For decades, cartilage piercings have been used to express oneself. Earlobe, cartilage, and other piercings remain popular. New data shows that over 80% of 18-to-25-year-olds had at least one piercing, most of them in the ears or cartilage. The trend’s meteoric rise may be due to safer, more hygienic piercing methods and the public’s rising tolerance for body modification.
Different cartilage piercings offer several cosmetic alternatives for expressing oneself. From ultra-feminine to ultra-edgy, cartilage piercings are for everyone. Cartilage piercings are a unique method to express yourself through body alteration. We’ll explore the pros and cons of different cartilage piercings to help you decide.
What are Cartilage Piercings
Pierce the ear, nose, eyebrow, and upper lip cartilage. Tough, transparent cartilage is distributed throughout the body. Cartilage piercings, which are done on denser tissue than earlobes, take longer to heal.
Keep the cartilage piercing clean and don’t touch or twist the jewellery for 4–12 months. Avoid infections and other complications by following the piercer’s aftercare instructions.
Studs, hoops, and captive bead rings are cartilage jewellery. Choose high-quality titanium or stainless steel jewellery to avoid sensitivities or infections.
It’s also important to select a reliable, experienced piercer who sterilizes properly to reduce your risk of complications. Getting a cartilage piercing is a major decision, so educate yourself and get suggestions first. Consider recovery, aftercare, and risks before obtaining a cartilage piercing.
Also See: Dermal Piercing: Everything You Need to Know
Pain and Healing Time
Cartilage piercings hurt more than earlobe piercings because they puncture denser tissue. Piercing hurts differently for everyone. Some express a sudden, brief ache, while others describe a prolonged, severe agony.
Depending on location and person, cartilage piercings can heal in 4 months to a year. Avoid infection by keeping the piercing clean and without touching or twisting the jewellery during the first few weeks.
Avoid pools and hot baths until the piercing has healed. If you follow the aftercare instructions and don’t put too much pressure on the piercing, the healing process should progress smoothly and without problems.
Also See: Discover the Art of Nose Piercing: A Guide for First-Timers
Cost of Cartilage Piercings
Location, jewellery, and piercer reputation affect cartilage piercing costs. Depending on the parlour and item, a cartilage piercing costs $30 to $100. Hoops and dangles cost more, however some piercing studios offer discounts on studs and captive bead rings. Famous and experienced piercers charge more.
Choosing a low-cost piercer with little experience or using cheap jewellery might raise the risk of complications and infections, so it’s important to consider both cost and quality. Before getting a cartilage piercing, research the process and alternatives.
Side Effects
Piercings in the cartilage, like other types of body piercings, can sometimes be uncomfortable and possibly lead to infections. The following are some of the most common risks and adverse effects:
- Infection is a sign that a piercing has not been adequately cared for or disinfected, and the symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, and discharge from the piercing site.
- When cartilage tissue is pierced, it can cause scarring on the skin that gives it a raised or depressed appearance.
- Sometimes the body can reject the piercing and will either pull away from it or try to push the jewellery out of the piercing.
- There is a possibility that the metal in the jewellery will cause an allergic reaction in certain people, which may manifest as hives, swelling, and redness.
- It is normal to experience pain and discomfort both during and after getting pierced, and this is especially true if the piercing is infected or swollen.
- For certain individuals, getting pierced can result in the development of keloid scars, which are distinguishable by their elevated and more substantial appearance.
Also See: Ashley Piercing: Ultimate Guide to This Unique Body Modification
Type of Cartilage Piercing
A variety of various categories can be assigned to cartilage piercings, and these categories are determined by the site of the piercing. The following are some samples of some of the most common types:
Helix
Helix piercings include piercing the cartilage on the ear’s outer edge. This popular cartilage piercing lets you customise jewellery. During the 4-6 month recuperation period for a helix piercing, daily saline cleaning reduces the chance of infection and other complications.
Forward Helix Piercings
Forward Helix Piercings puncture the cartilage in front of the ear near the temple. It can be done alone or with other ear piercings to give a unique look. During the 4-6 month recuperation period, frequent saline solution washing of a forward helix piercing helps prevent infection and other complications.
Tragus
Body piercing includes piercing the tragus, a small, rounded cartilage flap on the inside side of the ear near the face. Tragus piercings are becoming more popular because to their versatility and ease of combination. After a tragus piercing, which can take four to six months to heal, daily saline solution cleaning reduces infection and other complications.
Daith Piercing
Daith piercings puncture the fold of cartilage near the ear canal. For unique piercings, it’s a favourite. It may relieve migraines and headaches, but there is no scientific evidence. Careful follow-up prevents problems and speeds recovery.
Rook Piercing
Rook piercings are made in the ear’s inner cartilage ridge above the tragus. Jewelry needs puncturing cartilage. Rooks are a popular choice for unique ear piercings. Before changing jewellery, visit a trusted piercer and let the piercing heal.
Conch Piercing
Conch, or center, ear piercings are cartilage piercings in the ear’s concave region. Internal or external conch piercings. The proximity to the ear canal and earlobe distinguishes inner and outer conch piercings. For jewelry-wearers, conch and conch helix piercings are trendy. To avoid difficulties and speed healing, post-treatment actions are essential.
Industrial Piercing
A straight barbell joins two ear cartilage perforations. Industrial piercing. Industrial because it appeared like a factory piercing. This ear piercing is popular with those who seek something unique. Before changing jewellery, visit a trusted piercer and let the piercing heal.
Orbital Piercing
The “orbital” ear cartilage piercing threads a ring through two holes. Orbital piercings resemble orbits. Orbital piercings are popular among those seeking a unique look. Before changing jewellery, visit a trusted piercer and let the piercing heal.
