An industrial ear piercing involves placing two holes in the cartilage of the ear – generally at the top near the head and then further down the ear – and connecting the two holes with a piece of jewelry called a barbell.  A barbell is a straight piece of metal that has a bead on each end.  A professional and experienced body piercer should perform an industrial ear piercing.  This will minimize the possibility of complications such as infection.  Also, keep in mind that an industrial ear piercing takes 6 to 12 months to heal with the first 14 days being critical to the healing process. Good aftercare and careful handling of the ear will help it to heal and minimize pain and discomfort.

Body piercing – the process of puncturing the skin of a body part such as the ear, tongue, or belly button for the purpose of wearing jewelry – has be practiced by peoples throughout the world since ancient times.  In the Western world one of the most popular forms of body piercing is ear piercing.  However, from the 1920s to the 1960s ear piercing lost its popularity within many cultures in the United States. American women returned to the practice of piercing their ears during the 1960s.  Today, even some men pierce their ears.  Although piercing the ear lobes is the most conventional and popular form of ear piercing, some individuals may pierce segments of the ear cartilage.
 
For instance, an industrial ear piercing involves making two holes in the cartilage of the ear and inserting a long piece of jewelry called a barbell that connects the two holes.  Generally, one hole is made near the top of the ear close to the head.  The second is made further down the cartilage.  The barbell is inserted through the first piercing then diagonally through the second piercing.  It is held in place with a screw-on bead.   The bar helps to align the two holes as the piercings heal.  In other cases, an industrial ear piercing involves only one hole made at the top of the ear near the head.  The barbell is then inserted through the piercing and goes straight down to the bottom of the inside of the ear. 

An industrial ear piercing can be painful.  It also has a long healing time – anywhere from 6 to 12 months.  It requires careful handling of the ear during the healing process and proper cleansing to decrease the possibility of complications such as infection.  In other words, getting an industrial ear piercing requires commitment and diligence.  After all, two holes have been made in the ear; thus, making wounds that will no doubt become tender, swollen, and discolored.  Bruising, bleeding, and itching are also possible.  Do not be alarmed if the wound secrets a white-yellow fluid because it is a natural part of the healing process

When getting an industrial ear piercing a few tips will help the procedure go smoother, decrease the possibility of complications such as infection, prevent a longer healing time, and minimize pain.

1. Choose a professional and experienced piercer.  The more qualified the piercer the smoother and less painful the piercing process will be. 

2. Use the highest quality body piercing jewelry.

3. Do not get any hair care products, fragrances, or other chemicals in the piercing during the first 14 days.

4. Always wash your hands before touching the piercing and diligently follow the after care instructions.

Getting an industrial ear piercing can be fun and exciting; however, take the proper precautions to prevention painful complications and a prolonged healing time.