What is auricle piercing?
As the name suggests, it is the perforation of the auricle, the outer portion of the ear between the earlobe and helix. Since the auricle is a perfect spot for flaunting fancy rings, auricle piercing has become the newest fashion trend among the young crowd.

How is auricle piercing done
Choose a licensed piercing parlor if you have made up your mind to get your auricle pierced. The desired piercing spot is cleaned thoroughly and marked with a pen before going forward with the procedure. The professional piercer passes a hollow, sterilized gauge needle through the auricle and inserts the jewelry. Use of a piercing gun is generally avoided since it may not be hygienic.

Auricle piercing pain
Since it is a cartilage piercing, those with a low tolerance for pain get hurt. However, it all depends on the expertise of the piercing artist carrying out the process. While in most cases bleeding, bruising, soreness and swelling near the pierced site, it disappears in a week or two.

Auricle piercing aftercare
- Clean the piercing with a sterilized cotton ball soaked in warm saline water
- Use a mild soap for rinsing the pierced area while taking shower
- Pat the piercing dry with clean paper products
- Do not sleep on the piercing
- Avoid exposing the piercing to sprays, ointments, lotions, and other cosmetic products
- Do not move or rotate the jewelry
- Tie your hair back
- Make sure your bed sheets and pillow covers are changed before sleeping
Auricle piercing healing
It will take 3 to 9 months for complete healing.

Auricle piercing infection and complications
Lack of proper care can infect the piercing resulting in the formation of an abscess along with some pus discharge. Timely treatment of the infection is advisable to prevent severe complications. Since there is a risk of jewelry rejection, visit the piercing salon if you experience constant irritation, pain, and itching near the piercing spot.

Auricle piercing jewelry
You have a wide range of options when it comes to selection of jewelry for this style of piercing that include labret studs, ball closure rings, barbells, segment rings, and horseshoe rings. Once the piercing undergoes complete healing, you can even wear nostril screws for a change. If you are not willing to get an auricle piercing, then go for fake rings, magnetic studs or small ear cuffs.
Auricle piercing cost
Getting your auricle pierced in a reputable piercing parlor might cost you around $15 to $20.

Auricle piercing variations
Double auricle piercing
Here, two perforations are placed on the auricle.

Triple auricle piercing
Since three piercings are done on the auricle, it may take a longer healing time. Make it look prominent by wearing multiple ball rings or spiral rings.

References:
http://www.bluebanana.com/article.php/22213/auricle-piercing
http://www.karmase7en.com/piercing-information/auricle-ear-piercing.cfm
http://www.pacificbodyjewellery.com/aftercare/cartilage_piercing_care.htm