Captive ball hoop cartilage piercing?

Question

I got a cartilage piercing in my left ear three months ago. It's healed rather well, and I'd like to change it to a captive ball hoop earring. The other day I attempted to do it myself but I couldn't... The guy at HotTopic convinced me I should buy an 18 gauge earring but I couldn't get it to fit. My hands shake too much! Is there a place that will put it in for you? The 18 gauge hoop I couldn't get to go thru failed miserably!

Help please! From people only who have had this type of piercing! I will delete all the "I dunno" answers.

Answer 1

"Guys at Hot Topic" are hardly a definitive source for piercing knowledge. You should find a professional piercing parlor in your area and ask them for advice.

18ga is very thin, and runs a high risk of migration (the thinness of the jewelry acting like an old-fashioned wire cheese cutter, slowly slicing through your skin). Since you're asking for advice in a mall, I would also be willing to bet that you had the piercing done with a gun. Piercing guns are bad in general (they're impossible to keep sterile), but they're even worse for cartilage piercings as they can cause major tissue damage. Cartilage is fragile and can actually break, unlike the fleshy ear lobe.

I would recommend that you ask a local professional piercer about sizing up the piercing to 16ga or 14ga instead. The jewelry will be easier to handle, and will be less likely to migrate, and doesn't look that much larger than 18ga.

Answer 2

i have 2 cartiladge piercings as well on my right ear.and yes i agree it hard to put it in especially after its been 3 months the hoop kept falling ot of my ear and i was shaky and my arm was getting tired.i suggest u have a friend put it on or go to a piercing shop and ask them for help give them a tip or something.good luck

Answer 3

I feel for you too!