For tragus, anti-tragus, helix, rook, conch and most cartilage piercings (any part of the ear other than your lobe) a piercer will use an 18 gauge (as seen above) or 16 gauge needle. Depending on the anatomy of your ear, the piercer may use a 14 gauge needle as well.
Consequently, can I pierce my cartilage with a 14g needle?
The initial piercing can be done from an 18G to a 14G, depending on the look you want. (Note: Cartilage piercings don’t stretch like ear lobe piercings do, so if you want a large-gauge conch piercing, you will have to pierce it at that size.)
Accordingly, why is there a big bump on my cartilage piercing?
A cartilage piercing creates an open wound. As it heals, it may look swollen, lumpy, or like a bump. In the days immediately following a cartilage piercing, the body’s immune system triggers inflammation and swelling to heal the wound, sometimes leading to a cartilage bump.
Can I put a 16G in a 14g piercing?
Yes all day you can. However, the 16g post is thinner than the 14g. Downsizing is not an issue unless you’ve got a large collection of 14g jewelry that you wish to wear again. Downsizing to 16g is safe as long as it is healed.
Can I put a 16 gauge in my cartilage?
Getting your cartilage re-pierced to your desired gauge is also an option, and is great if your end goal is a 16, 14, or 12 gauge piercing. … You can stretch your tragus, conch, flat, as well as any helix piercing. BUT, when stretching cartilage you need to be aware that once it heals, the stretch is permanent!
How do I know if my cartilage piercing is healing correctly?
Signs that the piercing is fully healed include the site of the piercing being normal colored and not red, swollen, or tender; no clear or yellowish fluid draining; and no pain when the area is touched. The earliest a cartilage piercing heals for most people is 3 months.
How do I get rid of the bump on my cartilage piercing?
If you aren’t experiencing severe symptoms, you may be able to use the following methods to treat your cartilage bump at home.
- You may need to change your jewelry. …
- Make sure you clean your piercing. …
- Cleanse with a saline or sea salt soak. …
- Use a chamomile compress. …
- Apply diluted tea tree oil.
Which ear should I pierce my cartilage?
If you want the piercing to be seen (and who doesn’t?), then obviously the bare ear. The side on which you go to sleep can also play a role in your decision. A piercing may be uncomfortable to rest on, so choose the opposite side.
What gauge does Claire’s use for cartilage?
Well, I just found out that Claire’s pierces with a 20 gauge and apparently the more common gauge for cartilage is 16.
Is 20G bigger than 16G?
Please refer to the metric conversion chart below.
| Gauge | Inches | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 20G | .032″ | 0.81mm |
| 18G | .040″ | 1.0mm |
| 16G | .050″ | 1.2mm |
| 14G | .064″ | 1.6mm |
