Anti Tragus Piercing: What You Need to Know
Thinking about getting your anti tragus pierced? This guide will help you understand the process, the pain involved, and essential aftercare tips to ensure a smooth healing period.
Understanding Anti Tragus Piercing
The anti tragus piercing is a less common piercing that is typically located above the tragus bone on the outer ear. Unlike traditional earlobe piercings that are through the soft skin, anti tragus piercings are in the harder cartilage, which can make the process and care more complicated.
Pain Level
The pain you experience with an anti tragus piercing is subjective. Some may find it virtually painless, while others could consider it one of their most painful piercings. The type of pain can also vary from person to person. Cartilage generally tends to hurt more because it has a rich supply of nerve endings. The initial procedure involves piercing the cartilage with a needle and then inserting jewelry into the wound. It's important to recognize that the pain is not a standard experience and can vary greatly.
Will it hurt? Yes, because you are penetrating a part of your body with a needle and then inserting jewelry into the open wound. Will it be worse than a normal lobe piercing? Generally, it will be more painful due to the structure of cartilage. The cartilage is thicker and denser, leading to more sensation when punctured.
Aftercare and Healing Process
Proper aftercare is crucial for a successful and painless healing process. Here are some important steps to follow:
Protection and Care
No Twisting or Touching: It is essential to avoid touching or twisting the piercing for at least three months to prevent irritation and promote healing. Any movement can disrupt the healing process and potentially cause infection.
Avoid Sleeping on It for Three Months: Sleeping on the piercing can lead to discomfort and disruption of the healing tissue. It is best to avoid placing pressure on the piercing during this crucial period.
Limited Use of Movement-Inducing Objects: Earphones that fit over the ear should be avoided for about six months. Over-the-ear headphones put pressure on the piercing and can introduce bacteria, which can lead to infections.
Healing Timeframe
Anti tragus piercings typically take between 3 to 9 months to heal completely. During this time, your body is working to protect the area and stabilize the healing process. Patience is key, as rushing through the healing period can lead to complications.
Cleaning and Hygiene
To maintain hygiene and prevent infection, use saline solution or piercing-specific sprays. Antimicrobial soaps can be harsh and disrupt the natural healing process. It's important to clean the piercing gently but thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that may accumulate.
Professional Assistance
Piercing studios often offer free or low-cost jewelry changes for the first several months. It's a good idea to return to the studio for jewelry changes, as they can ensure the jewelry is clean and properly seated, reducing the risk of infection.
Conclusion
Anti tragus piercings are not overly complex, but they do require time, care, and patience to ensure a successful outcome. Proper aftercare and following the steps outlined in this guide can significantly reduce pain and complications, making your piercing experience more enjoyable and safe.