New level of attachment

EVERETT – Five gems just below Lisa Deshazer’s chin form a line to her cleavage.

Some people think the small circles are stick-on ornaments.

They’re single-point, surface or microdermal anchors, tiny pieces of metal jewelry slipped under the skin.

“A lot of people question how (the piercings) are done,” Deshazer said.

If Deshazer ever wants to have her anchors removed, she’ll have to go to a professional.

For less than $100 for the first stud, professional piercing salons will install the jewelry under people’s skin and onto their sternums, hips, face, neck, back – wherever there is about a centimeter of flesh.

“You can put them almost anywhere on the body,” said Kris “Gumby” Kaeser, 27. He’s worked for nine years piercing people’s skin.

The jewelry plates, about 6 millimeters, have holes to allow the flesh to heal and hold it in place. Little posts stick through the skin, allowing people to attach a piece of jewelry.

Kaeser said microdermal piercings pose less of a health risk than other surface piercings. Only about 2 percent of the former are rejected.

“We are continually working with the industry on new practices that come along, especially in relation to public safety,” said Christine Anthony, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Licensing. “As I understand it, the microdermal piercing is a relatively new practice and one we will be taking a look at.”