Have you been contemplating on getting a cartilage piercing? Getting your ear pierced is an easy process but there are many things to consider before getting one. Knowing more about cartilage piercing is necessary to ensure you know what to expect before, during and after the procedure.
This guide should help you overcome your fear and prejudices about the process. Cartilage piercing is commonly placed outside the rim of the ear. It is one of the ear piercings that can be easily placed without too much trouble and issues.
Cartilage Piercing Procedure
Before any procedure is done, it is important that you choose an experienced piercer. You will be asked to choose your choice of jewelry. We recommend earrings that range from 16mm to 20 mm. Then, the piercer will mark the area in your ear cartilage and will let you see the dot mark in the mirror.
After that is the actual piercing where the piercer will clamp your ear in place and use a hollow needle to create the hole in your ear. Next, the piercer will insert the needle halfway to your ear and thread the jewelry in place. Voila, the piercing process is done. For you to have an idea for your jewelry, below are cartilage piercing inspirations and jewelry.
Cartilage Piercing Examples
Cartilage Piercing Jewelry Examples
Cartilage Piercing Price
Cartilage piercing will cost around $30 to $50. The price may vary from shop to shop. Things to consider are the reputation of the shop, the experience of the piercer and the type of earring you will use. Some piercing shops offer to pierce using your own earring.
In some cases, it might be necessary to spend extra money on special piercing jewelry. This might apply to you if you have allergies to metals or are otherwise sensitive to your skin. If you are unsure what to do, you can always ask your piercer for advice – remember, they are there to help make sure you have the best experience possible.
Cartilage Piercing Jewelry
The most common jewelry used in cartilage piercing are barbels, bead rings, and studs. If you want to use a barbell, it is better to get barbels that are internally threaded. Barbells are more expensive than bead rings. Generally, studs are the perfect jewelry to try out. Although, curved bars may also be used for a lesser risk of migration.
Cartilage Piercing Pain and Healing Time
Every person has their own pain tolerance so it would be harder to specify, however, in general, cartilage piercings are not that painful. The pain generally would be experienced while the ear is being punctured and a bit later. The sensation felt while the needle is inserted into the cartilage is comparable to a dull pinch.
The hurting sensation after the piercing would hurt but not that much. This would only be experienced in the first two weeks. It should disappear gradually as the days pass. There are cases where the piercing makes a bit of bleeding but most of the time, it does not.
After the piercing, the area would be red and would feel hot. Since there are many types of cartilage piercing, the healing time can vary from three to twelve months. If you notice at any time that the area is more swollen or red and you are worried, call a healthcare professional or the piercing shop you attended for the best advice.
Cartilage Piercing Aftercare
Cartilage piercing does not heal quickly, unlike those piercings which are placed on fleshy parts such as the earlobes. The healing time is usually 3 to 6 months. However, it also depends on each person’s healing process since not all body is the same.
Sometimes it is very difficult to determine if it is already healed by just looking at it. This is because cartilage piercing will first heal the external flesh. There is a possibility that the cartilage inside is still healing, however, it is not visible. The best thing that you can do is to keep on cleaning your piercing every day.
Cartilage Piercing Aftercare Instructions
One thing to remember is that even if your piercing already looks perfect after two months, it is still not healed. It is important to continue this aftercare for cartilage piercings routines continuously.
- Step One
In the first three days, sanitize the pierced area twice a day, in the morning and at night. Use warm water or saline water to clean it. - Step Two
When done bathing, never forget to rinse the ear with running water to remove soap, conditioner or any cleaning product residue. - Step Three
Always use a clean towel to dry out the area. - Step Four
In the next four weeks, you can clean the piercing once a day following the first three steps. - Step Five
Avoid touching the area or rotating the jewelry - Step Six
Avoid using alcohol, betadine or hydrogen peroxide in cleaning. - Step Seven
If rejection happens, consult a doctor.
Ear Cartilage Aftercare Products
Gauge Gear Stretched Ear Care Kit
[amazon fields=”B00G72SWLO” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Cartilage Piercing Aftercare Kit”]
This kit is composed of “The Wash” Sterile Saline Spray, Gauge Gear Stretching Balm, and “The Blend” Daily Oil Skin Conditioning Mix. First, you will use the saline spray and make sure that it reaches deep into your cartilage piercing area. Use the Daily Oil Skin Conditioning Mix outside of your piercing. It could be anywhere wherein the skin is stretched so as to keep it neat and hydrated. Also, it can soothe any irritation caused by the stretching process. Once your piercing has healed, you can use the Stretching Balm in keeping the area healthy.
[amazon fields=”B00G72SWLO” value=”button”]
Neilmed First Aid Wound Wash
[amazon fields=”B00EC6DE7Y” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Cartilage Piercing Wound Wash”]
We recommend this First Aid Wound Wash for wound treatment after cleansing. It’s made with the different powerful combination of herbs and oils blended together for speed healing. We love this option for anyone that’s looking for a piercing aftercare option that’s perfect for on-the-go. When you use this product, you can be sure that your piercing is taken care of no matter where you are.
