Have you ever heard of septum piercings? It’s a type of piercing that goes through the thin piece of skin in between your nostrils, known as the septum and not the ear lobe, and should not be. And if you ask me, it’s a way of self-expression!
It’s becoming more and more popular these days, with people all over the world getting this unique piercing for different reasons. Personally, I decided to get my septum pierced, though I considered a medusa piercing too because I wanted something different and edgy, something that would make me stand out from the crowd.
But did you know that septum piercing has a rich history and cultural significance in many parts of the world? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about what is a septum piercing, how it’s done, and how to take care of it afterward.
So if you’re curious about this intriguing form of body modification, keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Septum piercings are a type of body modification that involves piercing the thin piece of skin between the nostrils known as the septum. It is a form of self-expression and is gaining popularity worldwide.
- Septum piercings have a rich history and cultural significance. They were used by ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans as a way to intimidate enemies. In Indian culture, septum piercings are seen as a symbol of beauty and strength, and brides often wear elaborate septum rings.
- Proper preparation and procedure are crucial for a septum piercing. It is important to find a professional piercer who uses sterile equipment, choose high-quality jewelry made of materials like surgical steel or titanium, and cleanse the area before the piercing.
- There is a wide variety of jewelry options for bullring piercing, including septum rings, circular barbells, and nose rings. These come in different materials and designs to suit individual style preferences.
- Aftercare and maintenance are essential for the healing and well-being of a septum pierced. This includes cleaning the piercing twice a day with saline solution or warm water mixed with sea salt, avoiding touching the piercing unless necessary, and being mindful of signs of infection. It is also important to choose high-quality jewelry and remove it during certain activities.
The History and Cultural Significance of Septum Piercings
You might be surprised to learn about the rich cultural history behind this particular type of piercing. Septum piercings, also known as nose piercings, have been a part of many cultures for centuries.
In fact, it’s believed that they were first used in ancient times by Aztec and Mayan warriors as a way to intimidate their enemies. But, from the septum piercing history, this isn’t just limited to these ancient civilizations.
They have also been a significant part of Indian culture for thousands of years, where they are seen as a symbol of beauty and strength. In fact, it’s still common practice for brides in India to wear elaborate septum rings on their wedding day.
Septum Piercing Cost: What to Expect
When it comes to getting a septum piercing, the price usually ranges from about $30 to $200. Several factors influence the cost, with the piercer’s experience being a significant one. So, whether you’re going for an affordable option or a more premium experience, there’s a septum piercing price point that fits your budget.
Preparation and Procedure for Septum Piercings
Before getting a nasal septum piercing, just like with ear piercings and other body modifications, it’s essential to properly prepare and understand the procedure involved, including whether or not a nose piercing hurts. Here are some things to keep in mind for most piercings:
- Find a professional piercer: Look for someone who has experience with septum piercings and who uses sterile equipment.
- Choose the right jewelry: Your piercer will likely recommend a specific type of jewelry for your piercing site, such as a circular barbell or horseshoe ring. Make sure to select high-quality materials like surgical steel or titanium.
- Cleanse the area: Before the piercing, you should gently clean your nose thoroughly with antibacterial soap. And be prepared for pain tolerance!
During the procedure itself, your piercer will clean the area again and mark the sweet spot where they’ll be making the puncture. They’ll then use a sterilized needle to create a hole through the thin strip of skin between your nostrils. Afterward, they’ll insert your chosen piece of jewelry into the new hole.
Different Types of Jewelry for Septum Piercings
Discover the wide variety of jewelry options available to enhance and express your personal style with septum piercing types. From classic and simple to bold and unique, there is something for your new piercing!
Septum rings are a popular choice, coming in different materials such as gold, silver, and titanium, or even adorned with gemstones or pearls. Circular barbells also provide a stylish option, with options for colored beads or spikes. For those who want to accentuate their nostril piercing along with their nose piercing, nose rings can be paired together for an edgy look.
Septum Piercing Healing Process
The healing process of a septum pierced is a gradual journey that requires patience and proper care. After getting the piercing, some swelling, tenderness, and mild bruising around the area are common in the initial days.
During the first few weeks, it’s crucial to follow a strict aftercare routine, which includes cleaning the piercing twice a day with a saline solution or mild, non-alcoholic mouthwash.
Avoid touching or twisting the jewelry to prevent infection. Healing times may vary, but typically, it takes 6 to 8 weeks for the piercing to heal completely. However, the full healing process can extend up to several months.
