The Ultimate Guide to Septum Piercings: Meaning, Procedure, Aftercare, and More

Septum piercings, those bold and beautiful adornments that grace the center of the nose, have soared in popularity in recent years. More than just a fashion statement, they carry a rich history and cultural significance, and offer a unique way to express individuality. This comprehensive guide will delve into the fascinating world of septum piercings, exploring their meaning, the procedure involved, essential aftercare, and everything else you need to know before taking the plunge.

Understanding the Meaning and History of Septum Piercings

Before we dive into the practicalities, let’s explore the deeper meaning behind septum piercings. This piercing has roots that stretch back centuries and across numerous cultures.

• Tribal Traditions: Septum piercings have been a significant part of various tribal cultures worldwide. In many of these societies, the piercing isn’t merely decorative; it often signifies social status, religious beliefs, or rites of passage. Tribes in New Guinea, India, and the Americas have practiced septum piercing for generations, using materials like bone, wood, or even feathers as adornments.
• Symbolism: The septum, being a central feature of the face, is seen as a powerful focal point. In some cultures, a septum piercing is believed to enhance spirituality and connect the wearer with their inner self. In others, it symbolizes strength, courage, or even a warrior spirit.
• Modern Interpretation: In contemporary society, the meaning of a septum piercing is often more personal. For some, it’s a bold statement of rebellion or individuality. Others appreciate its aesthetic appeal and the ability to express their style. It can also be a form of body empowerment, allowing individuals to take control of their appearance.

The beauty of a septum piercing lies in its versatility. It can be discreet with a subtle horseshoe or clicker, or bold and attention-grabbing with a large gauge or elaborate jewelry. The meaning you assign to your piercing is ultimately yours to define.

Are You Ready for a Septum Piercing? Considerations Before You Pierce

Before you rush into a piercing studio, consider these essential factors:

• Pain Tolerance: Septum piercings are often described as a moderate level of pain. While everyone’s experience differs, expect a sharp pinch or pressure sensation during the actual piercing. The discomfort typically subsides quickly.
• Professional Piercer: Choosing a reputable and experienced piercer is crucial. Look for someone who uses sterile equipment, has a license (if applicable), and is knowledgeable about the proper technique. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and examine their portfolio.
• Jewelry Material: The initial piercing jewelry should be made of hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, titanium, or niobium. This minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or infections.
• Commitment to Aftercare: Proper aftercare is paramount to healing. If you’re not prepared to commit to a consistent cleaning routine, you may want to reconsider getting a piercing.
• Lifestyle Considerations: Evaluate your lifestyle and profession. Some workplaces may have restrictions on visible piercings. Also, consider activities that may interfere with healing, such as swimming or contact sports.

The Septum Piercing Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing what to expect during the piercing process can ease any anxiety. Here’s a breakdown of the typical procedure:

1. Consultation: You’ll begin with a consultation with your piercer. They will assess your nose anatomy and discuss jewelry options. They will also answer any questions you have about the process and aftercare.
2. Sanitization: Your piercer will thoroughly sanitize their hands and the piercing area using antiseptic solution. All equipment will be either sterilized or single-use.
3. Marking the Placement: The piercer will mark the precise location for the piercing with a sterile marker. This usually targets the “sweet spot,” a small area of cartilage-free tissue between the nasal septum and the cartilage. Proper placement is crucial for comfort and healing.
4. Clamping: A sterile clamp is used to hold the tissue in place. This may feel a bit tight but helps ensure a clean and accurate piercing.
5. Piercing: Using a sterile, single-use needle, the piercer will swiftly pierce through the marked area. You will feel a pinch or pressure sensation, as mentioned previously.
6. Jewelry Insertion: Immediately after piercing, the chosen initial jewelry will be inserted. This is often a circular barbell, horseshoe, or retainer.
7. Final Cleaning and Instructions: Your piercer will clean the piercing once more and provide detailed aftercare instructions.

The entire process typically takes only a few minutes, but it is essential to pay close attention to the instructions provided by your piercer.

Essential Septum Piercing Aftercare: The Key to Successful Healing

Proper aftercare is the most crucial aspect of the septum piercing journey. Neglecting this can lead to infections, complications, and prolonged healing times. Here’s a detailed guide:

What You’ll Need

• Saline Solution: Purchase a sterile saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride) specifically designed for wound care. Do not use homemade saline solutions, as they may contain harmful bacteria.
• Cotton Swabs or Gauze: Use clean cotton swabs or gauze pads to clean around the piercing.
• Clean Hands: Ensure your hands are thoroughly washed with soap and water before touching your piercing.

