Elegant, eye-catching and a little mysterious: the Madison and the sternum piercing. Two piercings you don't wear in your ear or on your face, but on the front of your body. A sparkle just above your collarbones or right between your breasts. Sounds good? Then it's smart to know how these piercings work first, because they're surface piercings, and those need a bit more attention than a lobe.
What is a Madison piercing?
A Madison piercing sits at the front of your neck, in the little dip just above your collarbones. It runs horizontally, and you usually see a small piece of jewellery on each side, like a stone or ball. The result looks a bit like a necklace that always sits just right. Because it's a piercing through the surface of the skin, it's a surface piercing.
What is a sternum piercing?
A sternum piercing sits on your breastbone, between your breasts. It's often done as a surface piercing, with two visible ends. Some people choose one or more dermals for this spot instead. Which option suits you depends on your body; your piercer will advise you.
Surface bar or dermal?
With a surface piercing, the jewellery goes through a section of skin on a flat area, with two visible ends. With a dermal, you see one small piece of jewellery on your skin. Both have their own look and their own points to consider, and not every option suits every spot or every body. Which type and which jewellery work best for you is something to discuss with your piercer beforehand. Curious which materials we work with? Have a look at our piercing materials page. And if you ever want a dermal removed, always have a professional do it, never yourself.
Does it suit your body?
Not every body suits every surface piercing, and that's completely fine. For a Madison or sternum piercing we look carefully at:
- The shape of the spot. Is there enough flat skin for the jewellery?
- Movement. How does your skin move there when you turn your head, move your arms or change posture?
- Your daily life. Do you often wear collars, necklaces, scarves or tight clothing on that spot?
Based on that, you get honest advice: we go for it, we choose a different placement, or we suggest an alternative. With surface piercings, good placement is the foundation of a beautiful result.
Clothing, necklaces and everyday friction
Friction and pressure are the biggest challenges for these piercings.
- Madison. Watch out for shirt collars, ties, scarves, turtlenecks and necklaces that fall right over the piercing. Better leave your necklace in the drawer for a while.
- Sternum. Watch out for bras, bodysuits or tight tops that press or rub right in the middle of your chest. Loose clothing is your best friend while it heals.
- Bags and seatbelts. A bag strap or seatbelt running over the spot can cause extra irritation.
Aftercare and healing
Surface piercings usually take a long time to heal and ask for patience. Clean twice a day with the Aphraheals Piercing Aftercare Spray, touch the jewellery as little as possible and keep make-up, perfume, body lotion and sunscreen away from the piercing. Prefer a quick visual guide to the basics? Check out our comic version of the aftercare instructions for piercings.
Surface piercings can be more prone to rejection than, say, a lobe. So keep an eye out for changes, like skin above the jewellery that seems to get thinner, or jewellery that seems to change position. Tight clothing and snagging can play a role too; read more in 10 things that may cause your piercing to grow out. Not sure? Come by and let your piercer take a look.
Getting it done at Piercings Works
You can walk in or book an appointment. Especially for a Madison or sternum piercing it's nice to take your time for the conversation beforehand. What these piercings cost is listed in our price list. We've been piercing since 1998, our studio holds a GGD licence (the Dutch public health authority), and after your piercing you'll receive an aftercare email and 7 days of free aftercare. You can get pierced with us from the age of 12. Between 12 and 16? Then a parent or guardian comes along and signs a consent form, and you both bring a valid ID. From 16 you can come on your own; just bring your ID. Tattoos are from 18. Under 16? Read our page on the minimum age for piercing and tattoo first.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a Madison and a sternum piercing?
A Madison sits horizontally in the dip above your collarbones, a sternum piercing sits on your breastbone between your breasts. Both are often done as surface piercings; for a sternum, a dermal is sometimes an option too. Your piercer will advise what suits you.
Can I wear a necklace with a Madison piercing?
Preferably not while it heals if the necklace falls over the piercing, because friction can disturb healing. Ask us when it's okay again.
Can everyone get a Madison or sternum piercing?
No. It depends on your anatomy and your daily movements. We always check together first whether the spot is suitable.
How much does a Madison or sternum piercing cost?
All prices are listed in our studio price list.
See you soon at Reguliersbreestraat 46!