I got my tragus pierced back in June of 2005, whilst on vacation. I wanted something unique to mark the occasion and figured why not put another hole in my head? I got my left tragus pierced at Enok's Studio in Myrtle Beach, SC. First, we had been trying to find the place forever because they had a $10 for any piercing deal. I knew I wanted my tragus done, but I had no idea what it was called. The procedure usually runs about $70 there, I am not sure of other places. I was stone cold sober when I got it done, and was sure to hold ice on it for about 20 minutes before hand.
At A Glance Author Sarimas When Three months ago Studio Enok's Piercing Studio Location Myrtle Beach, SC But to no avail. When it was finally my turn, (there were 3 women getting their noses and bellys done, and a dude getting something done to his ear) I was taken to the back room. The parlor itself was kinda small, but this was just a piercing place, no tattoo rooms. Display case and cleaning products when you walk in, funny pictures on the walls, punk music playing on the loudspeaker system, a few blacklights turned on. The two guys that worked there both wore white lab coats which was a little creepy, but kinda funny. These guys both had some crazy piercings and stretchers, so I assumed I was in good hands. Setting for the back room was your typical cool dentist chair, a sink, tons of boxes of surgical gloves, and tools all in separate packaging.
The piercer was really personable and calming. He even took the time to answer questions I had about my other piercings, and future projects. He situated the chair to where I was sitting upright but a little reclined. Not laying down. He first marked the site and asked my husband and I to review to see if it was centered, then placed a small cork in my ear. After that, we all took a few deep breaths together, (very euphoric). He made the hole and let the needle stay there for a few minutes because I started to feel a rush of heat from being nervous. We chatted for a minute, then he proceeded to put the ring in my ear. Problem was I jerked my head at an inopportune time. He temporarily lost the back hole, but regained it and jammed the ring through. He left it like that again, so I could chill out for a minute, the he put the ball on it. The ring he used was a horseshoe shaped barbell, surgical steel. Upon completeness and payment, everyone there was ecstatic to see it. It was the first tragus to be done with that type of ring at Enok's.
Afterwards, my husband and I went out to the club and got hammered. My ear didn't hurt at all the next day. That really helped curve some of the initial pain. I think I may have been in a little shock for the first few hours. Besides my ear being red, it immediately looked like I had had it for years. Then about 2 days later it got infected. I sleep on that side and I am left handed, so it was my fault because I kept moving it. I made it a point to keep it moving, even just getting it done because I was afraid that my body would reject it. I didn't go into the ocean, though the salt water may have helped. To fight the infection, about 4-6 times a day, I would shove a cotton ball doused with Bactine down my ear canal. Just let it sit there until my ear went numb. Twisting the cotton ball around made it easy to clean. I preferred this to using a Q-Tip. Letting hot water run over it in the shower helped too.
Since, I have changed my ring with no problems at all. I am able to move it freely without moisture or lubrication. Horizontally and vertically. I am easily able to pull on the ring without pain. It is 16 gauges of sweetness. I highly recommend the tragus for anyone wanting a little something different. I however, do not recommend this sit to be one of stretching. I believe this area of your ear is too small for such a project. I have had my belly button and one of my nipples pierced, and this was surely a painful one, but very worth it in my opinion.
There is a large selection of replacement jewelry for it if you don't want to keep the standard ring. Presently, I have a spiral type barbell with amethyst balls. The tragus from what I can tell is quickly becoming trendy and highly sought after. Still very interesting and unique as I have noticed. none of my friend have ever seen one done. I also use a spiral with jeweled flowers. Hope this was a help at all. Happy piercing!!