Location: through the deep central bowl-shaped shell (called the concha) of the inner cartilage of the ear; large surface area provides for a variety of options for placement and projects
Jewelry: initially, a straight barbell or large-diameter circular ring from 16 gauge (1.2mm) to 12 gauge (2mm) is usually used in lengths typically ranging from 5/16″ (8mm) to 3/8″ (10mm) and diameters ranging from 1/2″ (12mm) to 5/8″ (16mm) to keep from restricting the edge of the ear; jewelry types used can also include curved barbells, BCRs, horseshoe circular barbells, and labret studs
Healing: total healing time is anywhere from 3-9 months; can take longer; usually 6 months on average
Aftercare: about twice a day, wash with warm water and antibacterial soap; sea salt solutions and sprays can aid with the process and both are recommended for use in an aftercare routine
The anatomy of each person’s ear will vary, so other types of cartilage piercings may be more efficient for you and you ear to check out if the conch piercing isn’t for you. The thickness of your cartilage in this location also corresponds to the type and size of the initial body jewelry that your piercer will use when performing your conch piercing.
Also, remember that this part of the ear can be separated into lower (sadhus), middle, and upper sections, which enables you and your piercer to come up with some pretty awesome ear candy projects if you plan it out right! Most people will refer to conch piercings as either inner or outer, and the piercing location we’ve been discussing in this post would be more in tune with the inner conch since outer conch piercings would technically be performed in the scapha or antihelix portions of the ear.
Thinking about getting your conch pierced now? Watch as Dana gets her’s performed at American Skin Art by professional piercer, James, right here in our hometown of Buffalo, NY.
Or check out our recent blog post on Skella’s conch cartilage piercing by clicking here!
Additionally, piercings in the cartilage of the ear, which lacks an adequate blood supply, makes it more difficult to heal than locations that receive better circulation such as the lobe. If a larger gauge than typically used initially is desired for the conch piercing, many piercers will choose to go with a dermal punch rather than the usual hollow needle technique. However, something to keep in mind with the conch is that if the structure of the ear is drastically changed in this location, it can potentially result in some minor hearing loss.
General Aftercare Tips for Ear Piercings:
- Avoid smoking, using public telephones, and sleeping directly on your new piercing.
- ALWAYS make sure you wash your hands before touching your piercing/its jewelry.
- Resist the urge to change your initial jewelry prematurely – it’s worth the wait to do it correctly.
Want to check out some awesome options for decorating your conch piercing whether you’ve had it for years or just want to stock up on style for when it heals?
We’ve got you covered at BodyCandy.com with a TON of conch piercing jewelry to choose from.
Welcome to the Body Piercing Encyclopedia!
This post is included in the Ear Piercing category of our encyclopedia and is joined by many other blog posts about the other piercings available as options in the ear and surrounding areas.
- Standard Ear Lobe Piercing
- Upper Ear Lobe Piercing
- Standard Helix Cartilage Piercing
- Forward Helix Cartilage Piercing
- Rook Cartilage Piercing
- Conch (Inner) Cartilage Piercing
- Flat (Scapha/Outer Conch) Cartilage Piercing
- Daith Cartilage Piercing
- Snug (Anti-Helix) Cartilage Piercing
- Industrial Barbell Cartilage Piercing
- Tragus Cartilage Piercing
- Anti-Tragus Cartilage Piercing
- Surface Tragus Piercing
DISCLAIMER: the styles and locations displayed in the reference image to the left won’t match perfectly with your ear’s shape because each and every person has an anatomy that is uniquely individual and some of the piercings featured in our encyclopedia may not be possible for you to get. To find out what piercings are available for you and your specific anatomy, the best option is to visit your local professional piercer and ask for their expertise in determining what piercings are possible for you and your ear!
