Cartilage piercing?

Question

I just got my cartilage pierced and now I keep reading about shattered cartilage and cauliflower ear. I had mine done with a gun, and now I'm really worried. Does the cartilage always shatter when done with a gun, and if so is it a serious problem? Or does it just mean that it will hurt more and take a little longer to heal?

Answer 1

No, cartilage does not always shatter when done with a gun. If it were to happen, your ear would collapse. It's not pretty by any means. You'd know by now so no reason to worry about that. HOWEVER, if you get an infection it can become trapped between layers of cartilage. These infections spread quickly and can collapse an ear within a period of 1-2 days. That can happen with any technique of cartilage piercing, even needles. You just need to baby it until it's healed.

Either way, guns are bad for various reasons. First off, guns cannot be autoclaved or adequately cleaned which means they can pass blood-born diseases such as Hepatitis. Studs are very dull as opposed to a needle and therefore tears through tissue. Not only that it causes more pain and increases healing duration. Studs for these guns are usually too short for most piercings so it can cause migration/rejection, increased swelling, and also contribute to a longer healing time. All in all, guns are bad news. Keep that in mind for future referece.

However, in order to care for your piercing, Dial soap is wonderful. Happy healing!!

Answer 2

U will be fine, I got both of my cartilages peirced four times each and I never had those problems. Dont worry, I was told that if your cartilage does shatter it just taked a lil longer to heal and it really sore. Yours more than likely isnt shattered or you would know it bc it would hurt kinda bad and turn bright red

Answer 3

Its not recommended to get your cartilage pierced with a gun. Did you get the top pierced? It wont shatter and unless its the inside (middle) part of the ear. But im thinking, shouldnt it shatter right when you pierce it?

Answer 4

Guns are the worst thing to do with ears, no matter where you do it. Next time, hollow needle all the way. Don't worry too much about it this time, though it may heal over the piercing, or simply not heal all the way, and you may have to get it redone. Just be careful with it, clean it only with sea-salt water or just plain water, and watch it ^^ congrats on your piercing!

Answer 5

I have no idea what you would have to do to shatter the cartilage when you pierce it and I've never seen it happen. Everyone I know including me has their upper ears done. It takes FOREVER to heal and is permanent but I've never regretted it. Can't say the same for my navel ring.. lol

Answer 6

Ears take a long time to heal because the lack of blood flow to the area.

And, OUCH! I wouldn't have done it.

Cauliflower ear usually happens when your whole ear is pressed really hard for a good period of time. Boys in high school wrestling teams get the cauliflower ear. You do not have to worry about that.

Answer 7

I got mine done with a gun about 6 years ago, and even though it took A LOT longer to heal, it is fine. Don't worry!!!

Answer 8

you'll be fine tons of people get there cartilage pierced, it does take a long time to heal and it is the worst pain when it comes to piercings besides your nipples

Answer 9

never had a piercing done with a gun. do have cartilage piercings and they r fine.

Answer 10

it most likely won't don't worry. Half of my friends have had their cartilage pierced for years and they are fine. Don't worry.