Industrial Piercing – The slightly different ear piercing
The industrial piercing is also known as a crossbow piercing, transversal piercing or scaffold piercing. It usually consists of two helix piercings that are connected by a long barbell. Piercing the helix, the bulging border of the auricle, is also known in non-European cultures. The Maasai in Tanzania and Kenya wear helix piercings, as do the Dayak in Borneo. Some Indian tribes are also known to have worn helix piercings.
The form of the piercing, on the other hand, is a modern version of the helix piercing. There are various alternative forms of the industrial piercing. A combination of a rook piercing and a helix piercing or a helix piercing with the inner or outer conch is also called an industrial piercing. Connected navel piercings are also called industrial piercings.
How is an industrial piercing done?
An industrial piercing can be pierced in a variety of ways. Some people believe that two helix piercings should be pierced at different times so that one has healed before starting the second. The argument against this is that the piercing channels must be precisely aligned. In any case, you need an experienced piercer to pierce an piercing because the piercing channels must be exactly in line. The diameter of the piercing channels in piercings is usually 1.6 millimeters wide.
If both helix piercings are done at the same time, the long barbell is usually worn during the healing period. The piercing channels can also be kept open using two ball closure rings. This allows the piercings to heal faster. However, this method is more difficult for the two piercing channels to line up exactly.
Two dermal punches are recommended. This means that the piercer punches two pieces of cartilage out of your ear. This sounds bad, but it has a positive effect on the healing time. If the piercing is done “normally”, the piercer should definitely use a venous catheter. The same hygiene standards apply as for other piercings. Under no circumstances should an ear piercing gun be used. If the piercer comes with one, you are clearly in the wrong hands.
How much pain does an industrial piercing cause? What are the risks?
The pain of an industrial piercing is not much different from that of a helix or tragus piercing. If you get both holes pierced at the same time, you will of course have twice the pain, but this should subside quickly. And one more thing: whether an industrial piercing is successful and looks good depends greatly on the anatomy of the ear. So get advice from an experienced piercer beforehand.
An industrial piercing is quite susceptible to infection in the months after it has been pierced. This is not least because you have two potential sources of infection on your ear. The connection between the two also increases the risk of getting caught or injuring yourself. This is why you need to be doubly careful with an industrial piercing.
How long does it take to heal an industrial piercing?
A normal piercing takes a long time to heal completely. You should expect it to take between six months and a year. With a punched piercing, this time is reduced enormously. It can heal after just two to four weeks. This clearly speaks in favor of the punching method.
In principle, you should consider the following during the healing period:
- disinfect your piercing regularly with a suitable agent
- protect the ear particularly carefully, even at night when sleeping
- eat a balanced diet
- smoke and drink (alcohol) as little as possible
- Do not touch the piercing unnecessarily and if you do, only with disinfected hands
Piercing jewelry for an industrial piercing.
The classic jewelry for an industrial piercing is a longer barbell made of stainless steel, precious metal or – less commonly – plastic. These bars can be decorated with a variety of ornaments and pendants or can be turned into a spiral in the middle. Pendants or ornaments can be crystals, diamonds, crosses, hearts, anchors, ornaments or pictures. There are no limits to the variety – even in terms of color. Just look in the piercing shop and choose your barbell for an industrial piercing.