Industrial Piercing FAQ - By APP Certified Piercers in NYC

An industrial piercing consists of two cartilage piercings connected by a single straight barbell, typically placed diagonally across the upper ear. This piercing is customizable, with variations in placement depending on anatomy, and requires careful aftercare to prevent complications due to its complexity.

Industrial piercings are often associated with boldness, individuality, and alternative styles. They are commonly chosen by those who appreciate unique and edgy body modifications. With a commitment to follow through.

• Most people rate industrial piercings as moderate to high in pain due to the double cartilage piercing that the wearer must receive.
• The piercing process involves a sharp initial pinch, followed by lingering soreness.
• Healing discomfort may persist for several weeks to months, and cartilage piercings are prone to flare-ups of tenderness even after months of healing with no disruption.

Healing takes 9-12+ months. Although 1.5 years would not be uncommon.

Persistent pain after 2 years may be due to:

• Low-quality jewelry (consider upgrading to titanium or gold).
• Poor piercing placement.
• Chronic irritation from sleeping on it or trauma.
• Undiagnosed issues like an embedded piercing or hypertrophic scarring.

A professional piercer can assess the problem and recommend a solution.

• Yes, industrial piercings are one of the more difficult ear piercings to heal due to their tissue tenderness and the fact that the placement of these two piercings must be aligned perfectly, allowing for a more synchronous, easy heal together.
• Regular movement from hair, headphones, and sleeping positions can increase healing time and cause irritation.

• 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.

• Stick to consistent showers and good hygiene. Use saline as needed.
• Avoid touching with your hands.
• Avoid pressure and movement (don’t sleep on the piercing).
• Use high-quality, implant-grade jewelry to minimize irritation.
• Expect occasional flare-ups during the healing process.

• Identify the cause (irritation, jewelry material, pressure).
• Continue using a natural approach to healing. Clean with just shower water and sterile saline solution and avoid over-cleaning or harsh chemicals.
• If bumps persist, consult a professional piercer for evaluation and solutions.

• Most industrial piercings are done at 14g (1.6mm), but some piercers may use 16g (1.2mm) depending on anatomy.
• Thicker jewelry provides more stability and faster healing, while thinner jewelry may be more aesthetically pleasing for some people. Keep in mind your jewelry can be changed after it's healed.

• Please visit your piercer to have your barbell length downsized 4-8 weeks after the initial piercing to ensure optimal healing.
• It is recommended to wait at least 9 to 12 months before changing industrial piercing jewelry to something from a third party as it could very likely compromise your healing experience.
• Changing jewelry too early can cause irritation and prolong healing.

• Once fully healed, carefully unscrew one ball end and slide the jewelry out.
• If the jewelry feels stuck or is painful to remove, visit a professional piercer to avoid causing damage.

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

• Yes, when performed by a professional piercer using sterile techniques and high-quality jewelry.
• Choosing a reputable piercer and following proper aftercare minimizes risks of infection, migration, or irritation.

• Claire’s is NOT recommended for industrial piercings.
• Piercing guns are unsuitable for cartilage piercings, as they can cause trauma, poor healing, and complications.
• Companies like Claire’s, Studs, Rowan and Piercing Pagoda may advertise industrial piercings, but it would NEVER be advised or considered a safe choice for piercing. Professional studios with experienced piercers—trained for YEARS using aseptic techniques and a sterile field—are always recommended over boutique store employees. Beware of companies that claim their piercers are all RN. Please feel free to use trusted resources like the “Find a Professional Piercer” search function on the Association of Professional Piercers website.

• Mild itching is normal during healing but could indicate:
• Healing tissue regeneration.
• Jewelry irritation (nickel sensitivities).
• Overcleaning or excessive dryness.
• If itching persists or worsens, check jewelry material or consult a piercer.

• Yes, industrial piercings can become infected if exposed to bacteria.
• Symptoms of infection include:
  • Persistent swelling, redness, or heat.
  • Yellow or green discharge with an unpleasant smell.
  • Pain that worsens instead of improving.
• If infection symptoms appear, consult your healthcare provider.

• Swelling is normal in the first few weeks but can be worsened by:
  • Sleeping on the piercing.
  • Jewelry that is too tight or too loose.
  • Accidental trauma (snagging, bumping, twisting).
• Reducing pressure, avoiding irritation, and using proper jewelry can help minimize swelling.

• While rejection is rare, industrial piercings can migrate due to:
  • Improper jewelry placement.
  • Chronic irritation or movement.
  • Ill-fitting and low-quality jewelry with allergic reactions.
• Wearing implant-grade titanium or gold jewelry and avoiding excessive trauma reduces the risk of migration or rejection.