[amazon fields=”B00EC6DE7Y” value=”button”]
Piercing Care Healing Sea Salts & Botanicals
[amazon fields=”B00NTAH740″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Healing Botanicals for Cartilage Piercings”]
This medicated sea salt soak is the perfect treatment for new and stretched double cartilage piercing. Piercing Care is made of 100% natural ingredients. It’s very effective and gentle on your skin. Since this is a concentrated product then a little goes a long way! It can make 45 cups of healing salt water. This means that you get a bigger bang for your buck since you know you won’t have to buy more products for a while!
Benefits of Sea Salt:
- Rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Can quickly heal your piercing.
- Safely cleans and disinfects your piercing.
[amazon fields=”B00NTAH740″ value=”button”]
Piercing Solution Sea Salt – Tea Tree Aftercare
[amazon fields=”B076DKWD2R” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Healing Sea Salt for Cartilage Piercings”]
To use this solution, just soak a cotton ball and hold it in your piercing for 5 minutes. Do this ear cartilage aftercare twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. If you are looking for an aftercare product that is easy to use and has high ratings, look no further. We chose this option to feature because it packs a punch in the healing department. We found that it helped heal our piercings faster and without incident.
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
- Can effectively destroy any bacteria from your piercing.
- Cleans and disinfects your cartilage piercing.
- Quickly heals new and stretched piercings!
- Works well on all skin types.
[amazon fields=”B076DKWD2R” value=”button”]
Cartilage Piercing Aftercare Tips
By following these aftercare tips for cartilage piercing, you can expect it to heal faster. We have compiled this list based on years of knowledge along with feedback from our readers. We hope this helps you heal your piercing quicker and easier than ever before!
- Avoid touching your piercing at all times. Touching your piercing unnecessarily can result in infections or other irritabilities.
- Before cleaning your piercing or handling your jewelry, you should wash your hands first.
- Never sleep on your piercing. You could snag the jewelry in your bed linens, which could hurt or permanently damage your piercing.
- Use a saline solution in cleaning your cartilage piercing daily.
- Cartilage piercing aftercare swimming should not be done right away. Ask your piercer for guidelines on how long you should wait before taking a dip.
- You should not pick at any formed crust. Remember that scab formation is normal and necessary for healing. Meddling with the area will only prolong the process.
- Cartilage piercing aftercare twisting is not advisable. This could introduce new bacteria into your freshly pierced area, causing potential infection and discomfort.
Commonly Asked Cartilage Piercing Questions
If you still have lingering questions, you are not alone. We have found that many of our readers still have inquiries left after reading our posts. In order to offer you more support, we have compiled a list here of our most commonly asked cartilage piercing questions.
What is the best way to clean my new cartilage piercing?
There are many ways that you can go about cleaning the area, but perhaps the best is by using antibacterial soap. Make sure not to twist the piercing or use heavily scented soaps, since this can cause irritation or infection.
Can I sleep on a cartilage piercing?
Because of the area, the cartilage piercing is, it can be difficult to avoid laying on the area if you aren’t prepared. It is important to note that sleeping on your new piercing can cause infection or permanent damage. If you cannot avoid rolling over in the night, consider investing in a donut pillow that will protect your ear from snagging on covers or coming into contact with bacteria.
Is it okay to get a cartilage piercing with a piercing gun?
We strongly recommend against getting a cartilage piercing with a gun. This method of piercing uses blunt force to push a dull object through your ear. Best case scenario, you will have a piercing that takes much longer to heal and is extremely painful. On the other hand, you could shatter your cartilage, permanently damaging the area.
Is it dangerous to get a cartilage piercing?
As long as you go to a licensed piercer with experience, the risk is rather low when getting a piercing. The issue comes in when you get pierced at home or another unsanitary environment, or when you neglect to properly care for your piercing. Pay close attention to these areas and you should be just fine.
Cartilage Piercing Final Thoughts
Conquering your fear with the piercing process myths can only be done if you are aware of the real expectations. Go ahead and get your ears pierced. Enjoy a wonderful change and a new look with safety and proper sanitation. If you want to learn more about cartilage piercing, check out other types of it at Awesome Helix Piercing Jewelry Inspirations, Inner & Outer Conch Piercing Inspirational Examples, and Unique Tragus Piercing Examples with Tragus Info Guide.
Hello! My name is Emily and I obsessed with piercings (and tattoos) since I was a little girl of 6 years old. I was fortunate enough to make my passion my work after meeting my amazing husband Jeffrey who owned his own tattoo shop. I just recently finished my internships at some of America’s most famous piercing shops and a dream to start something together was born. After falling in love with each other (and each other’s piercings and tattoos) we decided to expand his tattoo shop and I got to manage my own piercing shop in the same space! I’ve never been so happy being able to share my love for piercings through my shop and this blog I started back in 2013. We love to share models and inspiration, so feel free to email me your suggestions, pictures or if you just want to say hi!