How large are the beads?
Generally the beads are 3/16″ or larger (smaller beads probably won’t be that noticeable for most people), with 1/4″ probably being the most commonly sized bead. Small rods (“ribs”) are sometimes used as well, generally in 8ga or 6ga. Bead sizing is largely determined by personal preference. How are beadings inserted under the skin? While some artists choose to implant them using a procedure similar to the “3D-Art” procedures (described below), most use a procedure almost identical to piercing. A typical procedure might go as follows: 1. Bead location is marked, with an entrance and exit point on each side. These entrance and exit marks are far enough away from the bead location that the bead won’t put direct pressure on these wounds (which could easily lead to rejection). 2. These marks are then clamped, and pierced (generally with an 8ga or 6ga needle; some practioners prefer to pierce using a scalpel). 3. The needle is followed through by a taper (generally a special multi-part tape
