Money Shot: 0:46
Where is a septum piercing located/ What is a septum piercing?
The septum is the anatomical name for the piece of flesh that divides the nasal cavities or nostrils. Made mostly of cartilage this section of flesh has what is called ‘the sweet spot’ within it. The sweet spot is a soft, membranous bit of tissue just below the cartilage and above the skin. It’s located up and towards the tip of the nose on most people. You can locate it if you reach up into both nostrils with your fingers and gently press them together, you should be able to find a section of skin that feels thinner. This is actually some of the thinnest skin that is pierced on the human body. As everyone’s anatomy is different, each person’s sweet spot may be larger or smaller in diameter, and higher or lower in placement.
The Jewelry
Many people find that they cannot openly wear a piece of jewelry on their face due to work, school, or other circumstances. For this reason it is very common for the initial jewelry to be a retainer. A retainer is a “u” shaped piece of metal. The open end allows the jewelry to be flipped upwards into the nasal cavity for easy concealment. If you are lucky enough to be able to sport a septum piercing openly, a curved barbell (horseshoe) or captive ring (bcr) is a good first choice. This piercing is usually done at a 14 or 12 gauge, but can be done minimally at 16 gauge and conversely at a 10 gauge maximum on larger anatomy.
The diameter for septum jewelry ranges like so: 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, and 1/2″ from smallest to largest. The diameter you choose to wear is all up to your taste in aesthetics and what your body will allow. 1/2″ diameter is a reasonable maximum for most people so as to not interfere with eating and minimize the risk of the jewelry swinging about and hitting your lips or teeth which could cause some damage if done so with enough force i.e. jumping or running.
Once your piercing is healed a popular jewelry option is a septum clicker. Many people find these are easier to put in than a bcr and they come in a massive variety of materials, colors, and designs.
The Process
Typically the piercer will clean and mark the area with a line going across the underside of the tip of the nose to ensure a straight piercing. Then clamps with open loop ends will be applied inside the nasal cavity to hold the area steady and improve the accuracy of the needle as it passes through the clamps and septum. After the needles is passed through the piercer will follow the needle out with the desired piece of jewelry and then clean the area again. It’s a very quick piercing which most people find is not terribly unpleasant. The feeling is similar to a pinching sensation which will commonly cause tearing or watering of the eyes. The feeling passes very quickly though.
Healing Time
This piercing takes about 4 to 8 weeks to heal. Soreness is very common during healing and as it heals you may find your new piercing has a particular smell to it. Don’t worry, this is very normal and will go away as you heal. Regular cleaning will help speed the healing process and minimize smell. Don’t worry, only you can smell it!
