Exchanging your tragus piercing is an exciting opportunity to customize your look and experiment with different styles. However, it’s crucial to approach this process with proper knowledge and care to minimize discomfort and ensure a successful outcome. Before embarking on this adventure, it’s essential to grasp the techniques and precautions necessary for a safe and satisfying experience.
Firstly, gathering the necessary tools is paramount. You will need a sterile pair of piercing forceps, a new tragus earring, and a piercing solution for cleaning. It’s highly recommended to seek assistance from a professional piercer for this procedure, as they possess the expertise and sterile environment to ensure a safe and hygienic piercing experience. Alternatively, if you choose to perform the piercing yourself, meticulous attention to hygiene and proper sterilization of all equipment is mandatory.
After preparing your tools, it’s time to clean the piercing site and your hands thoroughly with the piercing solution. Next, gently insert the forceps into the existing piercing hole and carefully remove the old earring. Position the new earring in place and use the forceps to gently insert it into the hole. Tighten the earring securely but avoid over-tightening, as this can cause discomfort. Once the new earring is in place, clean the piercing site again with the piercing solution and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer or as per the piercing solution’s guidelines.
Materials Required
Before embarking on the task of changing your tragus piercing, it is essential to gather the necessary materials to ensure a safe and successful procedure. These materials include:
1. Sterile Jewelry
Choose a high-quality piece of jewelry specifically designed for tragus piercings.
- Opt for surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, or gold.
- Select the appropriate gauge (thickness) and length for your piercing.
- Ensure the jewelry has smooth, rounded edges to minimize irritation.
Note: It is highly recommended to purchase your jewelry from a reputable piercing parlor or online vendor to guarantee its sterility and quality.
2. Sterile Gloves
Wearing gloves is crucial to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the piercing.
- Opt for disposable, non-latex gloves for the best protection.
- Ensure the gloves fit snugly to maintain dexterity.
3. Antiseptic Solution
A mild antiseptic solution is essential for cleaning the piercing site and jewelry.
- Choose a solution specifically designed for piercing aftercare, such as saline solution or alcohol-based swabs.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or antibacterial soaps, which can irritate sensitive skin.
4. Cotton Balls or Swabs
Cotton balls or swabs are used to apply the antiseptic solution and clean the piercing site.
- Opt for sterile cotton balls or swabs to minimize the risk of infection.
- Use fresh cotton balls or swabs for each cleaning.
5. Additional Items
Consider including the following additional items for convenience:
- Small mirror for visibility
- Bright light for illumination
- Assistant for support and guidance
Aftercare Instructions
After getting your tragus pierced, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure a successful healing process. Here are some instructions to follow:
1. **Clean the piercing regularly:** Use a sterile saline solution to clean the piercing twice a day. Soak a cotton ball or gauze pad in the solution and gently wipe around the piercing. Avoid using harsh soaps or rubbing alcohol, as these can irritate the skin.
2. **Avoid touching or rotating the piercing:** Do not touch or rotate the piercing while it is healing. This can introduce bacteria and slow down the healing process.
3. **Keep the area dry:** Avoid getting the piercing wet for the first few days. When showering, cover the piercing with a waterproof bandage or use a hair dryer on a cool setting to keep it dry.
4. **Monitor for signs of infection:** Watch for swelling, redness, pain, or discharge around the piercing. These could be signs of infection. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
To summarize the symptoms of infection:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Swelling | The area around the piercing becomes puffy or swollen. |
| Redness | The skin around the piercing becomes red or inflamed. |
| Pain | The piercing becomes painful to the touch. |
| Discharge | Pus or fluid drains from the piercing. |
Cleaning and Soaking
Keeping your tragus piercing clean is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. Follow these steps for proper care:
Materials You’ll Need:
| Item |
|---|
| Antimicrobial soap |
| Warm water |
| Saline solution |
| Piercing spray or soak |
Cleaning Instructions:
1. Wash your hands: Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and warm water to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
2. Rinse the piercing: Gently rinse the piercing with warm water to remove any debris or crust buildup.
3. Soak the piercing: Fill a small container with warm saline solution or piercing soak and submerge the piercing for a few minutes. This helps soften any crust and remove bacteria.
