I was expecting it to hurt like a total b***h...i have a relatively high pain tolerance but still. i went in and was pretty nervous...it didnt help that my piercer was extremely nonchalant, unprofessional, and chewing gum the whole time, but he had gotten good reviews so whatever. it was a very spur of the moment decision. he had me lay on my right side (i was getting my left ear done) and put my right hand under my hand and my left across my body. he had me take a few deep breaths and as i was exhaling he pierced it. wow. barely hurt AT all. i heard horror stories about bleeding and a the infamous popping noise and i had none of that. it looked outstanding. i slept on it that night. the next day it was sore, but not as sore as my last cartilage piercing had been...i slept on it again within 4 days. the worst trouble i've had is some swelling. and in the last week (i've had it for over a month) it actually starting bleeding a little, but i think i scratched something and keep disturbing the clot. overall i'm very happy with it and have taken good care of it and highly recommend it! p.s. i have a 16g curved barbell