November 22, 2024

Flat Piercing: The Complete Guide

Although visually striking, Flat cartilage piercings come with some risks. Understanding the pros and cons can help you decide if this is the right look for you.

What Is a Flat Piercing?

A Flat piercing is a cartilage piercing located in the flatter part of the upper ear below the helix and above the antihelix.

It is an anatomy-dependent piercing, meaning your ear must have a large, flat surface at the center of the cartilage. Some ears cannot support this piercing if they have more curves.

Flat Piercing Ideas

Flat piercings are versatile, allowing you to create the perfect look to express your individuality. Whether you enjoy a bold or minimalistic aesthetic, both are possible.

1. Flat Helix Piercing

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Flat Helix piercings feature piercings in the helix and the flat surface of the cartilage.

Flat vs. Helix Piercing

A Flat piercing lies on the flat portion of the cartilage between the antihelix and helix. A Helix piercing lies along the outer rim of the upper ear cartilage.

2. Triple Flat Ear Piercing

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A triple Flat piercing is a set of three piercings arranged near each other in a cluster or a curved alignment to create a unique look.

3. Double Flat Piercing

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A double Flat piercing is a set of two flat cartilage piercings located adjacent to each other.

4. Constellation Flat Ear Piercing

A Constellation piercing uses multiple smaller piercings located in the flat region of the cartilage to create a constellation pattern on the ear.

5. Conch and Flat Piercing

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Conch vs. Flat Piercing

A Conch piercing is also a piercing in the ear's cartilage, but it is placed lower and does not need to lie on a flat piece of cartilage. Many people wear hoops in Conch piercings that closely hug the outer cartilage.

A Flat piercing is also a cartilage piercing, but it is located at the top part of the cartilage in the flattest area. Hoops are not possible with Flat piercings.

What's Special About a Flat Cartilage Piercing?

Flat ear piercings provide a strikingly unique look. They are rarer than some of the more common ear piercings like the Helix piercing or the ear lobe piercing.

In addition, Flat piercings look great on their own or when combined with other flat ear or cartilage piercings. You can select between a single, double or triple Flat piercing to customize a look that's all your own. In addition, you can match your jewelry to suit your mood and style.

The ear cartilage provides a unique canvas to curate a look that's all your own. While some people prefer to create a cultivated look with several Flat piercings that resemble their favorite constellation, others may prefer a single Flat cartilage piercing featuring daintier jewelry.

However, there are limitations to the types of jewelry you can wear in a Flat cartilage piercing. Typical jewelry used for a Flat piercing is cartilage studs with a flat back.

Flat Piercing Healing Time

How long does a Flat piercing take to heal? The healing time is dependent upon how well you take care of it and whether you adhere to aftercare instructions. In general, Flat piercings should heal within 6 months to a year.

How Much Is a Flat Piercing?

Flat piercings usually cost between $40 to $80. This price may vary depending on the cost of your jewelry and the piercer.

Flat Piercing Pain

Does a Flat piercing hurt? Most people report a pain level of 7 out of 10 on the pain scale. Hair and clothing snags can increase how long it takes to heal.

Flat Piercing Jewelry: Types

There are limitations to the types of jewelry you can wear in a Flat cartilage piercing. Typical jewelry used for a Flat piercing is cartilage studs with a flat back.

Flat Piercing Stud

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A Flat piercing stud is a stud earring featuring a flat back. Its smaller and simpler design and structure make it optimal for healing.

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Flat Piercing Hoop

The placement of a Flat piercing is typically located too far down and inward from the edges of the cartilage to wear a hoop or ring. Therefore, hoop jewelry is not advisable.

Flat Piercing Chain

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Some Flat piercing studs feature a dangling chain from the jewelry. Some chain jewelry options are intended to be worn with double Flat piercings and feature a chain that can run from one stud to another.

Flat Piercing Jewelry: Sizes

Finding the perfect options for your Flat piercing jewelry depends on a few factors:

Your anatomy - Because everyone's ears differ, the length of your piercing jewelry depends on your ear shape and thickness.
The placement - A Flat ear piercing is generally placed on the flattest part of your ear just above your rook. Thicker cartilage may require a longer bar than you expect.

Flat Piercing Gauge

What gauge is a Flat piercing? The recommended size for Flat cartilage piercing is 16 gauge (1.2 mm).

Post Length

Labret studs with a bar length between 6 and 8 mm (1/4" and 5/16") will do. You may want to opt for a 6 mm (1/4") bar length for a snugger fit. If you prefer more room or have thicker cartilage, you may want to go with an 8 mm (5/16") length.

Safe Metals for Flat Ear Piercings

The best materials to select for your Flat piercing are implant-grade titanium, 14-karat or 18-karat gold, and surgical stainless steel.

1. Implant-Grade Titanium: About $20-$40

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Titanium Flat piercing jewelry is strongly recommended. Titanium is a corrosion-resistant shiny metal prized for its low weight and strength. It has a reputation for being the best metal for piercings for many reasons. It is hypoallergenic, lightweight, nickel-free, and won’t tarnish.

To be detailed, titanium is hypoallergenic, meaning it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. It’s often recommended for those who are allergic to brass, nickel, and other metals common for jewelry.

Its high density-to-strength ratio means your jewelry is very durable. A lower density also makes titanium lightweight, a big plus for many users. Finally, the metal comes in many colors because you can anodize it.

