I wanted to add some personality to the look and wanted a dainty and unique addition to the look. Since I love piercing, I thought I must try conch piercing. But I realized there is so much one needs to know before getting the conch piercing done.
Read on to learn everything about conch piercing.
Understand The Conch Piercing
A conch piercing is an ear piercing done on the cartilage of the ear. There are two kinds of conch piercings: inner and outer. The inner conch piercing is done on the lower part of the ear, near the ear canal.
The outer conch piercing is done on the upper part of the ear, near the helix. Conch piercings can be done with different types of jewelry, such as rings, studs, or barbells.
In single conch piercing, only one piercing is performed on the cartilage. A double conch piercing is a variation of a single conch piercing in which 2 piercings are done on either the inner or outer conch or one on each side.
Pros:
– You can choose from a variety of locations on your ear cartilage.
– The process is fast and less painful.
– The piercing is unique and can enhance your ear anatomy.
– The piercing can be customized to fit your ear shape and size.
– The piercing can be paired with other ear piercings for a creative look.
Cons:
– You must keep the piercing area clean and isolated from other objects.
– The healing time can be long and challenging.
– You have limited options for jewelry during the healing period.
– You may experience swelling and irritation sometimes.
– You need to make sure that the piercing angle is correct and comfortable.
Preparing for a Conch Piercing
Conch piercing needs preparation! So, if you want a safe and satisfying experience, prepare yourself well. Let’s understand a few factors on how you can prepare for conch piercing:
Finding a Reputable Vendor
First and foremost, find a professional piercer. Do your research well. Use online resources and reviews. Ask for recommendations from someone you know who has already undergone a conch piercing. You must check the piercer’s portfolio to see their work.
Consultation And Discussing Expectations
Communicating your doubts with the piercer is crucial. Before you start the process, discuss your preferences and talk about your expectations. Tell them about the type of jewelry you want for your pricing and the placement you want.
Seek Aftercare Instructions and Healing Process
Once the piercing is completed, aftercare is of utmost importance. Any sort of negligence can cause irritation and infections. Follow the aftercare instructions carefully and give yourself the healing time. Also, ensure you don’t have any allergies or medical conditions that may interrupt the healing process.
The Piercing Process
The conch piercing process is almost similar to other ear piercings. Yet, it requires more precision and normally needs more time. The step includes:
Sterilization and Marking Of The Piercing Area
The first step is to sterilize the area and equipment. Marking the area comes next using a pen or a marker. Check the marking position if it aligns with your expectations before proceeding.
Choosing The Jewellery: captive bead rings, labret studs, barbells
Choose the preferred jewelry with the help of your piercer. The most common types of jewelry for conch piercing are captive bead rings (CBRs), labret studs, and barbells. CBRs are circular rings that have a bead that holds them in place. Labret studs are straight posts that have a flat back and a ball or gem on the front. Barbells are straight bars that have bells or gems on both ends.
Pain Level and Common Misconceptions
The pain level is moderate, but depending on each individual’s pain tolerance and sensitivity, it may differ. The pain usually lasts for a few seconds and then subsides gradually.
Common Misconceptions:
– Conch piercing damages your hearing
– It can make your cartilage collapse.
– Using a ring will heal it faster than a stud.
The Actual Piercing Process
The piercing is done by using a hollow needle to pierce your conch. Your pierce will insert the needle through the marked area and then push the jewelry through the hole. Then the jewelry is secured with a ball or a bead. If there is any blood or excess ink they wipe it off.
Healing and Aftercare
After the piercing, it is vital that your conch piercing heals well and is not infected or irritated.
Duration of the Healing Process
Similar to pain level, healing time can also differ from person to person. It normally requires 6 to 12 months to heal completely. Again, it is a must to follow aftercare instructions appropriately so that it heals well and well within the time.
Cleaning and Maintenance Routine
During your healing period, you must follow the cleaning and maintenance routine. Follow these steps twice a day:
– Wash your hands with hand wash before touching your piercing or jewelry.
– Soak a cotton ball in saline solution or an antiseptic solution. Gently dab it on your piercing and jewelry. Avoid rubbing or twisting the jewelry.
– Dry your piercing and jewelry with a clean paper towel or tissue. Do not use a cloth towel or cotton swab. These can leave lint or fibers on your piercing.
– Apply a very thin layer of antibacterial ointment on the piercing.
Potential Complications and How To Manage Them
Common potential complications that can occur with conch piercing are:
Infection:
If any bacteria enter your piercing it can cause redness, swelling, pain, pus, fever, or a foul odor. Avoid this by keeping your piercing clean and do not touch it with dirty hands. You can treat infection by applying warm compresses and taking antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
Irritation:
Your piercing can get inflamed or irritated due to trauma, friction, pressure, or allergic reaction. You can prevent irritation by choosing the right jewelry size and material and avoiding sleeping on your pierced ear or wearing headphones or earphones. You can treat irritation by applying cold compresses and taking anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
Migration:
This is when your jewelry moves from its original position due to gravity, weight, tension, or rejection. You can prevent migration by avoiding wearing heavy or light jewelry that may pull or stretch your pricing. You can treat migration by changing your jewelry to a smaller size or removing it altogether if it is too severe.
Scarring:
This is when your skin forms raised or indented tissue around your piercing due to injury, infection, irritation, or genetics. You can prevent scarring by keeping your piercing clean and moisturized and avoiding picking crusts or scabs. You can treat scarring by applying silicone sheets or creams, such as Mederma, or undergoing laser therapy.
Jewellery and Styling Options
You can explore various jewellery options with conch piercing which is one of the best things about it.
Exploring Different Types of Jewellery For The Conch
The common types of jewelry include captive bead rings (CBRs), labret studs, and barbells. You can also try other available types, including hoops, huggles, clickers, cuffs, or chains.
Choosing The Right Size and Material
Before choosing the jewellery consider the factors such as the right material and size. The size refers to the gauge (thickness) and diameter (length) of your jewelry. The material of your jewelry should be high-quality and hypoallergenic, such as titanium, surgical steel, or gold conch jewelry can be the best.
How to Style and Pair Conch Piercings
Style your conch piercing with:
1. Creating clusters of small studs. There are various types of clusters such as prong clusters, opal clusters, four-leaf marquee, and flower clusters.
2. Using large conch stud earrings.
3. Placing studs in opposite directions in a double conch.
4. Mix and match solid rings with crystals.
Tips for Optimal Conch Piercing Experience
Follow these tips for a satisfying and optimal piercing experience.
Avoid Activities That May Irritate The Piercing
You should avoid any activity that can put pressure, friction, or trauma on your piercing, such as sleeping on your pierced ear, wearing headphones or earphones, swimming, or playing contact sports.
Regular Check-ups WIth The Piercer
Visit your piercer regularly to monitor the healing process and to make any adjustments or changes to the jewellery.
Potential Risks and When to Seek Professional Help
Be aware of potential risks and complications that may occur. You should alos know the signs and symptoms of these problems and how to manage them. However, if you notice any severe or persistent issues, such as excessive bleeding, swelling, pain, pus, fever, or foul odour, you should seek professional help immediately.
FAQs
Do conch piercings cause pain?
Conch piercing causes pain and it is typically more intense compared to earlobe piercings due to the presence of cartilage.
Is a conch piercing a wise choice?
Yes, a conch piercing can be a fantastic means of infusing some individuality into your appearance.
What can I do to speed up the healing of my conch piercing?
To make your conch heal faster make sure to clean your conch piercing several times a day and follow the aftercare instructions without fail.