15 Easy Steps on How to Safely Remove a Tragus Piercing

A tragus piercing is a piercing done through the small piece of cartilage that protrudes in front of the ear canal. It is a popular piercing that can be worn by people of all ages. However, there may come a time when you want to remove your tragus piercing. Tragus piercing aftercare is very important, but so is knowing how to take it out. If you are not comfortable removing your piercing yourself, you can always go to a professional piercer to have them do it for you. However, if you are confident in your ability to remove your piercing yourself, follow these steps:

Before you begin, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. This will help to prevent infection. Next, gather your materials. You will need a pair of sterile tweezers, a sterile needle, and a cotton ball. Soak the cotton ball in rubbing alcohol. Position the cotton ball under the back of the piercing. Using the tweezers, gently grasp the piercing and pull it out through the front of the ear. If the piercing is difficult to remove, you can use the needle to gently push it out from the back. After the piercing is removed, clean the area with the cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.

Understanding Tragus Piercings

What is a Tragus Piercing?

A tragus piercing is made through the small, cartilaginous protrusion that partially covers the opening of the ear canal. This piercing is often adorned with small studs or hoops, providing a subtle yet eye-catching accessory.

Placement and Anatomy

The tragus piercing is typically placed in the center of the tragus cartilage, approximately 3-4 millimeters away from the ear canal. This placement avoids any delicate structures within the ear, ensuring a safe and comfortable piercing experience. The tragus cartilage is relatively thin, making it a relatively easy piercing compared to other cartilage piercings.

Variations

While the standard tragus piercing is placed in the center of the cartilage, there are several variations that offer unique aesthetic options:

Variation Placement

Horizontal Tragus Piercing Pierced horizontally through the tragus cartilage

Vertical Tragus Piercing Pierced vertically through the tragus cartilage

Conch Tragus Piercing Pierced through both the tragus and conch cartilages

Variation	Placement
Horizontal Tragus Piercing	Pierced horizontally through the tragus cartilage
Vertical Tragus Piercing	Pierced vertically through the tragus cartilage
Conch Tragus Piercing	Pierced through both the tragus and conch cartilages

Healing Time

Tragus piercings generally take 6-8 weeks to heal completely. Proper aftercare is essential during this time, including regular cleaning with a saline solution and avoiding any pressure or manipulation of the piercing.

Choosing a Piercing Location

When choosing where to get your tragus pierced, you’ll need to consider the following factors:

Reputation and Experience of the Piercer

Your piercer’s reputation and experience should be your top priority. Look for a piercer who is licensed and insured, with a proven track record of successful piercings. Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family who have had piercings done before.

It’s also important to consider the piercer’s experience with tragus piercings specifically. Not all piercers are created equal, and some may not have the necessary skill and knowledge to perform this type of piercing safely and effectively.

Studio Environment

The studio environment should be clean, sterile, and well-maintained. You should feel comfortable and at ease in the space. The piercer should be able to provide you with a clear and concise explanation of the piercing procedure, including the aftercare instructions.

Location of the Piercing

Ultimately, the decision of where to place your tragus piercing is up to you. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making this decision:

Placement	Considerations
Lower tragus	This is the most common placement for tragus piercings. It is a relatively safe and easy piercing to perform, and it heals quickly.
Higher tragus	This placement is less common and can be more difficult to perform. It is also more likely to cause irritation and swelling during the healing process.
Inner tragus	This placement is the most difficult to perform and requires a skilled piercer. It is also the most likely to cause pain and swelling during the healing process.

Sterilizing Equipment and Piercing Area

Ensuring a sterile environment is crucial for safe piercing. Here’s a comprehensive guide to sterilizing your equipment and piercing area:

Equipment Sterilization

Use an autoclave, a specialized machine that uses heat and pressure to sterilize instruments. Place all piercing tools, jewelry, and other equipment in the autoclave and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sterilization cycles.

Alternatively, you can use cold sterilization solutions specifically designed for piercing equipment. Follow the product’s instructions carefully and soak the equipment for the recommended duration.

Piercing Area Sterilization

Clean and disinfect the piercing area thoroughly. Start by washing your hands and the client’s hands with antibacterial soap and water.

