Septum Piercing Information & Aftercare
The evolution of the septum piercing from a cultural accessory to a haute couture fashion statement is one example of a piercing entering mainstream culture. It began as a primitive tribal accessory, where tribe members wore the bones of their slain enemies as jewelry. When it entered the modern Western world, punks and rebels popularized it as body modifications. Now, celebrities and models are spotted wearing custom jewelry that costs upwards of thousands of dollars.
Regardless of their history, septum piercings remain one of the most popular. If you’re considering getting your septum pierced, read along as we explore proper placement, the piercing process, healing and aftercare steps, and answer common questions.
What is a Septum Piercing?
The septum is the part of the nose that separates the right and left nostrils. A septum piercing goes through what is known as the “sweet spot” between your nostrils.
Specifically, the sweet spot refers to a spot of alar cartilage between your nostrils. Because everybody has different anatomy, the specific location differs from person to person. Generally, a properly placed septum piercing is tight to the front of the nose, as this is where the softer alar cartilage is.
You may have heard that septum piercings do not and should not go through cartilage. This is misinformation, though. They go through cartilage; it’s just connective cartilage instead of the thicker cartilage of your nostril.
While proper placement is essential for the safety of the piercing, it is also important because an off-placed septum piercing is highly noticeable. This is why finding an experienced piercer and looking through a portfolio is vital.
What Gauge Is a Septum Piercing?
Typically, a septum piercing can range from 14 gauge to 12 gauge. However, some people stretch their septums or desire large-diameter jewelry. In this case, a ten gauge or larger is appropriate.
Read our guide for more information on purchasing the correct size septum piercing jewelry.
What Kind of Jewelry Can You Wear in a Septum Piercing?
One of the great things about septum piercings is that there are plenty of jewelry options to choose from right away. When it comes to initial jewelry selections, the two best options if you have to conceal your new piercing are circular barbells or septum retainers. Make sure you discuss your intentions to hide your piercing with the counter staff or piercer so you can get appropriately sized jewelry.
If you do not need to conceal your piercing, choose from a septum clicker, hinged segment ring, seamless ring, captive bead ring, or more.
The Septum Piercing Process
When your piercer brings you back, they will have you sit facing them so they can clean both sides of your nose with antimicrobial soap. Next, they will have you tilt your head up and look up your nostrils to mark a flat line perpendicular to your septum to use as a guide. Some piercers will perform the piercing using needle receiving tubes, and others perform it freehand.
Some piercers will then reposition you so you’re lying on your back with your head dangling off the edge of the table. This allows them to have a perfect angle to view up your nose.
Next, using the blunt side of the needle, the piercer will press around in your nose until they feel that the tissue doesn’t buck under the pressure and creates a nice divot. They will flip the needle around and do the piercing at that moment.
Once the needle is through, your piercer will insert the jewelry halfway. Then, they’ll have you slide so the table supports your head and fully insert the jewelry. From there, your piercer will sit you up and clean any excess blood before letting you have a look in the mirror.
Septum Piercing Pain: How Much Does It Hurt?
Because the septum goes through softer tissue, it does not hurt as bad as other piercings. That being said, it is sensitive. Most people rate their septum piercing experience in the middle of the pain scale.
However, each body is different, and each person has a different pain tolerance. When I got my septum pierced, it felt like a quick pinch; my eyes watered a bit, and it was over before I knew it. Getting my nose prodded for placement felt more uncomfortable than the piercing.
Septum Piercing Healing Time
One of the many benefits of septum piercings is that they’re relatively easy to heal. They don’t take long to fully heal, either. On average, a septum piercing takes 3 to 5 months to fully heal, though some can take longer.
Aftercare Guide
How to Clean a Septum Piercing
A septum piercing doesn’t require strict aftercare. All you need to do is clean it with saline spray twice daily and avoid snagging it when blowing your nose or washing your face. If you have to flip up your septum piercing to hide it, wash your hands first.
Do not use any products containing alcohol, Bactine, hydrogen peroxide, or tea tree oil. These are harsh materials and will prolong the healing process.
What to Avoid
In addition to harsh materials, antibacterial ointments, and Advil paste, you should avoid introducing your healing piercing to public bodies of water. This means swimming pools, spas, jacuzzis, hot tubs, water parks, and public beaches.
Public bodies of water harbor bacteria that could get into your piercing and infect it.
FAQ
How Much is a Septum Piercing?
Different piercers charge different amounts for septum piercings. Generally, you will pay around $40 to $90 in needle fees. Then, you will be charged the price of the jewelry you decide on. Jewelry can range anywhere from $40 to over $500.
One thing to factor into budgeting is that any reputable piercer will not pierce you with jewelry you bring in from outside the shop. Exceptions to this are if they can verify a purchase with a reputable wholesaler or jewelry maker. When piercers cannot identify the material jewelry is made from, they cannot correctly guarantee the success of a piercing healing.
Why Does My Septum Piercing Smell?
What you’re smelling is commonly called “septum stench” or “septum stink.” If you have stretched ears, you may notice the smell.
Because your nose has mucus, both discharge and sebum collect in the piercing channel and cause the “cheesy” smell. If you’re self-conscious, clean the area with fragrance-free antimicrobial soap, and the stench will disappear. Plus, you smell it much more potent than anyone else.
What Are The Signs of an Infected Septum Piercing?
If your septum piercing is infected, you will notice it. You may feel feverish; the septum will be extremely painful and swollen. The skin may be dark red, red, or bright red. If there’s pus or unusual bleeding, see a piercer.
Can You Get Pierced if You Have a Deviated Septum?
Yes! A good piercer will know how to work with your anatomy and pierce your septum so it looks as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
When Can You Change Your Septum Piercing Jewelry?
Once your piercing has fully healed, you can change out the jewelry all you want. Wait around eight weeks to be sure your piercing has fully healed.
What Are The Benefits of a Septum Piercing?
While there aren’t any health bonuses of a septum piercing, there are many benefits, including:
- It can enhance confidence
- It is easy to hide
- t heals relatively easily
- There are plenty of jewelry options available
Disclaimer: If you have any questions about your Piercings, please visit a Professional Piercer or a Medical Professional.