Septum piercing: a guide to pain, cost, healing and aftercare
A septum piercing is really cool, and when you add a unique accessory, it gives your whole look and edge. You can choose to go big with a loop or add jewellery that can be easily hidden; either way, you are bound to look amazing. What makes this piercing popular is that it gives you a punk rock vibe that makes you stand out from the crowd. However, how much do you know about the pain, cost, aftercare, and signs that show you have an infection?
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While septum piercing is something that can be done in a matter of minutes, there are a few things that you need to consider before doing it. You have to consider your pain tolerance, account for the healing time and have knowledge of which aftercare regime to follow. What if you develop an allergic reaction to the ring should you remove it? Read on to get all the information you need.
Where on the nose are you supposed to pierce your septum?
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Septum piercing is done on the sweet spot which is a layer that separates the right and the left nostril. The sweet spot which is also known as the columella differs from one person to the other. However, most people love it because it has several options for jewellery which can be customised to a person’s liking. Did you know that some people lack columella which makes it challenging to do septum piercings?
READ ALSO: How to pierce your nose at home?
What are the different types of septum rings?
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The circular barbell or the bead rings, captive rings and septum pinchers are the most preferred jewellery for a small septum piercing. However, the designs can later be upgraded into fancier types like the clicker. A retainer is perfect for people who want to hide their nose ring for work or any other reason.
On the other hand, a clicker is versatile as you can get one that comprises of different designs and gemstones. It has a clasp snaps that ensure the ring remains secure.
Is septum piercing painful?
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Perhaps the most worrisome factor about a pierced septum that most people would want to know is the level of pain. One should not worry much in terms of the pain felt since it is little to none. This is because the sweet spot is less painful and heals faster as compared to the cartilage. However, not everyone has a sweet spot. Those with a deviated septum are not the ideal candidates for this type of accessory as it can look crooked and hurt more. When such individuals decide to go ahead with the process, they need to consider that their healing time and level of pain can differ.
READ ALSO: Conch Piercing: a guide to pain, healing, aftercare, inner vs outer piercing
How long does it take for a nose piercing to heal?
When you pierce your nostril, a puncture wound is made on the thick piece of cartilage. Therefore, the cartilage would take a longer time to heal than the piercings that are made on the flaps of skin such as the earlobes.
Different methods have different nose piercing healing periods, and this greatly varies from one person to another, but averagely a nose piercing would take from 4 to 6 months for it to heal completely. On the other hand, a nasal septum piercing would take from 6 to 8 weeks to heal. Rhino and bridge piercing takes from 6 to 9 months and from 8 to 12 weeks consecutively.
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Nasallang piercing is one of the hardest to perform because it targets three major points on the nose at the same time: the left nostril, septum, and right nostril. Its nose piercing healing time is around 4-6 months.
During the healing process, it is best not to interfere with the ring unless you are experiencing severe swelling or have an allergic reaction. In case of excessive itching, swelling or any sign of rashes, it is advisable to remove the jewellery and replace it either with a solid titanium nose ring especially uncoated one or stainless steel as they rarely cause any allergic reactions.
You should always consult a professional when changing the ring as you might interfere with the healing fistula. When you have no choice but to fix the jewellery yourself, ensure the new ring is of the same gauge as the one you started with to avoid causing further damage. Also, you should consider buying adjustable niobium seamless ring, nostril screws or nose bones which are some of the styles that you can easily put by yourself.
How much does a nose piercing cost?
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The most common form of piercing after navels and ears is the nose piercing whereby most people prefer to add an accessory on either side of the nostrils. Needles are mostly used rather than the piercing machines which are often used on the earlobes. Generally, nose piercing costs range from $30 to $80.
How much does a septum piercing cost?
The septum piercing price is slightly higher than that of a nose piercing. While the price is around $40 to $90 excluding the cost of the jewellery, it may go up depending on the aftercare products you will use.
How long do you have to clean a septum piercing?
It is essential to have a cleaning routine which you will follow daily during the healing period. Saline soak is used for the three months to clean the wound, and should be done two times a day preferably in the morning and in the evening or minimally once per day. It should not be done more than two times a day. The cleaning products which in most cases tends to be saline solution is a product of non-iodized sea salt and distilled water which makes it affordable as these two items can be found in most homes.
How do I know if my septum piercing is infected?
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Be prepared for some discomfort which will last a few weeks. White discharge is normal, but if the colour changes to yellow or green, then your nose might have an infection. If the swelling does not go down, the discharge changes colour, or if you feel extreme pain, then it is time to see the doctor.
If you happen to be in a place where you cannot immediately see the doctor, then the best option to treat an infected septum is to keep cleaning it with sea salt solution twice a day. Pay attention to the metal in your jewellery and see if it is causing an allergic reaction. When wearing clothes or applying makeup, protect the septum from any further injuries as it can increase the risk of infection.
Just like any other type of piercing, the septum is also vulnerable to infections. An infection can occur if bacteria are introduced through contact. Some of the common signs and symptoms of an infected septum include:
- Red and painful. It is common for your piercing to be red and painful during the first two weeks of the healing session; however, when it goes beyond that, the redness and tenderness become a sign of infection.
- Yellow discharge.
- Swelling that is not going down.
- Excess bleeding.
- Discharge that is green, dark yellow or has a bad odour. To reduce the chances of getting an infection, wash your hands before touching the area or when positioning the jewellery.
Septum piercing is popular all over the globe. It is versatile which means that both men and women look good with it. It is also a must-have accessory for any millennial who wants to make a fashion statement or effortlessly achieve a punk rock vibe. Whichever jewellery you put on your septum you are likely to stand out as it gives your whole look an edge. However, to keep your nose from getting an infection, ensure that you follow the aftercare instructions recommended by a professional.
READ ALSO: How to pierce your nose at home?
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