7 Shocking Facts About The 'Bum Crack Piercing' Trend: Risks, Healing, And Why Piercers Warn Against It
The "bum crack piercing," a provocative and highly controversial form of body modification, has recently surged in popularity, primarily driven by celebrity influence. As of today, December 19, 2025, this dermal anchor placement—typically situated in the gluteal cleft or the area just above the buttocks—is one of the most debated topics in the professional piercing community due to its extremely high risk profile and challenging healing process. It’s a piercing that demands a deep understanding of its technical nature and the severe complications that can arise in such a high-friction, difficult-to-clean area of the body.
This modification is a type of single-point surface piercing, commonly referred to as a microdermal or dermal anchor, rather than a traditional piercing that passes through a fold of skin. While visually striking, the procedure is not for the faint of heart, and numerous professional piercers worldwide are issuing strong warnings against attempting it due to the near-certainty of complications like infection and rejection.
Fact 1: The Celebrity-Driven Nomenclature and Cost
The term "bum crack piercing" is the popular, sensationalized name for what is technically a microdermal piercing placed in the sacral area, often specifically in the upper gluteal cleft. The trend gained massive traction when rapper Cardi B revealed she had received a similar, high-end modification, reportedly spending a staggering $13,000 on a diamond dermal anchor.
This specific placement is sometimes confused with the less risky, though still challenging, "Dimples of Venus" piercing, which is placed higher up on the lower back in the naturally occurring sacral dimples. The gluteal cleft placement, also referred to by some piercers as a "coccyx piercing" or "The Valley," is significantly more prone to issues due to its location. The high-profile nature of the celebrity endorsement, despite warnings from experts like body piercer Brian Keith Thompson, has fueled curiosity and demand for this risky modification.
Fact 2: The Procedure is a Microdermal Anchor, Not a Traditional Piercing
Unlike a standard ear or navel piercing, the "bum crack piercing" is a dermal anchor. This means the jewelry does not have an entry and exit point. Instead, a small piece of jewelry, called an anchor or foot, is inserted beneath the skin's surface, leaving only a decorative top (the gem or disk) visible.
- The Technique: The piercer uses a dermal punch or a specialized needle to create a small pocket just beneath the skin. The anchor's base is then inserted into this pocket, where tissue is meant to grow around the holes in the anchor's base to secure it.
- Jewelry Materials: Due to the sensitive nature of the area and the high risk of rejection, only the highest quality, implant-grade materials are recommended. These include implant-grade titanium, niobium, or sometimes high-quality 14k or 18k gold. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is also sometimes used for the internal post due to its flexibility, though the anchor itself must be rigid and bio-compatible.
- Single-Point Piercing: Dermal anchors are considered single-point piercings because they only have one visible exit point. This makes them visually unique but inherently less stable than traditional piercings.
Fact 3: Professional Piercers Strongly Advise Against This Placement
The overwhelming consensus among experienced, professional body piercers is to refuse this piercing due to the extreme risk of complications. Celebrity piercer Brian Keith Thompson publicly warned against the trend, highlighting the inherent issues with placing a microdermal in such a high-movement, high-friction area.
The primary reasons for professional refusal and concern are rooted in the anatomy and function of the gluteal cleft area:
- Extreme Friction: The area is constantly subjected to movement from walking, sitting, bending, and the friction of clothing. This constant irritation is the number one cause of dermal anchor rejection and displacement.
- Hygiene Challenges: Located near the anus, the gluteal cleft is a breeding ground for bacteria, significantly increasing the risk of severe infection. Maintaining a sterile, clean environment for a piercing in this location is nearly impossible, even with diligent aftercare.
- Shearing Force: The constant stretching and compression of the skin in this area puts immense pressure on the dermal anchor, causing the skin to "push" the anchor out—a process known as rejection.
- Long-Term Viability: Unlike stable piercings that can last a lifetime, microdermals in high-motion areas like the gluteal cleft have a very short lifespan and are almost guaranteed to reject over time.
Fact 4: The Severe Risks of Infection and Rejection
The risks associated with a "bum crack piercing" are significantly higher than most other body modifications. The sensitive location and the nature of the dermal anchor procedure amplify potential complications.