2. 14-Karat and 18-Karat Gold: About $40-$200

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14-karat and 18-karat gold ear piercing jewelry can offer an elevated look. This metal will not rust or tarnish. It is also easy to decorate and shape. The added alloys in 18k, and especially 14k, make them more durable than 24k gold pieces.

One downside to gold jewelry is the price tag, which is expensive. Another concern will be that the metal is soft, making it susceptible to bends, breaks, and gouges. Also consider if you have allergies, such as an allergy to gold.

3. Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel: About $5-$30

If you opt for stainless steel, you should opt for surgical-grade steel. It often contributes to a smooth healing process and is extremely durable. However, even surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions in those with skin sensitivities.

Talk through all material options with your piercer to figure out what’s best for you and your skin.

When Can I Change My Flat Piercing?

You can change your Flat piercing jewelry once it finishes healing. While the general healing timeframe is between 6 to 9 months, you can increase your chances of quicker healing by preventing infection, following your aftercare guidance and avoiding touching the flat piercing jewelry any more than necessary.

If you're unsure whether your Flat piercing is fully healed, visit your piercing professional. They will be able to tell whether you're ready to change out your jewelry or if you should wait a while longer.

Flat Piercing Infection

Cartilage piercings are more susceptible to infections, which makes it particularly important to follow your piercer's aftercare guidance.

Common symptoms associated with a fresh ear piercing include swelling, slight bleeding, tenderness, irritation and soreness. These symptoms should only last a few weeks, though.

To know if your Flat cartilage piercing is infected, look out for the following:

Swelling
Abnormal bleeding
Unnecessary pressure
Puss
Sharp pains in the area

If you experience these symptoms, revisit your piercing shop for additional guidance. However, if they are severe, you should visit your doctor.

The Pros and Cons of Flat Piercings

Like other piercings, there are plenty of reasons why you should or should not consider a Flat piercing. While a Flat cartilage piercing provides a unique aesthetic, it's more susceptible to infections and other piercing complications.

Pros

The uniqueness of this piercing helps you stand apart from the crowd.
It can create a delicate, feminine look or be bold and striking, depending on your jewelry.
Flat cartilage piercings look great on their own or when combined with other cartilage piercings.

Cons

The healing process may take six months to a year.
Cartilage piercings are at a higher risk for infection.
There is a higher risk of migration.

Aftercare

You will need to take extra care to clean and sterilize your new piercing every day. Skimping on the cleaning can lead to an ear infection, and scarring, and could even make it impossible to ever get your daith pierced again.

Avoid sleeping on the ear you had pierced.
Take care to avoid contaminating the piercing.
Avoid touching it or applying makeup very close to it.
Avoid getting in the water that might be dirty.
Clean your piercing twice per day using a saline solution made for wound cleaning or soap and water to prevent infection.
Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
And of course, make sure to avoid snagging on clothes or towels.
Wear loose clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that may rub against the piercing, as this can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
Use hypoallergenic jewelry like implant-grade titanium and 14- or 18-karat gold. Surgical-grade steel may contain small amounts of nickel that could cause allergic reactions.
Don't move the piercing unless you're cleaning it. Pulling on a piercing early in healing is painful, but it also can get in the way of healing or damage the piercing itself.
Wait until your piercing heals before changing out your jewelry.
Watch for potential signs of infection and consult your piercer or doctor if it becomes infected.

You should ensure you get pierced by someone experienced and reliable who utilizes the right cleaning and sterilization procedures. You’ll also need to choose high-quality jewelry that you aren’t allergic to. After you get your piercing, be sure to follow all instructions from your piercer.

Cleaning

You should start cleaning your ear piercing the same day you receive it. Be sure to take the following steps to keep it clean and reduce potential risks:

It is recommended to use sterile saline that you buy from the store, rather than homemade saline, for cleaning your piercings. Homemade saline may be too salty for delicate piercing sites, leading to dryness and delayed healing.

Using mild, fragrance-free soap and water to clean your piercing site is also an option.

If you prefer homemade salt solution. You can start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with one cup of distilled or boiled (for at least 20 minutes) water. You may choose to use less of the salt mixture like 1/4 to 1/8 teaspoon if you want a weaker solution that’s less likely to burn or sting. Stir the solution until it dissolves.

If you see signs of infection, you can also use antiseptic solutions, such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. However, avoid using them for daily cleaning as they can damage cells.

Then proceed with the following steps to clean your piercing:

Soak a cotton ball, a paper towel, or a non-plush cloth with the solution. Avoid fabrics that could snag and pull the jewelry or leave fibers behind. Gently saturate the piercing and cleanse it. Don't remove the jewelry!
If you have a sterile saline wound wash that you buy from stores, then spay it while healing.
Ensure you cleanse the piercing of any discharge or crusty material.
Take clean gauze or cotton swabs and pat the area dry.

Your piercer should give you detailed instructions on how to keep your piercing clean once it has been placed.

More to Know: Shen Men Piercing vs. Flat Piercing

A Shen Men piercing is placed at the top center cartilage of the ear (typically where Rook jewelry would sit) and is thought to reduce migraine and anxiety symptoms by working on specific pressure points on the ear.

On the other hand, a Flat piercing is located in a similar area, but it is worn for aesthetic purposes only.

To Conclude

Flat ear piercings are fantastic piercings that look great on most people. Before committing to this piercing, make sure you understand what to expect and choose a clean and reputable piercing shop. A Flat piercing is an excellent choice for those looking for a unique and versatile look.