Tragus Piercing FAQ - Info by APP Certified Piercers in NYC

A close-up of a Tragus piercing with a kite-cut amethyst gemstone set in gold, accompanied by a gold feather-shaped earring in the background.

Clementine Piercing offers Tragus piercings in NYC. Johnny Pearce, one of the worlds 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

A tragus piercing is a cartilage piercing placed on the small, firm extension of cartilage in front of the ear canal. It has gained popularity for its distinctive placement and aesthetic appeal. Many individuals choose labret studs or small hoops to enhance their overall ear styling.

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

A tragus and daith piercing combination involves adorning both the tragus and the daith—the innermost ridge of the ear cartilage, above the ear canal. This curated ear styling creates a balanced and stylish look, allowing for personalized jewelry choices that complement each other.

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

A surface tragus piercing is a surface piercing that’s positioned vertically, and sits adjacent to the tragus, rather than through the cartilage itself. This type of piercing often uses surface bars to minimize the risk of rejection or migration. Proper placement and aftercare are crucial for successful healing.

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

A tragus piercing typically takes 6 to 12 months to fully heal. Healing time depends on factors such as individual healing ability, immune response, and adherence to aftercare.

  • The healing process includes initial swelling, possible bruising, and gradual tissue regeneration.
  • Avoid unnecessary movement, pressure, or trauma, which can delay healing.
  • Using sterile saline solution and avoiding irritants such as earbuds, unwashed hands, or sleeping on the piercing significantly contribute to a smooth recovery.

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

  • Pain is generally moderate, as cartilage is denser than soft tissue.
  • Most people describe it as a sharp pinch followed by pressure.
  • Pain perception varies, but tragus piercings are slightly more painful than lobe piercings and less painful than industrial or snug piercings.
  • Proper aftercare, avoiding pressure, and using high-quality jewelry can reduce discomfort.

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

Swelling is a normal response after getting pierced. However, excessive or prolonged swelling may be caused by:

  • Improper aftercare
  • Allergic reactions to jewelry materials
  • Trauma to the piercing (e.g., sleeping on it or wearing tight earbuds)
  • Infection (signs include warmth, redness, or unusual discharge)

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

  • 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

  • The standard gauge for a tragus piercing is typically 16g (1.2mm) or 18g (1.0mm).
  • Some piercers may use a 14g for those preferring a thicker jewelry size.
  • Always consult your piercer before downsizing or upsizing jewelry.

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

If your tragus piercing is fully healed (at least 6-12 months), you can remove the jewelry by:

  • Gently unscrewing the top or back of the jewelry.
  • Using clean, dry hands to prevent introducing bacteria.

If the jewelry feels stuck or painful to remove, seek assistance from a professional piercer rather than forcing it out, which can cause irritation or injury.

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

Only change your tragus jewelry after full healing (6-12 months).

Follow these steps:

  • Wash hands thoroughly.
  • Ensure the new jewelry is implant-grade and free of sharp edges.
  • Gently unscrew and remove the existing jewelry. If it doesn’t come off easily, do not force it.
  • Insert the new jewelry carefully and secure it properly.

If you struggle to remove or insert jewelry, visit a professional piercer for safe assistance.

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

Rejection is rare for tragus piercings but can occur if:

  • The piercing is placed incorrectly.
  • The jewelry is too large or heavy.
  • There is consistent irritation or trauma to the piercing.

Choosing implant-grade jewelry and ensuring proper aftercare reduces rejection risks.

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

  • There is no scientific evidence supporting the claim that tragus piercings help with migraines or headaches.
  • Some individuals report anecdotal relief, possibly due to placebo effect or stimulation of pressure points.
  • Medical professionals do not consider tragus piercings an effective treatment for migraines.

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

  • Wait at least 6-12 months before changing your jewelry.
  • Changing jewelry too soon can lead to irritation, swelling, or prolonged healing.

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

  • It depends on ear anatomy and jewelry choice.
  • Some people experience discomfort with in-ear headphones during healing, especially if the jewelry is large or protruding.
  • Over-ear headphones are a better alternative while healing.

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

  • Earbuds can cause pressure and irritation on a healing tragus piercing.
  • If you must use them, opt for smaller, flexible earbuds and clean them regularly.

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

The cost of a Tragus 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.

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

  • Aesthetic appeal—It adds a unique touch to curated ear styling.
  • Versatile jewelry options, from studs to hoops.
  • Low risk of migration compared to surface piercings.
  • Some individuals believe it helps with pressure points, but scientific support is lacking.

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

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

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 tragus piercings, but it would NEVER be advised or considered a safe choice for piercing. Professional studios who have real piercers who are properly trained for YEARS using aseptic technique and sterile field are always recommended over boutique store employees who only train for a few weeks and/or use piercing guns. Beware of companies who 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.

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

These irritation bumps go by many names, ranging from ‘piercing bump’ to ‘Hypertrophic scar tissue.’ True to the name ‘irritation bump,’ these unsightly bumps are caused by irritation. Anything ranging from touching with your hands, sleeping on your piercing, wearing your helmet, or simply even too many puppy-dog kisses. No matter the event, it’s the irritation that causes the bump. Irritation bumps can be very stubborn and tricky to mitigate, but fortunately they are usually temporary when addressed correctly. It’s important to know that this bump will remain or even grow larger if your piercing is experiencing prolonged irritation or repetitive trauma. The goal is to identify moments in your day to day life where irritation could be occurring and then make the necessary changes to eliminate the irritation events in question. This helps create a sense of extra mindfulness in protecting your piercing, giving the area time to catch back up without trauma reoccurring as frequently. While this process may not be immediate, and the dissolution of the irritation bump may not seem linear, it is a tried and true approach for helping irritation bumps disappear. Feel free to ask your dermatologist about cortisone treatment to help speed up the process if you need immediate results or for stubborn irritation bumps. Keep in mind, Keloid disease is rare, but it does happen. However, if you’ve never had keloid scarring develop on any previous cuts or injuries, then it would not be likely that you are suddenly experiencing your first keloid as an adult on your helix piercing. It’s more common that people misidentify the common irritation bump as a keloid due to it being so similar in visual appearance.

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