DIY Septum Piercing: A Comprehensive (and Cautionary) Guide
Disclaimer: Piercing yourself, particularly in sensitive areas like the septum, carries significant risks including infection, nerve damage, improper healing, and permanent scarring. This guide is for informational purposes only. It is *strongly* recommended that you seek a professional piercer for a safe and sterile piercing experience. If you choose to proceed with a DIY piercing, understand and accept the potential risks involved. We are not responsible for any complications that may arise.
That being said, if you are seriously considering piercing your septum yourself, it is critical to understand the procedure, necessary tools, and aftercare thoroughly. This guide provides detailed steps and information, but it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Consider this guide a reference for education and harm reduction, not encouragement.
Why Professional Piercing is Recommended
Before delving into the steps of DIY septum piercing, let’s reiterate the importance of professional piercing:
* Sterility: Professional piercers use autoclaves to sterilize their tools, eliminating the risk of infection from contaminated equipment. Home sterilization methods are often insufficient.
* Expertise: Piercers have extensive knowledge of anatomy and piercing techniques, ensuring accurate placement and minimizing the risk of nerve damage or other complications.
* Proper Equipment: Professional piercers use specialized tools and high-quality jewelry specifically designed for piercings.
* Aftercare Guidance: A piercer will provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your specific piercing and skin type.
* Troubleshooting: If you experience any problems during the healing process, a professional piercer can offer guidance and solutions.
If You Still Choose to DIY: Tools and Preparation
If you’ve carefully considered the risks and are still determined to pierce your septum yourself, meticulous preparation is paramount. Here’s what you’ll need:
* Sterile Piercing Needles: The correct gauge is crucial. 16G or 14G are common for septum piercings. *Never* use a sewing needle, safety pin, or any other item not specifically designed for piercing. These are not sharp enough and can cause significant trauma and infection.
* Septum Receiving Tube: This hollow tube will support the tissue as the needle passes through and prevent injury to surrounding areas. Make sure it’s appropriately sized and sterile.
* Jewelry: Choose high-quality jewelry made from implant-grade titanium, surgical steel, or niobium. These materials are hypoallergenic and less likely to cause allergic reactions. A circular barbell, captive bead ring, or septum retainer are common choices. Ensure it is appropriately sized (16G or 14G typically). *Do not use nickel-containing jewelry.*
* Sterile Gloves: Use sterile, disposable gloves to prevent contamination.
* Skin Preparation Solution: Chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibiclens) or povidone-iodine (Betadine) are commonly used to disinfect the piercing area. Follow the instructions on the product label. Avoid alcohol-based solutions, as they can dry out the skin.
* Sterile Marking Pen: Use a sterile marking pen to mark the piercing location.
* Forceps or Clamps: Septum forceps or clamps help to hold the tissue in place during the piercing process. These should also be sterile.
* Cork or Similar Backing Material (Sterile): Some people use a small, sterile piece of cork or other material behind the septum to prevent the needle from going too far or hitting the nasal cavity.
* Sterile Gauze Pads: Use sterile gauze pads to clean the area and absorb any blood.
* Saline Solution: Use a sterile saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride) for aftercare cleaning. You can purchase pre-made saline solution or make your own by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 1 cup (8 ounces) of distilled or boiled water. Ensure the salt is completely dissolved and the solution is at room temperature.
* Mirror: You’ll need a mirror to visualize the piercing area.
* Good Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for accurate placement.
* Clean Environment: Choose a clean, well-lit area to perform the piercing. Disinfect the surface with a disinfectant wipe.
Sterilization is Key
Before you even think about touching your nose, ensure that *everything* is sterile. An autoclave is the only reliable method for sterilizing metal tools. If you don’t have access to an autoclave (most people don’t), consider these options, but remember they are *not* as effective as autoclaving:
* Boiling: Submerge metal tools in boiling water for at least 20 minutes. This will kill most bacteria, but it won’t eliminate all spores.
* Chemical Sterilization: Soak metal tools in a chemical sterilizing solution (e.g., Cidex) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is a more effective option than boiling, but it requires careful handling and disposal of the chemicals. Ensure the solution is appropriate for metal.
Regardless of the method, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water before handling any sterile equipment. Use sterile gloves throughout the entire process.
Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Septum Piercing (Proceed with Extreme Caution)
Important Note: These steps are for informational purposes only. We strongly recommend against attempting to pierce your septum yourself.
1. Prepare Your Workspace: Clean and disinfect the area where you’ll be performing the piercing. Lay out all your sterile tools and supplies.
2. Wash Your Hands and Put on Gloves: Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Put on sterile gloves.
3. Prepare the Piercing Area: Clean the septum area thoroughly with the skin preparation solution (chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone-iodine). Follow the instructions on the product label. Use sterile gauze pads to apply the solution. Repeat this process several times.
