The septum piercing is a unique and stylish way to express yourself. However, it’s important to remember that this is a permanent modification to your body, so it’s essential to make sure that it’s something you really want before going through with it. If you’re considering getting your septum pierced, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Firstly, consider the pain level. Septum piercings are generally considered to be moderately painful, but the pain level can vary depending on your individual pain tolerance. The pain is usually described as a sharp, burning sensation that lasts for a few seconds. Secondly, consider the healing time. Septum piercings typically take 6-8 weeks to heal completely. During this time, it’s important to keep the piercing clean and free of infection. You should also avoid touching or rotating the piercing, as this can irritate it and delay healing.
Finally, consider the cost. Septum piercings can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the piercer and the location of the piercing. It’s important to factor in the cost of aftercare supplies, such as saline solution and antiseptic. Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to get a septum piercing. If you’re still unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional piercer for more information.
Preparing for a Septum Piercing
Before you take the plunge and get your septum pierced, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.
Research and Find a Reputable Piercer
The most important step in preparing for a septum piercing is to find a reputable piercer. Do your research and read reviews online. Make sure the piercer is licensed and experienced. You should also check out their portfolio to see examples of their work.
Be Aware of the Pain
Septum piercings can be painful, so it’s important to be prepared for that. The pain level will vary from person to person, but most people report that it’s a sharp, burning sensation. The pain will typically last for a few seconds, but it may be sore for a few days or weeks after.
Clean the Piercing Site
Before you go to your piercing appointment, clean the piercing site with soap and water. This will help to remove any bacteria that could cause an infection.
Avoid Alcohol and Blood Thinners
Alcohol and blood thinners can increase bleeding and make the piercing more painful. Avoid these substances for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Eat a Meal
Eating a meal before your piercing appointment will help to prevent you from feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
Bring a Friend
If you’re feeling nervous, bring a friend with you to your piercing appointment. They can help you to relax and support you.
Choosing a Piercer
Selecting the right piercer is crucial for a safe and successful septum piercing. Here are key factors to consider:
Experience and Training
Look for a reputable piercer with extensive experience in septum piercings. They should have undergone proper training and hold certifications from reputable organizations, such as the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) or the National Association of Body Piercers (NABP).
Hygiene and Sterilization Practices
Visit the piercing studio and observe its cleanliness. The piercer should use sterile needles, gloves, and equipment. They should also follow proper sterilization techniques and have a clean and organized workspace.
Ask about the materials they use for jewelry and aftercare products. Ensure they use high-quality, biocompatible materials that meet safety standards.
Check online reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the piercer’s reputation and adherence to hygienic practices.
Consultation and Aftercare Advice
Schedule a consultation to discuss your desired piercing placement, jewelry options, and aftercare instructions. The piercer should take the time to explain the procedure, potential risks, and provide detailed guidance on how to care for your piercing.
Choose a piercer who is patient, informative, and confident in answering your questions. This indicates their willingness to prioritize your safety and well-being throughout the process.
Piercing Position and Jewelry Selection
When choosing the piercing position and jewelry, there are several factors to consider:
Piercing Position
The most common septum piercing is the standard vertical piercing, which is placed through the center of the septum. However, it can also be placed off-center or even horizontally. The position of your piercing will affect the visibility and the jewelry that you can wear.
For example, a vertical piercing is more visible than a horizontal piercing. Hence, if you want a more subtle piercing, a horizontal piercing may be a better choice for you. Additionally, a vertical piercing can only be worn with certain types of jewelry, such as circular barbells or clickers. On the other hand, a horizontal piercing is more versatile and can be worn with a wider variety of jewelry.
| Piercing Position | Visibility | Jewelry Options |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Vertical | More visible | Circular barbells, clickers |
| Off-center Vertical | Less visible than standard vertical | Circular barbells, clickers |
| Horizontal | Least visible | Circular barbells, horseshoes, segment rings |
Jewelry Selection
The choice of jewelry for your septum piercing will dépend on the position of the piercing and your personal preferences. Common types of jewelry for septum piercings include:
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Circular barbells
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Clickers
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Horseshoes
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Segment rings
The size of the jewelry will also vary depending on the position of the piercing and the size of your nose. It is important to choose jewelry that is the right size and fit to avoid discomfort or irritation.
Piercing Procedure
Clean the Area
Thoroughly cleanse the piercing site with a sterile saline solution or an antiseptic wipe to remove any dirt or bacteria.
Mark the Piercing Location
Use a sterile marker to draw a dot in the desired location for the piercing. This should be a symmetrical and even distance from the tip of the nose and both nostrils.
Insert the Needle
Steady the nose and insert a sterile hollow piercing needle through the marked dot. Aim slightly upwards to avoid hitting the nasal cartilage. Enter the needle perpendicular to the skin, ensuring it goes through the entire septum.
Insert the Jewelry
Steps:
- Hold the needle in place while threading the septum jewelry (usually a curved barbell) through the hollow needle.
- Carefully remove the needle, leaving the jewelry in its place.
- Screw on the ball, bead, or fixture at the opposite end of the barbell to secure the jewelry.
