Septum Piercing is the act of making an incision in the cartilage wall between the two nostrils. The word ‘Septum’ refers to a partition between two cavities or tissues. Nasal Septum is the cartilaginous wall that divides two nostrils. Septum Piercing is less common than nostril piercing. In case of a Septum Piercing a small incision is made between the cartilage and the ‘sweet spot’ or bottom of the nose. It is usually pierced very close to the tip of the septum. Incision is very rarely carried out in the central part of the septum.

Septum Piercing should generally be carried out in a professional piercing studio. An appointment needs to be fixed with such studios. Prior to piercing, clients have to sign a consent form. Before the process is carried out, clients are shown an indicator strip that shows the clamps and needles are properly sterilized. If you are not shown it, insist on seeing it.

Septum Piercings begin with cleaning the nose properly. A professional cleans the nose using a strong antiseptic. The septum is clamped after that. The sweet spot is pierced with a needle. The clamp is removed and a piece of jewelry is pushed through the pierced spot. Any trace of blood is cleaned and the ball is threaded onto the jewelry. The process is a bit painful but in expert hands, it gets over in about a minute or two.

Septum Piercing Healing Time
Following a Septum Piercing session, the entire nose remains tender for nearly 2 to 3 weeks. A minor brush to the nose can be hurtful. People with a pierced septum need to remain careful for about a month. Once you have your septum pierced complete healing can take about 6 to 8 months. But you may go easy after a month. Septum Piercing pain generally goes away after 3 weeks.

Aftercare
After a Septum Piercing, you will notice a buildup of white secretion around the septum ring. There is nothing to be scared about as this is only a natural bodily reaction against piercing. However a secretion of yellow or green color may indicate an infection. In some cases, there may also be a lump and pus in the septum. In case of a Septum Piercing infection, it is best to seek immediate medical assistance. If there is an infection, you should ideally leave the jewelry in the septum. This will keep the hole open and allow drainage of infection. Removing the jewelry may result in a closure of the hole and formation of an abscess.

In normal circumstances, it is best to clean the septum at home only with salt water. Add a pinch of sea salt into a glass of water. Soak a cotton ball with a little of this solution and press it to the septum. Throw it away, soak another one and repeat the process. Do this for 5-6 minutes daily for two times with all jewelries removed from your nose. Wash your hand thoroughly after the Septum Piercing care session.

Septum Piercing Swelling
In the absence of proper cleaning, there may be cases of Septum Piercing swelling. While Septum Piercing bumps are normal for the first two weeks, avoiding cleaning can make it last for several months. In case of normal swelling, anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken to get relief.

Avoiding Alcohol
Alcohol can promote inflammation in people with septum piercing. It is best to avoid alcohol based drinks or at least keep it to a minimum for a speedier recovery. Avoiding use of facial care products containing alcohol can also be of help.

Cleaning
As aforesaid, proper cleaning can help your chances of speedier healing. Leaving the just pierced septum dirty can lead to infections which can be very discomforting and painful.

Salt Water Soaks
Salt water soaks are necessary after a body piercing session. Cleaning a recently perforated area helps keep it safe from dirt and germs and prevents bacterial infection. Add a tsp of sea salt into a glass containing 8 ounces of water. Mix this thoroughly. Soak a small cotton ball or Q-tip with a little of the solution and apply it to the pierced area. Throw the pad away and repeat the process with a new one. Continue this for 5-6 minutes. The session should be carried out twice daily till a month or two after the piercing session.

Septum Piercing Dangers

Any kind of body piercing can be dangerous and the same holds true for Septum Piercing. Disinfected and unsterilized needles can give rise to serious diseases like AIDS and Hepatitis. Infections in the septum are also quite common.
If the soft tissue within the septum is punctured in some way, there may be an obstruction in the blood capillaries. It can lead to buildup of fluid and blood in the area. There may also be other complications like Nasal Septum Hematoma which can result in nasal congestion and breathing impairment in serious cases. In extreme conditions, a part of the nose may get damaged causing a facial deformity known as “saddle nose”.

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Piercing Risks
Piercing Pain
Piercing Mistakes
Piercing Effects
Body Modification
Genital Piercing Risks
Piercing Jewelry Safety
Piercing Pain & Rejection