Surface Tragus Piercing: Everything You Need to Know

Body modification through piercings has been a cultural phenomenon for centuries, from ancient civilizations to modern-day trends. Among the myriad of styles and techniques, surface tragus piercings have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique placement and aesthetic appeal. Unlike traditional piercings that go through flesh and cartilage, a surface tragus piercing sits on the surface of the skin, creating an eye-catching, delicate look on the ear.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about surface tragus piercings, including what it is, the procedure, aftercare, and common risks and concerns.

What is a Surface Tragus Piercing?

A surface tragus piercing is a type of surface piercing that is located near the tragus area of the ear. The tragus is the small, curved flap of cartilage located directly in front of the ear canal. However, in a surface tragus piercing, the jewelry does not go through the tragus itself but rather through the skin adjacent to it, typically on the side of the face near the tragus.

Surface piercings differ from regular piercings, as they involve placing a barbell just under the skin. The barbell has two ends that remain visible on the surface, and the jewelry runs parallel to the skin rather than perpendicularly, as in traditional piercings.

This piercing is purely aesthetic and chosen for its chic and minimalist appearance, making it a popular choice for those looking to make a subtle yet striking statement.

The Piercing Procedure

Getting a surface tragus piercing is a relatively quick process, but it should always be done by a professional piercer who is experienced with surface piercings. This type of piercing is more complex than others due to its unique placement and the increased risk of rejection or complications.

Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. Consultation and Preparation: The piercer will begin by discussing the placement and confirming whether a surface tragus piercing is suitable for your anatomy. Some people may not be good candidates if their skin is too thin or if the tragus area does not allow for optimal placement.
2. Sterilization: Before starting the procedure, the piercer will clean and sterilize the area around the tragus to minimize the risk of infection. Clean tools and gloves are essential.
3. Marking the Area: The piercer will mark two points on your skin—where the entry and exit points of the barbell will be. It’s important that you approve the placement at this stage.
4. Piercing the Skin: Using a sterilized needle, the piercer will create a small tunnel beneath the surface of the skin where the barbell will be placed. Surface piercings are typically done with a special curved or flexible barbell that reduces the risk of rejection.
5. Insertion of Jewelry: Once the skin is pierced, the piercer will insert the barbell, ensuring both ends of the jewelry are securely fastened.
6. Aftercare Instructions: After the piercing is complete, the piercer will give you detailed aftercare instructions to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.

The entire process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. While there is some discomfort associated with any piercing, many people describe the surface tragus piercing as less painful than cartilage piercings due to the absence of cartilage in the pierced area.

Healing and Aftercare

Surface piercings, including surface tragus piercings, take longer to heal than standard ear piercings. On average, you can expect a healing time of 3 to 6 months, though some individuals may take up to a year to heal completely.

Aftercare Guidelines:

1. Keep it Clean: Clean the piercing twice daily using a saline solution or a piercing aftercare spray. Avoid harsh chemicals, such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
2. Avoid Touching: Do not touch or twist the jewelry unless you’re cleaning it. Dirty hands can introduce bacteria, leading to infection.
3. Be Gentle: Be cautious when brushing your hair, using headphones, or sleeping on that side. Any irritation or snagging can slow down the healing process or cause the piercing to migrate.
4. Watch for Signs of Infection: Redness, swelling, or discharge that persists beyond the first few days could be signs of infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional for advice.
5. Avoid Swimming: Steer clear of swimming pools, hot tubs, and any water bodies during the healing period. These environments can harbor bacteria that may infect the piercing.

Surface piercings are particularly prone to migration and rejection. Migration occurs when the body slowly pushes the jewelry out of the skin, while rejection is when the skin completely ejects the jewelry. Proper aftercare and choosing a skilled piercer can help minimize these risks.

Choosing the Right Jewelry

When it comes to surface tragus piercings, choosing the right jewelry is crucial to ensure comfort and prevent complications. Most surface piercings use either curved barbells or flexible surface bars.

Curved Barbells

Curved barbells are often preferred because their shape reduces the stress on the skin, minimizing the likelihood of rejection or migration. These barbells sit snugly under the skin without applying too much pressure to the surface. You can choose from a wide variety of materials, but surgical steel, titanium, or high-quality gold are the best options, as they are hypoallergenic and less likely to cause irritation.

Flexible Surface Bars

Flexible surface bars are made from biocompatible materials, such as Tygon or PTFE, that are softer and more flexible than metal. This flexibility allows the jewelry to move with the body’s natural movements, which can reduce the risk of rejection. Surface bars also tend to result in a more comfortable healing process.

The size of the jewelry is important as well; jewelry that’s too long or too short can cause irritation or complications. Your piercer will likely start with a longer barbell to accommodate any swelling, and once the piercing has healed, you can downsize to a more snug fit.

Risks and Complications

While surface tragus piercings are visually appealing, they come with their own set of risks and complications that you should be aware of before deciding to get one.

Risk of Rejection

One of the most common issues with surface piercings is rejection. Since the jewelry sits just under the skin, the body may identify it as a foreign object and gradually push it out. This is more common in surface piercings than in piercings that go through thicker flesh or cartilage.

Signs of rejection include:

• The piercing appears to be moving closer to the surface of the skin.
• The skin around the piercing becomes red or inflamed.
• The jewelry becomes more visible, as if the skin is thinning.

If you suspect that your piercing is rejecting, it’s important to see your piercer to discuss your options. In some cases, removing the jewelry is the best course of action to avoid scarring.

Infection

Infections can occur if bacteria enter the piercing, often as a result of improper cleaning or exposure to contaminated water or surfaces. Signs of infection include:

• Prolonged swelling or redness.
• Pus or other discharge.
• Intense pain or warmth around the piercing.

To reduce the risk of infection, follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions diligently and avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.

Conclusion

A surface tragus piercing is a striking and unique addition to your collection of piercings, offering a subtle but eye-catching look. However, it’s important to understand the complexities of surface piercings, from the piercing process to the risks involved. If you’re considering this type of piercing, consult a professional piercer with experience in surface piercings and follow proper aftercare to ensure a smooth healing process.

While surface tragus piercings can be prone to rejection and take longer to heal, they are a stylish and contemporary way to express yourself through body art.