Septum piercings are now trendy. They are well-known facial piercings. It’s a minimalist ring with a bold design. It appeals to people with diverse tastes, as they can style it in many ways. But, before you get a septum piercing, you must know about the process, pain, healing, and aftercare. This guide will help you prepare for a septum nose piercing. It covers everything to do before, during, and after the procedure. It will ensure a safe and satisfying experience.
What is a Septum Piercing?
A septum piercing is a hole in the thin tissue at the base of the nasal septum, which divides the nostrils. Septum piercings do not pierce the cartilage, unlike most other nose piercings. So, they are less painful and heal better than traditional nostril piercings. A septum can be an adornment. With the right jewelry, it can be either understated or bold. It complements almost any style.
Preparation to Get a Septum Piercing
1. Understand the Pain Level
People experience varying levels of pain, but experts grade septum piercing as moderate. Most people say it is a quick, sharp pinch that lasts a few seconds. The pain is milder than many other facial piercings because the piercing goes through a very thin layer of skin, not the cartilage.
2. Avoid Certain Medications
Before your piercing, avoid caffeine, and blood thinners like aspirin. They can cause bleeding and swelling.
3. Know Your Jewelry Options
The septum piercing accepts several jewelry types. Some are favorites for new piercings. Circular barbells and captive bead rings are favorites. But, once your piercing heals, you can use segment rings, seamless rings, and decorated clickers.
4. Be Realistic About Healing
A septum piercing takes about 6 to 8 weeks to heal. It can take much longer due to various factors. You must follow aftercare routines. They prevent infections and ensure smooth healing.
What to Expect While Getting a Septum Piercing
1. Marking and Numbing (if required)
The piercer marks the site first to ensure alignment. Most professional piercers don’t apply numbing agents, and the procedure is very quick. Some studios can offer numbing sprays if you are pain-sensitive.
2. The Piercing Itself
The actual piercing takes a few seconds. They will use a hollow needle with care to pierce the soft area in your septum, the “sweet spot,” to avoid hitting cartilage. You may feel some pressure, but that is short-lived.
3. Putting in the jewelry
Once he makes the hole, he will insert the jewel of your choice. For first piercings, circular barbells are best. They won’t get in the way and are easy to clean.
4. Post-Piercing Care
A piercer should give you aftercare guidelines and instructions. You must follow them for weeks after the process. Expect slight swelling, minor bleeding, and tenderness in the pierced area for a few days. Doctors consider such symptoms normal and likely to fade away after a week.
Septum Piercing Aftercare Tips
Aftercare is vital. It prevents infection and ensures healing. Here is how you productively do the aftercare:
1. Clean the Piercing Twice a Day
Clean the piercing area with saline solution or any gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Apply it with a cotton swab and gently dab the pierced area. Don’t over-clean; your skin gets irritated easily.
2. Avoid Touching or Twisting the Jewelry
Your hands harbor bacteria, so to prevent irritation, avoid touching or twisting the jewelry. If you have no choice but to twist it, ensure your hands are washed and rinsed.
3. Don’t Remove or Replace the Jewelry Too Early
Removing or replacing jewelry too early can affect the healing process. Wait 6-8 weeks before changing jewelry or as your piercer recommends.
4. Watch for Symptoms of Infection
Common symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and abnormal discharge. If you experience these symptoms, and they don’t fade and even worsen, consult a professional piercer or healthcare provider.
What to Expect After It’s Healed
After your septum piercing has healed, you can change it by trying lots of jewelry. Septum rings come in a wide range. They range from tiny, teeny rings to large, elaborate pieces. However, you will want to continue cleaning your jewelry periodically, even if it is for a nose piercing.
Final Words
A septum piercing is a trendy, versatile option that suits many aesthetic preferences. Of course, knowing the process and following aftercare will reduce risks and ensure smooth healing. Every step counts with the right piercer to get your ideal jewelry for a piercing experience you’ll want to be proud to show off.