Cartilage piercing is one of the most popular ear piercings that most people prefer to get. But are you aware of what cartilage piercing is, what are the types of cartilage piercing, and how you can heal fast after getting it? Everything that you want to know about cartilage piercing is included in this article. So let's begin to know in-depth about cartilage piercing.
What is Cartilage Piercing?
A "cartilage piercing" is an ear piercing that extends above the ear lobe. Cartilage tissue covers most areas of the ear. A cartilage piercing is more difficult than other types of piercings, such as those in the earlobes or eyebrows.
The basic steps followed in the process of cartilage piercing are:
- The first step involves inserting the needle into the skin.
- The second step is putting the desired jewellery in place.
Cartilage Piercing Types
The three most popular types of cartilage piercing are:
1. Tragus Piercing
Tragus PiercingTragus piercing is done in the upper ear of the earlobe, inside your ears.
2. Helix Piercing
Helix PiercingHelix piercing is the most common type of cartilage piercing, and it is a simple piercing on the outside of your upper ear.
3. Industrial Piercing
Industrial PiercingIndustrial piercings are identical to the Helix piercing, except they include two or more holes in your cartilage that are joined by the same piece of jewellery.
Also read: Guide to Ear Piercing
Is it Painful to Get Cartilage Piercing?
It turns out that if you are not a fan of needles, you are in luck! Whether or not the first piercing hurts and how much depends on how much you can handle the pain.
The best way to think about what a cartilage piercing feels like is to imagine that you were accidentally poked in the ear by a younger, more annoying brother or sister. A lot of the time, that is pretty much how it feels. Having said that, getting it pierced is not usually the most painful part. The pain is more about the next few weeks.
As a general rule, cartilage piercings take between 4-6 months to heal, at the very least. Initial swelling can go away in two weeks, but it is more common for it to last for two to six weeks.
So, if you are afraid of needles, then the thought of them will hurt more than when they are used. Other than that, when you clean your ear, it may be hotter than usual and make you feel a little pain. Cartilage piercings are at most a little painful until the piercing is healed.
Healing Time of Cartilage Piercing
Healing often takes between four and six months, as previously indicated. However, when it comes to cartilage piercings, it might be misleading to think that the healing process is complete just because you can no longer feel the piercing.
A cartilage piercing heals in roughly nine months. After the first two weeks of pain, you may notice crustiness and a damp sensation behind your earring. When it comes to the healing process of cartilage, these symptoms are common. You can avoid any infection through proper cleaning and sterilization of the area.
Also read: Types of Ear Piercings
Aftercare for Cartilage Piercing
The recommended time frame for removing your original jewellery is 12 weeks for a normal helix piercing and most cartilage piercings. However, if you take the earring out for even a day, you run the chance of it shutting up, so select jewellery that you won't mind wearing for at least a year.
If the original piercer doesn't have an ear cleaning solution on hand, a sterile saline soak is often used to clean the piercing.
Preparations Before Getting Cartilage Piercing
Before you go into a piercing studio, you should keep your hair away from your ears. Before the piercing is done, it is also good to make sure your ears are clean. Your piercer will clean your ears until they are ready for the piercing.
It is also important to do research on the piercing studio before you go there. You should check out their reviews on the internet and from those who have previously visited the place. Once satisfied, you can visit the studio and get the cartilage piercing done.
Infection and Risks Involved in Cartilage Piercing
It is very important to stay away from lakes, ponds, oceans, Jacuzzis, and pools because these bodies of water have many different kinds of bacteria that could cause infection and make it hard to heal.
It is also good not to touch the pierced area with your hands because your hands are filled with extra germs that will get into your piercing. Another thing you should do is keep your hair out of the way of your ears. For aftercare, your piercer will give you instructions for cleaning and sanitizing.
The first thing you should do if you notice swelling, oozing, radiating heat or excessive pain is to get in touch with your piercer or your doctor to see if you have an infection. If you feel that your body is allergic to the metal you are wearing, visit the piercer to get it to change with the skin-friendly metal jewellery.
Cost of Cartilage Piercing
According to the sort of jewellery you pick, a cartilage piercing might cost between $40 and $50. Getting a piercing done by a professional is usually more expensive since they are licenced and skilled in their field. But just to save some money, if you visit any local piercer, it could be more dangerous as the unskilled work can get you the infection.
Also read: Septum Piercing
Conclusion
This is all you need to know about cartilage piercing before getting it done. It is crucial to choose the correct piercing studio if you want a pain-free, infection-free piercing that you are proud to show off to your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the best age to get a cartilage piercing?
A. The best age for getting a cartilage piercing is 13 years. The cartilage tissue is soft at this age, and pain can be easily tolerable.
Q. Which is the best cleanser for cartilage piercing?
A. Salt solutions are the best type of cleanser for cartilage piercing.
