Everything You Need to Know About Back Dimple Piercings

Back dimple piercings are single-point dermal piercings placed in the small indentations on the lower back, just above the buttocks. Unlike traditional piercings that have both an entry and exit hole, dermals use a single anchoring point beneath the skin.

Those small indentations are often called the dimples of Venus, which is why some people erroneously refer to these as Venus piercings.

That mix-up is understandable, but it’s important to know the distinction before you book an appointment.

A Venus piercing — sometimes called a Christina piercing — is actually a genital piercing, not a back dimple dermal.

How is the procedure performed?

Back dimple piercings are performed as dermal placements. The piercer creates a small pocket in the dermis (the skin’s middle layer) using a needle or scalpel. They then use forceps to place an anchor with a post into that pocket and attach a decorative top by screwing it onto the post.

Below is a typical outline of what happens during the visit.

Your piercer will:

1. Request identification and provide consent and medical forms to complete.
2. Escort you to a private space to assess your back dimples and confirm you’re a suitable candidate.
3. Sanitize and disinfect the region.
4. Mark the intended piercing sites with a body-safe marker.
5. Pierce one dimple and place the jewelry, then repeat for the second dimple.
6. Clean any bleeding and re-disinfect the area.
7. Offer aftercare guidance.

Does it hurt?

Expect pain. The procedure involves pushing an instrument and an anchor through multiple skin layers.

How much it hurts varies widely because pain perception differs from person to person.

Anecdotal reports suggest the pain from back dimple piercings is intense but very brief.

Choosing a skilled piercer and arriving well-rested and calm can make the experience easier to tolerate.

What jewelry is used?

Anchors with interchangeable tops are commonly used for back dermals since the tops can be swapped out without removing the anchor.

Another option is a diver, which has a pointed base that sits beneath the skin and a decorative top. Divers are placed into a hole created by a skin punch tool.

A skin punch is a hollow, sharp instrument pushed about 4 millimeters into the skin that removes a small circular piece of tissue when withdrawn. The diver is then placed into the resulting opening.

This approach typically causes less bleeding, but divers don’t allow for interchangeable tops, limiting your jewelry choices.

Which materials are recommended?

The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) advises using only high-quality materials to lower the risk of complications like allergic reactions or rejection.

Good material choices for dermals include:

• Implant-grade titanium. Pricier than steel, titanium is hypoallergenic and nickel-free — ideal for sensitive skin or nickel allergies.
• Niobium. Another hypoallergenic option that resists corrosion and is safe for dermal use.
• Implant-grade steel. More affordable and suitable for most people, though it may cause issues for those with severe nickel allergies.
• 14-karat or higher gold. Solid gold (not plated) is generally safe. Plating can flake off and expose underlying alloys like nickel. Avoid gold above 18 karats for dermals because it’s too soft.

How much will it cost?

Expect to pay roughly $70 to $80 per back dimple piercing.

Jewelry may not be included, so budget an additional $10 to $20 per piece depending on material.

Price can also vary based on studio location, the shop itself, and the piercer’s experience.

Remember to tip — about 20 percent is customary for good service.

What are the risks?

Back dermals carry a relatively high risk of complications due to their placement.

Located on the lower back, they endure frequent pressure and friction from clothing and everyday movements, including lying down.

Choosing a reputable, experienced piercer and following aftercare closely can greatly reduce complication risk.

Potential complications include:

• Infection. Bacteria can enter if aftercare is poor or the procedure is done in an unsterile setting. Contaminated needles can transmit bacterial infections, and in rare cases bloodborne pathogens.
• Displacement. The anchor can move if not placed deep enough.
• Rejection. Your body may push the jewelry out if it sits too close to the surface, or if the area experiences excessive friction or trauma.
• Tissue damage. Inserting an anchor too deeply can harm surrounding tissues, including nerves and blood vessels.
• Tearing. These piercings are prone to snagging on clothing, towels, and bedding, which can tear the skin or pull the jewelry out.

How long does healing take?

Back dermals commonly heal within 1 to 3 months, though some people may take as long as 6 months.

Healing duration depends on factors such as:

• the piercer’s expertise
• your overall health
• the quality of your aftercare

Expect some crusting and swelling around the tops during the first week or two; these symptoms should gradually subside.

Aftercare basics

Anchors require ongoing maintenance because debris can accumulate under threaded tops and cause irritation.

Your piercer will give detailed aftercare instructions, but the essentials are below.

While healing, DO:

• Wash your hands before touching the area.
• Clean the piercings with saline solution as needed, usually three to four times daily.
• Take showers rather than baths to minimize exposure to bacteria.
• Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel.
• Gently remove crusting as necessary.
• Try to sleep on your side.
• Change bedding frequently.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that won’t rub the area.
• Consider standing sexual positions to avoid irritating the piercings.

While healing, DON’T:

• Touch the piercings with dirty hands.
• Use alcohol or other harsh cleaners on the site.
• Apply cosmetics, lotions, or perfumes near the piercings.
• Participate in activities that apply pressure or friction to your lower back.
• Let partners’ saliva or bodily fluids contact the piercings.
• Swim in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water that may harbor bacteria.
• Wear tight clothing that rubs the area.
• Pick at crust or fidget with the jewelry.
• Attempt to remove the jewelry yourself.

Warning signs

Mild swelling and crusting are normal with new piercings, but certain symptoms suggest infection or rejection.

Seek medical attention if you notice signs of infection, such as:

• severe pain and swelling
• skin that feels hot
• yellow, green, or pus-like discharge
• a foul smell coming from the piercing
• fever, body aches, or other flu-like symptoms

Contact your piercer if you suspect rejection, indicated by:

• movement or displacement of the jewelry
• the jewelry hanging or drooping rather than sitting flush
• thinning or callusing of skin around the top
• enlarging of the piercing hole
• anchor coming loose

Changing jewelry

Avoid swapping out jewelry until the piercings are fully healed, as doing so can provoke irritation, infection, or rejection.

Once healed, have your piercer perform the change to prevent accidental anchor displacement. Changing back dimple jewelry on your own is difficult even for flexible people.

Removing the piercing

If you choose to retire the piercings, have a professional remove them. After removal, the skin will gradually grow over the hole.

You’ll be left with a small scar at each site once the openings close. The scars should fade over time, though they may not disappear entirely.

Next steps

If you’re ready to get pierced, prioritize locating a reputable, experienced piercer. You can search for qualified professionals in your area via the APP.

Visit studios in person to confirm they meet local health and safety standards and to review their jewelry selection to ensure they offer quality materials.