Ear Piercing: A Guide to Types

Each type of ear piercing has its own position and associated pain level.
Here are some of the most common types.

The anti-helix is located on the front of the upper ear cartilage, opposite the regular helix, just above the Tragus Piercing, is also known as the Forward Helix.

Located in the center of the ear, on the lower part of the cartilage (just above the anti-tragus), the conch piercing allows for a variety of jewelry types.

At TattooLab, the professional piercer begins with a consultation to discuss your preferences and explain the details of the process, including post-piercing care. After selecting the exact spot for the piercing, the area is sanitized to prevent infections. The piercer, wearing sterile gloves, marks the exact position for the piercing. Then, the piercer uses a needle to create the hole, then inserting the chosen jewelry. The process is quick and done with care to minimize discomfort and ensure the piercing is performed safely and hygienically.

As we have seen, there are many types of ear piercings, each of which can be more or less painful depending on the area. The most painful areas are usually those near or on the cartilage. Therefore, except for the lobe piercing — which is certainly the least painful — all other types may be slightly more uncomfortable during the healing process. However, swelling, redness, and mild pain are perfectly normal during the first few weeks.

Proper care is essential for optimal healing. It’s important to:

1. Clean regularly: Clean your ear piercing twice a day with a sterilized saline solution or a specific piercing cleaner. This helps prevent infections and promotes quick healing.
2. Wash hands: Always wash your hands with soap before touching the piercing or jewelry to avoid transferring bacteria.
3. Avoid irritating products: Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibiotic creams on the piercing, as they can irritate the skin and slow the healing process.
4. Do not touch or rotate the jewelry: Avoid touching or rotating the jewelry while the piercing is healing. These actions can cause irritation and introduce bacteria to the piercing site.
5. Be mindful of clothing: Be careful not to snag the piercing on hair, clothing, or towels to avoid accidental pulling and damage.
6. Sleep on a clean pillow: Use a clean pillow and change pillowcases regularly to minimize exposure to bacteria while you sleep.
7. Avoid pools and hot tubs: While your piercing is healing, avoid immersing yourself in pools, hot tubs, and other bodies of water that may contain bacteria.
8. Monitor the piercing: Keep an eye on the piercing site for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, pain, warmth, or unusual discharge.
9. Consult a professional if problems arise: If you notice signs of infection or have concerns about your piercing, consult your piercer or a doctor immediately.
10. Be patient with healing: Remember that healing times can vary depending on the ear area pierced and individual differences. Following the piercer’s instructions and maintaining good hygiene are key steps for optimal healing.

The healing time for an ear piercing can vary significantly depending on the specific area of the ear that was pierced:

• Lobe healing: Lobe piercings generally heal the fastest, taking about 3 to 5 months for complete healing.
• Cartilage piercings: Piercings done on the ear cartilage, such as the helix, tragus, industrial, etc., have longer healing times, generally from 6 to 9 months, but in some cases, they can take up to a year for full healing.

It’s important to note that these are average times, and healing can vary depending on post-piercing care, individual health, and other factors. Following the piercer’s instructions carefully and maintaining good piercing hygiene are crucial for ensuring optimal healing.

At TattooLab, piercers use specific needles and ASTM136 Titanium jewelry (implant-grade titanium) to minimize the risk of infection. If you suspect your ear piercing is infected, it’s important to act promptly to avoid complications. Here’s what to do:

• Do not remove the jewelry: Removing the jewelry can cause the hole to close, trapping the infection inside and making treatment more difficult.
• Consult your piercer: If the infection does not improve or worsens, or if you experience any discomfort, it is crucial to consult your piercer. In complex situations, you must see a doctor. In cases of severe infections, oral antibiotics or further treatments, which are medical prescriptions, may be required.
• Monitor symptoms: Keep an eye on the area for any signs of worsening, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, or pus discharge. Even after the symptoms of infection seem to improve, continue to monitor the area and maintain a good cleaning routine until fully healed.