Body art has entered the world of fashionable trends, and alongside it, the “ear” has also become a canvas for the not-so-ordinary expression of individual style. Cartilage piercings may not be as common as lobe piercings, but they are increasing among the body art-loving crowd. The term “cartilage piercing” encompasses a variety of ear piercings that involve the hard, cartilaginous part of the ear. For instance, this might include piercings in the helix, snug, or tragus. Proper aftercare with these more fashion-forward piercings is essential because your “ear” is made of both cartilage and soft tissue. In this talk, we will explore some of the ins and outs of piercing the ear in more artistic forms.
Grasping Cartilage Piercing
Cartilage piercing is performed on the ear’s outermost, durable tissue, which has more potential for discoloration and keloids than other body parts. This potential hazard often dissuades piercers from attempting these problematic and time-consuming projects. However, with the right tools, cartilage piercing can be safe, and the recipients can proudly wear the resulting piercings. Elongated holes in pierced cartilage are uncommon; “gaps” in these types of structures usually indicate the beginning of a keloid or other growth that is not always harmful, yet material that is pierced should be left alone to heal before it is subjected to any additional trauma.
How to Do a Cartilage Piercing
Obtaining a cartilage piercing is a simple enough process, yet it is not entirely akin to the common earlobe piercing. Cartilage, tougher and denser than usual skin, requires slightly different pre- and post-piercing treatments to achieve a safe and successful result. As with any piercing, you should first consult with a professional to determine the best spot for piercing, the style of jewellery to use (some types of jewellery are better for healing piercings), and the kind of earring to wear after your piercing has healed. It is also best to get pierced early in the day to allow maximum time for healing; after all, the healing process is a necessary step to having a well-functioning piercing.
Levels of pain differ from person to person. Still, most individuals convey that a needle used to perform a piercing does not have the same sensation as a sharper object like a pin. In summary, the pain associated with a piercing is intense. In summary, people often describe the pain of a piercing as a quick, sharp pinch that causes a moment of intense discomfort. The soft tissue of the earlobe, which means the piercing may sting much more intensely and last a bit longer. However, the routine has become so commonplace that any wincing or “ow” noises are usually part of the experience.
Care Following a Cartilage Piercing
Successful healing of a cartilage piercing requires proper aftercare. Even with perfect aftercare, healing can take three to twelve months. This variability is contingent upon the individual and the specific location of the piercing within the ear. Of course, healing also takes longer if the piercing is not cared for—many cartilage piercings probably take the maximum amount of time to heal because of insufficient aftercare.
Opt for a saline solution or a gentle, unscented soap when cleaning your piercing. Clean the area with the chosen solution or soap twice daily, being careful not to use any strong chemicals or alcohol-based products that might dry the skin out and irritate it. Please refrain from touching your piercing with unwashed hands. Your hands have sufficient bacteria on them already, and the last thing you need is to infect your fresh lobe with the staph that’s probably on your hands right now.
Until the piercing has fully healed, avoid sleeping on the same side of your body. When piercing, our expert artists target cartilage instead of the softer tissue of the earlobe for an actual bridge effect. Cartilage piercings take longer to heal because these tissues are more rigid and don’t have the same healing properties. This necessitates more meticulous aftercare and a longer healing period for the piercing.
Potential Dangers and Concerns Related to Cartilage Piercings
Cartilage piercings are usually safe when done by a pro. The most significant risk is infections, which occur when piercings fail to receive proper care or come into contact with numerous bacteria. You will know if you get an infection because your piercing will be red, swollen, and painful and will probably ooze pus. “Amdffdfo” (that’s medical for “get thee to a doctor ASAP”). Avoiding infection and other complications is all in a day’s work for a healthy piercing.
An additional possible complication is a keloid, which can form around the piercing and raise a scar. People with specific genetic backgrounds are more likely to develop keloids, which can pose a significant challenge in terms of available treatments. Keloids can’t be excised; they’re more likely to form if the site of the keloid is incised. If you want to develop keloids, consult a dermatologist before getting your cartilage pierced.
Cartilage piercings can also cause other problems, including hypertrophic scarring—thickened scars that form at the piercing site. Hypertrophic scars are smaller and may improve over time than keloids, which some people are prone to and seem to grow indefinitely. They usually do not require unique treatments to keep them from worsening.
Choosing the right jewellery
The right jewellery for a cartilage or conch piercing is an important and affecting decision. The jewellery you wear will make a statement during and after healing, and you can’t achieve the look with non-cartilage-piercing jewellery.
So, what’s a safe bet? It starts with the jewellery not being a cheap knockoff. For one, you’ll want to stay away from materials that may contain nickel. Not only is the material important, but so is the design and body movements of the jewellery.
