Q: I’ve been thinking about getting my cartilage pierced, but I’ve heard it can take a while to heal. How long does it typically take for cartilage piercings to heal, and do you have any tips for speeding up the process? -Jenna
A: It’s hard to give an estimate on how long your cartilage will take to heal without knowing the location of the piercing you want. Some cartilage piercings like the tragus and the helix will likely heal faster than ones like the rook or snug. In comparison, nose rings and other facial piercings typically heal more quickly due to better blood circulation in the area, usually within 2-4 months.
While there’s nothing you can do to force your body to heal, there are some things you can do to boost your immune system and help it along. Check out this blog piece (click here) that is packed with tips that will help to keep your body on the right track for healing. Happy piercing!
Q: I’m stretching my lobes, but I’ve started to notice some discomfort. What are the signs that I’m stretching too quickly, and how can I avoid damaging my ears? - Tyler
A: First of all, the fact that you are experiencing discomfort is a good sign that you’re stretching too quickly. By the time you are ready to put in a larger plug, your piercing should be stretched enough to accept it painlessly. If you are using tapers, please stop and read our blog post on dead stretching, which is the safest way to stretch your lobes. If you are already doing that, make sure you are using plenty of body-safe oil (emu, jojoba, sweet almond, etc) so that the plug can slide in without friction. Also, make sure you aren’t rushing the process. You should be waiting, at MINIMUM, three to six months between stretches depending on how elastic your earlobes are. If they aren’t stretching quite so quickly, you need to wait longer. And remember, use glass or titanium jewelry for the smoothest transition. It can be hard to be patient when stretching but it’s important for the health of your earlobes. Best of luck!
Disclaimer: Body Candy is only here to give you fun and helpful advice and information when it comes to getting pierced. Always consult a professional piercer to make sure a new piercing is right for you!
