Apollo Tattoo Studio provides professional dermal piercing in Los Angeles performed by experienced piercers specializing in surface anchor placements. Dermal piercings--also called microdermals or surface anchors--create the appearance of jewelry floating on your skin without a visible exit point.
Our Los Angeles dermal piercing service offers placements on the face, chest, collarbone, back, hips, and more using implant-grade titanium anchors and interchangeable decorative tops. We provide honest information about dermal piercing longevity and care requirements.
Book Your Dermal Piercing
5000+ clients 
What sets Apollo apart for dermal piercings in Los Angeles
Dermal piercings use a single-point anchor beneath the skin with interchangeable decorative tops—jewelry appears to float on your skin.
We explain the difference between dermal anchors and surface piercings, and recommend the best option for your desired placement and lifestyle.
Unlike studios that overpromise, we tell you the truth: dermal piercings aren't permanent. Average lifespan is 1-5 years depending on placement.
Not every body location suits dermal piercings. We evaluate your lifestyle, movement patterns, and anatomy to recommend placements with best longevity.
Implant-grade titanium anchors with properly sized bases and smooth threading. Quality hardware gives your dermal the best chance of long-term success.
When dermals eventually migrate or reject, we offer professional removal that minimizes scarring compared to letting rejection complete on its own.
Apollo's Premium Jewelry Partner
Handmade in Los Angeles since 1996. Lifetime guarantee. Implant-grade gold, platinum, and titanium. Over 3,000 original designs in our case — ask your piercer for a tour.
See the BVLA story →Explore dermal piercing placement options at our Los Angeles studio.
Cheekbones (anti-eyebrow), forehead (third eye), temple, under the eye. Highly visible and striking, but faces move constantly. Careful placement essential.
Sternum, collarbone/clavicle, upper chest. Relatively flat areas with moderate movement. These placements often have good longevity potential.
Lower back (back dimples), hips, spine area. Challenges from sleeping position and waistband friction, but striking visual results.
Paired or grouped dermal piercings for patterns and designs. Discounted rates for multiples. We recommend planning layout carefully for symmetry.
Interchangeable tops in gemstones, opals, flat discs, shaped designs (stars, hearts, moons), and various sizes. Change your look without a new piercing.
Clear next step
Schedule your professional piercing appointment
Recommended first step
Reserve a body piercing appointment with jewelry, placement, and timing confirmed.
Every piercing heals differently — here's what to expect
| Piercing Type | Location | Initial Healing | Full Healing | Pain Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dermal / Microdermal | Single-point surface anchor | 1-3 months | 3-6 months | 3-4/10 |
5000+ clientsWhat to expect during your dermal piercing at our Los Angeles studio
We assess your anatomy, lifestyle, and movement patterns to recommend dermal placements with the best longevity potential for your body.
Dermal piercings can use needles or dermal punches. Our piercers select the appropriate method for each placement and anatomy.
We use only implant-grade titanium anchors with holes for tissue integration, properly sized bases, and smooth threaded posts.
Hospital-grade autoclave sterilization, single-use needles/punches, EPA-registered disinfectants on all surfaces, and sealed equipment opened in front of you.
We provide honest information about dermal longevity, rejection signs, and ongoing care requirements before you commit to the piercing.
Two-part jewelry system: anchor below skin, decorative top above
Transparent pricing — jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Decorative Top Upgrades: Premium tops (gemstones, opals, gold) available at additional cost. Interchangeable tops can be swapped after healing.
Senior Piercer Senior Piercer
Bunny Vogt, a dedicated Senior Piercer at our studio since 2019, is known for her expertise in ear styling and curation as well as dermal anchor placement. She provides honest information about dermal longevity and helps clients make informed decisions.
Founder Master Piercer
Blue Mason, our Master Piercer and studio founder since 2004, brings over two decades of dermal piercing expertise including advanced genital work. His experience with placement assessment helps maximize dermal longevity for each client.
From consultation to aftercare, we're dedicated to delivering a safe, informed dermal piercing experience at our Los Angeles studio.
Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution. Keep bandaged for the first 1-2 weeks to prevent snagging. Don't rotate or press on the anchor. Avoid impacts to the area and watch for signs of rejection or migration.
Dermal piercings require ongoing care even after healing--clean regularly after sweating, avoid pulling on decorative tops, and monitor for any changes in anchor position.
Book AppointmentKeep bandaged to prevent snagging. Clean 2x daily with saline solution. Don't rotate or press on the anchor. Some swelling and redness around the site is normal.
Continue saline cleaning. Bandaging optional after first 2 weeks. Avoid swimming and submerging. Don't change decorative tops yet. Tissue integrating with anchor holes.
Healing time varies by placement. Anchor continues settling for 6-12 months. Safe to change decorative tops after 3-4 months. Monitor for rejection signs throughout the lifespan of the piercing.
Getting a dermal piercing at our Los Angeles shop is easy--choose what works best for you.
See What Our Satisfied Clients Have to Say
"Blue was honest about dermal longevity upfront, which I appreciated. My chest dermal has lasted over 3 years now!"
"Bunny placed my collarbone dermals perfectly. They explained everything about care and realistic expectations."
"Best dermal piercing experience in LA! They actually tell you the truth about how long these last."
"Had a dermal removed here too—super quick and easy. They really know what they're doing."
5000+ clients
Santa Monica, CA
Apollo was founded by Blue Mason in 2007. With 20+ years of body art experience, Blue brings master-level expertise to every piece. Read Blue's story →
Common questions about dermal piercings in Los Angeles
Dermal piercings typically last 1-5 years, though some may last longer with excellent care and low-movement placement. They're not permanent—eventually, all dermals migrate or reject.
Pain is moderate—most rate it 5-7 out of 10. The procedure is quick. Some find the pressure sensation uncomfortable. Placement location affects pain level.
After full healing (3-4 months), you can change tops yourself. Use clean hands, grip the anchor base firmly, and unscrew the top. Some people prefer piercer assistance to avoid disturbing the anchor.
Low-movement areas with minimal clothing friction typically last longest: sternum, collarbone, and certain back placements. High-movement areas like hands have short lifespans.
Contact us for removal. Continuing to wear a rejecting dermal causes worse scarring. Removal is a simple procedure that minimizes scarring compared to letting rejection complete.
Yes—cheek, forehead, temple, and under-eye dermals are popular. Understand that facial rejection causes visible scarring. Facial dermals require extra care due to constant movement.
Yes, all dermal piercings leave some scarring when removed. Proper removal typically results in small, faded scars. Rejection that progresses before removal causes larger scars.
Avoid submerging in pools, oceans, lakes, and hot tubs during healing (8-12 weeks). After healing, swimming is possible but clean the piercing afterward.
At Apollo Studio, single dermal piercing starts at $200 for the piercing service. Jewelry is sold separately. Dermal removal is $40-60 per anchor.
We welcome clients from across the greater Los Angeles area.
Cities:
Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Venice, Culver City, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Westwood, Hollywood, Downtown LA
Walk-ins welcome or book your appointment today.
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