4. Gently clean the piercing: Use a cotton swab or a clean gauze pad dipped in antibacterial soap to gently clean around the piercing. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing excessively.
5. Rinse and dry: Rinse the piercing with warm water to remove any remaining soap residue. Pat it dry gently with a clean paper towel or allow it to air-dry.
6. Use a piercing aftercare product: Apply a designated piercing aftercare spray or soak to the piercing to promote healing. Follow the instructions on the product label and avoid overusing it.
Repeat this cleaning process twice a day for the first few weeks after piercing. As the piercing heals, you can gradually reduce the frequency of cleaning to once a day or as recommended by your piercer.
Jewelry Selection
Choosing the right jewelry for your tragus piercing is crucial for comfort, healing, and overall aesthetics. Here are some important considerations:
Material
The best materials for tragus jewelry are those that are hypoallergenic and biocompatible, such as titanium, surgical steel, or gold. Avoid jewelry made of nickel or low-quality metals, as these can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Gauge
The gauge of a piercing refers to its thickness. Standard tragus piercings are typically pierced at a gauge of 16g or 18g. If you’re planning to change your jewelry, ensure that the new piece is the same gauge as your existing piercing.
Length
The length of the jewelry you choose will depend on your anatomy and the size of your piercing. It’s essential to select a bar or ring that fits snugly but doesn’t put excessive pressure on the piercing.
Style
Tragus jewelry comes in a wide range of styles, from simple studs to intricate hoops and dangles. Choose a style that complements your personal taste and body anatomy. Consider the size and shape of your ear and the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for.
Shape
The shape of your tragus jewelry can also impact its comfort and fit. Common shapes for tragus piercings include labrets (flat-back studs), barbells (straight bars with balls on each end), and hoops (circular rings).
Closure Type
Tragus jewelry can feature different closure types, such as friction balls, screw-on ends, or threadless press-fit systems. Choose a closure that is secure and easy to use for your specific jewelry style.
Jewelry Table
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Labret | Flat-back stud with a decorative front |
| Barbell | Straight bar with balls or other decorative ends |
| Hoop | Circular ring in various thicknesses and diameters |
| Snakebite | Similar to a barbell but with a curved bar |
| Circular Barbell | Curved barbell that forms a complete circle |
How to Change a Tragus Piercing
Changing a tragus piercing is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with the proper tools and care. Here are the steps on how to change a tragus piercing:
- Gather your supplies. You will need a new tragus piercing, a pair of sterile gloves, and a mirror.
- Wash your hands and the piercing area. This will help to prevent infection.
- Put on the sterile gloves. This will help to keep the piercing area clean.
- Hold the new tragus piercing in one hand and the old tragus piercing in the other hand. Use the mirror to help you see what you are doing.
- Gently unscrew the ball from the old tragus piercing.
- Gently screw the ball onto the new tragus piercing.
- Gently insert the new tragus piercing into the piercing hole.
- Gently screw the ball onto the new tragus piercing to secure it.
- Remove the sterile gloves.
- Wash your hands and the piercing area again.
It is important to note that you should not change your tragus piercing too often, as this can irritate the piercing and cause infection. If you have any questions about changing your tragus piercing, please consult with a professional piercer.
People Also Ask About How To Change Tragus Piercing
How often should I change my tragus piercing?
You should not change your tragus piercing too often, as this can irritate the piercing and cause infection. A good rule of thumb is to change your piercing every 6-8 weeks.
What type of jewelry should I use for my tragus piercing?
You should use jewelry that is made of a hypoallergenic material, such as titanium or surgical steel. You should also avoid wearing jewelry that is too heavy, as this can put strain on the piercing.
How do I know if my tragus piercing is infected?
Signs of an infected tragus piercing include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. If you think your piercing is infected, you should see a doctor or piercer immediately.
