Flat Piercing : A Complete Guide to This Trendy Cartilage Piercing

Flat piercing, also known as flat cartilage piercing, is a type of ear piercing that is located in the flat area of cartilage below the upper rim of the ear (the helix) and the flap of cartilage where the rook is located. It is a versatile and stylish piercing that can be combined with other ear piercings, such as the forward helix, auricle, or tragus, to create a unique look. Flat piercing can also be done as a single piercing or in multiples, depending on your preference and anatomy.

Flat piercing is one of the most popular cartilage piercings in 2023, as it offers a lot of room for creativity and customization. You can choose from a variety of flat piercing jewelry, such as studs, rings, barbells, or hoops, to suit your style and personality. You can also opt for different sizes, colors, materials, and designs of flat piercing jewelry to make your flat piercing stand out.

However, flat piercing is not an easy piercing to get or heal. Since it goes through the cartilage, which is a tough and avascular tissue, it requires more care and patience than other types of piercings. Flat piercing can take up to a year to heal completely, and it can be prone to complications such as infection, irritation, or rejection if not done or cared for properly.

Before you decide to get a flat piercing, you need to know everything about this cartilage piercing, including its pros and cons, common sizes and jewelry types, healing process and aftercare tips, pain level and cost, and more. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to flat piercing that will help you make an informed decision and enjoy your flat piercing for years to come.

What are the Pros and Cons of Flat Piercing?

Like any other piercing, flat piercing has its advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before getting one. Here are some of the pros and cons of flat piercing:

Pros:

• Flat piercing is a trendy and fashionable piercing that can enhance your ear aesthetics and express your individuality.
• Flat piercing is a versatile piercing that can be done in different ways and paired with different jewelry styles and accessories.
• Flat piercing can be easily hidden or shown off depending on your mood or occasion.
• Flat piercing can suit different ear shapes and sizes, as long as you have enough space in your flat area of cartilage.

Cons:

• Flat piercing is a painful piercing that can cause discomfort during and after the procedure.
• Flat piercing is a difficult piercing to heal that can take up to a year or longer to fully heal.
• Flat piercing is a sensitive piercing that can be easily irritated or infected by external factors such as dirt, sweat, hair products, makeup, clothing, etc.
• Flat piercing is a risky piercing that can cause complications such as migration, rejection, keloids, hypertrophic scars, or nerve damage if not done or cared for properly.

What are the Common Sizes for Flat Piercing?

Flat piercing sizes depend on several factors such as your anatomy, preference, jewelry type, and piercer’s recommendation. However, some common sizes for flat piercing are:

• Thickness: The thickness of the flat piercing jewelry is measured by gauge (G), which indicates how thick the jewelry’s stem or wire is. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the jewelry. The most common thicknesses for flat piercing are 16G (1.2 mm) and 18G (1 mm), but some people may prefer thicker or thinner jewelry depending on their comfort level and desired look.
• Length: The length of the flat piercing jewelry is measured by millimeters (mm), which indicates how long the jewelry’s stem or wire is. The length of the jewelry should match the thickness of your cartilage and allow some room for swelling and movement. The most common lengths for flat piercing are 6 mm and 8 mm, but some people may need shorter or longer jewelry depending on their anatomy and healing process.
• Diameter: The diameter of the flat piercing jewelry is measured by millimeters (mm), which indicates how big the jewelry’s ring or hoop is. The diameter of the jewelry should fit snugly around your cartilage and not interfere with other piercings or ear parts. The most common diameters for flat piercing are 6 mm and 8 mm, but some people may prefer smaller or larger jewelry depending on their style and preference.

What are the Common Jewelry Types for Flat Piercing?

Flat piercing can be adorned with different types of jewelry, such as studs, rings, barbells, or hoops. However, the most common and recommended jewelry type for flat piercing is a cartilage stud with either a bead back or a flat back. This type of jewelry is comfortable, secure, and easy to clean and change. It also allows you to choose from various charms and gemstones that can add some flair to your flat piercing.

