If you’re considering getting a cartilage piercing, it’s essential to know how long it will take to heal. Cartilage piercings are popular and stylish, but they can take longer to heal than other types of piercings. In this article, we’ll discuss how long it takes for a cartilage piercing to heal and provide tips on how to care for it during the healing process.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
Cartilage piercings take longer to heal than other types of piercings because cartilage doesn’t have its blood supply. Instead, cartilage receives nutrients and oxygen from the surrounding tissues, making the healing process slower.
On average, it takes six to twelve months for a cartilage piercing to heal completely. However, some people may experience a faster healing process, while others may take longer. Several factors can affect how long it takes for a cartilage piercing to heal, including:
- The location of the piercing
- The size of the piercing
- Your body’s natural healing process
- Your overall health
- How well you care for your piercing
It’s essential to keep in mind that a cartilage piercing may look and feel healed before it’s fully healed. This is because the healing process occurs from the outside in, meaning the skin may heal before the cartilage. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid changing or removing your jewelry until the piercing is entirely healed.
How to Care for Your Cartilage Piercing
Proper care is crucial for a cartilage piercing to heal correctly. Here are some tips to help you care for your piercing during the healing process:
1. Clean your piercing regularly.
Cleaning your piercing with a saline solution or a mild soap and water solution can help prevent infection and promote healing. Be sure to clean your piercing at least twice a day and avoid using harsh products, such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
2. Avoid touching your piercing.
Touching your piercing with dirty hands can introduce bacteria and prolong the healing process. It’s essential to avoid touching your piercing unless necessary, and if you need to touch it, make sure your hands are clean.
3. Don’t remove your jewelry too soon.
Removing your jewelry too soon can lead to complications, such as infection or closing of the piercing. It’s crucial to wait until the piercing is entirely healed before changing or removing your jewelry.
4. Be careful when sleeping.
Sleeping on your piercing can cause irritation and slow down the healing process. It’s essential to avoid sleeping on the side of the piercing or using a pillow that may put pressure on the piercing.
5. Avoid swimming or soaking your piercing.
Swimming or soaking your piercing in bodies of water, such as pools or hot tubs, can introduce bacteria and prolong the healing process. It’s essential to avoid swimming or soaking your piercing until it’s entirely healed.
Conclusion
Getting a cartilage piercing can be a stylish addition to your look, but it’s essential to know how long it will take to heal before getting one. Cartilage piercings can take up to a year to heal completely, so it’s crucial to care for them properly during the healing process. By following these tips, you can help promote healing and avoid complications. Remember, if you experience any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, be sure to contact your piercer or a medical professional immediately.