- Check the tension of the jewelry to ensure it is snug but not too tight.
Aftercare Instructions
The First 24-48 Hours
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Immediately after piercing, gently apply a clean, cold compress to the area for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling.
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Rinse the piercing 2-3 times a day with a mild, fragrance-free saline solution. Use a cotton ball or gauze soaked in the solution and gently wipe the piercing from the outside in. Do not remove the jewelry.
Days 2-16
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Continue rinsing the piercing 2-3 times a day with saline solution.
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Avoid touching or moving the jewelry excessively. If you need to adjust the jewelry, wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching the piercing directly.
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Avoid swimming, hot tubs, or saunas for at least 2 weeks.
Days 17-30
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The piercing should be mostly healed but may still be slightly tender. Continue rinsing with saline solution 1-2 times a day and keep the area clean.
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You can begin to gently move the jewelry to prevent it from sticking. However, do not remove the jewelry completely until it is fully healed.
Preventing Infection
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Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the piercing or jewelry.
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Avoid sharing towels or pillowcases with others.
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Keep the piercing area clean and dry.
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Use clean gauze or cotton balls to wipe away any discharge.
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If you experience any redness, swelling, or pain, contact your piercer or a medical professional.
Jewelry Care
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Leave the initial jewelry in place for at least 6-8 weeks, as recommended by your piercer.
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When changing the jewelry, use high-quality materials such as titanium, surgical steel, or 14k gold.
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Clean the jewelry regularly with a mild, fragrance-free soap and water.
Septum Piercing Healing Timeline
| Stage | Duration | Symptoms |
|—|—|—|
| Initial Healing | 6-8 weeks | Redness, swelling, pain |
| Maturation | 2-6 months | Discomfort may subside, but sensitivity remains |
| Complete Healing | 6-12 months | Piercing is fully healed |
Healing Time
Once you’ve had your septum pierced, it will hurt and be red. In the first week after getting piercing, the area will be quite sore and tender – it will also likely swell. After a few days, the swelling will begin to go down and the pain will gradually get better. The healing time for a septum piercing can vary from person to person, but it typically takes around 8-12 weeks to heal completely.
Expected Discomfort
Piercing the septum can be painful, so it is important to be prepared for some discomfort. The pain will vary from person to person and may be more severe for some than others. The pain is usually a sharp pinch or sting and will be most intense during the first few minutes after piercing. The pain will gradually get better over the next few days, but it may be several weeks before it goes away completely.
6. Other Considerations
Besides the pain and swelling, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind when getting a septum piercing. These include:
- Bleeding: It is normal to experience some bleeding after getting pierced. The bleeding should stop within a few minutes, but if it continues, you should apply pressure to the area and seek medical attention.
- Infection: It is important to keep the piercing clean to prevent infection. You should wash the piercing with a mild soap and water solution twice a day and avoid touching it with dirty hands.
- Jewelry: You should not change the jewelry in your piercing until it has healed completely. Changing the jewelry too soon can irritate the piercing and cause infection.
- Sniffling: If you have a cold or allergies, you may experience some sniffling after getting pierced. This is normal, but you should try to avoid blowing your nose too hard, as this could irritate the piercing.
- Activities: You should avoid strenuous activity and contact sports for at least a few weeks after getting pierced. These activities can put pressure on the piercing and cause it to become irritated or infected.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After getting your septum pierced, it’s crucial to clean and care for it properly to ensure proper healing and prevent infection.
Daily Cleaning
Clean the piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution. Gently soak a cotton ball or gauze pad in the solution and apply it to the piercing for a few minutes. Rinse the piercing thoroughly with water after cleaning.
Jewelry Care
Avoid touching or moving the jewelry too much, as it can irritate the piercing. If you need to clean the jewelry, remove it and soak it in a sterile saline solution for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it thoroughly with water before reinserting it.
Avoid Irritants
Keep the piercing away from harsh chemicals, cosmetics, and other irritants. Avoid using antibacterial soap or hydrogen peroxide, as they can damage the delicate tissue.
Symptoms of Infection
Pay attention to any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention promptly.
Piercing Timelines
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Initial Healing | 4-6 weeks |
| Complete Healing | 6-8 months |
Lifestyle Considerations
Avoid swimming or soaking in water for the first 24 hours after piercing. Try to keep the piercing dry and clean during the healing process. Blow your nose gently and avoid touching or picking at the piercing.
Follow-Up Care
Visit your piercer for regular checkups to ensure proper healing and jewelry adjustments. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to consult your piercer or a healthcare professional.
Jewelry Changes and Downsizing
Downsizing is the process of gradually replacing your septum piercing jewelry with smaller pieces as the piercing heals. This is necessary because the piercing will shrink as it heals, and wearing jewelry that is too large can cause irritation and other problems.
Downsizing Schedule
The following is a general downsizing schedule for septum piercings:
| Week | Jewelry Size |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | 16g |
| 3-4 | 14g |
| 5-6 | 12g |
| 7-8 | 10g or 8g |
How to Downsize
To downsize your septum piercing jewelry, simply follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Gently twist and remove your current jewelry.