Use a sterile alcohol wipe or antiseptic solution to clean the piercing site. Allow the area to air dry completely before proceeding with the piercing.

Preparing the Sterile Field

Designate a specific area as the sterile field. Cover the area with a clean, sterile drape or cloth. Place all sterilized equipment and jewelry within the sterile field.

Maintain the sterility of the field by keeping it free from contact with non-sterile surfaces or objects. Use sterile gloves and avoid touching the piercing site or equipment with bare hands.

Sterilization Method	Duration
Autoclave	Follow manufacturer’s instructions
Cold Sterilization Solution	As per product instructions

Marking and Holding the Tragus

Before removing the tragus piercing, it’s crucial to ensure you’re comfortable and have a clear plan. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to mark and hold the tragus:

Positioning

Position yourself comfortably in front of a mirror. Use a bright light to illuminate the piercing site.

Marking

Using a sterile piercing marker or a clean pen, mark a small dot on the back of the tragus, directly opposite the piercing hole.

Holding the Tragus

With clean hands, grab a sterile gauze pad or cotton ball. Wrap the gauze around the bottom of the tragus, above the piercing hole. Hold the gauze firmly, applying gentle but steady pressure.

This technique allows you to stabilize the tragus, preventing it from moving and ensuring a clean and precise removal process.

Removing the Jewelry

Once you’ve marked and held the tragus securely, you can proceed to remove the jewelry. Refer to the following table for detailed instructions on how to remove different types of tragus piercings:

Piercing Type	Removal Instructions
Labret or Stud	Use a pair of piercing pliers or a ball closure tool to gently unscrew the ball from the post.
Ring or Circular Barbell	Hold the piercing firmly and twist the ends counterclockwise to remove it.

Inserting the Piercing Needle

Once the tragus has been disinfected and marked, it’s time to insert the piercing needle. This is a delicate process that should be performed by a professional piercer with a sterile needle.

The piercer will hold the tragus taut with one hand and use the other hand to gently insert the needle through the marked spot. The needle will be inserted at a slight angle to ensure that the piercing is placed in the correct location and that the jewelry fits comfortably.

Inserting the needle should cause minimal pain or discomfort. However, if you experience any significant pain, be sure to let the piercer know immediately.

After the needle has been inserted, the piercer will remove it and insert the piercing jewelry. The jewelry will be secured with a small ball or bead, and the piercing is now complete.

Here are some additional tips for inserting a tragus piercing:

Tip	Description
Use a sharp needle	A sharp needle will cause less pain and trauma to the tissue.
Insert the needle at a slight angle	Inserting the needle at a slight angle will help to ensure that the piercing is placed in the correct location and that the jewelry fits comfortably.
Be gentle	Inserting the needle should be done gently to minimize pain and discomfort.
Let the piercer know if you experience any pain	If you experience any significant pain, be sure to let the piercer know immediately so that they can adjust their technique or take other steps to minimize your discomfort.

Attaching the Jewelry

Now it’s time to attach the new tragus jewelry. Here are the steps to follow:

Sanitize the jewelry. Use a piercing solution or rubbing alcohol to clean the jewelry and remove any bacteria or debris.
Hold the jewelry in place. Use your fingers or forceps to hold the jewelry in place over the piercing hole.
Insert the end. Gently insert the end of the jewelry into the piercing hole. It should slide in easily without resistance.
Secure the backing. Once the end is inserted, put the backing onto the other end of the jewelry and screw it in place. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight.
Double-check. Inspect the piercing to ensure the jewelry is securely attached and oriented correctly.
Aftercare. Clean the piercing and jewelry regularly according to your piercer’s instructions. Keep the area dry and disinfected to prevent infection.

Piercing Aftercare Tips

Instructions
Clean the piercing 2-3 times a day with a saline solution or piercing cleaner.
Avoid touching or twisting the piercing.
Keep the area dry and free from moisture.
Avoid sleeping on the piercing.
Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.

Aftercare Instructions

Following these aftercare instructions will help your tragus piercing heal properly and minimize the risk of infection.

Cleaning

Clean your piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution. To do this, soak a cotton ball or gauze pad in the saline solution and gently wipe the piercing from front to back. Do not twist or turn the jewelry.

