Outer Cartilage Piercing

A cartilage piercing is the second most popular type of the ear piercing. It involves the outer cartilage piercing and inner cartilage piercing. The main purpose of the piercing is to wear the jewelry. The cartilage is the transparent tissue of the upper part of the ear. The outer cartilage piercing is performed in the outer ear cartilage. It is done in the flat portion of the outer ear.

The outer cartilage piercing can be done at any portion within the flat plane of the cartilage. The jewelry should not be less than 16 gauge. If it is less than 16, there is a chance of pulling out or getting irritated easily. Generally, the piercing is done using a large gauge piercing needle or a curved barbell or a large captive bead ring. A dermal punch can be used to bypass the stretching. Applying dermal punching and stretching, the piercing becomes permanent as the body can’t replace the cartilage.

The common jewelry used for the outer cartilage piercing includes the captive bead rings, curved barbells or barbells. The captive bead ring has a small gap for inserting through the ear. The gap is closed by a small bead. The barbells are made from a straight piece of metal along with a bead permanently fixed to one end. Another end is threaded. The other bead is screwed into the place when the barbell is inserted through the ear.

The outer cartilage piercing requires 8 to 12 weeks for complete healing. As there is a limited blood supply to this area, the cartilage piercing never gets completely healed in some individuals. The piercing can’t be done using the piercing gun because the gun doesn’t fit around the curved area of outer cartilage. Use of a hollow piercing needle is beneficial. After complete healing, the outer cartilage piercing shrinks to smaller gauges if the earring is not worn for a longer time. But it doesn’t completely disappear.

The blunt force of the ear piercing instrument can cause a trauma to the cartilage and delays the healing process. As there is less blood flow in the cartilage, there is a high risk of infection. It requires the antibiotic treatment. Use of sterilized equipments for piercing and maintaining the hygiene is very important for prevention of the infections.

Recommended Reading

1. Industrial Piercing
Industrial Piercing has been done by people for a long period of time. Piercing was since the ancient times in...
2. Types Of Ear Piercing
Ear piercing is the most commonly practiced body piercing. It is meant for wearing beautiful earrings. It is more frequent...
3. Eyebrow Piercing
An eyebrow piercing is one of the types of body piercing. It is done through the eyebrows, generally vertically. It...
4. Belly Button Piercing
Body piercing is the latest trend in the young generation. It is characterized by piercing any body part to wear...
5. Tongue Piercing
Tongue piercing has become popular in last few years. Like other body piercing, it doesn't restrict the body movements due...