I have wanted another piercing for years. I got my first hole in my lobes at 5 years old and my second hole at 18 years old. My parents have never been fans of more than one hole in each ear, so I had to really bargain for that second hold. Now that I am out of college, married, and in the working world, I figure I can do as I please. So, off and on for many years, I had always thought that I wanted my helix pierced; however, I recently decided that I didn't want something that was so widely popular. I also work in a professional environment, so I needed something that would be fairly discreet.
At A Glance Author Erin When It just happened Artist Jason Studio Blue Flame Location Raleigh, NC About a month ago, I was at a Christmas party and saw a friend of mine who had gotten her tragus pierced. It was then that I decided I wanted something a little different from the norm. So, I began researching online about many different types of ear piercings, falling more and more in love with the tragus piercing. I researched the actual piercing, different kinds of jewelry I could use, after care methods, risks, as well as the place I wanted to have it done. People have had so many different types of experiences from really good ones to problem piercings that it made me nervous! The last thing I want is an infected or problem tragus. Even still, I told myself while researching that I was not going to let myself back out. I really wanted this done for me and for nobody else, so I was going to do it.
It was just last Sunday that I finally got it done. I went to Blue Flame Tattoo & Body Piercing in Raleigh, NC. They have been around forever and have incredibly high ratings online. I also had heard a great word of mouth review from a friend of mine and I was sold. After stopping on the way for some coffee to maintain some sugar in my blood, I went in with my sister and 2 other friends – moral support was a must for me since this was my first "real" piercing. I told the guy at the counter what I wanted pierced, picked out my jewelry – a very cute diamond stud – filled out the paper work and waited for Jason to come out and get me. I only had to wait for about 10 minutes, which was great since I was just a tad bit nervous. When Jason came out, I told him that I was just a little nervous and he told me that as long as I didn't fart when I was nervous then we'd be fine. How funny!! He instantly made me feel more comfortable and much less nervous simply by making a joke. The girls and I went back in the piercing room – very dentist like – and Jason went over the aftercare. He explained everything very well. I was to use Blairex Wound Wash Saline after showering and before bed. Other than that, I was to leave it the hell alone (LITHA). He then got everything he needed out, cleaned up, and marked the spot on my left tragus. Of course, everything was in sealed bags and he used rubber gloves – very important and after reading and doing my research, I was looking for all of these things! After he marked me, he told me to just breathe in deep and out and that he would pierce with my breath. I breathed in and out a couple of times (he was probably making sure that I would actually breathe!), there was just a quick pinch, with no POP, and he was done! He very quickly put the jewelry in, which did not hurt at all. He said there was just one very tiny drop of blood, and that was it. I stayed seated for just a minute to prevent feeling faint, then got up and checked out my new piercing in the mirror. I was instantly and completely smitten with it!! I could not have been any happier.
It is now three days after I got it done, and all is well. I am doing like Jason said using the Blairex and LITHA method. It is not swollen, bleeding, or leaking anything. I can't feel it at all and it is only sensitive if I accidentally bump it with something. I am also wearing my hair pulled back away from it to ensure proper healing with no problems.
All in all, I absolutely love it and highly encourage anyone who is thinking about getting it done to go for it! Now I've got to decide if, when, or what I want pierced next and on the other ear...I can see how this could get addicting! I am starting to think about rook on my right ear...