So, my piercing addiction began when I was 10. I know, I know, I was an early bloomer. By the time I was 15, I had my belly button pierced 3 times, my rook pierced, my lobes pierced 5 times each, numerous helix piercings and my tongue. I ended up regretting getting my lobes pierced so many times, it seemed so dull and boring to me. So, I ended up taking them out and left only my rook earring in. My ear looked so bare, and I was really looking for something more unique than the standard lobe piercings. Thats when I decided I wanted my tragus pierced. I thought my rook piercing was virtually painless, so I figured my tragus would hurt even less.
At A Glance Author Livia Contact Livia@bme.anon When It just happened I didn't really think about it, I'm a little impulsive like that. The minute I thought about getting my tragus pierced, I went to my trusted piercing parlor. Since I was getting my tragus pierced on the same side as my rook CBR, I didn't want to end up with two CBR's in the same ear, so I opted for a labret stud. I picked out a cute little pink sparkly one. Believe it or not, I actually am terrified of needles; however like most piercing fanatics I'm hooked on the adrenaline rush and all the excitement that comes with a new piercing. Its twisted, I know.
The piercer, Lisa, had me sign a few papers, and told me to have a seat in the piercing room. I was so used to the routine, that I wasn't as afraid as I usually am. I sat down in a hairdressing type chair, and unfortunately I looked at the scary, set up table. There lying on the table, was the most frightening looking needle I had ever seen. It was hooked and looked painfully thick. I had already paid, so backing out now was not an option. This piercing place is very reputable, and very clean, so I wasn't too worried about anything. I honestly cannot tell you however if piercing your tragus with a hooked needle is normal, or proper. I was really afraid and didn't want to draw my attention to the needle so I didn't question it, but if you want to know anything make sure you ask your piercer.
Lisa marked my ear, cleaned it, and very impressively changed her gloves a million times. She clamped my ear and asked me if I was ready. Was I ready to have a gigantic hooked needle shoved through thick cartilage and flesh??? Nooooo. Of course I said, "Yep, I'm ready." I felt a slight pinching feeling and Lisa told me the worst part was over. She lied. I felt quite a bit of searing pain through my ear and it was over. I made her leave the needle in before changing it, to let me have a breather. After she put the stud in, I was all set.
I have to say, I was close to tears. The weird thing is, is that I have a freakishly high tolerance for pain. I don't mean to scare anyone, if you want it go for it. Okay, the next part is just for the girls who want to get it done. Do not get piercing at that time of month. My "friend" was visiting me when I got my tragus pierced, and it makes me ten times more susceptible to pain. I had my eyebrows waxed the same morning and I thought that hurt. Even if you don't think you are more sensitive at that time, don't take the chance, just wait. I honestly think if I had waited, the piercing would have been a breeze. Looking back on it now, I guess it wasn't too bad. Its pretty quick, so the pain you feel is so worth it.
Just one quick word about aftercare. Along with the normal cleaning and all that good stuff, make sure you keep your pillow cases obsessively clean. Since your tragus is touching anything you lie on directly, make sure anything you lie on is clean. If you don't its like touching your piercing with dirty hands. If you can, don't even sleep on it, to avoid germs getting in, but just in case you lie on it during the night, keep your pillow cases clean!!!
The next few hours, it hurt to smile, because every time I did it pulled the skin there a little bit. Its a day later, and it feels fine. I really love it. If you want it go for it!!! If you're worried about pain, don't! Its a piercing, so if you want to know if it hurt, yes it did, a little bit. The thing is, its so quick, anyone can stand it. One second of slight pain is so worth it. Go for it.