Interested in having an elegant orbital piercing? This popular kind of piercing gives you an awesome alternative look when performed correctly and taken good care of.
This is why it is important to know some basics about this piercing prior to going for one. So, how is it done, what amount of pain is involved and what jewelry should you use?
These are among the questions that this article seeks to answer. They are vital to understanding everything you need to know about this trendy piercing style.
Even more…
Find 20+ pictures to get the idea how it will look using different jewelry. In addition, you will find a list of aftercare products that help to speed up the healing process.
What Is an Orbital Piercing?
Orbital piercing is a type of piercing style that entails two perforations connected using one ring. This makes it look like an orbit hence the name “orbital”.
This piercing is done at the center of the helix region, however, it can be done anywhere else, even on the earlobes, provided that your anatomy allows.
Read also about helix and cartilage ear piercing.
Should You Go For It?
What makes this kind of piercing stand out is its unique style of piercing different from the common piercing styles. The style is fashionable and it gives you a stunning look.
However, lots of pain could be involved and you should consult a piercer first. Here are the good and the bad to expect from this piercing style.
Pros
- It is quick,
- It is fashionable,
- You don’t need to pierce both sides at the same time,
- A variety of jewelry to choose from.
Cons
- Lots of pain is involved.
Procedure
Just like any other kind of piercing procedure, the piercer starts by sterilizing the spot to be perforated and marks places where the jewelry is going to be inserted.
You will then be required to confirm if you are okay with the locations. If you are comfortable with the piercing location, the piercer goes ahead to inject a hollow needle through the marked spot, then inserts the jewelry.
Thereafter, the pierced area is going to be sterilized and cleaned once the piercing is done.
If you would like to have both parts pierced on the same procedure then it is possible. Alternatively, you might want to pierce the other part later.
Also, if you need to link your old piercing with a new one, the piercer is going to add the orbital piercing to it during the procedure.
This video guides you on how orbital piercing is done
Want to pierce yourself? Read about DIY ear piercing.
How Does Orbital Piercing Hurt?
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Even though pain tolerance varies from one individual to another, this procedure could be quite painful.
Due to the great amount of pressure required for pushing the needle across the cartilage, the pain level is 4 on a scale of 1 – 10. This implies that the pain could be extreme.
The pain can be suppressed by taking painkillers over the counter.
Just in case, read about the worst piercing pain scale.
Healing and Aftercare Tips
The healing time majorly relies on the accuracy of the piercer when performing the procedure and the aftercare practices observed.
Generally, orbital piercings that are performed on the cartilage area normally take longer heal time as compared to those done close to the earlobes. This is due to a large number of blood vessels involved.
Following the aftercare tips is quite important for faster healing.
Aftercare Practices
- Always wash your hands well before you touch the piercing,
- Clean your piercing using a cotton swab dipped in warm water,
- Rinse using a solution of unionized salt mixed with warm water and compressed on the healing spot twice a day,
- Dry the piercing gently using a soft towel,
- Adjust your sleeping positions to avoid injuring the piercing.
Don’ts
- Exert pressure on your piercing while sleeping,
- Take out the jewelry till your piercing has healed,
- Use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for cleaning your piercing to avoid infection,
- Touch, rotate or fiddle with your piercings to avoid getting ear bump.
Read more about ear piercing healing tips.
Recommended Aftercare Products
Sea salt
Choose it for DIY sea salt soaks. The best product to speed up the healing process.
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Piercing aftercare spray
Choose if you don’t have time to make saline solution every time you need to clean your piercing.
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Orbital Ear Piercing Images
Best Jewelry
With this kind of piercing, ball closure rings are usually most preferred. However, horseshoe rings and curved barbells are also great choices.
It is important for you to get jewelry with the correct size because they are going to be threaded through different holes. This means that you should discuss the thickness with your piercer first to make sure that the jewelry will suitably fit the pierced hole.
You can change the jewelry after healing, but you should seek advice from a piercer before changing it.
How Much Does Orbital Piercing Cost?
Though the cost varies according to the choice of location where it is performed, it also depends on whether both sides will be pierced or it’s a single side only.
Here are the average costs in the UK, the US, and Europe:
- UK: £18 to £25;
- US: $30 to $40;
- Europe: €30 to €35.
Find more how much do other piercings cost.
Conclusion
Despite the unique appearance that comes with this kind of piercing, the process could cause lots of pain.
This is why you should consult your piercer first. You should also observe the aftercare tips to avoid extending the healing time.
