A rook piercing, like any other body piercing, does carry some risks – including the remote possibility of nerve damage or paralysis. However, when done properly by an experienced professional, a rook piercing is generally quite safe and unlikely to cause any lasting damage.
What is a rook piercing?
A rook piercing is a perforation of the cartilage in the upper ear, specifically the area known as the rook or antihelix. The rook refers to the innermost, hard cartilage fold inside the ear. Getting your rook pierced inserts jewelry through this tough cartilage area to allow it to heal into place.
Risks and dangers of a rook piercing
While considered less risky than some other ear piercings, a rook piercing does involve some potential dangers, including:
- Infection – Like any puncture wound, a new rook piercing is prone to bacteria. Infections are common if proper aftercare is not followed.
- Bleeding – The rook piercing goes through vascular cartilage, so some bleeding is expected. Excessive bleeding can be a concern.
- Scarring – If the piercing doesn’t heal properly, thick scar tissue can form around the piercing hole.
- Nerve damage – The rook area is close to the facial nerve, so there is a small risk of nerve injury.
Can a rook piercing cause paralysis?
The short answer is: it’s highly unlikely. While there are nerves running close to the rook area, damaging them enough to cause facial paralysis or deafness would be extremely rare. These are absolute worst-case scenarios.
That said, there is a remote possibility of some nerve injury leading to:
- Numbness in the ear
- Reduced ear sensation
- Affected facial expressions/movements
However, complete facial paralysis would be almost unheard of. It could only happen if the piercing severely damaged the facial nerve itself.
How to reduce the risks
You can minimize the risks of any problems with a rook piercing by:
- Choosing an extremely experienced, reputable piercer
- Following all aftercare instructions carefully
- Keeping the new piercing clean and free of infection
- Avoiding trauma or irritation to the piercing as it heals
- Using high-quality jewelry designed for rook piercings
- Watching for signs of infection or rejection and seeking help early
Signs of trouble with your rook piercing
See your piercer or doctor right away if you notice:
- Severe pain, swelling, or throbbing
- Redness, heat, and discharge suggesting infection
- Numbness or tingling of the ear or face
- Difficulty making facial expressions
- The jewelry embedding into the skin
- A bump or cyst around the piercing site
Conclusion
While no piercing is 100% risk-free, a rook piercing performed correctly under sterile conditions is very unlikely to paralyze or deafen you. Still, it’s vital to choose an extremely qualified piercer and follow all aftercare instructions to the letter. If you notice any problems healing, seek help right away. With proper care and cleaning, a rook piercing should heal well with marginal risks.