Vertical Tragus

As a variation of the regular tragus piercing, it can also be performed lengthwise, that is, vertically, provided the patient’s anatomy allows it.

The so-called vertical tragus is then adorned with a banana-shaped jewel.

Another popular alternative is a surface piercing next to the tragus. It is also done vertically, but instead of running through the tragus, it is done alongside it.

Piercing procedure:

The piercer can use a straight or curved venous cannula for the process, depending on his/her preference.

A dermal punch is also an option, but is rarely used by piercing studios. We no longer use this method.

The tragus piercing is performed with a regular piercing needle.

The cartilage tissue in this particular spot is thinner than in a conch piercing, but due to the smaller surface area it is subjected to more stress during perforation and especially when inserting jewelry. Keep in mind that using a ring as a first application is more painful than a stud in this case. Stretching the piercing canal is possible but uncommon. Bleeding is minimal during and after the piercing, since there isn’t a great deal of connective tissue in this area.

Healing and care:

A tragus piercing can take between 3 and 8 months to heal completely, rarely longer. Like other external piercings, in the first three weeks it should be cleaned with ProntoLind spray twice a day, and then coated with ProntoLind gel. It is important to wash your hands before touching the pierced area and the jewelry itself. By caring for the piercing in the correct manner and with the proper materials, you can do a great deal to prevent the onset of proud flesh. Disinfectant solutions containing alcohol or chlorine should be avoided.

Dangers and tall tales:

You will hear a lot of the following, all of which is patently false:

„Since the nervus facialis (facial nerve) transverses the outer portion of the tragus, an error during perforation can lead to permanent facial paralysis. Therefore, people with a small tragus should think twice about subjecting themselves to this kind of piercing.“

This is what is known as an „urban legend“, in other words a blatantly false claim. The facial nerves in this area are actually close to the bone and below the muscles, and are therefore not exposed to any risk of damage or impairment.