How soon after a cartilage piercing can I change the earring?

I changed mine at 4 weeks and it really prolonged the healing process. So definitely wait a few more weeks, just to be sure. I was told not to change them until 8-12 weeks. As for your other question, I’m really not sure. It should definitely become smaller and close up around it though.

I’d definately wait until it has healed otherwise you could risk slowing down the healing process and irritating it causing those dreaded bumps. This could take from one month up to even a year. I know, that’s a long time, but it’s because it’s cartilage and not much blood flow gets up there in order for it to heal fast but you’re better off waiting until it’s almost fully healed before you change the jewellery if you don’t want to risk disturbing it. And as for putting a smaller gauge jewellery in, I’m pretty sure it will just close to fit the size that’s in there. Good luck!

You can change it anywhere between 6- 8 weeks, and it can take up to 1 year for it to heal fully. However, if you want to change it before a year, and to ensure you don’t get an infection, or you don’t slow down the healing, make sure the new jewelry is sterilized, of high quality, and is the same gauge size. Unless you got your cartilage pierced at Claire’s or something, the gauge size should be 14g or 16g. Trust me. I have 11 ear piercings, all of which healed nicely. If you have any other questions about piercings, feel free to message me. (:

DO NOT change it until the due time as there will be alot ofswelling an irritation and it will only make it worse. keep it in till its full heald