4. Locate the Sweet Spot: The septum piercing should go through the “sweet spot,” which is the thin, soft tissue between the cartilage and the bottom of the nose. This area is usually located about 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6-10 mm) above the bottom of the nose. Palpate (feel) the septum to locate this thin area. It should feel significantly less dense than the surrounding cartilage. *Accurate placement is essential to avoid pain and complications.*
5. Mark the Piercing Location: Use a sterile marking pen to mark the exact location where you want the piercing to go. Make sure the mark is centered and symmetrical. Double-check the placement in the mirror to ensure it looks correct. Consider using gentian violet ink which will also sterilize the immediate surface. Be absolutely certain of the placement before proceeding.
6. Clamp the Septum (Optional but Recommended): Use sterile septum forceps or clamps to hold the tissue in place. Position the clamps so that the marked piercing location is centered within the jaws of the clamps. This will help to stabilize the tissue and prevent it from moving during the piercing process. Ensure the clamps are properly positioned to avoid pinching or damaging the surrounding tissue.
7. Insert the Receiving Tube: Position the sterile receiving tube behind the area you’ve marked for piercing. This will prevent the needle from accidentally piercing the other side of your nose and provide a stable surface for the needle to pass through.
8. Pierce the Septum: Take a deep breath and slowly insert the sterile piercing needle through the marked location, pushing it through the tissue and into the receiving tube. Maintain a steady and controlled motion. *Do not force the needle if you encounter resistance.* If you feel significant resistance or pain, stop immediately and reassess the situation. The needle should pass through the tissue relatively easily if you’ve located the sweet spot.
9. Remove the Needle and Insert the Jewelry: Once the needle is completely through the septum, carefully remove the receiving tube. Then, attach the jewelry to the back of the needle (some needles are designed for this purpose). Slowly pull the needle out of the septum, guiding the jewelry into place. Alternatively, remove the needle completely and quickly insert the jewelry into the piercing channel. This requires practice and coordination.
10. Secure the Jewelry: Once the jewelry is in place, secure it according to the type of jewelry you’ve chosen (e.g., tighten the ball on a circular barbell, close the ring on a captive bead ring). Make sure the jewelry is securely fastened to prevent it from falling out. Double-check that the jewelry is properly aligned and comfortable.
11. Clean the Piercing: Clean the piercing area with sterile saline solution. Use sterile gauze pads to gently remove any blood or debris. Pat the area dry with a clean, sterile gauze pad. Avoid using harsh soaps or chemicals.
12. Dispose of the Needle Properly: Dispose of the used piercing needle in a sharps container. This is essential to prevent accidental needle sticks and the spread of bloodborne pathogens. Do not throw the needle in the trash.
Aftercare Instructions
Proper aftercare is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing. Follow these instructions carefully:
* Clean the Piercing Regularly: Clean the piercing two to three times a day with sterile saline solution. Soak a cotton ball or gauze pad in the saline solution and gently clean the piercing area, removing any crust or debris. Avoid using harsh soaps, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the piercing.
* Avoid Touching the Piercing: Avoid touching the piercing with your hands, except when cleaning it. Your hands can carry bacteria that can lead to infection.
* Avoid Irritants: Avoid using cosmetics, lotions, or hair products near the piercing. These products can clog the piercing and cause irritation.
* Avoid Swimming: Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, or oceans until the piercing is fully healed. These bodies of water can contain bacteria that can lead to infection.
* Be Careful When Changing Clothes: Be careful when changing clothes to avoid snagging the jewelry. Snagging can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
* Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and adequate sleep, can help to promote healing.
* Monitor for Signs of Infection: Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor or professional piercer immediately.
Healing Time
A septum piercing typically takes 6-8 months to fully heal. During this time, it’s essential to follow the aftercare instructions carefully and avoid any activities that could irritate the piercing.
Troubleshooting
* Infection: If you suspect an infection, consult a doctor or professional piercer immediately. They may recommend antibiotics or other treatments.
* Migration: Migration occurs when the piercing moves from its original location. This can be caused by improper placement, trauma, or the use of low-quality jewelry. If you notice your piercing migrating, consult a professional piercer. It may need to be removed and re-pierced.
* Keloids: Keloids are raised, scar-like growths that can form around piercings. They are more common in people with darker skin tones. If you develop a keloid, consult a dermatologist or professional piercer.
* Rejection: Rejection occurs when the body pushes the jewelry out of the piercing. This can be caused by an allergic reaction to the jewelry, improper placement, or trauma. If you notice your piercing being rejected, consult a professional piercer. It will need to be removed.
When to Seek Professional Help
It’s crucial to seek professional help if you experience any of the following:
* Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pain, pus, fever)
* Excessive bleeding
* Severe pain
* Migration or rejection of the piercing
* Development of a keloid
* Difficulty breathing
Conclusion
While this guide provides detailed information on how to pierce your septum, it is essential to remember that DIY piercing carries significant risks. We strongly recommend seeking a professional piercer for a safe and sterile piercing experience. If you choose to proceed with a DIY piercing, understand and accept the potential risks involved, and follow all safety precautions and aftercare instructions carefully.
Consider the serious dangers before proceeding. Your health and well-being are the most important things. Professional piercing offers safety, precision, and peace of mind.