Throughout this period, ensure to avoid irritants like makeup, perfumes, and harsh chemicals near the piercing site. With proper care and attention, your septum piercing will eventually settle, leaving you with stylish and well-healed adornment.
Aftercare and Maintenance for Septum Piercing
Get the inside scoop on how to keep your new septum jewelry in top shape with our aftercare and maintenance tips. Taking care of your nose piercing is crucial for its healing procedure and avoiding infections and scar tissue. Here are some essential steps to follow on how to take care of a septum piercing:
- Clean your piercing twice a day: Use saline solution or warm water mixed with sea salt to clean the area around the piercing. Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can cause dryness and irritation.
- Be gentle when cleaning: Use a cotton swab or Q-tip to clean around the piercing gently. Do not twist or move the jewelry, as it can cause trauma to your skin.
- Avoid touching the pierced site: Keep your hands away from the area unless you need to clean it. Touching it can transfer bacteria from your hands onto the wound.
- Watch out for signs of infection: If you notice redness, swelling, discharge, or sharp pain at the pierced site, contact your piercer immediately. In addition to proper aftercare, maintenance is also important for keeping your septum rings looking great. Here are some tips for maintaining them:
- Choose high-quality jewelry: Invest in quality pieces made of materials such as titanium or gold. This will reduce the risk of allergic reactions and minimize wear and tear over time.
- Remove jewelry during activities: Remove your piercing when engaging in activities that could damage it – like sports, swimming, or sleeping.
- Be mindful when changing jewelry: Wait until your piercing has fully healed before switching out your jewelry. And if you do decide to change it up earlier than that point – make sure you sterilize everything first!
Septum Piercing Effects
Septum piercing hurt and may lead to infection and irritation during the healing process. Watch out for signs like pus, swelling, or increased pain, which could indicate infection. Avoid getting pierced during times of seasonal allergies or colds.
Some people may experience a strange smell while wearing a septum ring, which could be a sign of infection or metal irritation. Additionally, granulation tissue, mistaken for scar tissue, can form at the piercing site. Proper care is essential to minimize septum piercing infection and promote a smooth healing process.
Why Do Septum Piercings Smell?
The main culprit behind a smelly septum piercing is often poor aftercare. To keep your piercing fresh and odor-free, make sure to clean it twice a day with a gentle saline solution or warm water and soap.
Avoid using harsh chemicals like alcohol or peroxide, as they can irritate the skin around the piercing and lead to unpleasant smells. With proper care, you can maintain a clean and odorless nose piercing.
FAQs: What’s Septum Piercing
How long does the healing period for a septum piercing typically take?
When it comes to septum piercing healing times, patience is key. From my own personal experience, the healing process can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks on average if pierced correctly. However, everyone’s body is different, and some may heal faster or slower than others.
Can a septum piercing affect your sense of smell?
I recently got a septum piercing and was curious if it would affect my sense of smell. After doing some research, I found that there is a possibility for temporary changes in your sense of smell due to the healing process.
However, once the piercing is fully healed, there should be no long-term effects on your sense of smell.
Is it possible to hide a septum piercing for work or other professional settings?
When it comes to professional settings, hiding a septum piercing can be tricky but it’s definitely doable. As someone who’s had a septum piercing for years, I’ve found that the easiest way to hide it is by flipping the jewelry up into your nose. This can take some practice, but with time you’ll get the hang of it.
Another option is to wear a retainer or clear jewelry that blends in with your skin tone, especially if you want to maintain a professional appearance.
How can you tell if your septum piercing is infected and what should you do if it is?
If you’re experiencing pain, redness, swelling, or discharge around your septum piercing, it’s possible that you have an infection. As someone who values my independence and self-expression through piercings and other body modifications, I understand the frustration of having to deal with unexpected complications.
Conclusion
Getting a septum piercing can be a unique and meaningful way to express oneself. Learning about the history and cultural significance of this style of facial piercing can add even more depth to the experience.
When preparing for the procedure, it’s important to do research on reputable piercers and take steps to ensure proper healing. There are also many options for jewelry, from simple captive bead rings to elaborate clickers with gemstones or intricate designs.
Once the piercing is done, proper aftercare is crucial for avoiding infection and promoting healing. As with cleaning the ear piercings, tips include cleaning the piercing with saline twice a day and avoiding touching or twisting the jewelry.
With proper care and maintenance, a septum piercing can continue to be a beautiful and meaningful addition to one’s personal style.