What is a Helix Piercing?
A helix Piercing is located on the outer cartilage of your ear, a helix piercing is also known as a cartilage piercing. There are several types of piercings, including forwarding helix, double helix, triple helix, and anti-helix (or snug) piercings; the difference is where they are placed on the ear.
You might have noticed some piercings in slightly different locations along the ear and wondered if they all qualified as the helix. Yes, the answer is yes. “Any piercing along the upper and outside cartilage ridge of the ear is considered a helix piercing,” says Studs piercer Shannon Freed. “The term helix describes that area of the ear anatomically.” There are, however, names for various positions along that curve. A flat helix is located on the flat inside of your ear, whereas a forward helix is located on the cartilage closest to your face. A snakebite piercing on the helix occurs when two piercings along the ear are close together.
where is the helix piercing located?
The ear helix runs along the upper cartilage portion of your outer ear. There are also variations to the standard piercing, such as double or triple helix piercings, and forward and lower piercings.
Helix piercings, as well as any other ear or body piercing, will be performed with a needle at any professional piercing location. Essential Beauty uses a single-use needle and autoclave sterile tools and jewelry for piercings.
Never put your trust in a jewelry store that offers cheap ear and body piercings because these cartilage piercings are done with a gun (ouch) and butterfly backing jewelry, which is not safe for a cartilage piercing like the helix or nose. Guns should only be used when absolutely necessary.
Is a Helix Piercing Painful?
Cartilage piercings are generally not painful. It will depend on the exact location of the helix piercing, but you should only feel a slight pinch. The piercing process is quick because the cartilage in the helix piercing area is so thin.
You will experience throbbing, swelling, and minor bleeding for a few days after the piercing. In moderation, these symptoms are normal. Consult a medical professional if you have a lot of these.
Cartilage piercings are prone to complications such as cartilage bumps, so keep an eye on your piercing as it heals and avoid moving the jewelry. Cartilage heals differently than soft skin and is easily damage during the healing process.
Helix Piercing for Healing Time
Cartilage piercings heal more slowly than other types of piercings. Expect a 3 to the 6-month recovery period. Because everyone is different and the helix heals at different rates, you should consult with your piercer before changing your jewelry or discontinuing aftercare practices.
Because of the risks of complications during healing, the helix piercing necessitates special precautions to avoid things like cartilage bumps or scarring. Here are some things to consider as you heal.
What Side Effects Of Helix Piercing?
“The two biggest risks if you don’t properly care for the piercing are infection and scarring,” says Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology and an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Infection: An infection occurs when proper aftercare is not follow or the piercing becomes overly irritate. Infection symptoms include redness, swelling, green or yellow pus, and tenderness. Seek medical attention right away if you notice any symptoms.
Scarring: Scarring occurs when the piercing becomes too irritated during the aftercare process, and it can leave unsightly marks around the piercing site.
Keloids: Keloids are raise scars that form when the skin heals around a wound, causing extra scar tissue to grow as an aftereffect.
The best jewelry for a helix piercing
The best jewelry for a helix piercing varies depending on the type of helix piercing. Gargan recommends “a flat-back earring” for a standard or forward helix. A 14g straight barbell is recommend for an industrial piercing. She also recommends hoops in the wearer’s personal diameter preference for healed helix piercings. Girgan recommends waiting at least six to eight weeks before switching out your jewellery. “It will be fine to switch to new jewellery [more comfortably] at this time,” she says, even though the piercing hasn’t fully healed.
Girgan recommends “14k gold with no nickel or cadmium, and high-grade alloy titanium for all piercings,” not just nose piercings.
What about aftercare?
It should become less painful as your new piercing heals. Proper aftercare is essential for ensuring that your new earpiece not only looks but also feels great. Keep your hands away from the new piercing, advises Freed. “Don’t touch or twist,” Freed warns. “And spray the saline front and back no more than twice a day.” You should also avoid snags and sleeping on the piercing, as this will disrupt the healing process.”
It is critical to use saline solution when cleaning. The salt draws out excess discharge while increasing blood circulation. You should avoid rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and ointments because they can dry out and irritate your piercing.
The Average Cost of Helix Piercing
According to Messick, the cost of a helix piercing ranges between $30 and $75. But it varies greatly depending on the type and location. A double or triple piercing. For example, will typically cost more than a single one.
Don’t go to the piercing parlor with the lowest price. Friedler says it’s well worth it to go to a specialty parlor for helix piercings. Because they’re so prone to infection.
Friedler advises choosing a parlor that sterilizes the equipment between uses, wears a fresh pair of disposable gloves, and has experience specifically with cartilage piercings.
