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AIBU?

Cartilage/helix piercing with a gun

82 replies

bigdecsions · 19/11/2019 11:10

Hi everyone,
I've decided I'm going to get my cartilage pierced this week. I've wanted it done since I was a teenager but never did, now I'm 33 I'm getting it done. I'm a big whuss really (even though I've pushed out 4dc it it's no pain relief ). I've read most people recommend a needle for piercing. I don't even know this. So I've now watched YouTube videos on this procedure and I'm scared lol. At the same time I've read a lot of people have used guns and been fine.
What does everyone think? Any recommendations? Ideally I'd love a gun as I know it's over in seconds.
Thanks

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aliensprig · 19/11/2019 11:14

100% go to a professional piercer and have it done with a needle. It's cartilage so it's going to hurt like fuck whichever method is chosen.

Needles are sterile and single use, guns are not. There's a reason why guns are not outside outside of Claire's.

Also bear in mind that cartilage piercings can take up to a year to fully heal.

JacquesHammer · 19/11/2019 11:14

Absolutely do not get anything pierced with a gun but especially not cartilage or helix.

You need it done safely and properly.

EstebanTheMagnificent · 19/11/2019 11:15

Dear God no. There is a very real chance that the gun will shatter your cartilage and leave you with a cauliflower ear. It’ll also take longer to heal.

bluebell94 · 19/11/2019 11:16

No guns!!
It's going to hurt a bit either way but a needle is far smoother and safer. Guns in cartilage can cause so many unnecessary and avoidable problems.

ImARocketMan · 19/11/2019 11:17

Piercing with a needle is much safer for cartilage because it removes the bit of your ear where the earring will go (sounds grim I know) but when you get pierced with a gun the earring just shoves everything out the way and you can end up with cauliflower ear because of the trauma, don't think that's common but it's not something you want to risk either IMO. I'm not a piercer but I've had a fair few holes punched in my time, if it was that terrible no one would have any done!

Stillfunny · 19/11/2019 11:17

I have just had this done . And even older at 58 ! I went to a really expensive place as it was all about the " jewellery " ie ..diamond stud. ( A treat to myself). Went through all this speech about needle and how they are better.- started to sound like surgeon .

Anyways, it too , was over in seconds and I love it . So go for it !

Mrsjayy · 19/11/2019 11:18

I had my cartlidge pierced 20+ years ago with a gun and not a bit of bother with it takes a while tonheal but it was fine. My dd has her inner helix pierced she went to a tattoist/piercer and has had no issues, if you want it get it but stop watching you tube and just do it !

Areyoufree · 19/11/2019 11:19

Worth looking into neo-metal too. It's a threadless system, so you don't get an earring back pushing into your head. Expensive, but worth it, in my opinion (assuming it's available for cartilage piercings!).

bigdecsions · 19/11/2019 11:20

OMG you are scaring me saying pain is really bad. Ok is it over quick with a needle?

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aLilNonnyMouse · 19/11/2019 11:21

I've had it done both ways. The needle hurt less.

With both it's over in a second, the needle goes right through instantly and that's the only part that hurts. The rest of the fiddling is just putting the stud/ring in and that doesn't hurt.

TwattingDog · 19/11/2019 11:21

No guns! Ever! They should be bloody banned. Even my hairdresser who works out of her converted garage offers ear lobe piercings with a gun - I bet she doesn't have an autoclave or anything.

Needle.

SquareAsABlock · 19/11/2019 11:21

Piercing with a gun should be banned. It's insane that someone with barely any training can be trusted to do body modification and risk someones heath and appearance. Go to a professional and get it done with a needle. It's better for your body and hurts a lot less.

Stillfunny · 19/11/2019 11:22

No one said that the pain was really bad. And it IS over in seconds.

bigdecsions · 19/11/2019 11:23

How long did it take for the pain to get better ? How many weeks until you could sleep on it

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Mrsjayy · 19/11/2019 11:24

Oh it hurts like buggery but it is over in seconds

bigdecsions · 19/11/2019 11:25

@Mrsjayy

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aLilNonnyMouse · 19/11/2019 11:27

There is a sharp burst of pain for the first 2-3 seconds and then it just goes to a dull ache for an hour or so. Nothing a paracetamol wont fix. I was able to sleep fine that night.

MustardScreams · 19/11/2019 11:27

Cartilage can take up to a year to heal fully, even when pierced with a needle and by the best professional piercer. It’s just the nature of the piercing.

Mine all healed within 6 months, and I could sleep on them after that.

If you get it pierced with a gun it may never heal.

bigdecsions · 19/11/2019 11:29

@aLilNonnyMouse wow the same night is amazing. The needle piercer I spoke to said about 2
Weeks before you can sleep on it

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bigdecsions · 19/11/2019 11:30

@MustardScreams when they say a year to heal what does that mean? Pain for
The whole time or just if it catches it's uncomfortable?

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zukiecat · 19/11/2019 11:32

I have two piercings in my ears and one helix piercing, my first piercing was in Edinburgh 39 years ago, before Claire's existed, can't remember the method used.

My second was a cartilage done by Claire's, and the third, normal lobe piercings.

I have had absolutely no problems at all with Claire's and gun piercings, no pain whatsoever, no healing issues at all, although the cartilage one took a bit longer

ShootTheRunner · 19/11/2019 11:33

Mine didn't hurt that bad! OK, it does hurt a bit but it's more than manageable. A proper piercer will have it done in no time with a needle. Don't go for the gun, it's illegal to use a gun on cartilage in some US states apparently

Mine was a bit sore for a few days then it settled down, had it done 5 weeks ago and it's still quite sore to lie on but I sort of cup my hand over my ear if I want to lie on that side. It's totally worth it, I love it, and I can't wait to get some nice jewellery in it when it's healed.

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Damntheman · 19/11/2019 11:34

I have two cartilege piercings, the first was done with a gun and the second with a needle. I can very safetly say fuck no to the gun! It was horrendous. It got infected and it was very painful and gross. Took forever to heal and even now (19 years later) isn't the prettiest because of that. The needle by contract hurt a lot less, was quick and healed really nicely.

Sadly I don't remember that far back to be able to tell you how long it was before I could sleep on it but I can't remember ever not being able to sleep on it so.. good luck!

KevinsCarter · 19/11/2019 11:36

They should numb it for you, it'll feel a bit push pully like at the dentist. You may also hear some pushy noises. I have all up both ears done and promise you'll be fine. Stop looking at the vids, get in there, shut your eyes, no crying or whining. Make sure you eat before and have ibuprofen for after.

For me it is a few hours after that's the worst. Oh and take a scarf because the cold will make it hurt more.

I'm still nursing a scaffold from 2 months ago.

bigdecsions · 19/11/2019 11:39

@KevinsCarter the piercers I've spoken to say they don't use numbing gel. Yes definitely going to stop watching the videos. Going to go for It on Thursday

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