While the confusion is totally understandable, you’ll definitely need to know the difference before hitting the piercing studio.

A Venus piercing — aka a Christina piercing — is actually a genital piercing.

Back dimple piercings are dermal piercings. Dermal piercings have a single point rather than an entry and exit point like traditional piercings.

To do it, your piercer uses a needle or scalpel to create a small pocket in the middle layer of the skin called the dermis. Using forceps, they’ll insert an anchor with a post into the pocket. Finally, they’ll screw the jewelry “top” onto the post.

Here’s a general rundown of what to expect at your appointment.

Most definitely. Your piercer is pushing an instrument and then an anchor or diver through several layers of skin, after all.

But exactly how much pain you’ll feel is hard to say, since pain is so subjective and everyone’s pain tolerance is different.

According to anecdotal reports online, getting back dimple piercings is pretty painful — but the pain only lasts for a second.

Having a skilled piercer can help, along with going into the appointment well rested and relaxed.

Anchors with tops are the preferred choice for back dermals because the tops are interchangeable. You can switch up your jewelry without removing the anchor.

Your other option is a type of jewelry called a diver. Divers have a pointed end base that sits under the skin and a decorative top. It’s inserted into a hole in the tissue that’s made by a tool called a skin punch.

A skin punch is a sharp, hollow instrument that’s pushed approximately 4 millimeters into the skin and removes a circular piece of tissue when it’s pulled out. The diver is inserted into the resulting hole.

This method causes less bleeding, but divers aren’t interchangeable, which limits your jewelry options.

The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) recommends using only high-quality materials to reduce the risk of complications like an allergic reaction or piercing rejection.

For dermals, your best material options are:

Back dimple piercings typically cost around $70 to $80 each.

Jewelry isn’t always included in the cost, so you might need to factor in an extra $10 to $20 for each piece, depending on the material.

Other factors that influence how much you’ll pay for your piercings are location, the studio, and the piercer’s experience level.

Finally, don’t forget to tip! At least 20 percent is customary for good service.

Back dermals have a high risk of complications because of their location.

Sitting at your lower back, they’re subjected to a lot of pressure and friction from your clothes and everyday activities, including lying down.

Using a reputable and experienced piercer and caring for your piercing properly can significantly reduce the chances of complications.

Risks to be aware of include:

Back dermals typically heal in 1 to 3 months but can take upward of 6 months for some people.

Your healing time will depend on:

Keep in mind that some crusting and swelling around the jewelry tops is typical for the first week or two, and it should gradually improve as you heal.

Before we get to the aftercare, you should know that anchors require some maintenance for their entire lifetime. Matter can build up under the threaded top and cause irritation.

Your piercer should provide you with aftercare instructions, but here are the basics.

Some mild swelling and crusting is normal for any new piercing, but other symptoms could indicate a problem like infection or rejection.

See a healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms of infection, including::

See your piercer if you notice signs of rejection, such as:

Don’t change the jewelry until the piercings have healed. Doing so increases the chances of irritation, infection, and rejection.

Once you’re healed, it’s best to have your piercer change it for you to avoid dislodging the anchor. Trying to change your own back piercings isn’t easy anyway, no matter how flexible you are.

If you decide to retire your piercings, have your piercer take them out. Once they’re out, all that’s left do to is wait for the skin to grow in.

You’ll have a small scar at each piercing site once the hole closes. It should slowly fade over time, though it may never go away completely.

Ready to get pierced? Finding a reputable and experienced piercer is important. You can find one in your area through the APP.

Once you’ve narrowed down your prospects, a visit to the studio is important to check that they meet local health and safety requirements.

Be sure to check out their jewelry selection to make sure they stock pieces made from quality materials.

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she’s not holed up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board.

Last medically reviewed on November 20, 2020

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