A surface piercing is a type of piercing that travels along the surface of the tissue where it is pierced. Unlike traditional piercings such as earlobes or nostrils, which have a distinct front and back and are pierced through a distinct piece of tissue, surface piercings are through subtle ridges or flat along the surface of the skin. The piercing is held in place either by a baseplate (microdermals) or a long flattened barbell (surface bar) that the skin and underlying tissue heals into. The entrance and exit holes of a surface piercing are next to each other on top of the skin, unlike traditional piercings that have an entrance hole and an exit hole that is usually directly behind the entrance hole.

Surface piercings can be difficult to heal and have a higher risk of rejection than other piercing types. Since they lay flat beneath the skin, the body is more likely to label the jewelry as a threat and start to push it out. Proper placement and jewelry selection by an experienced body piercer can help alleviate this problem. A healed surface piercing can last from a few months to a lifetime.

Some examples of surface piercings include the corset piercing, which is a series of bilaterally symmetrical piercings normally done on the back, intended to be laced like a corset, and the Christina piercing, which is located at the mons pubis. Surface piercings overall are super fun, unique piercings, but it is important to be fully informed of the risks and associated problems before getting one.