The main risks include:
- Infection: Given the proximity to the anus and the constant exposure to sweat and bacteria, the chance of a serious skin infection is extremely high. An infection in this area can be difficult to treat and may require medical intervention.
- Displacement and Rejection: As the body senses the dermal anchor as a foreign object, it will attempt to push it out. This process, called rejection, is accelerated by the constant friction and movement. Displacement occurs when the anchor shifts from its original position, which can be painful and lead to scarring.
- Scarring: When a microdermal anchor rejects, it often leaves a noticeable scar. The longer the anchor is in place before rejection, the more significant the scar tissue will be.
- Migration: Similar to displacement, the jewelry may slowly move under the skin, changing the aesthetic of the piercing and increasing the risk of total failure.
Fact 5: Healing Time Is Extremely Long and Unpredictable
The healing process for a microdermal piercing is notoriously long compared to traditional piercings, and the gluteal cleft placement extends this duration even further. While a standard dermal anchor on a flat, low-movement surface might take 1 to 3 months to initially heal, the sacral area can take much longer.
Experts suggest that full recovery for back dimple piercings (a less aggressive placement) can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, and in some cases, up to 8 months. For a "bum crack piercing" in the gluteal cleft, this timeline is likely the minimum, with the constant risk of irritation setting the healing process back repeatedly. The piercer's skill and the patient's immune response are critical factors in determining the final healing time.
Fact 6: Essential Aftercare Is a Daily, Difficult Commitment
Proper aftercare is the single most important factor in the success of any piercing, but it is particularly challenging for a dermal anchor in the gluteal region. The aftercare regimen must be followed religiously to mitigate the high risk of infection and rejection.
- Cleaning: The area must be cleaned two to three times per day with a sterile saline solution. Soaking the area, if possible, is highly recommended, followed by gentle drying.
- Friction Avoidance: This is the most difficult step. Individuals must avoid tight clothing, especially synthetic fabrics, and opt for loose, breathable materials to minimize friction. Activities that involve prolonged sitting or intense bending (like certain exercises) must be limited or avoided entirely during the long healing period.
- No Touching: Like all piercings, the area should never be touched with unwashed hands. Any manipulation of the jewelry can introduce bacteria or cause the anchor to shift.
- Professional Check-ups: Regular check-ups with a professional piercer are crucial to monitor for signs of infection, displacement, or rejection.
Fact 7: The Alternatives to the Gluteal Cleft Piercing
For those interested in a similar aesthetic without the severe risks of the gluteal cleft placement, there are safer alternatives that still offer a unique look on the back or torso. These options are still surface piercings or microdermals, but they are placed in areas with less friction and better hygiene control.
Popular, lower-risk alternatives include:
- Sacral Dimple Piercings (Dimples of Venus): Placed in the two indentations on the lower back, this area is less prone to friction than the gluteal cleft. While still a microdermal with risks, it is generally considered a more viable option.
- Spinal Piercings (Surface Bars): A series of two or more microdermals or a single surface bar placed along the spine. This placement has less movement than the lower back/buttock area.
- Hip Piercings: Microdermals placed on the hips. This is a popular alternative that is still on a relatively flat surface, making it easier to clean and less subject to constant shearing forces.
Ultimately, the "bum crack piercing" is a high-risk, high-maintenance modification that requires careful consideration. The decision to proceed should only be made after a thorough consultation with a highly experienced, reputable piercer who is transparent about the near-inevitable challenges of this specific, controversial placement.
Detail Author:
- Name : Kendall Skiles
- Username : welch.buddy
- Email : gorczany.patrick@terry.net
- Birthdate : 2005-08-22
- Address : 58281 Aniya Stravenue Suite 066 Wymanmouth, CA 95611
- Phone : 541-387-9837
- Company : Rosenbaum LLC
- Job : Housekeeper
- Bio : Enim reiciendis ab harum eligendi fugit. Est veniam id ipsum soluta assumenda. Consequatur aut voluptates quia culpa explicabo aperiam.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/o'hara2001
- username : o'hara2001
- bio : Voluptates quia et hic occaecati. Ullam voluptatem suscipit vitae nemo aut.
- followers : 4280
- following : 2376
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/o'harad
- username : o'harad
- bio : Nemo numquam aut saepe occaecati.
- followers : 3563
- following : 1300
