This increasing popularity for cartilage earrings piercings has created a demand for special earrings for this section of the ear. These earrings are called cartilage earrings.
Cartilage tissue is the area over the earlobe, and is connective tissue, a very dense and thick substance compared to the earlobe tissue. Cartilage piercings are classified into four different types, orbital, conch, tragus, and helix piercings.
In orbital piercing, the exit and entry spots occur in the same spot of the cartilage. With conch piercing, cartilage at the ear’s middle section is pierced. Tragus piercing is performed in the cartilage next to the face and just above the earlobe. For helix piercing, cartilage piercing occurs twice and is performed on that area of the cartilage on the outside section of the ear.
To be safe, all body piercings should only be performed by a professional, also any cartilage piercing must be performed by hand. The use of a piercing gun may lead to the shattering of the cartilage and possible scarring may occur. It could take anywhere from 4 months to 12 months for the piercings to be completely healed, and the time taken will depend on the cartilage’s thickness.
The earrings used following the piercings, should be carefully chosen and should be comfortable enough for the person to leave on for up to 12 months until the piercing is completely healed. Once the healing is complete, the earrings may then be changed. Earrings should be of good quality and may be of sterling silver, , white gold, yellow gold,surgical steel or titanium. The designs of the earrings include hoops, posts or studs, cuffs, industrial and captive beads