Conch Piercing in Portland: Inner vs Outer, Cost, Jewelry

Welcome to Multnomah Body Piercing, where we specialize in providing high-quality piercings and aftercare advice. Our Gresham studio has been serving the community since 1974, and our skilled piercers are dedicated to ensuring your experience is both safe and enjoyable.

What is a Conch Piercing?

A conch piercing involves placing jewelry through the outer shell of the ear. The name comes from the shape of the ear resembling that of a conch shell. There are two main types: inner (concha) and outer (tragus or antitragus).

Inner Conch Piercing

The inner conch piercing is placed in the hollowed area of the ear, also known as the concha bowl. This piercing tends to be less painful and has a faster healing time compared to the outer conch piercings.

Outer Conch Piercing (Tragus or Antitragus)

The outer conch piercing involves placing jewelry through the tragus, which is the small piece of cartilage in front of the ear canal, or the antitragus, just behind it. These piercings can be more painful due to their location and have a longer healing process.

Healing Time and Aftercare Requirements

The conch piercing is generally considered one of the faster healers in the ear cartilage family. The average healing time for an inner conch piercing is 2-4 months, while it can take up to a year or more for outer conch piercings to fully heal.

Aftercare Tips

• Cleanse gently: Use a saline solution recommended by your piercer. Avoid using alcohol-based products as they may irritate the piercing.
• Avoid touching or playing with the jewelry: This can introduce bacteria and delay healing.
• Wear clean hands when handling: Always wash your hands before adjusting the jewelry to prevent contamination.
• Avoid swimming, saunas, and hot tubs: These environments can increase the risk of infection. If you must swim, remove the jewelry and cleanse the piercing thoroughly afterward.

The Process at Our Gresham Studio

At Multnomah Body Piercing, we take pride in ensuring that every client receives a safe and professional experience. Here’s what you can expect during your conch piercing:

Consultation

• Health assessment: We will review your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate for the piercing.
• Cleanse the ear: Our piercers will clean the area thoroughly to minimize the risk of infection.
• Anesthesia options: Depending on the location and sensitivity, we can apply local anesthesia or use our gentle cold spray to make the procedure more comfortable.

Piercing Procedure

• Clean equipment: We only use sterilized, implant-grade titanium or solid 14k/18k gold jewelry for all piercings. This reduces the risk of infection and irritation.
• Placement accuracy: Our experienced piercers will ensure precise placement to minimize discomfort and potential complications.

Pain Level and What to Expect

The pain level can vary depending on the location and individual sensitivity. Most clients report a moderate level of discomfort during the piercing, which is similar to other ear cartilage piercings like helix or tragus.

• Inner conch: This area has less nerve endings, making it generally more comfortable compared to outer conch.
• Outer conch: The tragus and antitragus have more nerve endings, so the pain can be more intense. However, most clients find that the discomfort is manageable with the use of local anesthesia or cold spray.

Jewelry Options: Titanium vs 14k/18k Gold

At Multnomah Body Piercing, we offer high-quality jewelry options for your conch piercing. Both titanium and solid gold are excellent choices:

• Titanium:
  1. Biocompatible: It is hypoallergenic and safe for long-term wear.
  2. Durable: Titanium is strong and resistant to scratching, making it a popular choice among clients who want a longer-lasting piercing.
  3. Aesthetic: Available in various colors, from the classic silver to black titanium or even rose gold-coated options.
• Solid 14k/18k Gold:
  1. Hypoallergenic: Gold is a safe material for sensitive ears and those with metal allergies.
  2. Comfortable: It has a smooth texture that is less likely to irritate the ear tissue.
  3. Appealing: The natural golden hue adds a touch of elegance to your piercing.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Conch Piercing?

If you are interested in getting a conch piercing, here are some factors to consider:

• Health: You should be free of any infections or illnesses that could compromise the healing process.
• Sensitivity: While most people can handle this type of piercing, those with sensitive ears may experience more discomfort. A consultation will help determine if you are a good candidate.
• Dedication to Aftercare: Proper aftercare is crucial for the success and longevity of your piercing. Ensure that you are willing to follow our aftercare instructions diligently.
• No Piercings in Other Areas:**
  1. This may affect healing time, so we recommend discussing any existing piercings with our piercers during your consultation.