Your Cartilage Piercing Questions Answered

Your Cartilage Piercing Questions Answered

Are you considering getting a cartilage piercing? Whether you're a piercing enthusiast or a newbie to the world of body art, cartilage piercings can be an exciting way to express your style. However, before you take the plunge, it's crucial to gather accurate information about the process, aftercare, and potential concerns.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll address all your questions about cartilage piercings, providing you with a detailed overview to help you make an informed decision. So, let's dive in and explore the fascinating world of cartilage piercings!

What Is An Ear Cartilage Piercing?

A cartilage piercing involves perforating the cartilage, the tough and flexible tissue that supports various parts of the body, with a sterilized needle to create an opening for jewelry insertion. Unlike earlobe piercings, which pass through soft tissue, cartilage piercings require additional care and attention due to their placement.

What Types of Cartilage Piercings Are There?

Daith Piercing
This piercing sits in the innermost fold of the ear cartilage.
Forward Helix
This piercing sits close to the head in the piece of cartilage above the tragus.
Helix Piercing
These piercings are on the part of the ear that curls up alongside the outer edges of the ear. Industrial helix piercings pass twice through this part of the ear.
Conch Piercing
These are in the middle of the ear cartilage.
Orbital Piercing
These piercings go through the same piece of cartilage in the ear. The entrance and exit of the piercing are visible at the front of the ear.
Snug Piercing
This piercing goes through both the inner and outer part of the ear and the placement can vary.
Tragus Piercing
A tragus piercing sits on the small bit of cartilage that sticks out above the earlobe.
Anti Tragus Piercing
This piercing sits in the cartilage above the lobe.
Multiple Cartilage Piercings

How Are Cartilage Piercings Done?

Cartilage piercings should always be performed by a professional piercer at a reputable studio, such as Pierced. The piercer will first sterilize the area and mark the precise spot for the piercing. They will then use a hollow needle to create a hole in the cartilage, followed by the insertion of jewelry. The process may cause some discomfort, but it is generally quick and efficient.

Do Cartilage Piercings Hurt?

Pain levels associated with cartilage piercings can vary from person to person. Generally, cartilage piercings tend to be more painful than earlobe piercings due to the denser tissue. However, the sensation is typically brief and manageable, lasting only a few seconds.

The best thing to do to prepare yourself is to remember that the discomfort of a piercing is only temporary and once the moment has passed, you’ll be left with an awesome new piercing to admire.

Cartilage Piercing in Progress - Forward Helix

What Types of Jewelry Exist for Cartilage Piercings?

Due to the popularity of cartilage piercings, there are plenty of cartilage jewelry options available. When you’re choosing jewelry for your cartilage piercing, the most important thing is to make sure that it is good quality. Some types of jewelry that will look awesome with your cartilage piercing are:

Hoops
Hoops exist in plain or patterned styles and both can look great
Posts and studs
Posts can look great with a cartilage piercing and come in different styles and colours
Circular Barbells
These are a half-hoop style which passes through the ear with each end visible. They often have a bead on each end.
Captive Beads
These are a popular choice of hoop. They vary in size and have a single bead in the middle.
Cuffs
Cuffs sit well around many cartilage piercings and are really versatile in terms of design and style, making them a great choice.
Industrial Bar
These usually pass through the ear twice and come in a variety of styles.
Cartilage Piercing Jewelry

How Do I Care for a Cartilage Piercing?

You should care for your cartilage piercing in the same way that you would care for any other piercing. Your cartilage piercing may take a little longer to heal than a skin piercing, and you may experience a little more swelling.

To ensure that your cartilage piercing heals beautifully, be sure to follow a few simple steps:

  • Avoid touching or playing with your cartilage piercing too much, especially if you haven’t washed your hands thoroughly first
  • Use natural, skin sensitive products to gently clean your piercing, especially whilst is it healing. A lukewarm saline solution works just fine applied with a cotton ball or Q-tip.
  • When drying your piercing, use a clean paper towel
  • Leave your original jewelry in while your piercing is healing

Can Cartilage Piercings Get Infected?

Cartilage piercings are susceptible to infection, but by following proper aftercare and hygiene practices, the risk can be minimized. Look out for signs of infection such as severe pain, excessive swelling, pus discharge, and fever. If you suspect an infection, seek professional advice immediately.

How Long Does it Take for a Cartilage Piercing to Heal?

Cartilage piercings can take several months to a year to fully heal. Healing time depends on various factors, including your body's response to the piercing, aftercare adherence, and jewelry choice. Patience is key during this process.

Conclusion

Cartilage piercings offer a fantastic opportunity to express your personal style. By following proper aftercare and seeking professional guidance from renowned studios like Pierced, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable cartilage piercing experience. Remember, the healing process requires patience, but the end result is well worth it. Happy piercing!

Ready for Your Next Cartilage Piercing?

If you have a question about ear cartilage piercing, stop by for a chat with a member of the team. You can also give the team at Pierced a call today and we’ll try our best to answer any questions you may have. 

Book an appointment with us. 

Piercing Studios Near You

Mississauga

Square One Shopping Centre
100 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, ON L5B 2C9

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Need an Experienced Piercer in Mississauga?

Working with an experienced piercer can make all the difference when it comes to your piercing experience. If you’re in the Mississauga, Ontario area and have any questions about ear piercing, body piercing or jewelry, give us a call or stop by our piercings studio today. We’d love to help walk you through what to expect and help you choose the right option.

Rethink piercings, rethink piercings, rethink piercings.

Rethink piercings, rethink piercings, rethink piercings.