I just have a general question about increasing the gauge in a cartilage piercing. I recently had my nose (2mths) and helix (2days) pierced with 18g needles. When I inquired about increasing the gauge to a 16g, they said that unlike the fleshy piercings, cartilage piercings are more difficult to stretch. They said that the cartilage bunches instead of simply stretching.
So my question is, if I put a 16g in my Helix once it is healed, will it then go back to an 18g when I take it out to switch earrings or will the cartilage eventually adjust and stay at the 16g size?
Thank you (in advance).
It is true that cartilage piercings are more uncomfortable to upgauge but not impossible. We do not understand what you mean by 'bunches'. Because cartilage has fibrous tissues, the tissues are tougher and therefore do not give as easily as soft tissue. We have upgauged many clients cartilage piercings and generally there is redness with a little burning sensation for a couple of days and then the piercing is fine.
For your information, the difference between a 18g and 16g is so minute it is really not considered an upgauge in our eyes. You should not have any difficulties at all.
With respect to the piercing remaining at the thicker gauge, it will all depend on what you do in the future. For example, if you remove all jewellery and leave it for a few months, then the piercing will shrink. If you keep something in the hole, then the piercing will be that size.
Hope we have helped.
