A trend has emerged in the piercing world – the orbital piercing. This incredibly striking piercing has brought with it, not only a new look, but also some confusion about what it actually is. So today let’s take a moment to discuss the orbital piercing and also define exactly one is.
What it is...
An orbital piercing is any multi-point piercing that is connected by circular jewelry. Think of the most common multi-point piercing, the industrial, and then replace the straight barbell with a circular ring. It’s like that, but probably without going all the way across your ear. The ear, specifically the helix, is the most common location for an orbital but you can have one any place where you have the space for it.
What it isn't...
What an orbital piercing is NOT is a conch piercing with a ring in it. That is sometimes referred to as an “orbital conch” but it’s not the same thing as an orbital piercing as it only involves a single point piercing.
The Types
A pair of piercings with a single ring connecting them is a single orbital. This is the most common one. Two orbitals on the same ear are called a double orbital. The most commonly seen version of this is two crisscrossing orbitals on an earlobe, creating an “X” shape. (This is also sometimes called a suture piercing) However, a double orbital can be anywhere, so long as both orbitals are on the same piece of anatomy. A triple orbital sounds like it would be three orbitals on one ear, but it is actually three connected piercings with one piece of jewelry. This is a pretty advanced piercing and requires that you have the proper anatomy in order to be able to connect all three piercings.
How to Achieve This
There are two ways to get this look. You can either connect two already existing and fully healed piercings with a single ring or you can get one or more piercings done with the express intent of turning them into an orbital. Unlike an industrial, you do not get pierced with the final jewelry. You will have to get pierced with the standard style of jewelry (with most piercings, that is a flat back labret) and then insert the ring when the piercing or piercings are fully healed. Make sure to tell your piercer that you intend to turn them into an orbital or they can make sure the placement is appropriate for you to be able to do that.
What Jewelry
Any circular jewelry can be worn in an orbital piercing. This includes captive rings – rings with a fixed bead or charm that fit between the prongs of an otherwise open ring. This also includes segment rings, which feature a non-removable, hinged segment that opens and closes. You can even wear a hinged, clicker style ring so long as the barbell portion is curved and not straight. Stainless steel, gold, and titanium are all options, depending on your budget and skin sensitivities. Remember too, titanium can be anodized to any color that isn’t black so if you want gold and aren’t loving the price tag, consider gold tone anodized titanium.
Risks
The risks of getting an orbital piercing or creating one from existing piercings are the same as any other piercing. Fresh piercings run the risk of infection, as well as keloids and scarring. Existing piercings run the risk of migration or rejection if the jewelry is not appropriately sized. If you want to rock one of these beauties, let a piercer help you select appropriately sized jewelry to avoid these issues. And remember to keep a fresh piercing clean by spraying it with sterile saline wound wash twice a day and then rinsing with clean water.
And that is a quick rundown on orbital piercings. These marvelous multi-point piercings are becoming all the rage these days. If you haven’t checked them out yet, make sure to look them up. Those pictures….kinda make you want to run out and get one, doesn’t it? Happy piercing!
