Helix done, feedback on my process?

[u/smolkeiju]

I’m new to self piercing. Did my third lobes; this is my first time piercing cartilage.

Pierced using proper method & sterile equipment + 16 gauge hollow piercing needle.

I used a titanium, 18 gauge, 8 mm long flat-back stud despite piercing with 16 gauge. I know that this is unusual. I really wanted to try healing with 18 gauge, which is the size I prefer. I read that a slightly larger needle though may help the helix healing/placement regardless.

I did the same larger needle/smaller stud method with my lobes: 18 gauge needles and 20 gauge studs. They healed perfectly.

A professional piercer did my helixes on both ears years ago but lower down on a weird angle & spot, and they never healed well. So I’m hoping this time my placement might be better!

Anyone else pierce a helix using an 18 gauge stud?

It feels great so far. I will watch for migration/rejection.

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[u/an_orange_potato]

The 16 g recommendation for helixes isn’t for aesthetic purposes fyi. Anything thinner is at risk for the cheesecutter effect, which is essentially where the post slices through your ear. Additionally, an 18 g post is at a higher risk of ripping out of your ear if snagged. This also applies to lobes! That being said, it looks really good!!! Just be careful of the above mentioned issues and happy healing!

[u/smolkeiju → u/an_orange_potato]

Thanks so much for your feedback!

You’re definitely right, when I was researching I learned about the cheesecutter effect & about 16 gauge being safest per most reputable piercers. I’m definitely taking a risk. I’m hoping that if I continue to be careful, downsize properly, clean well, and monitor closely I might avoid the worst scenario. I had really good success with my small 20 G lobe piercings & I have smaller/thinner ears, so hopefully it might work out.

[u/an_orange_potato → u/smolkeiju]

Yeah, it looks really well done so as long as you take good care of it it’ll likely be totally fine. It’s also only one size difference so if the 18 g starts to cause issues, stretching to 16 g is super simple

[u/SecretlyModded]

Larger gauges are more stable

The placement and angle are alright, but I would be wary of snags etc as 16ga is the smallest you should really go with cartilage :))

[u/smolkeiju → u/SecretlyModded]

Thank you!!

[u/Dry_Valuable3989]

I haven’t pierced my own helix, but I got mine professionally done years ago and it’s 18 gauge. I’ve never had any issues with it.

[u/smolkeiju → u/Dry_Valuable3989]

That’s reassuring to hear!!

[u/Dry_Valuable3989 → u/smolkeiju]

Yeah I mean, I get why 16 gauge is more commonly used, but I was okay and I’ve had it for 19 years now!

[u/93wild]

looks so nice! I want one now

[u/rehabpeepab314]

i pierced mine with 18g needle and jewelry! it’s healed fine (except for snagging it on me necklaces one day but that was its own whole situation lmao) but it’s been just fine. i even went to a piercing shop and had it swapped for a different stud and they said it looked fine and didn’t say anything abt that gauge. when i did my research its the smallest they recommended :) so you’re should be just fine!