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The idea of piercing your own cartilage without professional services can sound appealing when you're considering an ear cartilage piercing. While doing it yourself might save money, you might also wonder if it's worth the risk. In this article, we'll address some of the most common questions about DIY cartilage piercing to help you decide whether you can safely pierce your own cartilage.
Steps
Should I Pierce My Cartilage?
If you decide to pierce yourself, be extremely careful and choose the right tools. Professional piercers follow strict procedures to ensure client safety. To minimize the risk of injury or infection when piercing yourself, you'll need a sterile piercing needle designed for cartilage. Another critical step is thoroughly disinfecting your ear, workspace, and all tools.
- If you have prior experience with at-home piercings or have pierced cartilage elsewhere and know how to care for the piercing, the risk of complications will be lower.
Professional piercing services can significantly reduce risks. Expert piercers know how to sterilize tools and maintain a clean, safe piercing environment. They are also skilled in techniques that minimize pain and tissue damage. Additionally, they can answer your questions and provide detailed aftercare instructions.
- Note that cartilage piercing is more complex than earlobe piercing. Improper techniques can lead to injuries or severe infections. Medical professionals recommend visiting a certified piercer for any body piercing, especially for high-risk areas like cartilage.
Avoid self-piercing if you have diabetes or other health conditions. Cartilage is particularly prone to severe infections post-piercing. This risk increases if you have conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.
- Even if you plan to visit a professional, consult your doctor before getting a cartilage piercing if you have any health concerns.
What tools do I need for a DIY ear cartilage piercing?
Purchase sterile piercing needles in sealed packaging. Look for hollow piercing needles or cannula needles. Hollow needles are metal needles with a hollow center (more common in the U.S.), while cannula needles have a plastic tube attached (often used by professional piercers in other countries). You can buy these online or at piercing and tattoo supply stores. Standard cartilage piercing needles are 16- to 18-gauge.
- Remember, the lower the gauge number, the thicker the needle. A 16-gauge needle is thicker and creates a larger hole than a 17-gauge needle.
- Never use safety pins or sewing needles for cartilage piercing! These can cause infections or additional tissue damage. Piercing needles are sharper and specifically designed to create clean holes through skin and cartilage.
- Use single-use piercing needles. Reusing needles increases infection risks.
- Some piercing needles allow you to thread or twist the jewelry into the needle, making it easier to insert the jewelry directly during the piercing process.
Buy jewelry that is one gauge smaller than the piercing needle. This means the jewelry's gauge number is slightly higher, as a higher gauge indicates a smaller size. For example, if using a 17-gauge needle, choose 18-gauge jewelry. This ensures the jewelry fits snugly into the piercing.
- Choose jewelry designed for initial cartilage piercings. Options include internally threaded jewelry (where the screw is inside the jewelry) or threadless jewelry (where the end is pressed in).
- Ensure the jewelry is made from hypoallergenic materials like titanium, surgical steel, niobium, platinum, or 14K gold or higher. Avoid nickel and cadmium.
- Purchase pre-sterilized jewelry. You can find sterilized, packaged jewelry online or at piercing shops. Unfortunately, there's no effective way to sterilize jewelry at home without an autoclave.
Purchase a pack of piercing cork stoppers. These stoppers provide a stable surface during the piercing process. You can buy them online or at piercing jewelry stores. While cork stoppers don’t need to be sterilized, they must be clean, so avoid reusing stoppers from other purposes.
You’ll also need gloves, medical gauze, and antibacterial wipes. Consider buying a pack of disposable medical paper towels to cover your workspace. These items are available online or at medical supply stores.
- Use antibacterial wipes (like alcohol-based wipes) to clean and disinfect your ear before piercing.
- Medical gauze helps stop any bleeding after the piercing is done.
How should I prepare for a cartilage piercing?
Disinfect your work surface. For example, if you plan to pierce on a table or bathroom counter, clean the surface thoroughly with soap and water, then disinfect it with a spray like Lysol or Microban. Follow the product instructions for proper use.
- If you don’t have a disinfectant spray, you can wipe the surface thoroughly with antibacterial wipes like Lysol or Clorox. These wipes are just as effective when used according to the packaging instructions.
Wash your hands thoroughly. Before handling any tools or touching your ear, wash your hands with soap for at least 40 seconds. Scrub all surfaces, including your palms, backs of hands, and between your fingers. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel afterward.
