How long does a flat piercing take to heal?

6 to 12 months. The cartilage there is thick and slow to heal. Keep it clean, avoid pressure from headphones and sleeping, and book your free downsize check once it settles.

Is a flat piercing good for statement jewelry?

Yes, it is one of the best placements for it. The flat area supports larger decorative ends that would be too big on the rim. Your piercer will show you options sized for your ear.

Can I get two flat piercings?

Often yes, if there is room for the backs to sit without touching. Your piercer marks the spacing first so they sit evenly and heal without crowding.

How much does a flat piercing cost?

Piercings start at $40, with jewelry priced separately. Statement ends cost more than plain titanium, and you will see the exact price before anything is pierced.

Ear piercing

Flat Piercing in Riverside, CA

A flat piercing sits in the broad, flat cartilage of the upper ear, above the conch and inside the rim. Because the area is wide and even, it holds decorative ends beautifully and is one of the best placements for a curated ear, giving you a canvas for statement jewelry without crowding the rim. At Arcane Ink in Riverside, the flat is pierced with a single-use needle and fitted with implant-grade titanium. Healing takes 6 to 12 months.

Quick facts

Price from: $40 + jewelry
Healing time: 6–12 months
Pain level: Medium
Piercer: Brandon Medina

Healing & aftercare

What healing looks like

A flat piercing typically takes 6–12 months to heal. Keep it clean with sterile saline spray twice a day, do not touch or twist it, keep it dry after showers, and avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean until it is fully settled.

Full aftercare for flat piercings

Come back for a free downsize check once the swelling drops. Changing jewelry early is the most common cause of irritation, so let your piercer do it.

Jewelry