Thinking about getting an orbital piercing? Spencer’s is here to help, providing you with some of the most essential information about this stylish piercing type. Our comprehensive guide highlights all the basics, including orbital piercing locations, the healing process, compatible types of jewelry, and aftercare tips. We will also answer some FAQs, further breaking down whether an orbital piercing is right for you.
An orbital piercing is essentially any ear piercing with two puncture sites connected by one piece of circular jewelry. This type of piercing is very customizable, as it can be located on the earlobe or the ear cartilage. Continue reading below to learn more about the various types of orbital piercings so you can decide which one you might be interested in. While considering a new piercing can be an exciting time, we want to emphasize that everybody is unique, and there are certain piercings that aren’t for everyone. It’s essential to consult a professional piercer before making any decisions!
Table of Contents
Orbital Piercing and Jewelry FAQs:
- How long do orbital piercings take to heal?
- Does getting an orbital piercing hurt?
- How much does it cost to get an orbital piercing?
- How do I clean my orbital piercing?
- How do you give yourself an orbital piercing?
- Why shouldn’t I get an orbital piercing?
- What’s the most common type of orbital jewelry?
- When can I change my orbital jewelry?
- What material is used for orbital piercing jewelry?
- What happens if I have an allergic reaction or get an infection?
Orbital Piercing Quick Facts
Placement
An orbital piercing can be placed in several locations on your ear, with the most popular areas being the lobe and the helix. For more information, continue reading below.
Healing Time
The healing process typically ranges from three to five months for earlobe orbitals and six months to a year (or longer) for cartilage orbitals.
Pricing
The cost of an orbital piercing can vary depending on its type, but the general price range is usually between $50 and $100 (not including jewelry).
Gauge
Ear jewelry comes in a variety of gauge sizes. Lobe piercings typically come with 20G-18G earrings, while cartilage piercings range from 18G-16G.
What is an Orbital Piercing?
Orbital Piercing Location:
An orbital piercing can be located on several different parts of the ear. To create an orbital piercing, two punctures are placed on the ear and connected by a circular piece of jewelry.
- Orbital Earlobe Piercings: This piercing features two holes in the earlobe connected by a single piece of circular jewelry.
- Orbital Cartilage Piercings: This piercing features two punctures through the ear cartilage, connected by a single piece of circular jewelry. An example would be connecting the tragus and anti-tragus, or placing two separate punctures on the helix and connecting them.
- Double Orbital Piercings: A double orbital piercing can be placed anywhere on the ear, requiring two orbital piercings to be placed next to each other.
Orbital Piercing Process:
The orbital earlobe piercing process is typically performed with a sterilized 20G or 18G needle. The orbital cartilage piercing process is typically performed with an 18G or 16G needle.
Orbital Piercing Healing Time:
About three to five months for earlobe piercings. About six months to a year (or longer) for cartilage piercings.
Recommended Jewelry:
Any circular cartilage barbells or earlobe hoops.
Orbital Piercing FAQs (Pain, Aftercare, & More)
How long do orbital piercings take to heal?
Orbital earlobe piercings can take between three and five months to heal, while orbital cartilage piercings can take six months to a year. However, this process can take longer depending on how well you care for the piercing, and whether or not your body experiences any complications. Since orbital piercings involve two different piercings, their healing times will differ. We recommend consulting a professional piercer to establish a more detailed healing timeline.
Does getting an orbital piercing hurt?
Pain can vary because everyone’s pain tolerance is different. It also depends on the type of orbital piercing you’re planning to get. Earlobe piercings don’t hurt much, but it’s said that cartilage piercings can hurt a little bit more in comparison.
Before getting an orbital piercing, you should speak to a piercing professional about pain management to better understand what to expect. Piercing pain is temporary, so if you are experiencing pain weeks after your piercing, contact your doctor.
How much does it cost to get an orbital piercing?
An orbital piercing can cost between $50-$100 or more, depending on where you live and the piercing shop you choose. Call some of your local piercing studios for an exact price. Do your research and make sure you’re using a studio that has a great reputation.
How do I clean my orbital piercing?
We recommend using H2Ocean Aftercare Spray or saline solution to clean your piercing. Clean the piercing site twice daily during the healing process to avoid infection. Once your piercing is healed, continue regular jewelry maintenance. To clean the jewelry, gently wash it with antibacterial soap and warm water every few days. For more information, speak with your piercing professional for guidelines on piercing care and read How to Care For Your Body Jewelry & Body Piercings.
How do you give yourself an orbital piercing?
You don’t! We don’t recommend giving yourself an orbital piercing or any other body modification. Piercings must be done professionally to prevent infections or other complications during the healing process. While you may find piercing kits online, we urge you to make a piercing appointment with an experienced professional.
Why shouldn’t I get an orbital piercing?
What if I don’t like it? What are the risks? What is the healing process like? If you’re still on the fence about getting an orbital piercing, we recommend talking to a professional piercer beforehand. If you’re a notorious side sleeper, constantly on the phone, or wearing headphones, this piercing might prove tricky for you in the healing stages. Not every piercing is for everyone, and that’s okay! We highly recommend speaking to a professional piercer to learn as much as possible before deciding whether an orbital piercing is right for you.
Orbital Piercing FAQs (Jewelry)
What’s the most common type of orbital jewelry?
Your piercer will know what works best for you to start, but most cartilage hoops will work for orbital cartilage piercings, and regular seamless or hinged hoops should work for orbital earlobe piercings.
When can I change my orbital jewelry?
You’ll need time to heal after getting pierced. Once both piercings are entirely healed, it is safe to change your jewelry. When changing your jewelry, wash it with warm, soapy water before insertion, and always wash your hands before touching your piercing. Be sure to practice proper aftercare with any piercing or body modification. After healing, you can accessorize your orbital piercings with circular barbells and more!
What material is used for orbital piercing jewelry?
Your piercer will know what works best for you, but these are generally the most common materials used in orbital piercings.
- Stainless steel is an affordable and durable option for your orbital jewelry.
- Titanium jewelry can be more expensive, but it’s typically hypoallergenic, making it the perfect option for sensitive skin.
- Surgical steel is durable and easily accessible. If you have a nickel allergy, skip this one!
What happens if I have an allergic reaction or get an infection?
If you suspect something is wrong with your piercing, contact your doctor immediately. Remember to let your piercer know if you’re sensitive or allergic to any materials! Watch out for any redness, inflammation, abnormal discharge, or severe pain.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to orbital piercings! Is this piercing in your future? Always consult a professional before deciding which piercing is best for you. If you want more information on ear cartilage piercings, check out our cartilage piercing guide! Be sure to keep up with The Inspo Spot for more information on ear care, piercings, and jewelry. Lastly, check out our site for all your body jewelry needs. Whether you’re looking for earlobe or cartilage jewelry, we have everything you need!
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