Getting your ears pierced can often feel like a rite of passage. While these piercings are fun and exciting, they also come with major commitments and possible side effects. In this blog, we’ll share what to know before getting your ears pierced.
Not All Ear Piercings Are the Same
There are 15 different types of possible ear piercings a person can receive. However, these piercings should not all be treated the same. Although all 15 of these piercings can be administered safely, each type of piercing punctures a different section of the ear. This means that the risk of complications and recovery time for each piercing can be completely different.
For example, cartilage piercings puncture the upper cartilage of the ear and are prone to severe infections. Lobe piercings heal faster with fewer complications because they puncture through an ear area with higher blood flow. Before visiting a piercing shop, consider what piercing works best for your health and lifestyle.
Average Recovery Time for Ear Piercings
- Lobes: 6-8 weeks
- Upper Lobe: 6-8 weeks
- Industrial: 2-3 months
- Transverse Lobe: 2 months
- Cartilage: 3-5 months
- Orbital: 3-4 months
- Helix: 3-9 months
- Forward Helix: 3-9 months
- Daith: 9 months
- Tragus: 3-6 months
- Anti-Tragus: 3-9 months
- Snug: 4-6 months
- Conch: 3-9 months
- Outer Conch: 3-9 months
- Rook: 3-10 months
Sterilization Matters
When contemplating what to know before getting your ears pierced, safety should be a top priority. Whenever visiting a piercing shop, it’s vital to check that all tools and equipment have been thoroughly sterilized. Using non-sterilized equipment can lead to a wide array of health complications, including serious infections.
It’s also best to avoid piercing guns because these tools are known to hide germs and bacteria in smaller crevasses. For the safest piercing process, piercers should open new needles and clean equipment in front of you.
The type of metal used in your first set of earrings also matters. Metals with nickel or zinc often cause allergic reactions and should be avoided. However, earrings with titanium metals are safer and hypoallergic. When buying new earrings to wear after your piercing heals, always look over the different types of earrings to make the best purchase.
Post-Care Hygiene is Essential
Before getting your ears pierced, you should always consider what aftercare products you will need to prevent infection. Most piercers recommend using standard rubbing alcohol to clean your piercing while it heals. To clean ears, use a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol twice a day to clean the skin around the piercing. You can also use ointments to apply near piercings to prevent dry skin and scabbing.
Post-care hygiene for new piercings can be tedious, but it’s essential to avoid health complications. Consider the healing time for an ear piercing to determine whether you are committed to cleaning your ears for their entire recovery period.
Ear piercings are fun and exciting forms of self-expression and style. Before you choose your needle, it’s crucial to consider these post-piercing commitments. Considering these facts about piercings will save you painful infections and unexpected recovery times. Once you’re ready, you can choose a piercing that will show off your style without risking your health.