Piercing guide › Ear piercings › Outer conch
The outer conch sits on the flat cartilage surface between the rim of the ear and the inner ridge of cartilage, roughly at mid-ear height. It is often confused with the helix: the helix sits in the rim itself, the outer conch below it on the flat surface. The inner conch lies deeper in the bowl.
First I clarify with you whether you really mean the outer conch and not the helix. Then I measure, mark and, after your confirmation, pierce with a needle.
As initial jewellery I use a flat-back bar made of Bioplast or titanium to ASTM F136. A ring around the rim of the ear only becomes an option once healing is complete, at the earliest after six months.
The studios whose figures the guide values are averaged from don't distinguish between inner and outer conch for pain and healing. The values therefore apply to both.
If the surface between the rim and the ridge is very narrow, there isn't enough room for a stable channel. Then I say no.
Cartilage has hardly any blood supply. That's why every cartilage piercing heals much more slowly than the earlobe, even if it looks calm from the outside earlier.
How to care for the piercing in each phase is explained in detail on the Care and aftercare page. The short version: sterile saline solution, don't twist, don't fiddle with it, be patient.
When to see a doctor immediately
An inflammation of the cartilage is serious and can permanently deform the ear. Don't wait.
Pain and healing time are guide values, averaged from information given by piercing and tattoo studios. Where the figures come from. Everyone feels and heals differently.
Want an outer conch piercing or have a question about it?
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