Changing a cartilage piercing is a delicate process that requires patience and careful attention to avoid infection and complications. Unlike earlobe piercings, which often heal relatively quickly, cartilage piercings take significantly longer to heal completely, making premature changes risky. This guide will delve into the crucial timing and best practices for changing your cartilage piercing.
How Long Does it Take for a Cartilage Piercing to Heal?
The healing time for a cartilage piercing varies depending on several factors, including the specific location of the piercing, your body's healing rate, and how well you care for the piercing. However, a general guideline is that cartilage piercings need at least 6 to 12 months, sometimes even longer, to heal completely. Some piercings, such as those in thicker cartilage, may take up to a year and a half. Don't be tempted to change your jewelry before this time!
What Happens if You Change Your Cartilage Piercing Too Early?
Changing your cartilage piercing before it's fully healed significantly increases your risk of several problems:
- Infection: An unhealed piercing is more susceptible to bacteria. Removing and replacing jewelry introduces bacteria into the wound, potentially leading to a painful and difficult-to-treat infection.
- Rejection: The body may reject the piercing if it's irritated or infected before it's healed. This means your body will push the piercing out, resulting in the loss of the piercing.
- Hypertrophic Scarring: Early changes can lead to excessive scar tissue formation, resulting in raised or lumpy scars.
- Migration: The piercing might migrate, moving slightly from its original position.
- Keloid Scarring: In some individuals, early trauma to the piercing site can result in keloid scars, which are raised, overgrown scars.
Can You Change Your Cartilage Piercing Jewelry After 6 Months?
While six months is often cited as a benchmark, it’s crucial to understand that 6 months is a minimum timeframe, and full healing may take considerably longer. Even at six months, your piercing might still be quite sensitive. It’s best to consult your piercer. They can assess your specific piercing and advise you on when it’s safe to change your jewelry. They'll examine the healing progress and determine if it's ready.
How Can You Tell If Your Cartilage Piercing is Healed?
Several signs indicate that your cartilage piercing may be fully healed:
- Absence of pain or tenderness: The area around the piercing should be comfortable to the touch.
- No swelling or redness: Inflammation is a sign of healing, but excessive swelling or redness could indicate a problem.
- Minimal to no discharge: A small amount of clear fluid might be present, but pus or yellowish discharge indicates an infection.
- Fully formed fistula: A fully healed fistula (the hole in your cartilage) will be smooth and stable.
What Type of Jewelry Should You Use for a Cartilage Piercing?
After your piercing has healed, choose jewelry made from implant-grade materials like titanium, niobium, or 14k or 18k gold to minimize irritation and allergic reactions. Avoid cheap metals like nickel or surgical steel (unless it’s implant-grade).
What Should You Do If Your Cartilage Piercing Gets Infected?
If you notice signs of infection such as increased pain, swelling, redness, pus, or fever, seek medical advice immediately from your piercer or a doctor. Do not attempt to self-treat an infected piercing.
Conclusion
Patience is key when it comes to cartilage piercings. Resist the urge to change your jewelry too early. Consulting your piercer regularly and following their aftercare advice is crucial to ensure a successful healing process and prevent complications. Remember, a well-healed piercing is less prone to complications and will allow you to enjoy your piercing for years to come.
