Conch Piercing in Gelsenkirchen
A conch piercing sits in the cartilage in the bowl of the ear. Like all cartilage piercings, it needs patience – as a rough guide, around 6–12 months.
At a glance
Placement
Cartilage in the bowl of the ear, inner or outer
Healing
Around 6–12 months (rough guide)
Pain
Strong pressure, then throbbing
Jewellery
A stud with a flat back, a ring only after healing
What is a conch piercing?
The conch (named after the shell) is the cartilage in the middle of the ear – on the inside next to the ear canal or on the outside towards the rim. Similar in healing: the helix piercing.
How a conch piercing is done
- Consultation: position, jewellery, healing.
- Marking: you check the spot in the mirror.
- Piercing: Sterile, through the cartilage, with the initial jewellery fitted straight away.
- Aftercare info: cleaning and what to avoid.
- Check-up: By arrangement, Levent checks at the studio how the jewellery is sitting.
Jewellery for a conch piercing
- Initial jewellery: a stud with a flat back (labret), with a longer bar at first that is shortened later.
- Later: rings – usually only after healing.
- Good options: studs or rings with a larger diameter.
- Material: implant-grade titanium is considered well tolerated; choose nickel-free if you have a nickel allergy.
Conch piercing: healing and aftercare
Rough guide: around 6–12 months. It settles down after one to two weeks, but the channel is only stable after months.
What is normal?
At first, redness, swelling and crusting. A small bump is often an irritation bump caused by pressure – don't squeeze it, show it to your piercer. Things that disturb healing: sleeping on that ear, in-ear headphones, holding your phone to your ear, hair caught in the jewellery.
Aftercare
- Wash your hands before touching it.
- Soften crusts with the recommended cleaning solution.
- Don't twist the jewellery.
- Rinse out shampoo and hair products thoroughly.
In detail: piercing aftercare step by step.
See a doctor if redness, swelling or pain get worse after the first few days, the area feels hot, pus comes out or you develop a fever. Do not remove the jewellery yourself.
FAQ: Conch piercing
How long does a conch piercing take to heal?
As a rough guide, around 6–12 months. The firm cartilage in the bowl of the ear has very little blood supply and heals slowly.
What is the difference between an inner and an outer conch?
An inner conch sits in the hollow next to the ear canal, an outer conch in the flat area between the inner cartilage fold (antihelix) and the rim of the ear.
Can I wear in-ear headphones with a conch piercing?
Better not while it is healing: with an inner conch they press directly on the jewellery and the piercing channel. Use headphones that don't press on the piercing.
Does a conch piercing hurt?
Many people feel stronger pressure than in the earlobe because the cartilage is thick – but only for a moment. Afterwards the ear may throb.
Can I wear a ring in my conch?
Yes, but usually only after healing. For a fresh piercing, a stud with a flat back is generally the right choice.
More piercings by Levent
Ear piercing
Healing around 6–8 weeks
Helix piercing
Healing around 6–12 months
Nostril piercing
Healing around 3–4 months
Tongue piercing
Healing around 4–6 weeks
Get your conch piercing in Gelsenkirchen
With Levent, Horster Straße 85 – also easy to reach from Gladbeck, Bottrop, Herten, Marl and Dorsten.