Soaking

Soak your piercing in a warm saline solution for 5-10 minutes twice a day. To do this, mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Submerge your piercing in the solution and soak it for the desired amount of time.

Avoid touching

Avoid touching your piercing with unwashed hands. This can introduce bacteria into the piercing and cause infection.

Avoid harsh soaps and chemicals

Do not use harsh soaps or chemicals on your piercing. These can irritate the piercing and delay healing.

Keep your piercing dry

Keep your piercing dry as much as possible. This will help it heal properly and prevent infection.

Get regular checkups

Get regular checkups with your piercer to ensure your piercing is healing properly. Your piercer can also answer any questions you have about caring for your piercing.

Special considerations for tragus piercings

Tragus piercings are located in a sensitive area of the ear. It is important to be extra careful when cleaning and caring for this piercing. You may also experience some swelling and bruising around the piercing for the first few days. This is normal and should subside within a few days.

Symptom	Treatment
Redness	Clean the piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution. Soak the piercing in a warm saline solution for 5-10 minutes twice a day.
Swelling	Apply a cold compress to the piercing for 10-15 minutes at a time. Repeat several times a day.
Bruising	Bruising around the piercing is normal and should subside within a few days.
Pus or discharge	Pus or discharge from the piercing is a sign of infection. See a doctor immediately.

Troubleshooting Piercing Issues

Experiencing piercing issues is common. By understanding the symptoms and causes, you can resolve them promptly and ensure proper healing.

If you encounter any of the following issues, it’s crucial to seek professional advice from a reputable piercer or healthcare practitioner.

Pain and Swelling:

Mild pain and swelling after a piercing are normal, but excessive or persistent discomfort may indicate infection or an allergic reaction.

Apply ice packs for short periods and use saline solution to gently clean the piercing.

Bleeding:

Slight bleeding immediately after a piercing is normal, but excessive or prolonged bleeding may require medical attention.

Apply pressure to the piercing site and seek professional help if the bleeding persists.

Infection:

Symptoms of an infection include redness, swelling, pus, fever, and lymph node swelling.

Cleanse the piercing with saline solution and apply an antiseptic. Consult a doctor if the infection worsens.

Allergic Reaction:

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to the piercing jewelry include itching, swelling, and a burning sensation.

Remove the jewelry immediately and seek medical attention.

Keloids:

Keloids are raised, fibrous scar tissue that can develop around a piercing.

Applying scar creams or undergoing laser therapy can help minimize their appearance.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae:

This skin condition, also known as razor bumps, can occur when body hair curls back into the skin after a piercing.

Use a warm compress to soften the bumps and exfoliate gently to prevent their formation.

Hypertrophic Scars:

Hypertrophic scars are thick, red scars that may develop around a piercing.

Applying silicone scar sheets or undergoing laser therapy can help flatten and fade the scars.

Granulation Tissue:

Granulation tissue is a type of scar tissue that can form around a piercing due to excess moisture or irritation.

Use a saline solution to clean the piercing and reduce swelling. Avoid over-cleaning or touching the piercing excessively.


Issue	Cause	Solution
Pain and Swelling	Normal response to the piercing or infection	Apply ice packs, use saline solution to clean the piercing, or seek medical attention
Bleeding	Normal response to the piercing or excessive clotting	Apply pressure to the bleeding site, use a clotting agent, or seek medical attention
Infection	Bacteria entering the piercing	Cleanse the piercing with saline solution, apply an antiseptic, or consult a doctor
Allergic Reaction	Sensitivity to the piercing jewelry	Remove the jewelry immediately and seek medical attention
Keloids	Overproduction of scar tissue	Apply scar creams, undergo laser therapy, or consult a doctor
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae	Body hair curling back into the skin	Use a warm compress to soften the bumps and exfoliate gently
Hypertrophic Scars	Thickened, red scar tissue	Apply silicone scar sheets, undergo laser therapy, or consult a doctor
Granulation Tissue	Excess moisture or irritation	Use a saline solution to clean the piercing, reduce swelling, and avoid over-cleaning or touching the piercing excessively

Risks and Complications

Tragus piercings are generally considered a safe procedure, but like any piercing, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of:

Infection

As with any piercing, there is a risk of infection. This can occur if the piercing is not cleaned properly or if bacteria enters the wound. Symptoms of an infection include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. If you think your piercing may be infected, it is important to see a doctor.

