Feature	Helix Ear Piercing	Tragus Ear Piercing
Placement	Outer upper rim of ear	Skin-covered cartilage flap in front of the ear canal
Pain Level (on a scale of 1 to 10)	4-5/10	4-5/10
Healing Time	6-12 months	6-12 months
Jewelry Options	Rings, barbells, flatbacks	Flatbacks, small rings
Who Should Choose	Ears with thick cartilage, preference for visible placement, ear anatomy allowing for a ring	More subtle look, good for stacking with other piercings such as lobe or helix
Anatomy Considerations	Universal; all ears have a helix canal	Some people lack a tragus due to smaller ear anatomy, not present in all individuals

Aftcare Differences

The aftercare for both piercings involves cleanliness and avoiding pulling at the piercing site. Helix piercings require more extensive aftercare due to their location on a more prominent part of the ear, while tragus piercings may heal faster as they are less visible.

Cost Information

At Multnomah Body Piercing in Gresham, OR, the cost for a simple helix piercing is typically $50-$70, and for a simple tragus piercing it's about $60-$80. Prices may vary based on customization or special services provided.

How painful are ear piercings?: Ear piercings can be mildly to moderately uncomfortable, but the pain is usually manageable and controlled with numbing agents and anesthesia.
What kind of jewelry do I need after a piercing?: It's best to use hypoallergenic, non-allergic materials such as titanium or 14k/18k gold for the first few weeks following your piercings to reduce risk of infection and irritation.
What is the average healing time after a piercing?: The average healing time can vary based on individual factors but typically helix piercings take 6-12 months, while tragus piercings follow a similar timeline.
Are there any risks associated with ear piercings?: Risks include infection, irritation, and improper healing. Using clean equipment and following aftercare instructions can help minimize these risks.
How often do I need to visit for maintenance?: Maintenance visits are recommended every 6-12 months to ensure your piercings remain healthy and secure. This may include cleaning, applying medication, or adjusting jewelry.
Is Multnomah Body Piercing LGBTQ+ welcoming?: Yes, Multnomah Body Piercing is LGBTQ+ friendly and welcomes walk-ins for ear piercing services. They provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all individuals regardless of gender identity or expression.