Conch Piercing

Conch Piercing

The conch piercing is a cartilage piercing that has become one of the most popular Ear Piercing trends in recent years. The conch piercing is located in the middle of the pinna. Depending on the position, a distinction is made between the inner and outer conch.

The conch piercing can be worn as a single ear Piercings or as a highlight in the curated ear. Here in our shop you will find many unique piercings in various styles with which you can embellish your conch piercing. Decorated with Piercing Ring or delicate studs, the conch can create different looks. Conch jewellery with zirconia or opal stones make the ear sparkle. Studs in different designs such as stars, hearts or moons offer sweet looks. Whether alone as a statement piercing or as part of the curated ear, with the extraordinary conch piercing you will attract all eyes to your ear.

In this guide you will learn everything you need to know about conch piercing, from piercing and piercing jewellery to the risks.

Conch variations

There are two types of conch piercing: the inner conch and the outer conch. Both types of conch piercings are pierced in the pinna. The inner conch is pierced in the middle of the pinna, while the outer conch piercing is placed in the outer hollow of the pinna. The Outer Conch is often confused with the Helix Piercing, as both are close to each other. The Helix piercing is located on the outer edge of the pinna, while the Outer Conch is located slightly deeper in the hollow of the pinna.

The Outer Conch can be decorated with rings as well as with studs because it is placed at the edge. The inner conch, on the other hand, is usually only worn with pins, as it is located too far in the middle of the ear. Both conch variations are equally popular.

Conch piercing jewellery

The conch piercing can be worn with different types of jewellery. Piercing Ring and Labret Piercing as well as Straight Barbell Piercing can be used as conch jewellery. Segmentring Piercing are especially suitable for the Outer Conch. Segment Clicker Piercing are available in different styles in our shop. Rings with zirconia studded rows and double rows put the ear in the limelight and give the trendy ear piercing a special look.

The conch piercing can be decorated with filigree studs in designs such as butterflies, hearts, flowers or bees. Thin rings allow for a dainty look, while thick rings make for an eye-catching look. The different style options make the conch piercing a versatile ear piercing.

The sizes for conch ear jewellery vary greatly. The standard bar thickness for the conch piercing is 1.6 mm. However, this can also be higher if you want to wear a thick ring. The diameter of Outer Conch rings depends on the individual anatomy and the pierced area. Usually the diameter is around 10 mm to 14 mm. The bar length of conch studs also depends on the anatomy and the thickness of the cartilage tissue. As a rule, stud with a length of 6 mm to 8 mm are sufficient.

Conch piercing Jewelry is available in different materials. Gold Piercing, Surgical Steel Piercing and Titanium Piercing are the most popular materials due to the many positive properties of the metals. For people with a nickel allergy or sensitive skin, titanium and Bioflex Piercing as well as PTFE are especially recommended.

Conch piercing

The conch should always be pierced by a professional piercer. After thorough disinfection, the piercer will mark the insertion and removal points with a pen. The conch piercing can be placed higher or lower, as desired. If the wearer agrees with the position, the piercing can begin. The piercer can work freehand or with a so-called receiving tube. The conch is pierced within a few seconds with an indwelling vein cannula. The initial jewellery is then inserted. In most cases, this is a stud, as it allows less movement during the healing process. This makes the stud less irritating for the new piercing.

The thickness of the bar used for the conch piercing depends on the individual wishes of the wearer. If it is clear from the beginning that the conch piercing will later be worn with a Ring and a high bar thickness, the dermal punch method is highly recommended. With the dermal punch, the desired thickness can be punched out from the beginning. This saves the wearer the tedious and painful widening of the cartilage tissue. Furthermore, with a punched conch, the pressure pain that occurs when piercing cartilage piercings can be avoided. However, punched Ear Piercing are slightly more expensive than pricked ones and do not grow back together after the jewellery is removed.

Since the conch piercing is located in the middle of the pinna and is pierced through the thickest part of the cartilage tissue, the pain during piercing is also correspondingly high. However, if you are very sensitive to pain, you can ask the piercer for a local anaesthetic.

The costs for a conch piercing vary depending on the region and the piercing studio. As a rule, the costs range from about €40 to €80. In most studios, this price already includes the initial jewellery.

Conch care and healing

Since the conch piercing belongs to the cartilage Piercings, the healing time is correspondingly long. The average duration of the healing process can be about 6 to 9 months. If the conch piercing becomes inflamed during this time, the healing time can also be longer.

The conch piercing, like most piercings, should be cleaned twice a day. The piercer will recommend the appropriate care product for the conch. The cleaning of the fresh wound should always be done with disinfected hands so that no germs or dirt are carried into the puncture canal. Outside of care, the new conch piercing should neither be touched nor moved unnecessarily. This is the only way to ensure problem-free healing.

During the first two weeks after the piercing, visits to saunas, swimming pools and solariums should be avoided. Sporting activities should also be paused during this time.

Clothing should always be put on and taken off with great care, as otherwise the conch can get caught. Long hair is also at risk, so it is best to tie it up. Hair should be worn loose as little as possible until it heals. Headphones should be avoided for the time being because of the position of the conch piercing on the pierced ear. You should also never sleep on the pierced ear to avoid putting pressure on the fresh wound. If both ears have been pierced at the same time, a neck pillow can be used. In this way, the ears can be protected until they heal.

Risks

Just as with other cartilage piercings, there is an increased risk of complications due to the long healing time of the conch piercing. If not cared for properly, healing can be delayed or the conch piercing can become infected. In the worst case, this inflammation can even spread to the inner ear and facial nerve. Inflammation of the facial nerves can also lead to facial paralysis. Therefore, especially with this piercing, utmost care is required.

However, one should not confuse the normal reactions of the body after the piercing and the signs of an infection. Slight reddening, itching, swelling and also weeping of wound fluid is completely normal in the first few days directly after the piercing. As soon as severe pain, green or yellow pus and heating of the Piercings site appear, an inflammation is probably present. In this case, a piercer or a doctor should be consulted. If in doubt, it is better to visit the piercer once too often than once too little.

Other risks of conch piercing are the occurrence of pressure pain and the formation of wild flesh. Pressure pain often occurs when piercing cartilage tissue, as the needle only displaces the cartilage tissue. With the help of the dermal punch or by punching out the cartilage, this pain can be avoided. Game flesh often forms, especially with cartilage piercings. This is a small or even large pus blister that can form at the puncture site and disrupts the appearance of the piercing. After consultation with the piercer, you can try different methods for game meat. As a rule, the harmless elevation disappears after a few days or weeks of treatment.

An altered hearing sensation is also one of the possible risks. This can happen because of the position of the piercing jewellery. The sound wave perception of the ear can be impaired by the Jewelry.