Some of the popular charms and gemstones for flat piercing are:

• Opal: Opal is a beautiful and colorful gemstone that can create a stunning contrast with your skin tone and hair color. Opal comes in different shades, such as white, pink, blue, green, or black, and can reflect different hues depending on the light. Opal is also believed to have healing and protective properties that can benefit your flat piercing.
• CZ: CZ stands for cubic zirconia, which is a synthetic gemstone that resembles a diamond. CZ is a sparkling and elegant gemstone that can add some glamour and sophistication to your flat piercing. CZ comes in different shapes, such as round, square, star, heart, or moon, and can match any outfit or occasion.
• Stone: Stone is a natural and organic material that can give your flat piercing a unique and earthy look. Stone comes in different types, such as tiger’s eye, amethyst, obsidian, aventurine, or turquoise, and can have different meanings and energies that can influence your mood and personality.
• Metal: Metal is a simple and classic material that can suit any style and preference. Metal comes in different colors, such as silver, gold, rose gold, black, or rainbow, and can have different finishes, such as polished, matte, or textured. Metal can also have different shapes, such as ball, spike, disc, or flower, and can create a minimalist or edgy look for your flat piercing.

How to Choose the Right Jewelry Material for Flat Piercing?

The jewelry material for flat piercing is an important factor that can affect your comfort, healing, and appearance. The jewelry material should be hypoallergenic, durable, and easy to clean and maintain. The most common and recommended jewelry materials for flat piercing are:

• Titanium: Titanium is a metal that is lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant. Titanium is also hypoallergenic, which means it does not contain any nickel or other metals that can cause allergic reactions or irritation. Titanium is ideal for flat piercing because it can promote faster healing and prevent infection. Titanium also comes in different colors and designs that can suit your taste and style.
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a metal that is sturdy, shiny, and affordable. Stainless steel is also hypoallergenic if it has a high grade of 316L or higher. Stainless steel is suitable for flat piercing because it can withstand wear and tear and resist tarnishing. Stainless steel also comes in different colors and designs that can match your personality and mood.
• Bioflex: Bioflex is a plastic material that is flexible, soft, and biocompatible. Bioflex is also hypoallergenic, which means it does not contain any latex or other substances that can cause allergic reactions or irritation. Bioflex is perfect for flat piercing because it can adapt to your anatomy and movement and reduce pressure and friction on the piercing site. Bioflex also comes in different colors and designs that can complement your skin tone and hair color.

What is the Procedure for Flat Piercing?

Flat piercing is a procedure that should be done by a professional piercer who has the proper equipment, training, and experience to perform it safely and correctly. Flat piercing is a procedure that involves the following steps:

• Consultation: Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with your piercer to discuss your medical history, expectations, preferences, and any questions or concerns you may have about flat piercing. Your piercer will also examine your ear anatomy and determine the best location and size for your flat piercing.
• Preparation: After the consultation, you will be asked to choose your jewelry and sign a consent form. Your piercer will then sanitize their hands and put on gloves and other protective gear. They will also sanitize your ear and mark the piercing site with a pen or marker. You will be asked to check the mark and approve it before proceeding.
• Piercing: Once you are ready, your piercer will use a sterilized needle to pierce through your cartilage at the marked spot 

  and insert the jewelry of your choice. You may feel some pressure and pain during this step, but it should be over quickly. Your piercer will then screw on the back of the jewelry and wipe off any blood or excess ink from your ear.

• Aftercare: After the procedure, your piercer will give you some aftercare instructions and tips to follow. They will also tell you when to come back for a check-up or a jewelry change. You should listen to your piercer carefully and ask any questions or doubts you may have about flat piercing aftercare.

How to Care for Your Flat Piercing?

Flat piercing aftercare is crucial for a successful healing and a healthy piercing. You should follow these basic aftercare guidelines for your flat piercing:

• Clean your flat piercing twice a day with a saline solution or a mild soap and water. Use a cotton ball or swab to gently remove any crust or dirt from the piercing site and the jewelry. Avoid using alcohol, peroxide, tea tree oil, or other harsh chemicals that can irritate or dry out your piercing.
• Avoid touching, twisting, or playing with your flat piercing jewelry, as this can cause trauma, infection, or rejection. Only touch your flat piercing when cleaning it, and always wash your hands before and after doing so.
• Avoid sleeping on your flat piercing, as this can put pressure and friction on the piercing site and delay healing. Use a travel pillow or a clean towel to keep your ear off the pillow when sleeping.
• Avoid exposing your flat piercing to dirt, sweat, hair products, makeup, clothing, or other potential irritants. Wear loose and comfortable clothing that does not rub against your flat piercing. Keep your hair away from your flat piercing and use a clean towel to dry your ear after showering or swimming.
• Avoid changing or removing your flat piercing jewelry until it is fully healed, unless advised by your piercer. Changing or removing your jewelry too soon can cause damage, infection, or closure of the piercing hole. Wait at least 6 months before changing your jewelry, and always use high-quality and hypoallergenic jewelry that fits your flat piercing properly.

