Cartilage piercing FAQ: healing time, pain level, and aftercare

Cartilage piercings generally take 6–12 months to fully heal, depending on the piercing location and individual healing rates. Proper aftercare significantly impacts healing duration. Placements with more tissue depth or higher friction—such as rook or industrial piercings—may take closer to 12 months, while simpler helix piercings might settle in 6–9 months. Even after initial healing, cartilage can remain sensitive for up to 18 months, so continue gentle handling and avoid trauma.

Pain levels vary by individual and piercing location, but cartilage piercings are typically more painful than earlobe piercings due to the thicker tissue. Most people experience moderate discomfort lasting a few seconds during the needle pass. The days following the piercing often bring tenderness, throbbing, and swelling, which can be managed with saline rinses, avoiding pressure, and over-the-counter pain relief if needed. Pain that worsens after the first week may signal irritation or infection and should be assessed by a professional.

Clean the area with saline solution 2–3 times daily and avoid touching it. If infection persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Signs of true infection include increasing heat, swelling, throbbing pain, thick yellow or green discharge with odour, and sometimes fever. Do not remove the jewellery without professional guidance, as this can trap the infection. A clinician may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments. For more detailed infection prevention strategies, see the NHS body piercing guidance.

Surgical steel, titanium, or solid gold are recommended for new piercings. Avoid cheap metals and heavy jewellery that can cause irritation or migration. Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F136) is the gold standard for initial piercings because it is hypoallergenic, lightweight, and biocompatible. Flat-back labret studs are preferred over rings during healing because they reduce movement and snagging. Ensure the post length allows for swelling; your piercer should plan for a downsize appointment once initial swelling subsides, typically after a few weeks.

Professional cartilage piercings usually cost between $30–$80 (or equivalent in local currency), depending on the studio, location, and jewellery material. This price should include the piercing procedure, implant-grade starter jewellery, and aftercare instructions. Some studios offer follow-up check-ins or downsizing services as part of the initial fee. Be wary of unusually low prices, which may indicate lower-quality jewellery, inadequate sterilisation, or use of piercing guns instead of needles. Investing in a reputable studio reduces the risk of complications and supports safer healing.

Avoid sleeping directly on a new cartilage piercing for at least the first few months. Pressure during sleep is one of the most common causes of irritation bumps, prolonged swelling, and delayed healing. If the piercing is on one ear, sleep on the opposite side. Travel pillows with a central hole or doughnut-shaped cushions can help you avoid contact. Even after initial healing, be mindful of pressure, as cartilage piercings can flare up with trauma for many months.

Wait at least 6–9 months before changing cartilage piercing jewellery, and consult your piercer before making the switch. Premature jewellery changes are a leading cause of irritation, infection, and trauma. Even if the piercing looks healed externally, the internal channel may still be forming tissue. Your first jewellery change should ideally be done by a professional piercer who can assess healing progress and ensure the new piece is appropriate in size, material, and style.

An irritation bump is a localised swelling or keloid-like growth caused by trauma, friction, or inappropriate jewellery. It is usually painless or mildly tender, without heat or discharge. An infection involves increasing pain, heat, redness spreading beyond the piercing site, thick coloured discharge, and sometimes systemic symptoms like fever. Irritation bumps often resolve with improved aftercare—reducing movement, switching to implant-grade jewellery, and avoiding sleeping on the piercing. Infections require medical assessment and may need antibiotics. For clinical guidance, refer to Mayo Clinic's infection first aid advice.