- Insert the new, smaller piece of jewelry.
- Gently tighten the jewelry until it is snug but not too tight.
Tips for Downsizing
Here are a few tips to help make downsizing as easy as possible:
- Use a taper to help insert the new jewelry.
- Downsize gradually to avoid irritation.
- If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop and consult a piercer.
Piercing Troubleshooting and Complications
Swelling
Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and should subside within a few days. You can help reduce swelling by applying a cold compress to the piercing site.
Bruising
Bruising may also occur around the piercing site, especially if the piercing was done roughly. Bruising should fade within a few days.
Bleeding
Some bleeding is to be expected after a piercing, but it should not be excessive. If bleeding persists for more than a few hours, you should seek medical attention.
Infection
Infection is a serious complication that can occur if the piercing is not cleaned properly. Symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. If you suspect that your piercing is infected, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Other Complications
Other complications that can occur from a septum piercing include:
- Scarring
- Nerve damage
- Rejection
How to Prevent Complications
You can help prevent complications by following these tips:
- Choose a reputable piercer who uses sterile equipment and follows proper safety procedures.
- Keep the piercing site clean by washing it with a mild soap and water several times a day.
- Avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands.
- Do not remove the jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.
- See your doctor if you experience any signs of infection or other complications.
Troubleshooting a Septum Piercing
If you are experiencing problems with your septum piercing, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot:
Check for signs of infection.
Redness, swelling, pain, and discharge are all signs of infection. If you suspect that your piercing is infected, you should see a doctor immediately.
Make sure the piercing is clean.
Clean the piercing site with a mild soap and water several times a day. Avoid using harsh chemicals or antibacterial soap, as these can irritate the piercing.
Check the jewelry.
The jewelry should fit snugly but not too tightly. If the jewelry is too tight, it can put pressure on the piercing and cause pain or swelling. If the jewelry is too loose, it can move around and irritate the piercing.
See a piercer.
If you have tried the above troubleshooting tips and are still experiencing problems with your septum piercing, you should see a piercer. A piercer can help you identify the problem and recommend a solution.
Septum Piercing Variations
Types of Septum Piercing
There is not one way to pierce a septum. Piercing enthusiasts have found several variations that adorn the septum in unique ways.
High Septum Piercing
This piercing is done higher on the septum, closer to the nose bridge. It is a more subtle variation, as the piercing is less visible.
Low Septum Piercing
The low septum piercing is done lower on the septum, closer to the lip. It is a more visible variation, as the piercing is more prominent.
Double Septum Piercing
With this variation, two piercings are done on the septum, one on each side. The piercings can be done at different heights, or they can be symmetrical.
Asymmetrical Septum Piercing
This variation involves piercing the septum at an angle. The piercing can be done on either side of the septum, and it can be done at different heights.
Bull Septum Piercing
This piercing is done through the bottom of the septum, creating a circular effect. It is a more extreme variation, as it requires a larger amount of tissue to be pierced.
Vertical Septum Piercing
This piercing is done vertically through the septum. It is a more unique variation, as it is not as common as the other septum piercings.
Bridge Septum Piercing
This piercing is done horizontally across the bridge of the nose, just below the septum. It is a more dramatic variation, as it is highly visible.
Nostril Septum Piercing
This piercing combines a septum piercing with a nostril piercing. It is done through the septum, but the jewelry is inserted through the nostril.
Dolphin Septum Piercing
This piercing involves piercing the septum horizontally, with the jewelry inserted in a curved shape, resembling a dolphin’s body. It is a more unusual variation.
Rhino Septum Piercing
This piercing is done through the septum, but the jewelry is inserted through the tip of the nose. It is a more extreme variation, as it requires a large amount of tissue to be pierced.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| High Septum Piercing | Pierced higher on the septum, ближе to the nose bridge |
| Low Septum Piercing | Pierced lower on the septum, ближе to the lip |
How To Pierce My Septum
A septum piercing is a piercing that is made through the septum, the thin wall of cartilage that divides the nasal cavity into two halves. Septum piercings are typically worn with a small circular barbell or a small horseshoe-shaped ring. They can also be worn with other types of jewelry, such as a labret stud or a captive bead ring.
Septum piercings are relatively easy to care for and they heal quickly. They are also less likely to get infected than other types of piercings. However, septum piercings can be painful to get and they may cause some swelling and bruising. It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer to ensure that your piercing heals properly.
People Also Ask
What is the best way to clean a septum piercing?
The best way to clean a septum piercing is to use a saline solution. To make a saline solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Use a cotton ball or a clean cloth to apply the saline solution to the piercing. Be sure to rinse the piercing thoroughly with water after cleaning it with the saline solution.
How long does it take for a septum piercing to heal?
A septum piercing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal. However, it may take longer for some people to heal. It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer to ensure that your piercing heals properly.
Can I change my septum jewelry after it is healed?
Yes, you can change your septum jewelry after it is healed. However, it is important to wait until the piercing is completely healed before changing the jewelry. Changing the jewelry too soon may cause the piercing to become irritated or infected.
