A rook was to be the last piercing on my left ear, to complete my ear project. It already had an inner conch, tragus, standard industrial and a standard lobe [on its way to 0g though]. At the time, I don't think I was healing any piercings. I was apprehensive about a rook at this stage as I had heard they tend to migrate a lot. Mine has been 3 months now and has not moved, which I blame on the jewelery choice.
At A Glance Author Rory Contact Rory@bme.anon IAM attitude When Three months ago Artist Noel Studio Tattoo Zoo Location Cork, Ireland. I had gotten a hair cut a few days before hand, so it was the perfect time for a cartilage piercing, as when I am due another hair cut, the cartilage piercing won't be so tender. I get a hair cut every 3 to 4 weeks by the way, and I have a few little horror stories involving hair dressers.
I was in town, had been given money from my mother and it was a cold November evening. My mum dropped me off at the studio's door and I walked in. The shop was empty as it was nearing closing time. I went up to the piercer; Noel, who I know fairly well at this stage.
I explained to him I wanted my left rook pierced, but at 1.6mm (14g) and with 4mm clear acrylic balls. It has to be retainered for school. I know the acrylic was a stupid choice, but I was determined to get it done, and it worked out fine anyway. But I won't be getting pierced with acrylic ends again.
Noel has only ever done rooks with 1.2mm (16g) curved barbells, so this was going to be his first 1.6mm rook. He was also using a straight barbell which I was absolutely delighted to hear. I am a very firm believer of straight jewelery in healing cartilage piercings, bar the daith I suppose.
I was also happy about the fact that it was to be 1.6mm. I hate any piercing under that gauge. I have a 1.2mm daith at the moment, but that shall be stretched to 1.6mm when its' very well healed.
I walked into the back room and I lay down on the bed thing. He marked me up and I approved the placement. There wasn't much choice of placement anyway, seeing as a rook isn't exactly that big, heh.
I can't remember if it was clamped or not, but I don't think it was.
I took a deep breath in and 3 seconds later the cannula needle was inserted. "Not too bad I thought", result!
The barbell was inserted. Noel did take a few minutes to get the ball on though, it was so fiddely and sore.
There was a small drop of blood I think, Noel wiped it with a q-tip.
I slowly got up and walked out to the front, and to the counter. I paid and got my regular discount and said my thank you's and goodbyes, haha.
I walked out into the cold air and it stung ever so slightly. I met up with my mum again and was forced to go shopping with her for my sister's birthday present.
When we finally got back to the car I could not stop staring at it all the way home, I absolutely loved it immediately.
Unfortunately though, when it was two days old the bottom ball fell off while I was cleaning it. I tried to get the ball back on but to no avail, I could not even get an o-ring on. It was too deep and far in my ear. I returned to my piercer the next day to get it back on, which was excruciatingly painful to say the least. It was kind of tender and swollen already at that stage and then it had to be messed about with some more. Yowza!
Healing was easy enough. It got a little bump at one stage alright but that cleared up in no time with hot chamomile tea bag compresses. I did a sea salt soak every night on it for about 15 minutes for a good 2 months or so. Then there was no need anymore. I just put the shower's head over it in the shower now and it does the trick.
I know it obviously is not healed just yet, but it feels it, so all is good in rook land.
I highly recommend a rook, especially with a 1.6mm straight barbell!
Theres no need to worry about the pain, its a breeze. It also looks fantastic and is pretty rare. I'm sure I have only seen a handful in real life. It also does not interfere or get in the way with earphones.
It can be hidden easily too, always a plus.
Good luck with your rook and happy healing guys and gals!