Let’s start by discussing septum piercing.
An actual septum piercing is one that is situated at the septum, a portion of the nose. Right and left nostrils are separated by a slender cartilage wall called the septum, which runs down the middle of your nose. But the cartilage shouldn’t be punctured by a septum piercing.
Instead, it ought to pass through the softer area of tissue just below the septum. The “sweet spot” is how piercers describe it.”
Continue reading if you’d like more details.
Table of Contents
What Is A Septum Piercing?
A septum piercing is unquestionably a bolder appearance than the more conventional nose piercing, which sits on the side of your nostril. ‘According to jeweler Laura Bond, a septum piercing is a hole that is made through the bottom of your nose, between your nostrils. ‘Usually, a hoop or a ring in the shape of a horseshoe is used to pierce it.’
Be Aware Of Getting A Septum Piercing
Before getting a piercing, it’s wise to research your options and get some advice. ‘Always select a reputable piercer,’ advises Bond. ‘The type of jewelry you want to wear once the piercing has healed should also be discussed with your piercer. Your piercer should take the time to explain the piercing to you and what to expect. As with any piercing, it needs to be looked after, especially while it is healing. Also, be careful not to bump it when putting on or taking off makeup.’
Advice that is less helpful but more motivating is also welcomed. ‘Everyone has a beautiful septum piercing!,’ says Jeweler of Sacred Gold, Gemma Thomson. ‘With this piercing, you have a wide range of options. You can wear a full ring or switch to a circular barbell and conceal it if your job forbids piercings or if you want the piercing to be hidden for some other reason. You have more freedom to express yourself as a result!’
A Septum Piercing Can Be Extremely Painful
First things first, all piercings hurt. When you pierce a hole in yourself, it will hurt, and that is just a sad fact. Fortunately, however, septum piercings are only moderately painful. ‘For most people, it may come as a surprise to learn that septum piercings are among the least painful body piercings, but Thomson affirms this.
‘When the septum is pierced properly and by a skilled piercer, the piercing will be in a very soft, thin area of skin that is thinner than an ear lobe and will miss any cartilage in the nose. This area is known as “the sweet spot” and is where the piercing should be. Although it varies depending on the client, this is typically found at the front of the nostrils. The typical reaction to any nostril piercing is to shed one tear; this is not a sign of pain.’
Cost Of A Septum Piercing
The cost of a septum piercing varies depending on where you go and the state where you get the piercing, as it does with most cosmetic procedures. From $40 to $100 is what you can anticipate paying.
How Are Septum Piercings Performed?
Septum piercings are similar to most piercings in that there can be some variation in technique. To hold the septum in place, however, your piercer will typically clean the area first. The jewelry will then be inserted through the newly created hole after a cannula, a hollow needle attached to a tube, is passed through your nose. The piercing is finished once the jewelry is fastened (typically with a horseshoe-shaped bar).
How Long To Take A Septum Piercing To Heal?
Try to leave it alone, as you should with any piercing, and clean it with saltwater every day. The placement of all nose piercings makes good saline solution sprays more effective with them. Strangely enough, Becca’s top advice is to “soak the tip of your nose in lightly salted water,” which she claims feels odd but works.
If you see any yellow or green pus, your piercing may be infected, even though a small amount of white discharge is entirely normal. However, your piercer should provide you with all the necessary aftercare instructions, and if you have any concerns at all, you can go back to them to have the piercing examined.
How Long Does A Septum Piercing Require Aftercare?
Aftercare is crucial with any piercing, as well. Even though it might be tedious, keeping the piercing clean is more entertaining than having to remove it entirely. ‘We recommend sterile saline solution and sterile non-woven gauze for the majority of piercings. Thomson suggests using these to gently remove any crust or dirt that has built up. ‘Until the piercing is fully healed, gently clean the jewelry once to twice a day without rotating the ring.’
What Causes The Odor From My Septum Piercing?
I’m going to be a little gross with you, and people have been known to refer to this as septum funk. You may need medical attention if the odor is accompanied by pain, pus that is yellow, or blood. In any other case, the smell you’re smelling is your body’s attempt to heal itself while dead skin cells are accumulating. But the smell should be kept to a minimum by keeping the piercing clean and switching to glass or wood jewelry over time.
Avoid Things Of Septum Piercing
A little thought and consideration go a long way when it comes to piercings. Likewise refraining from diving into the nearest pool. ‘For at least 24 hours, I’d stay out of the water and avoid getting the piercing wet, says Bond. ‘After cleaning or taking a shower, it’s critical to make sure your piercing is completely dry. The cool setting on your hairdryer or a paper towel will work.’
Side Effects Of Septum Piercing
Both irritation and infection Infection is the main worry when a piercing is healing, according to Fenton. “Keep an eye out for pus, swelling, or growing pain. That might indicate an infection.” Avoid getting your septum pierced around or during those times if you experience seasonal allergies or are prone to colds at particular times of the year. But there is good news for hay fever sufferers: according to Lamb, blowing your nose is “just fine.”” Nevertheless, you might want to completely avoid getting a septum piercing if you suffer from severe allergies or frequently get sinus infections. While the septum ring itself won’t affect your smell, some people who wear them complain of a strange odor. This odor could be an indication of an infection around the piercing or an annoyance with a particular type of metal, though the piercing itself won’t affect your odor.
