I have wanted to get my conch pierced for quite some time, but with the resentment of my parents and the fact that I play soccer 24/7 and cannot have any jewelry in while playing was holding me back. I have always liked the way it looked and it was something different that I haven't seen on anyone. Soccer season finally ended and I was craving to get it pierced. Before getting it pierced, I wanted to make sure I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. I did a little bit of research on it, just to get some background on the piercing. I decided to go back to Lark Tattoo in Westbury, NY where I have had previous piercings done. It is such a clean shop and I have heard nothing but great things about it.
At A Glance Author Alyssa When A week ago Artist Claude Studio Lark Tattoo Location Westbury, New York My friend wanted to tag along, so one day after school we took a drive over to Lark. I walk into this beautiful shop and start chatting with the receptionist and he tells me that Claude was not in and will be in tomorrow from 11-4. Damn! I had worked myself up and was so excited to get it and now I had to wait another day :( But a problem arose, I had to go to work directly after school and would not be able to make it before 4 o'clock. I couldn't wait, so I decided to going during my lunch break at school the next day and get it done.
The whole day in school I was so antsy and couldn't wait for lunch to roll around. Finally it was time to go. My friend and I drove back over to Lark and this time I was more nervous because I knew it was going to happen.
The shop was empty, since it was so early in the day and Claude was not busy. He asks me what I want and what gauge and type of jewelry. I tell him I want a 14g curved barbell. I fill out some paperwork and wait a few minutes for him to get set up. He finally calls me back. My adrenaline was rushing. There was no backing out now. I didn't care how much it was going to hurt because it was all worth it.
He opens up all the needles and whatnot in front of me, and sets up. He then asked me if I wanted it high, low or in the middle. I decided to get it right in the middle. He then proceeds to tell me that he is going to pierce it at a 16g then stretch it up to a 14g. This is to minimize the bleeding because the hole will be tight, not breaking as many capillaries as there would be if he just pierced it with a 14g needle and put the 14g jewelry in. He's the expert and I totally trusted his method.
He swabs my ear with alcohol and marks me up. I then had to lay down and tilt my head. I wasn't able to see what was going on, which made me happy. He puts the 16g needle through without telling me, which I think made it easier since I wasn't anticipating it. No pain whatsoever. I didn't even hear the "popping" noise that most people do. I think he then put a taper in, or something along those lines, which pinched a little. The worst part was probably after that when he put the barbell in, but it wasn't unbearable.
So in just 5 or so minutes, I had a beautiful piercing that I absolutely adored. I went back up to the front, paid, got my cleaning instructions and some free stickers! I left the shop with a huge smile on my face and couldn't wait to show it off.
When I got home from school, I showed my mom and to my surprise she actually liked it and was upset I didn't take her along!
I have had no bleeding, swelling, or redness. It is a little sore though, like a throbbing pain. I have been cleaning it with soap and water twice a day and also using this cleaning solution that he gave me. It is a little tough to clean I must say, I keep getting water in my ear when I wash the soap off. I try to keep my hair off of it and also try not to let my glasses bang on it. Sleeping is also hard, I have to train myself to only sleep on my left side.
For anyone who is thinking about getting their conch, go for it! I think it was the best decision I have made and I would do it all over again! Hey, I might even get my other one done!