Kollektion Dermal Anchors

A dermal anchor — also called a microdermal anchor — is the sub-surface base component of a microdermal piercing. It sits beneath the skin and is held in place by tissue growing through small perforations in the anchor foot. It is not the visible decorative element — that is a separate component called a dermal top, sold separately.

The dermal anchor is the base that sits below the skin surface. The dermal top is the decorative piece that screws or presses onto the exposed post of the anchor. They are sold as separate products. To complete a microdermal look, you need both a compatible anchor and a matching top with the same gauge and thread type.

The standard gauge for most dermal anchor piercings is 1.2mm (16g). Some placements use 1.6mm (14g) where anatomy requires a larger base for stability. If you are replacing an existing anchor, confirm your gauge with your piercer before ordering — fitting the wrong gauge into an established placement will cause tissue trauma.

ASTM F136 implant-grade titanium is the professional standard for initial microdermal placements and is suitable for clients with metal sensitivity. It is nickel-free by alloy composition — not through a coating or treatment — which is the relevant distinction for people with nickel allergies. Surgical steel contains trace amounts of bound nickel and is generally recommended for healed placements in clients without documented nickel sensitivity.

Changing the decorative top on a fully healed anchor can typically be done carefully at home if the anchor is well-established and the top is a straightforward screw or press-fit design. Removing or replacing the anchor base itself should be done by a professional piercer. If your anchor feels embedded, is showing signs of rejection, or the placement is less than fully healed, do not attempt to remove or replace it without professional assessment.

A dermal anchor piercing is a single-point microdermal placement using an anchor base. A diver piercing is a surface piercing using a curved barbell — specifically a J-bar or similar geometry — that enters and exits the skin at two points. They are different piercing types requiring different jewellery. Dermal anchor bases are not suitable for diver piercing applications.

Healing times for microdermal anchor piercings typically range from 3 to 6 months for initial surface healing, with full tissue integration taking longer depending on placement site, individual physiology, and aftercare compliance. Placement sites subject to regular movement or friction such as wrists or fingers tend to have longer and more complex healing timelines. Consult a qualified professional piercer or licensed medical provider for guidance specific to your placement and situation.

Dermal anchors are used across a wide range of placement sites including the chest, sternum, nape of neck, temples, cheekbones, hips, and facial placements including the eye and brow area. Each placement site carries different tissue depth, movement, and rejection risk characteristics. Your piercer will assess suitability for your chosen placement before proceeding.