Dermal Punching allows for the insertion of large-gauged jewelry into an initial cartilage piercing. This procedure is commonly used as an alternative to stretching.
Dermal punches are often used as an alternative to needles for smaller cartilage piercings as well; as they can reduce the pressure that a piercing puts on the injured tissue. This in turn reduces scarring risks.
Another application for dermal punches is a procedure called “Punch & Taper”, which is the most practical method for installing surface piercings and microdermal anchors.