Is the upper hole of the industrial piercing supposed to be going THROUGH cartilage?

Question

because I think my piercer pierced it through the fat/skin right next to the upperlobe cartilage! and it's scaring me because it looks as if it can be easily ripped/torn out since it's close to the edge. i just noticed it now after a year.

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

I used to work in a tattoo parlor, and I can tell you that from what I observed, industrial piercings should always go through cartilage, and if it feels like the piercing is too close to the skin, that may indicate an issue.

Because it's been a year since you got it done, the piercing may very well have been done in the right position originally, but has since migrated (which is not that uncommon with piercings) out towards the edge of your ear.

If I were you, I would try to take a trip to the piercer who did your industrial, or a piercer who you know is knowledgeable, and see if they think that you're at risk for having the jewelry ripped out. There won't be much you can do if he thinks the placement is bad, other than to just have the piercing re-done, but hopefully it won't be as bad as all that.