If you ’re into body prowess , you might have considered piercing your septum — that delicate piece of cartilage in the center of yournosethat divides your nostrils . But the first , and most significant , affair you need to get it on , is that it should be done by an experienced piercer who understands anatomy , according toDr . Monica Kieu , a twofold - display panel certified otolaryngologist ( ENT surgeon ) and facial charge card surgeon who use in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach , California . " Everything should be cautiously sterilized , " she says , via email , " and safety care should be in space to prevent COVID or other infection . "
Septum pierce has been a worldwide symbolisation of beauty and a ritual of passage in many cultures — include those of the primaeval people of Australia , the ancientMayansand Native Americans — and still is popular today , as evidenced by celebrities from Lady Gaga to Rihanna , says Kieu . But as democratic as it is , septum piercing does n’t come without some constitutional risks . Here are five question to investigate and keep top of psyche if you are thinking about undergoing this facial pierce routine .
1. So, What Exactly Is the Septum?
The septum is the part of your olfactory organ that makes up the dividing wall between the two nostril , or nares , according toDr . Vivian Ting , chair of John Muir Medical Center ’s division of plastic surgery in Walnut Creek , California . There are three components of the septum , say Ting , in an electronic mail interview . They admit the membranous septum , or the fleshy part just inside the anterior naris opening ( which is where septal piercings are perform ) ; the rubbery septum , which forms the firm yet pliable part of the septum ; and the bony septum , consisting of the ethmoid and vomer pearl , which is the rigid share of the septum bond to the facial skeleton . " The septum is line by a thin layer of tissue paper on either side prognosticate the mucous membrane , " she adds , " which helps to warm up the air and raise mucus that lubricates the nostril and is important in trapping strange stuff , bacterium and virus . "
2. What Does the Process Involve?
While there can be some variation in method acting , septum piercings are done in much the same manner ear piercings are done . The practician will clean the intended country before using a small clinch to bear the septum . The piercer will then pass a vacuous phonograph needle seize to a tube , know as a cannula , through the septum , before inserting the jewelry of pick through the new yap . After the jewelry is secure , the piercing is complete .
you may get your nozzle pierce on the naris , which are the heavy , cartilaginous skin around the nostrils , but a septum piercing is slightly different due to the billet of the piercing between the nostrils . Although it ’s called a " septum " piercing , the needle does n’t go through the septal cartilage . " Instead , " says Kieu , " it pierces the balmy part of peel just in front and below it . " She recommends avoiding nickel - base jewellery , which can cause allergic reactions in many people . " Surgical stainless - sword is the safest , since it is hypoallergenic , " she aver .
3. Does Septum Piercing Hurt?
The annoyance feels like a sharp asshole that hold out aside quickly , according to Kieu . " You may feel some soreness in the area for up to six to eight week , " she says . " As with the eternal rest of your body , it can take up to a yr for injury to fully heal and for scar tissue paper to form . "
It ’s normal to experience some swelling and soreness after the piercing . " Your piercer will give you after - tutelage instructions , " say Kieu . " hold on it clean with saline solution and ointment will help it heal , and most significantly , resist the urge to clean or play with it ! "
Ting cautions that if you develop any continued bleeding , fever , chills , skanky drain or inflammation of the nasal pelt , you should go to an emergency brake room immediately and be assess by a board - certified plastic sawbones or otorhinolaryngologist ( an ear , nose and throat doctor ) . " Consider reducing the amount of bacteria colonizing your nose prior to the pierce procedure by practice mupirocin ointment inside each anterior naris double day by day for a week with a cotton swab to reduce staphylococcus , " she says . Compared to over - the - counter ( OTC ) first aid topical antibiotic , mupirocin ( Bactroban ) can kill a large mixed bag of bacterium and is a good choice if you ’re allergic to certain ingredients in OTC product . Bacitracin and Neosporin are both OTC topical antibiotic alternatives .
5. What Are the Risks?
Infection is the most common tortuousness after a piercing , according to Kieu . " Some important planetary house to look for are pain , significant swelling , rubor or pus draining from the area , " she say . " Granulation tissue paper is a type of inflammatory tissue that will look like a large bump in the arena of the piercing ; it is typically not painful , but may need to be removed by a doctor . "
According to Ting , only the easygoing tissue at the oddment of the septum should be used for pierce , as is the case for ears as well . " Never permit anyone to pierce the cartilage of the septum , " she enjoin . " An infection of the cartilage could be disastrous . gristle is avascular ( think of it has a misfortunate descent supply ) , so a bacterial infection could be unmanageable to brighten . The nose is a potential situation for harboring methicillin - resistant staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA ) and an transmission with MRSA could be resistant to many antibiotics . Toxic shock ( bacterial sepsis with staphylococcus or streptococcus organisms ) can originate in the nose and lead to living - menace systemic sickness . If a hole is produce in the gristly septum and becomes too large , gentle wind can happen between the anterior naris during exhalation . This perforate septum make a whistle speech sound , often associated with patients who inhale cocain or trash . "
In plus , says Ting , catching a piercing on clothing can be pretty sore and lead to rips , which may be difficult to reconstruct and may lead in distortion of the columella , or the peel bridge at the end of the nose between the nostrils . " Tears or perforations of the septal cartilage are even more challenging to repair than in the membrane-forming septum , so never pierce the cartilage , " she adds .
