Does having your ear cartilage (helix I think it's called) pierced hurt a lot?

[Janey50]

I have been thinking of getting mine done for a while now. But I'm a bit nervous about the pain factor. I had my ear lobes pierced many years ago,which I didn't find painful,but I have read that lobe piercing is nowhere near as painful as having your ear cartilage pierced. I see plenty of people around with this type of piercing so reason to myself that it cannot be THAT painful IYSWIM! Also,has anyone experienced any post-piercing problems with this type,such as infection? I would be grateful for any advice that any MN's can give me.

DD has a cartilage piercing near the top of one ear and another in the middle bit (near the ear-hole) Both done with a needle by a professional, and no issues with them hurting IFAIK but she probably wouldn't say if there was as it was her choice to get them done

Totally agree with Ouch, over-cleaning makes the healing process so much longer! I stopped cleaning my tragus and nose, just made sure to rinse them in the shower/when washing my face. They healed so much better after that.

I've got my tragus and conch done. Conch is only 6 weeks old so still healing.

It does hurt when you get it done, but it's like a pinch. Not too bad. The tragus healed well but could be sore - my conch have me one evening of gyp and has been fine since. Don't know if it's just because of be placement or because I stumped for a titanium stud, but I haven't had a problem.

Itching to change it but trying to resist!