Scarring and granulation tissue “At the site of a nose piercing, granulation tissue can develop, which can appear as a bump that many people mistake for scar tissue, according to Fenton. “Due to the environment around the nose and the jewelry, the healing process has really overreacted in this case.” Additionally, scarring could appear.
Ways To Change Septum Piercing
After waiting for about 6 to 8 weeks (yes, really), you might be considering switching your septum jewelry. Perhaps you’re moving from a horseshoe-style piece to a hoop that many people associate with the bull nose piercing look. It shouldn’t be too difficult to do this at home, but you could also think about going back to your piercer and having them walk you through it.
Simply unscrew one ball and slide it out if your original piercing was held in by one. Consider going back to the piercer to have them tighten it since it might be a little uncomfortable now. Although you should try to wear the new jewelry as soon as possible, there are various types of jewelry, so it’s worth looking for specific advice. Before lining up the bar with the hole and pushing it cleanly through, wash your hands, disinfect the surroundings, and remove any jewelry. It might take a few tries to find the hole or you might need to slightly lower your nose to get it right. The same guidelines also apply to other styles of rings or bars. See more about When Can You Change Your Septum Piercing?
Which Metal Should You Use?
Because surgical stainless steel (SSS) piercings are typically secure and affordable, most piercers use them for initial piercings.
The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) suggests using any of the following metals for initial piercings:
Surgical Stainless Steel
It should be okay for your septum if it’s good enough to be implanted in your body during surgery!
Surgical stainless steel is resilient, nonporous, and non-absorbable with a low nickel release rate. Because of how it is processed, even those who have a nickel allergy can use it safely despite the fact that it contains some nickel.
However, if a person has a severe nickel allergy, titanium would be preferable to SSS.
Titanium
Another metal used for medical implants is titanium.
Because it is completely hypoallergenic and secure for everyone, piercers frequently suggest it, particularly for initial piercings. For those who have a severe allergy to nickel, it is the best option.
Its higher cost is the only drawback.
Niobium
Niobium is similar to titanium and is generally safe for use.
The primary distinction is that it lacks the implant-grade designation, which indicates that it hasn’t been authorized for surgical implantation. This isn’t a big deal in this case. More so than titanium, it is heavier.
It costs more than SSS but less than titanium in terms of price.
Solid 14-karat Or Higher Gold
A septum piercing in gold must be at least 14 karats thick if you choose to get one.
It can be solid rather than gold-plated or gold-filled, and it can be yellow, white, or rose gold. These not only have alloys, such as nickel alloys, but the plating on them can eventually peel off.
The cost of solid gold piercings is higher than that of other metals, as expected.
Which Jewelry Styles Are Used For Septum Piercings?
- Septum clicker: These hoops have a hinged closure for simple insertion and removal that springs open and snaps shut. Closed hoops are excellent for personalization because their outer edges frequently feature various stones and ornaments.
- Barbell: When wearing circular barbell jewelry, you can easily flip the jewelry up to conceal a septum piercing without having to take it off.
Even 18 gauge can be used for starter jewelry, but a fuller nose looks much better with 16 and 14 gauge. If desired, the piercing can be enlarged.
When May I Swap Out The Jewelry?
Depending on who you ask, you should generally hold off until:
- it’s no longer tender
- the minimum healing time has passed, usually at least 2 to 3 months
- it’s no longer weepy or crusty
Leave the jewelry in for the duration of the healing process unless there is a problem. A piercer should change the jewelry if you need to during the healing process for any reason.
Which Jewelry Type Is Used For Septum Piercing?
- Stainless steel: This hypoallergenic metal is one of the safest options for any piercing.
- Titanium: Another well-liked option for durable nose rings that won’t likely trigger an allergic reaction. When compared to other metals, titanium is frequently more expensive.
- Niobium: The element niobium might be a good choice if you have a very high metal sensitivity. Low likelihood of a reaction, and generally in the middle of the price range.
How To Know If There Is An Issue?
Oh, you’ll know!
The warning signs and symptoms are listed below:
- severe or worsening pain, redness, or swelling
- itching
- pressure
- thick green, yellow, or gray discharge or pus that smells bad
- fever or chills
- a lump or thickened tissue around the piercing
- skin eruptions or bumps
- thinning, flaking, or peeling of the tissue around the piercing
If any of these occur, consult a medical professional.
What If I Don’t Like It In The End?
It is better to wait until it heals before switching the jewelry’s style. You can simply have it removed or have your piercer do it for you if you’re certain you no longer want it.
At some point—typically within a few months—the hole will close up.
Keep in mind that if you remove it during the healing period, you’ll still need to continue keep up with your aftercare routine until it’s totally closed
The End
If you have a deviated septum, even though they are fairly common, you should seek out a skilled piercer because if it is pierced incorrectly, it can look wonky. A septum can be punctured either by hand, with the aid of a receiving tube, or by applying clamps to the area.
Please post a question in the comments if you have any. I appreciate you reading.
