Anti-Tragus Piercing FAQ - By APP Certified Piercers in NYC

Clementine Piercing offers Anti Tragus piercings in NYC. Johnny Pearce, one of the world's top rated and most trusted piercing professionals, holds tenure at Clementine Piercing in NYC—making it an excellent option for trusted piercing services.

Look for professional, APP-certified piercing studios with:

  • Experienced piercers familiar with technical piercings
  • Strict hygiene and sterilization protocols
  • Positive client reviews and portfolio examples

Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Yes, anti-tragus piercings can be moderately to significantly painful due to the dense cartilage in the area. Most people report a sharp pinch during the procedure, followed by soreness that can last for several days. Since cartilage has fewer nerve endings than soft tissue, the pain is typically brief but may be followed by longer-term tenderness and sensitivity.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

  1. The area is prepped thoroughly via alcohol or povidone iodine.
  2. A professional piercer marks the appropriate entry and exit points with a single-use sterile surgical marker.
  3. The area is pierced using a sterile, single-use, disposable needle, sometimes braced by a NRT or other various instruments.
  4. The piercer will then install sterile, implant-certified titanium or solid gold barbell through the newly created piercing channel and threads on the bead.
  5. Extreme precision is required.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Yes, this piercing is often considered more painful than a standard lobe piercing due to the thicker cartilage. The pain level varies between individuals, but it is generally rated as moderate to high compared to other cartilage piercings.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

An anti-tragus piercing is located in the small ridge of cartilage opposite the tragus, just above the earlobe. This piercing is unique in placement and can accommodate studs, rings, or curved barbells, depending on individual anatomy.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Yes, anti-tragus piercings can be more challenging to heal than some other ear piercings because:

  • Cartilage has a limited blood supply, making healing slower.
  • The location is prone to irritation from headphones, masks, and hair.
  • Healing time ranges from 6 months to over a year, with some people experiencing occasional flare-ups even after initial healing.

Diligent aftercare and patience are key to a smooth healing process.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

It depends on your ear anatomy and headphone type:

  • In-ear earbuds may be uncomfortable or cause irritation during healing, as they can press against the jewelry.
  • Over-ear headphones are typically a better option, but care should be taken to avoid pressure on the piercing.
  • Some people find alternative styles of earbuds or foam covers help minimize irritation.

If listening to music is essential for you, consider waiting until after the initial healing phase before experimenting with different headphones.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Healing typically takes between 6 to 12 months, but individual healing time may vary based on factors such as:

  • Aftercare routine (using sterile saline and avoiding irritation).
  • Jewelry quality (implant-grade titanium, gold, or niobium reduces irritation).
  • Lifestyle habits (avoiding pressure from headphones, masks, and sleeping positions).

Even after the initial healing period, cartilage piercings can remain sensitive to irritation, so proper jewelry fit and continued care are important.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

The cost of an Anti Tragus piercing ranges from $40-$100 per piercing for the piercing service fees before adding on the cost of your jewelry, which will vary, depending on the studio, jewelry material (e.g. solid gold, implant-grade titanium) as well as piercer expertise.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

  • Avoid any touching, twisting, or playing with the piercing site or jewelry.
  • Gently rinse with water while you shower. Use sterile saline solution/wound wash spray as needed.
  • Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antiseptics.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Once the piercing is fully healed (6-12 months), follow these steps to change your jewelry:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling jewelry.
  2. Unscrew the jewelry ends carefully to avoid unnecessary trauma.
  3. Insert high-quality jewelry (preferably implant-grade titanium, niobium, or gold).
  4. If experiencing difficulty, visit a professional piercer for safe jewelry change assistance.

Changing jewelry too early can cause irritation, prolonged healing, or complications.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

If your piercing is fully healed, you can remove the jewelry by:

  1. Gently unscrewing or sliding out the jewelry.
  2. Cleaning the area before and after removal.
  3. Consulting a professional if you feel resistance, discomfort, or irritation.

If you no longer wish to keep the piercing, the hole may shrink over time, but cartilage piercings do not always close completely.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

It’s best to wait at least 6-12 months before changing jewelry. Changing it too soon can lead to:

  • Irritation or prolonged healing.
  • Bumps or hypertrophic scarring.
  • Migration or rejection if the jewelry is not suitable.

If you're unsure, visit a professional piercer to assess whether your piercing is ready for a jewelry change.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare

Companies like Claire’s, Studs, Rowan and Piercing Pagoda may offer Anti Tragus piercings, but it would NEVER be advised or considered a safe choice for piercing. Professional studios with experienced, certified piercers using aseptic technique and sterile fields are always recommended over boutique stores.

For more information on ear piercing aftercare, please refer to: https://www.clementinepiercing.com/earpiercingaftercare