Helix piercing

Helix piercing
Nicknames	Cartilage ring
Location	Cartilage
Jewelry	Captive bead ring, stud
Healing	6 to 12 months

The helix piercing is a perforation of the helix or upper ear (cartilage) for the purpose of inserting and wearing a piece of jewelry. The piercing itself is usually made with a small gauge hollow piercing needle, and typical jewelry would be a small diameter captive bead ring, or a stud.

Sometimes, two helix piercings hold the same piece of jewelry, usually a barbell, which is called an industrial piercing.

The helix does not have any nerve endings. Therefore, helix piercings are not usually painful. However, a few individuals may experience pain during the procedure. This is mainly due to the additional pressure exerted by the piercer to perforate the cartilage. The intensity of such pain also varies from one individual to another.

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Wikipedia