Anti-tragus Piercing

The anti-tragus piercing is done just above the ear lobe on the small flap like cartilage. However, this type of piercing is very rare because most people have very small cartilage flap, due to which they think that they cannot get it pierced.

Nevertheless, this is not true, rather, it is possible to get this piercing done, even if one's anti-tragus is very small, with the help of micro-jewelry. So, if you find this option to be interesting, you ought to know more about its procedure and after care.

This kind of piercing comes under the category of cartilage piercing. Hence, this piercing should be done with a needle and never with the ear gun. This is because the skin of the cartilage is very thick and the ear gun cannot pierce the thick area as it is made specially for earlobe piercing. Hence, if you are told to pierce your anti-tragus with a gun, you should decline, because, if done with a gun, this piercing can get infected.

It can be done with a straight or curved needle. When you go to the piercing studio to get your anti-tragus pierced, you will have to sign some documents given by the piercer.

Once this is done, you will be taken to the area of the studio where the actual piercing is done, and will be asked to lie down in a comfortable chair similar to that which is found at the doctor's clinic. After this, the piercer will clean your ear with an alcohol swab, and mark the place where the piercing will be done.

Then, he will ask you to check the marked area and if you are fine with it, he would continue with the procedure. When the piercer counts three, you have to hold your breath and he will puncture your anti-tragus with the needle.

The pain is said to be quite severe as the skin on that area is very thick. After the needle is taken out of the punctured area, the piercer would insert jewelry of your choice into it and clean that area again.

The jewelry used is usually a captive bead ring, though it is fine to use a barbell too during the healing period. However, it has been observed that a piercing with captive bead ring is likely to heal quickly than the barbell. Once the piercing has healed completely, it is fine to change it and experiment with different types of jewelry.

One thing that attracts people towards it, is its cost. Though the cost of getting this piercing done varies from place to place, on an average it is cheaper than other types of body piercings.

The healing process takes 8-16 weeks, though sometimes it may even take a year for the piercing to heal completely. During this period, it is important to take utmost care of the piercing. One is likely to experience bleeding, pain, and crustiness during the first few days after the piercing.

However, this would not stay for a long time, but if it does, it is important to consult the doctor or your piercer immediately. Just like all other body piercings, it should be cleaned with sea salt solution, at least twice everyday. One must also clean the pierced area with anti bacterial soap as it helps in preventing infection.

Once you have got your piercing done, it is extremely crucial to follow the aftercare procedure prescribed by the piercer very carefully, if you want to enjoy this rare, but unique piercing for a long time.