What is a Septum Piercing
What is a Septum Piercing?
A septum piercing is a piercing placed through the thin layer of skin (the soft tissue) between the nostrils, just below the nasal septum (the cartilage of the nose). It's a popular choice for those looking for a bold and striking piercing. While often seen as a more alternative style, the septum piercing has been gaining popularity in the mainstream fashion world in recent years.
Features of a Septum Piercing
The septum piercing has some distinguishing features:
1. Placement
The piercing doesn't go through the nasal cartilage, but through the soft tissue just beneath it. This makes the piercing less painful than is often thought.
2. Different Types of Jewelry
Different types of jewelry are used for septum piercings, such as:
- Hoops or Rings: These are circular jewelry that are worn through the piercing.
- Horseshoe barbell : A semicircular bar with a ball at each end.
- Septum clickers : These are jewelry with a handy closure that can be easily put in and taken out.
3. Concealment
A unique advantage of the septum piercing is its ease of concealment. Wearing a retainer (a discreet piece of jewelry) makes it easy to hide.
Septum Piercing
A septum piercing is performed with a sterile needle. The piercer locates the thin layer of skin between the nostrils, also known as the "sweet spot." This area is located just beneath the nasal septum, making the piercing less painful than piercing through the cartilage.
The procedure itself only takes a few minutes, but it's important to choose an experienced piercer who knows exactly how to place the piercing correctly.
Healing and Care of a Septum Piercing
A septum piercing generally has a healing time of 6 to 8 weeks, but it can take longer for the piercing to fully heal. Here are some tips for proper aftercare:
1. Cleaning
It's important to clean the piercing twice a day with a saline solution to prevent infection. Use a sterile saline solution or make a solution of sea salt and warm water.
2. Avoid Touching
Touch the piercing as little as possible with your hands to reduce the risk of infection. If you must touch the piercing, make sure your hands are thoroughly washed.
3. Avoid Movement
Try not to rotate or move the piercing during the healing period unless necessary for cleaning. This can disrupt the healing process and cause irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Septum Piercings
Does a septum piercing hurt?
The pain experienced varies from person to person, but because the piercing goes through soft tissue and not cartilage, the pain is generally less than with other nose piercings.
Can I hide my septum piercing?
Yes, you can easily hide your septum piercing by wearing a retainer . This is a discreet piece of jewelry that can be rotated into the nose, making it barely visible.
How long does it take for a septum piercing to heal?
The healing time for a septum piercing is usually 6 to 8 weeks, but it can take longer depending on how well the aftercare is performed.
Conclusion
A septum piercing is a unique and stylish piercing that can be worn both prominently and discreetly, depending on the jewelry you choose. With proper aftercare and cleaning, the piercing can heal quickly and become a beautiful addition to your personal style.