Laura Ljaze
Body Piercing

Conch piercing takes its origins from other cultures, including the Mangebetu Tribe in Africa and a sect of Hindu Yogis from India. These tribes used conch piercings as decorative sites for ivory and religious symbolism. It is nowadays becoming a more popular choice of piercing, as it offers an alternative position of piercing on the ear.  The conch piercing goes through the back of the ear in the 'shell' area, named after its resemblance to the conch shell. It is a surface cartilage piercing and is non-invasive. Conch piercings can either be done either in the inner or outer section of the ear, and can be decorated with piercing jewellery such as barbells, labret or BCR. Labrets are advised for the initial healing period.

Will it hurt? When it comes to piercing it is difficult to classify the amount of pain, as pain depends on the experience of each individual. The conch piercing is deemed quite painful as the cartilage shell of the ear is being pierced. However, different people experience varying levels of pain so there is no clear way of describing whether or not the piercing procedure will hurt. There may be some soreness after the procedure, although this is to be expected. 

Healing: It usually takes 6-9 months for a conch piercing to heal, although this again differs between every individual.  You should always avoid putting the fresh piercing under any stress or pressure. 

When caring for your Conch piercing, ensure that you:

• Refrain from touching the piercing to allow the tender tissue to heal and to reduce the risk of inflammation and pain.
• Don't use in earphones/buds during healing.  This is possible later when the jewellery is downsized.
• Sleep on your back to reduce pressure on your ears.
• Avoid applying lotions, moisturisers, perfumes to the area.
• Avoid swimming until after your piercing has healed.
• Try to keep your hair tied up and away from the piercing wherever possible during initial healing.
• Clean both exit holes of your piercing twice a day.
• You should not remove your jewellery during the healing process. The jewellery must be kept in at all times or you can risk the piercing closing over.
• Regularly remove any build up of ear wax from the opening of the ear canal

You can dramatically reduce your risk of any problems by following this advice.

Jewellery: The Conch piercing can accommodate a wide range of jewellery once healed. Many popular jewellery choices include, Labret Studs, Barbells, Ball Closure Rings or CBR's (Captive Bead Rings).  When you are first pierced you will be pierced with Titanium Jewellery, this jewellery is a lot bigger than needed. This is to accommodate any swelling you may encounter post piercing, however rare it happens its always best to play it safe to ensure a stunning healthy healed piercing. All of Our Titanium Body Jewellery is made from Ti6-Al4-V ELI Medical Grade Titanium, the only grade conforming to ISO 5832-3:1996 and comes from UK suppliers direct, only the best available for our clients.

DISCLAIMER: Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your Piercer. These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor.