Learn everything about industrial vertical piercing, pain level, healing time, jewelry options, and care tips to make an informed decision.
So you’ve been considering getting an industrial vertical piercing. You’re probably considering this because you’re not entirely sure what to expect. How painful is it? How quickly does it heal? How does jewelry work with this piercing? Believe me, I’ve been in your shoes, searching online in the middle of the night, reading through innumerable online forums, and deciding whether or not I was ready to take the plunge with this eye-catching statement piercing.
Interestingly, making bold personal choices like this can sometimes even mix with discussions about stress and productivity at work. For some, a piercing can serve as a form of self-expression or empowerment that helps them feel more confident and productive in their daily life.
Here in this article, I’ll be sharing everything I’ve learned (and regretted not knowing) about vertical piercings in an industrial context. From this article, you’ll have everything you’ll need to decide whether this piercing is for you, and how to take care of it should you get it done.
Article Breakdown
What is an Industrial Piercing
The vertical piercing is an ear cartilage piercing where two independent perforations have been connected by a single piece of jewelry in the shape of a straight barbell. It is “vertical” because the bar is passed through in an upwards-and-downwards manner through the ear to get an eye-catching and unique appearance.
It is really the rebellious half-cousin to the better-established horizontal industrial piercing. This piercing not only makes an eye-catching statement regarding style but is also incredibly versatile in jewelry options. From minimalist slender barbells to ornate designs with embellishments or chains in the ends, choices run infinitely.
Why an Industrial Vertical Piercing
I’ll be honest: vertical industrial piercing is not ideal for every body. It is time-consuming to heal, has to be maintained by regular aftercare, and is moderately painful. But if you’re drawn to its unique style and can put in the work, trust me, it is entirely worth it.
For myself, uniqueness was key. I required something that was rebellious yet quirky and completely myself. If you’re someone who is really passionate about making a statement about yourself through clothing, this piercing can be just the touch to your style that you’re searching for.
The Step-by-Step Step: What to expect
Stepping in to get piercings done in the piercing studio can be intimidating to some degree, yet knowing in advance what to expect can make the experience considerably less intimidating. This is how things typically go:
1. Advise
Your piercer will first inspect your ear to determine that your ear shape is suitable for an industrial piercing. Not all ear shapes can support this piercing style, so have faith in his or her expertise. This is where you can inquire about things, don’t hesitate! A professional piercer not only will be happy to walk you through this experience but answer each question.
2. Marking the Piercing
The piercer will then indicate where each of the two holes should be placed. This is necessary because alignment has to be perfect in order to have the barbell fit securely in place. You’ll get to double-check these in front of the mirror before proceeding.
3. The Piercing Itself
The time has now come. With an empty, sterilized needle, both piercings in your cartilage will be inserted by the piercer. They’ll probably perform both piercings in one motion to avoid causing discomfort. And then they’ll insert the barbell.
Pain Level: On a scale of 1 to 10, most people rate the pain between around 5 to an 8. It is definitely higher than that of a lobe piercing because cartilage is not only thicker but not elastic. It was really a stabbing sensation with an ache to me, but over in less than a minute.
The Success Formula: Post-Surgical Healing Time and Aftercare
The thing about industrial piercings is that they take time. Unlike earlobe piercings that take only weeks to heal, vertical industrials can take anywhere between 6 to 12 months to completely recover. Be patient.
My Healing Journey
During the first weeks, my ear was painful, inflamed, and slightly crusty (all entirely normal, by the way). Sleep was not fun, I conditioned myself to sleep on my alternate side or used an inflatable travel pillow to keep pressure off the piercing. Cleansing was now done twice a day, something that was initially annoying to have to do but quickly became automatic.
Aftercare Tips
- Saline Solution: Wipe around piercings with saline solution in the morning and evening. Never employ harsh chemicals including alcohol or hydrogen peroxide because these can irritate the skin.
- Hands Off: Don’t touch or handle jewelry. Your hands have germs in them, and unnecessary handling can interfere with healing.