Allergic Reaction

Some people may be allergic to the metal used in tragus piercings. This can cause a rash, itching, or swelling. If you think you may be allergic to the metal, it is important to see a doctor before getting a piercing.

Trauma

Tragus piercings are located on a part of the ear that is prone to trauma. This means that the piercing could be accidentally bumped or snagged, which could cause pain, bleeding, or even tearing.

Keloids

Keloids are a type of scar that can form after a piercing. They are raised, red, and itchy. Keloids can be difficult to treat and may require surgery.

Nerve Damage

In rare cases, a tragus piercing can damage the nerves in the ear. This can cause pain, numbness, or tingling.

Rejection

In some cases, the body may reject a tragus piercing. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including infection, trauma, or an allergic reaction. If your piercing is rejected, it will likely need to be removed.

Bleeding

A tragus piercing can cause some bleeding during the piercing procedure. However, the bleeding should stop within a few minutes. If the bleeding does not stop or if it is heavy, it is important to see a doctor.

Pain

Tragus piercings can be painful, but the pain is usually mild and goes away within a few days. However, some people may experience more severe pain. If the pain is severe or does not go away after a few days, it is important to see a doctor.

Difficulty Healing

Tragus piercings can take longer to heal than other types of piercings. This is because the cartilage in the tragus is thicker and takes longer to heal. It is important to be patient and to follow your piercer’s instructions for aftercare.

Piercing Healing Time

The tragus piercing is known for being relatively easy to heal. With proper care, it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to heal completely.

1. Initial Healing

During the first few days after piercing, you may experience some swelling, redness, and pain. This is normal and should subside within a few days.

2. Cleaning

Keep the piercing clean by washing it twice a day with a mild soap and water solution. Use a cotton ball or gauze to gently clean the piercing and avoid touching it with your hands.

3. Jewelry

Do not change the jewelry in your piercing until it has healed completely. Changing the jewelry too soon can irritate the piercing and delay healing.

4. Avoid Trauma

Avoid sleeping on the piercing side and wear loose clothing to prevent snagging. Also, avoid using headphones or earbuds that put pressure on the piercing.

5. Signs of Infection

If you experience any signs of infection, such as increased swelling, redness, pain, or discharge, see a doctor immediately.

6. Aftercare Products

Use products specifically formulated for piercing aftercare. These products can help to clean, soothe, and protect the piercing.

7. Oral Hygiene

Practice good oral hygiene to prevent bacteria from entering the piercing. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and avoid eating or drinking anything that could irritate the piercing.

8. Healing Time

The healing time for a tragus piercing can vary from person to person. However, most people find that their piercing heals within 6 to 12 weeks.

9. Complications

While tragus piercings are generally safe, there is a small risk of complications, such as infection, scarring, or rejection. If you experience any complications, see a doctor immediately.

10. Additional Tips

* Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid snagging the piercing.
* Avoid touching the piercing with your hands.
* Don’t use any harsh chemicals or products on the piercing.
* If the piercing becomes irritated, soak it in a warm saline solution for 5-10 minutes.
* Be patient and consistent with your aftercare routine.

How To Take Out A Tragus Piercing

Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing a tragus piercing safely:

Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection.
Gather your tools: You will need a pair of sterile tweezers, a mirror, and a clean piece of gauze or paper towel.
Look in the mirror: Tilt your head to one side and locate the tragus piercing.
Grip the back of the piercing: Use the tweezers to gently grasp the back of the piercing, where the ball or gem is located.
Push the stud forward: While holding the back of the piercing steady, use the other hand to gently push the stud forward, away from your ear.
Remove the piercing: Once the stud is clear of your ear, carefully pull it out with the tweezers.
Clean the area: Use the gauze or paper towel to clean the piercing site with saline solution or a piercing aftercare solution. Pat dry with a clean towel.

It is important to note that removing a tragus piercing should only be done by a professional piercer or with their guidance. Attempting to remove the piercing yourself can lead to infection or further complications.