How Much Does Flat Piercing Hurt?

Flat piercing pain is subjective and varies from person to person. Some factors that can affect how much flat piercing hurts are:

• Your pain tolerance: Some people are more sensitive to pain than others, and may experience more discomfort during and after the flat piercing procedure.
• Your anatomy: Some people have thicker or thinner cartilage than others, and may feel more or less pain depending on how much tissue is pierced.
• Your piercer: Some piercers are more skilled and experienced than others, and may perform the flat piercing more quickly and smoothly, causing less pain.
• Your jewelry: Some jewelry types are more comfortable and suitable for flat piercing than others, and may cause less pain during insertion and healing.

Generally speaking, flat piercing is considered a moderately painful piercing that can cause a sharp pinch and pressure during the procedure, and some soreness and swelling after the procedure. However, most people find the pain tolerable and worth it for the aesthetic result.

How Much Does Flat Piercing Cost?

Flat piercing cost depends on several factors such as:

• Your location: Some areas have higher living costs than others, and may charge more for flat piercing services and products.
• Your piercer: Some piercers have more qualifications and reputation than others, and may charge more for their expertise and skill.
• Your jewelry: Some jewelry types are more expensive and high-quality than others, and may cost more depending on the material, design, and size of the jewelry.

Generally speaking, flat piercing cost ranges from $30 to $80, including the jewelry and service fee. However, this is only an estimate and may vary depending on where you get your flat piercing done and what kind of jewelry you choose.

Flat Piercing: A Trendy Cartilage Piercing That You’ll Love

Flat piercing is a trendy and fashionable cartilage piercing that can enhance your ear aesthetics and express your individuality. Flat piercing is a versatile and stylish cartilage piercing that can be combined with other ear piercings, such as the forward helix, auricle, or tragus, to create a unique look. Flat piercing can also be done as a single piercing or in multiples, depending on your preference and anatomy.

What are Some Examples of Flat Piercing?

Flat piercing can be done in different ways and paired with different jewelry styles and accessories. Here are some examples of flat piercing that you can get inspired by:

• Single flat piercing with a simple stud: This is a classic and elegant way to wear a flat piercing. You can choose a stud with a metal ball, a CZ gem, an opal stone, or any other charm that you like. A single flat piercing with a simple stud can suit any ear shape and size, and can be easily hidden or shown off depending on your mood or occasion.
• Multiple flat piercings with matching studs: This is a trendy and fashionable way to wear flat piercings. You can get two, three, or more flat piercings in a row or in a cluster, and wear matching studs with the same color, material, or design. Multiple flat piercings with matching studs can create a cohesive and harmonious look for your ear, and can also enhance your other ear piercings.
• Flat piercing with a ring or a hoop: This is a bold and edgy way to wear a flat piercing. You can choose a ring or a hoop with a plain or twisted wire, or with some beads or charms attached to it. A flat piercing with a ring or a hoop can add some movement and dimension to your ear, and can also draw attention to your flat area of cartilage.
• Flat piercing with a dangle: This is a cute and playful way to wear a flat piercing. You can choose a stud with a little dangle coming from the charm, such as a star, a moon, a heart, or a flower. A flat piercing with a dangle can add some fun and personality to your ear, and can also catch the light and sparkle.

Flat piercing is one of the most popular cartilage piercings, as it offers a lot of room for creativity and customization. You can choose from a variety of flat piercing jewelry, such as studs, rings, barbells, or hoops, to suit your style and personality. You can also opt for different sizes, colors, materials, and designs of flat piercing jewelry to make your flat piercing stand out.

However, flat piercing is not an easy piercing to get or heal. Since it goes through the cartilage, which is a tough and avascular tissue, it requires more care and patience than other types of piercings. Flat piercing can take up to a year to heal completely, and it can be prone to complications such as infection, irritation, or rejection if not done or cared for properly.