- Gentle with Hair and Cosmetics: Refrain from hair products, shampoos, and conditioners touching the piercing. And avoid hair getting tangled in the barbell, it is more frequent than you think.
- Sleep Smart: I was entirely dependent upon this travel pillow with an opening in the middle. It let me sleep in comfort without compressing my ear.
Jewelry Options: Communicating Your Personality
The most desirable part about vertical piercings is jewelry. Initially, you’ll most likely have to opt for something simple in surgical steel or titanium (these get along really well with delicate skin), but later on, you can switch to something more decorative.
Popular choices
- Straight Barbells: The classic favorite, in a variety of colors and metals.
- Chains: Add style or attitude by including an element between the two holes with a chain.
- Personalized Designs: Numerous jewelers have personalized options available, including gemstone terminations to detailed forms.
I can remember spending hours browsing online retailers in search of just the perfect barbell to match my style. I settled upon a black sleek titanium barbell with touches of gold, it was just chic yet edgy enough.
The Risks and Challenges: Everything You Need to Know
Any piercing has its risks, and this piercing is no exception. Below are some potential issues to keep in consideration:
1. Infection
Infection is always a possibility even with proper aftercare. Symptoms can range from redness, swelling, warmth, to drainage. If these symptoms arise to you, call your piercer or doctor.
2. Keloids
Some people have a greater inclination to get keloids, which can present in raised, thickened skin around the piercing. If this has occurred to you in the past, let your piercer know in advance.
3. Jewelry Migration or Rejection
In certain exceptional situations, the body can respond to jewelry as an intruding object and attempt to push it out. This most often occurs in the situation where piercing is not done correctly or in where jewelry is not properly fit.
How others experience it
What others have to say can be especially comforting while deciding to get a piercing. Read these true stories to get a better idea about what to expect:
The Pain Wasn’t So Bad As I Feared
Another user wrote that they expected to suffer terribly but was surprised to realize that it was not painful. “It was over in an instant, and the discomfort went away in three days. Worth every penny!”
It was Long to Heal
Another explained her healing process: “The hardest part was during the first three months. If I bumped my ear by mistake, it was inflamed, but by month number six, I felt much better.”
I love getting compliments
Several described enjoying the amount of attention brought to them by piercing. “It is just this really unique style, and I get complimented so often. People continue to ask where I got it done.”
How to Find the Right Piercer: Success Tips
The most essential aspect of getting pierced is finding the right piercer. Your piercing should be done safely and properly by an expert piercer to minimize your potential problems.
What to Watch For
- Proper Certification: Verify that your piercer is licensed and has experience.
- Clean Studio: The studio should be spotless with sterilized tools.
- Positive word-of-mouth: Check online testimonials or get recommendations from friends.
- Relaxed atmosphere: One can inquire and discuss problems in a leisurely pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an upwards direction industrial piercing cost?
Prices vary by both location and by studio, but expect to pay between $50 to $100.
Can I Sleep On Piercing?
At first not. Use a travel pillow to avoid putting pressure on piercing.
How can I determine if my piercing is infected?
Monitor redness, swelling, or discharge. If not sure, consult your piercer.
Key Takeaways
- Be patient during the healing process as it can take between 6 to 12 months.
- Take proper aftercare steps including using saline solution, avoiding touching jewelry, and sleeping smartly.
- Choose from various jewelry options to express your personality.
- Be aware of potential risks and challenges such as infection or rejection.
- Read others’ experiences and tips to gain a better understanding of what to expect.
- Do thorough research and choose a licensed piercer with experience for a safe piercing experience.
Useful Articles
- The Industrial Piercing: Everything You Need to Know: A comprehensive guide covering the basics of industrial piercings, including what to expect during the procedure and aftercare tips.
- Industrial Piercings – What You Need to Know: This article dives into healing times, pain levels, and everything you need to know before getting an industrial piercing.
- Industrial Piercing Information & Aftercare Guide: A detailed aftercare guide to help you heal your industrial piercing faster and avoid common irritations.
- 3 Ways to Clean an Industrial Piercing: Step-by-step instructions on how to clean your industrial piercing properly using antibacterial soap or saline solution.
