Everything you need to know about septum piercing

Septum piercings are very popular in the fashion world, both in Newmarket and around the world. Stars of all stripes have come to the piercing salon to rock the red carpet with their own metal.

If you're serious about getting a septum piercing, read on below to learn more about all the basics you need to understand before you come.

And if we missed any question you might have, or if you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our local team of highly trained Newmarket piercers at Pierced.co. We would like to know how we can help.

What is a septum piercing?

A septum piercing, in its most medically sound definition, is “a piercing that goes through the nasal septum that separates the left and right nostrils. While some people refer to this as a "nose piercing" or "bull ring piercing", both are technically incorrect.

"Nose piercing" can refer to several types of piercings, including nostril piercings and septum piercings, and the term "bovine ring piercing" is both inaccurate and slightly offensive.

Does it hurt to get a septum piercing?

In a word, yes, but very little. Most people report a level of pain with a septum piercing that ranges from 1 to 2 on a 10-point scale. However, it is important to note that everyone experiences pain differently and each person has a unique level of pain tolerance.

For most people, a septal piercing is done through the soft tissue just in front of the septal cartilage. Piercing this soft tissue is like piercing an earlobe - pinch a little for a second and the pain will go away.

Real pain, which is still mild to moderate, usually starts to show after a few hours as your body tries to start the healing process around your new jewelry. Fortunately, Tylenol or Advil is usually sufficient to reduce pain to a reasonable level or eliminate it completely.

How do I know if a septum piercing is right for me?

While the decision to add a septum piercing to your look is mostly down to fashion and personal preference, those with a deviated septum should exercise caution. A deviated septum piercing can not only make your jewelry look crooked and less attractive, it can also increase the pain factor beyond what you would normally expect from a septum piercing.

A septum piercing professional will be able to tell if you are a good candidate or not and can help you explore your options. Whatever you do, listen to their advice: no one needs a swollen, deformed, crooked piercing that ruins their appearance.

If you have concerns, contact the local Newmarket team at Pierced.co for honest, compassionate and expert advice on all piercing related issues.

Types of body jewelry for septum piercing

Once the original piercing has healed, you can replace these original pieces with a variety of your choice, from sleek and stylish to intricate and detailed, the options are endless.

When can I change my septum piercing jewelry?

Hold your horses on this - be sure to choose a piece of jewelry you can live with - and hopefully love - within 6-8 weeks of your initial piercing. At this stage of healing, you should touch it as little as possible and definitely should not change your jewelry.

Some people may need a longer healing time, such as 3-5 months, but this is entirely dependent on your body's natural healing rate.

How do I care for a septum piercing?

Rule number one: don't touch! No matter how clean you think your hands are, it's always better and frankly faster and more thorough to clean your piercing with a cotton swab. This is especially important when you have a fresh piercing, but the same goes for the entire life of a piercing - just don't touch it!

Secondly, take sea salt baths twice a day. Soak a cotton swab in a concentrated solution of sea salt, not table salt, and water, and place it over the piercing for five minutes. This is the golden rule of caring for a new piercing to prevent infection.

Finally, move your jewelry as little as possible during the healing period to avoid further irritation, and check with your piercer or doctor if you notice signs of infection, such as green or yellow discharge or a foul odor.

Can a septum piercing cause a sinus infection?

In a word, yes, but it's not the sinus infection you might think. While minor infections at the piercing are unpleasant but rare, the type of sinus infection that should make you run to the doctor is a septal hematoma.

They are extremely rare and affect only a small portion of the population. In rare cases, when you experience severe swelling, nasal congestion, even if you do not have a cold or allergies, or notice unpleasant pressure in the septum, you should seek help immediately.

Ready to get your septum pierced?

Whether you're doing it to follow in the footsteps of your favorite celebrity or to express your personal style, Pierced.co's experienced team is here to help.

With proper care, good piercings, and the right jewelry, it can become a fashionable piece of jewelry that will delight you for years to come. And when you're ready to take the next step, call or stop by our local Newmarket office today to get started.