Is a Septum Piercing Worth Trying?

Among the many common body jewelry options, septum piercings have quickly become a trendy trend among young people in recent years. Whether seen on street style or on fashion bloggers, this unique facial accessory is a common sight. Are you curious about the development of septum piercings and why they became so popular? This article will provide a comprehensive analysis of the pros and cons of septum piercings, along with the considerations, to help you understand whether getting a septum piercing is truly worthwhile.

The Culture of Nasal Septum Piercing

Unlike more common nose piercings, septum piercings penetrate the thin layer of soft tissue beneath the cartilage in the middle of the nose. Piercings are typically worn as ring-shaped or horseshoe-shaped jewelry.

The history of septum piercings can be traced back thousands of years to tribal and religious cultures. In the past, some tribes in South America and Africa used septum piercings as a symbol of courage and status. In some religious cultures, septum piercings were considered part of a rite of passage, symbolizing a change in status. In modern society, septum piercings have gradually become more commonplace. More than just a symbol of a bygone culture, they have become a statement piece for young people. Today, septum piercings are gradually being accepted by mainstream fashion, becoming a significant branch of the body jewelry industry and a part of everyday facial adornment.

This explains why more and more people are choosing septum piercings. It's more than just a small hole; it carries the wearer's desire for self-expression. Perhaps, like cultures thousands of years ago, it symbolizes courage and a transition to adulthood. Perhaps it's a way for young people to express their rebelliousness. It can also be a way for those who want to break the mold and achieve a more striking and recognizable look. Many are also driven by celebrities and models, making septum piercings a popular fashion trend, quickly becoming a staple on streetwear and couture runways. Some even experience excessive stress in their lives and seek to relieve the pain of a piercing. Therefore, whether nasal septum piercing is worth it depends on each person's inner pursuit. If it meets some of your needs, then it is worth it.

Facial Piercing Pain Level Analysis

Pain level is also an important factor in choosing a piercing. Generally speaking, pain varies from person to person and also depends on the nerve distribution and tissue thickness at the piercing site. Below, we'll compare different body piercings on a scale of 1-10 to help you better understand the pain level of a nasal septum.

Mild Pain (2-3 points)

Earlobe Piercing: The most common and easiest piercing, like the needle prick during a vaccination, with almost no residual pain.
Thin Cartilage Above the Auricle: Although it's cartilage, the cartilage tissue at this location is thinner, so the pain is relatively mild.

Moderate Pain (5-6 points)

Nasal Septum Piercing: Compared to common earlobe piercings, nasal septum piercings can be more painful. There's a brief stinging and soreness during the piercing, and many people experience uncontrollable tearing and a sensation like their nose being pinched. However, this level of pain is still generally acceptable.
Eyebrow piercing: It feels like a scratch on the skin, with slight swelling. The recovery period can be more uncomfortable due to the movement of facial muscles.
Ear cartilage: Ear cartilage is typically thicker, and there's a sharp, snapping sensation during piercing, similar to the pressure of a dentist administering anesthetic. The recovery period is longer than that of an earlobe.

Moderate pain (around a 7-point scale)

Tongue piercing: An initial, stinging pain, like being poked with chopsticks, is followed by swelling and difficulty speaking and eating. Piercing requires more mental preparation and careful care during the recovery period.
Piercing a thick lip: It feels like being accidentally bitten by teeth, but the pain lasts longer.

Based on the comparison of pain in different locations, it can be seen that the nasal septum is considered to be of moderate pain. If you can accept short-term soreness and care during the recovery period, then it is definitely an option worth trying.

Nursing and Recovery Period

If you have decided to have a nasal septum piercing, don't miss the following nasal septum precautions. A septum piercing typically takes 3-6 weeks to heal after initial swelling, and 3-6 months for complete healing. Taking advantage of this initial healing period and laying a solid foundation will ensure optimal recovery.

Care Tips:

• Rinse with saline solution three times daily for disinfection. Avoid using harsh alcohol-based cleansers, as these can impair wound healing.
• In the initial stages, avoid frequent handling or rotation of the jewelry to prevent bacterial infection.
• Don't change jewelry during the healing period. After initial healing, you can carefully replace your favorite body jewelry, but it's best to wait until it's fully healed to avoid accidentally re-opening the wound. When you feel no pain when pressing or rotating the piercing jewelry around the piercing, and there's no swelling around the piercing, you can try carefully replacing it with a guide needle.
• During the initial healing phase, it's recommended to choose titanium or surgical steel body jewelry. These are nickel-free, hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant, and reduce the risk of inflammation.
• As you recover, you can gradually explore more materials, such as gold body jewelry, 14k body jewelry, and even unique body mod jewelry designs.

Common Septum Rings

No matter what the reason is for pursuing a septum piercing, the choice of jewelry is essential.The following are common septum rings:

• Horseshoe rings: These resemble a small horseshoe, open downwards, and often feature small beads or cones on each end. They can be flipped up and hidden, making them highly flexible and suitable for students and office workers.
• Rings: These rings feature clean lines that enhance the presence of your septum piercing.
• Invisible piercers: These are typically small, non-decorative clips, either U-shaped or straight with a curved corner. They can be easily flipped into the nose, completely concealing the piercing and making them very discreet and practical.

Regardless of the style you choose, it's recommended to start with basic titanium body jewelry and then gradually upgrade to personalized custom jewelry once the piercing has healed.

Summary

Septum piercing is undoubtedly one of the most popular piercing jewelry trends right now. It's not just a cross-cultural tradition, but also a form of self-expression for those seeking individuality. Learn about its pros and cons to determine if a septum piercing is worthwhile. Then, choose the right jewelry and maintain proper post-piercing care to maintain your health.