Are you thinking about getting your cartilage pierced? Wondering what to expect? Here are some key things you should know before getting your cartilage pierced.
Opt for a Needle
When it comes to how you get your cartilage pierced, you may be offered the choice of a piercing gun or a needle. You should not get your cartilage pierced with a gun; this excludes your earlobe! Piercing guns are not designed to pierce cartilage and can shatter the hard cartilage, and there is no way to properly clean the piercing gun, so it can spread germs and disease. A hollow needle is the safest way to have your hard cartilage pierced and is the option you should take.
The Pain Might Not Initially Kick In
Like many things, when you get a cartilage piercing, you may find that the lack of initial pain is surprising, but don’t let this fool you! As your piercing heals, you are more likely to feel pain afterward while your ear or nose (etc) is recovering. Try to be careful with your new piercing, and be sure to clean it regularly and follow all the recommended aftercare steps.
Healing Can Take Some Time
While you’re probably keen to change your piercing or try some new jewelry, you must wait until after your cartilage is fully healed. With a standard ear lobe piercing, healing usually takes four to six weeks, but cartilage piercings can take anywhere between three to six months. It can even sometimes take longer than that. The time to fully heal usually depends on the piercing type/location. All you can do in the meantime is to maintain good care and hygiene.