Laura Ljaze
Body Piercing

The rook piercing occurs when the fold of cartilage between the inner and outer conch, or anti-helix, is pierced. Unfortunately, not everyone's ears have a pronounced enough ridge so not everyone can get this particular piercing.  If you spend a lot of time with a phone or headphones pressed against your ear, you will find that this is not a practical piercing for you, due to the pressure that is applied to the piercing.  Rook piercings can be one of the most painful in the ear area due to the amount of cartilage that the needle passes through. However, individual pain tolerances vary greatly so it really depends on the person.

Healing:  Rook piercings usually take between 3 and 9 months to heal, but can sometimes take longer. It is widely recognised that rook piercings are one of the most susceptible to infection due to their location. They can easily be contaminated from daily activities like talking on the telephone or simply sleeping if proper aftercare is not undertaken.  Therefore it is wise to plan ahead before getting the rook piercing done. For example, during periods of the year when ear warmers or hats are often worn, it would be best not to get a rook piercing to avoid further irritation. It is also a good idea to tie your hair back during the healing process, avoid swimming and avoid applying cosmetics or perfume to the area.

For the first few weeks, it may be best not to sleep on the pierced side to prevent unnecessary pain. Additionally, some people complain of a burning feeling or swelling soon after being pierced. For that reason, it is best to clean the rook piercing daily using warm water and an unscented, special ear care saline solution that your piercer suggests. Being well informed about rook piercings and taking necessary precautions will help put all worries to rest.

Jewellery:  The jewellery used for a rook piercing is a curved barbell.

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. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing