When we see a body piercing on someone else, we can't help but want to run out and get our own. One of those is, without a doubt, the conch piercing.
As the name suggests, this type of cartilage piercing is inspired by the folds of a conch shell. Every shell on the beach is slightly different, and no two ears are the same. In order to get the most out of your conch piercing, you'll need a professional to guide you in the right direction. In this article, we have jotted down all the information regarding the conch piercing that you must know about. So let's get started.
What is Conch Piercing?
People think the conch piercing is weird, but it's just another great cartilage earring for your ear. The piercing has got its name due to its resemblance to the conch shell. Inner and outer conch are two types of conch piercings, which are both done with a needle.
The inner conch is the part of the ear next to the ear canal that looks like a cup. The outer conch is the part of the ear between the helix and the antihelix that is flat and looks like a cup.
People who are good at getting piercings should have no trouble getting inside the inner conch. A hollow 16-point gauge needle will be used for this type of cartilage piercing. You don't have to do anything special to get your cartilage ear piercing done as you would for any other piercing, and the healing process is also pretty much the same.
Is Conch Piercing Painful?
Conch piercing is less harmful than other types of cartilage piercing. In general, cartilage piercings hurt about in the middle of the pain scale, and the conch is the same, too, but it hurts less. It will be more painful than getting a lobe piercing, but most people should be able to handle it.
A 14G needle is usually used to pierce the conch, but this is not always the case. You can go bigger than that, but if you do, you might want to think about using a dermal punch instead of a needle. You can get a bigger gauge using the dermal punch, but it removes cartilage instead of just piercing the skin, so it's more risky. It's also not a good idea to get a dermal punch piercing on your own because it won't heal on its own, and many states have laws against using them for that.
If you don't like the look of the dermal punch but want a bigger gauge, you can try to stretch the cartilage. It can be hard, though. If you want to get rid of your conch piercing in the future, you'll need surgery. It's better to think about getting a conch piercing for a long time before going to the piercer because it will be more permanent than other piercings.
Healing Time of Conch Piercing
People who get conch piercings may have a little more swelling than people who get skin piercings. Don't worry, this is normal. The swellness in the area should go down in a few weeks. When the whole healing process is done, it can take anywhere from six to nine months. You should wait until your piercing has fully healed before you change the jewelry you wear.
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Best Conch Piercing Jewellery
Conch Piercing Jewellery
If you want to get cartilage jewelry for your conch piercing, there are a lot of choices. You should make sure that the jewelry you choose for your conch piercing should be of very high quality. Some of the best jewelry you can get for the conch piercing are:
1. Conch Hoops
One of the popular options for conch piercing is hinged rings or hoops, which are also known as "orbitals." However, it is generally recommended that you start with a flat back labret and then switch to a hoop once healed.
2. Cuffs
Cuffs are another preferred option for a conch piercing. Since they can be worn with so many different looks, cuffs work well for many different types of cartilage piercings. However, you must wait until the piercing is fully healed before switching to one of these cuffs.
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Aftercare for Conch Piercing
The cartilage receives less blood flow than your lip or earlobe; therefore, it will heal in a different way than other body parts. In order to speed up the healing process for any cartilage piercing, including the conch, consider the following aftercare tips.
1. Take care while wearing anything in your ears
Your piercing can become infected due to the bacteria that can come from headphones, a hat, or even your hair. Keep your conch piercing away from foreign objects for the first few days after getting it. Your hair should be pulled back into a bun or a ponytail at all times. Avoid putting pressure on your new conch piercing by using headphones that cover your entire ear. Avoid wearing hats. Ensure that your piercing has a chance to heal without interference. This is one of the best and most effective aftercare for a conch piercing.
2. Do not frequently remove the jewelry
When piercing jewelry is moved, the skin around the piercing site may be damaged, causing scarring and piercing bumps to form. When healing, avoid twisting or moving the jewelry. You should follow this rule even if you're asleep. Avoid sleeping on the jewelry. If you're a side sleeper, it's best only to have your conch pierced on one side at a time to avoid disturbing your sleep pattern.
3. Keep the area clean and dry
Cartilage piercings, in particular, are prone to bumps and other complications during healing. Don't be a slacker with your post-surgery care. Ensure that your ears are clean. The piercing site should be free of wax and dead skin. Always go to bed with fresh sheets and pillowcases. If you're going to get a conch piercing, you might as well get it done right. By keeping your piercing clean and dry, you can help it heal more quickly.
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Conclusion
This is all about conch piercing that you must know about. So if you are a fan of piercing, then conch piercing can be a great option; therefore, get it done with the best piercer in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What does the conch piercing help with?
A. Conch piercings get their name from the ear's spiral shape (the conch), and they're thought to ease muscle tension and chronic pain.
Q2. How much does a conch piercing cost?
A. Conch piercing typically ranges from $35 to $70. A dermal punch may cost you a little more than $80 at an experienced piercer's shop, but you should be able to keep it under that amount.
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