Well, I'm Christi. I'm 18. I first started getting piercings in 7th grade, and I'm working on getting an apprenticeship around my college this year. I think it's safe to say that I'm pretty knowlegable about piercings and stuff, so if you have any questions, feel free to email : D
At A Glance Author Christi Contact Oblivious417@yahoo.com When A week ago Artist Kris Studio Skin Gallery Location Downers Grove, IL Anyway, Up to this point, I've had 2 cartilage, an industrial, a rook, a tragus, a nose, a belly and 10g ears. And a tattoo, but that's besides the point I suppose. I went into the shop planning on getting 2 more belly buttons done, or a nape, but I forgot to stop at the ATM to get enough money. My best friend was in from Florida, and she said she wanted to get pierced by Kris one last time before she stays in Florida for good, so she was there to get her anti tragus. Since this was WAY cheaper than 2 belly's, or a nape, I decided I might as well since I was there.
My piercer, Kris, doesn't use corks or anything.
And with me, he doesn't really mark holes anymore because we're so familiar with eachother, and he knows that I know he knows what he's doing. He's extremely talented, and has worked with me for 5 or 6 years. So it's turned into a sit down, pierce, and go type thing.
My best friend went first, just because 'it was her idea'. (?)
She doesn't have as many as I do, so I think she was a little shocked at how much it actually hurt, and she almost fell on the floor. Anti Tragus's don't look that painful, so she went into it thinking it wouldn't be that bad. Hah. He gave her an extra long barbell for healing purposes. He said he had to go through a thicker part of her ear because her anti tragus was unusually thin and smaller than most peoples.
Mine kind of took longer. He wanted to figure out the best and easiest way to put the needle through (which angle, or from inside to out, or outside to in). He had a tragus, industrial, and 10g to work around. I think he ended up doing inside to out, but I'm not sure. I couldn't pay attention through the pain. And I don't know how any of you hear your cartilage being broken into, but I've never heard any sort of 'snap, crackle, pop'. But again, I'm probably not listening to hear my cartilage break. There was also a significant amount of blood which I found suprising. I didn't really look into an anti tragus piercing, which was dumb. I always do research on my piercings before I get them, and knowing that they're generally more painful than others would have been nice. I was taken by suprise, and I don't like that.
My industrial had been the most painful of my piercings thus far, and my anti tragus was much worse. To compare: The jewelry insert of the industrial didn't bother me (at least I don't remember it to bother me), while as my anti tragus KILLED me. Afterwards, while the industrial felt more like your ear was on fire, the antitragus feels like an ear infection almost. And just a throbbing type pain that is extremely annoying, swollen, and sensitive. The whole lobe hurts. My industrial also allowed SOME sleeping on it. The anti tragus just says no. Broken record style. It hurts to eat, it hurts to smile, it hurts to talk. It' just extremely extremely sensitive, and any movement of your face will probably cause pressure and friction in your ear. Even only if it's a little, it'll still freakin hurt.
I use Bacteen to clean my piercings/jewelry. It hasn't failed me yet. But for this one I'm thinking of doing some seasalt soaks, and taking mad Advil. Plan on needing it if you get it done. If you plan on getting it done, just prepare yourself.
If you're someone who would ask 'Is this going to hurt?', then I'd stay away. Also, make sure your piercer puts in a curved barbell. Hoops do no good in fresh piercings, and curbed barbells make for easier clean and care.
I haven't tried to put headphones in or anything, but I'd imagine it would be a pain. But i have my tragus done on the same ear, and it's hard enough as it is with that.
I should say that I don't think this is for everyone.
Unless you've had lots of experiences, and know what it'll be like, then this will probably make you pass out, as my friend almost did when she got hers. It doesn't look that painful, but until you're trying to fall asleep at night, but you can't because your anti tragus is screaming at you, you'll have no idea.
It's just extremely annoying. (The pain I mean.)
But it sure does look awesome.
Happy Piercing!