Wear clean or sterile medical gloves. You can purchase gloves online or at medical supply stores. Follow these steps to avoid contaminating the gloves:
- Use your non-dominant hand to hold the wrist of the first glove. For example, if you're right-handed, use your left hand to pick up the glove.
- Hold the glove with the fingers pointing downward, then slide your dominant hand into the glove, spreading your fingers and keeping your palm facing outward.
- Repeat the process for the second glove. Adjust the gloves to ensure a snug fit.
Organize your tools. If possible, lay a sterile, disposable paper towel on your workspace, which you can buy online or at a pharmacy. Place the jewelry, needle, antibacterial wipes, medical gauze, and cork stoppers on the towel.
Clean the area to be pierced with an antibacterial wipe. Wipe thoroughly using circular motions. Make sure to clean both the front and back of the ear!
Mark the spot where you want to pierce. Use a skin-safe marker to place a small dot exactly where you want the jewelry to sit. When marking, consider how the piercing will look once done—it should be visible when viewed straight on. Also, ensure the needle angle allows it to exit straight behind the ear, not toward your head!
- You can buy skin markers or surgical marking pens online or at piercing jewelry stores.
- Ask someone to check your ear to ensure no visible blood vessels are in the piercing area.
- Make sure the spot you choose is cartilage. Piercing only through skin, not cartilage, will result in loose jewelry.
- You can pierce through any part of the ear cartilage, but avoid areas too close to existing piercings to prevent overlapping or touching jewelry.
What is the correct procedure for piercing the ear?
Remove the piercing needle from its packaging. Open the sterile package and carefully take out the needle. Typically, a plastic cap covers the sharp end to prevent accidental injury. When ready to pierce, remove the cap.
- If using a needle designed to thread jewelry during piercing, now is the time to insert the jewelry.
Place the cork stopper behind the area you want to pierce. The cork will act as a stable backing while you pierce. Position it snugly against the back of your ear. As you push the needle through, it will penetrate the cork.
Quickly push the needle through the cartilage. Sit in front of a mirror to see what you're doing. Align the needle straight and parallel to the side of your head. Take a deep breath and swiftly push the needle through your ear into the cork.
- You may feel or hear a slight 'pop' as the needle pierces the cartilage. A sharp or burning sensation is normal.
- If the jewelry is pre-threaded, continue pushing the needle until the jewelry sits in the hole and the front of the jewelry lies flat against your ear.
- The needle will pass through your ear and into the cork. Do not pull the needle back out of the cork! Instead, pull it completely out from the other side.
Insert the jewelry and secure the backing. If using a needle without pre-threaded jewelry, carefully insert the jewelry into the new piercing. Screw on the backing or press it into place if your jewelry is threadless.
- Some initial piercing jewelry is designed with longer posts to accommodate swelling in the first few days after piercing.
How should I care for my ear after piercing?
Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your ear. Touching your piercing with unwashed hands can introduce bacteria and dirt, increasing the risk of infection. Always wash your hands before handling your piercing! Dry them with a clean paper towel afterward.
Soak the pierced area in saline solution for 5-10 minutes daily. You can buy saline solution at a pharmacy or make your own. Dip a clean gauze pad into the solution and apply it to the piercing for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water.
- You can soak the piercing 1-2 times daily to soothe and disinfect it.
- If swelling occurs around the piercing, rinsing with warm water or saline can help reduce it. Depending on the severity, a doctor may recommend soaking for up to 20 minutes, 3-4 times a day.
Clean the piercing with water and mild soap once daily. While showering or washing your hair, apply a drop of gentle, fragrance-free liquid soap to the area and gently lather. Leave the soap on for 30 seconds before rinsing thoroughly.
- Avoid harsh soaps or antiseptics like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These can damage tissue and delay healing. The Association of Professional Piercers does not recommend using any antibacterial solutions for piercing aftercare—even those labeled for piercings.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, which can cause irritation.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid cloth towels, as they can harbor bacteria and may snag on the jewelry.
How can I speed up the healing of my piercing?
Avoid touching the piercing except when cleaning it. The more you touch it, the higher the risk of irritation or infection! Resist the urge to fiddle with, twist, or play with the jewelry or your ear.
Avoid putting pressure or friction on the piercing. Don’t wear clothing or accessories that rub against or snag the jewelry, such as hats or hooded jackets. Be careful not to brush against the piercing when styling your hair. While sleeping, try to avoid lying on the pierced ear, or adjust your pillow to create a hollow space for your ear.
Understand that the piercing may take several months to heal. Unfortunately, cartilage piercings heal slowly—typically taking 4 months to a year. Be patient and continue caring for the piercing during this time to ensure the fastest recovery.
- Don’t remove the initial jewelry or switch to new jewelry before the piercing is fully healed! If you’re unsure whether it’s healed, consult a doctor or professional piercer for an evaluation.
- A fully healed piercing will no longer be red, discharge fluid, or form crusts. The area should also feel normal (no itching or pain). However, sometimes a piercing may appear healed when it’s not. For this reason, you should care for the piercing for at least 4 months, even if it seems healed.
Watch for signs of infection. Mild redness or crusting around a new piercing is normal. You may also experience slight itching in the first few weeks. However, if you notice spreading or worsening redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or discharge of blood or pus, you may have an infection. Cartilage infections can be serious, so see a doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Is using a piercing needle better than a piercing gun?
Yes, most professional piercers recommend avoiding piercing guns. Piercing guns are known to cause more tissue damage than needles—especially if used improperly. Additionally, piercing guns are difficult to clean and sterilize effectively, increasing the risk of infection if reused.
- Professional piercers strongly advise against using piercing guns for cartilage piercings due to the high risk of cartilage damage or serious injury.
Can you wear regular earrings in cartilage piercings?
Yes, but jewelry designed for cartilage may be more comfortable. In theory, you can wear studs or hook earrings in a healed piercing after removing the initial jewelry. However, some designs are specifically tailored for cartilage piercings. For example, cartilage hoops, captive bead rings, or flat-back threaded studs may be better suited than standard earrings.
- Regardless of the style, ensure the jewelry is the correct gauge for your piercing! Avoid forcing jewelry that’s too large or difficult to insert.
- Jewelry that’s too small for the piercing can snag on objects, get pulled out, or shift excessively, causing irritation.
Are cartilage piercings more prone to infection?
Yes, cartilage piercings are particularly susceptible to infection. Unfortunately, even with meticulous care and proper procedures, the risk remains. This is partly due to limited blood flow in cartilage compared to areas like the earlobe. Infections are most common within the first month after piercing.
- Cartilage piercings carry a risk of deep infections called auricular perichondritis, which cause swelling and can be very painful. Antibiotics are typically required, and a doctor may need to make a small incision to drain pus or fluid from the infected area.
What happens if you pierce a vein in the cartilage?
Apply pressure to the bleeding area for 5-10 minutes to stop the bleeding. A small amount of bleeding during piercing is normal. If bleeding is excessive, use a clean gauze pad or cloth to press firmly on the wound for several minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or if you’re concerned about the amount of blood, contact a doctor for advice.
What other risks are associated with cartilage piercings?
Allergic reactions and scarring are common risks. Choose jewelry made from hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel or titanium to avoid irritation. Allergic reactions can also increase the risk of infection.
- Cartilage piercings are particularly prone to forming a type of scar tissue called hypertrophic scars. These scars are firm, raised, and often red or pink. Unfortunately, they can develop even with proper aftercare. If you notice scar tissue forming, consult a doctor immediately for treatment options (such as pressure earrings or steroid injections).
How painful is a cartilage piercing?
This varies depending on the person and the piercing. Some people describe cartilage piercings as very painful, while others say it’s not too bad. The pain level may depend on the sharpness of the needle or the piercing location. Typically, you’ll feel a sharp or stinging sensation during the process.
Can you become paralyzed from a cartilage piercing?
Extremely unlikely. This is largely a myth. There is one documented case of paralysis following an ear piercing, which may have fueled the rumor. The individual’s symptoms were due to a rare immune disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome, possibly triggered by an ear infection.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome is very rare and is typically caused by respiratory viruses. The risk of developing it from a piercing-related infection is extremely low.
Can you go blind from a helix piercing?
No, there is no evidence that helix piercings cause blindness. This is an unfounded rumor. Like other cartilage piercings, the primary risks are infection, allergic reactions, or scarring.
