Body Art Info: Piercings

Septum

FYI:

The septum piercing is made through the thin layer of tissue between the alar cartilage (outer) and the quadrangular cartilage (separating the nostrils). This site is sometimes largest towards the end of the nose. The jewelry should be no thicker than what the space can comfortably accommodate. Jewelry that is too thick can painfully pinch the cartilage. If the space is small but the wearer desires a thicker gauge, the piercing should be performed at a thinner gauge and can be stretched easily later. If the wearer must hide the piercing occasionally a septum retainer or smaller circular barbell may be able to flip up into nostrils for concealment. Wearing a circular barbell as a retainer is limited by the size of the nostrils.

Initial Jewelry:

Captive bead ring or circular barbell in 16 to 10 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter. U-shaped septum retainers are available for those who need to hide the piercing. Rings are easier than retainers to clean during healing.

Average Healing Time:

6 - 8 wks