The Aftercare Routine

1. Clean Twice Daily: Clean the piercing twice a day – once in the morning and once at night. Avoid over-cleaning, as this can irritate the piercing.
2. Soak with Saline Solution: Gently soak a cotton swab or gauze pad with saline solution and carefully clean around the piercing entry and exit points. Remove any crust or discharge gently.
3. Avoid Touching: Do your best to avoid touching, twisting, or moving the jewelry unless it’s for cleaning purposes. The more you handle the piercing, the greater the chance of irritation or infection.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep perfumes, makeup, lotions, and other chemicals away from the piercing. These can irritate the delicate tissue and slow down the healing process.
5. Don’t Remove the Jewelry: Do not remove the initial jewelry during the healing period unless absolutely necessary (for example, during a medical procedure). Removing it prematurely can cause the hole to close.
6. Be Mindful: Be cautious when putting on clothing, especially during the first few weeks. Avoid snagging the jewelry on shirts or towels.
7. Avoid Swimming: Refrain from swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water until the piercing is fully healed, as these places can harbor bacteria that could lead to infection.
8. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated will support your body’s natural healing process.

Expected Healing Time

The average healing time for a septum piercing is between 6 to 8 weeks, though this can vary depending on individual factors and aftercare adherence. It is important to remember that this is just an average. Complete healing can sometimes take several months. During the initial healing phase, you may experience:

• Tenderness: Tenderness, swelling, and redness around the piercing are normal for the first few days or weeks.
• Discharge: It is common to experience a clear or yellowish discharge, which is part of the healing process. Don’t be alarmed, as long as the discharge isn’t green, foul-smelling, or accompanied by other signs of infection.
• Itchiness: As the piercing heals, you may experience some itching. Resist the urge to scratch the area.

Signs of Infection and When to Seek Help

While a little discomfort and redness are normal, it’s important to recognize the signs of infection:

• Increased Pain and Swelling: If the pain and swelling worsen significantly after the first few days, it may indicate an infection.
• Redness Spreading: If the redness around the piercing spreads beyond the immediate area, it’s a cause for concern.
• Green or Yellow Pus: A thick green or yellowish discharge (pus) is a clear sign of infection.
• Foul Odor: If the piercing emits a foul odor, it should be treated promptly.
• Fever: In some cases, an infection can cause a fever.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek professional help immediately. Do not attempt to treat a piercing infection on your own. A medical professional or your piercer can provide proper guidance and treatment. Leaving an infection untreated can lead to severe complications.

Choosing Your Septum Piercing Jewelry

Once your piercing is fully healed, you can start exploring the vast world of septum jewelry! The options are endless, allowing you to express your personality and style.

Types of Jewelry

• Circular Barbells: Also known as horseshoes, these are one of the most popular choices for septum piercings. They offer a classic and versatile look.
• Clickers: Clickers feature a hinged segment that clicks open and closed for easy insertion. They come in various designs, including plain, jeweled, and engraved options.
• Retainers: Retainers are U-shaped or curved pieces of jewelry designed to be less visible. They are ideal for discreet occasions or situations when you need to hide your piercing.
• Captive Bead Rings: These are classic rings with a removable bead that holds the ring in place.
• Tusks: Tusks are typically straight or slightly curved pieces of jewelry that extend down from the septum.

Materials

• Surgical Steel: Surgical steel is a common and affordable choice. It’s a durable and hypoallergenic material.
• Titanium: Titanium is a lightweight, durable, and hypoallergenic option, making it excellent for sensitive skin. It’s a popular choice for those with metal allergies.
• Niobium: Niobium is another hypoallergenic and biocompatible metal. It’s similar to titanium but can be anodized in various colors.
• Gold: While beautiful, gold should be chosen carefully for piercings. Select 14-karat or higher gold to avoid allergic reactions.
• Glass: Glass is a biocompatible option but must be chosen carefully due to its fragile nature.

Gauge Size

The gauge size refers to the thickness of the jewelry. Most initial septum piercings use a 16-gauge (1.2 mm) or 14-gauge (1.6 mm) needle. You can gradually stretch your piercing to larger gauges if desired, but do so safely and with the guidance of a professional piercer.

Septum Piercing: A Journey of Self-Expression

A septum piercing is more than just a hole in your nose; it’s a statement, a form of self-expression, and a connection to cultures and traditions that have valued body modification for centuries. By understanding the history, procedure, aftercare, and jewelry options, you can embark on this journey with confidence and embrace a unique form of personal adornment. Remember to always choose a reputable piercer, prioritize aftercare, and respect your body’s healing process. With proper care and attention, your septum piercing can be a source of joy and self-expression for years to come.

Before getting any piercing always do thorough research about a piercer in your area and what their qualifications are. Do not just pick any studio because it is close to you.