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PIERCING GUIDE

SEPTUM PIERCINGS

The nostril piercing’s cool, older sister.

WHAT IS A SEPTUM PIERCING?

The septum is a thin wall of cartilage that runs down the center of your nose, separating the left and right nostrils. A septum piercing is placed just below the bottom of the septum through a piece of tissue called the columella or “the sweet spot” to piercers.

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If you have a deviated septum, it’s still possible to have your septum pierced, depending on the severity of the deviation. Some people have a very small or non-existent columella, making it difficult, if not impossible, to support a septum piercing. Your piercer can analyze your anatomy and let you know if a septum piercing will work for you.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT JEWELRY

For a septum piercing, we recommend choosing a hypoallergenic metal like titanium or 14K to aid in the healing process. The size of your jewelry may also vary based on your anatomy and personal preference. Septum piercings generally require a 16 gauge, which is the thickness of the post that goes through the piercing. The length and/or diameter can vary based on preference.

Once you’re ready to switch out the original jewelry, you’ll have a few style options to choose from:

CLICKER

A hoop featuring a hinge closure that springs open and clicks shut. Some styles come with stones and details on the outer edge, making them a great option for something a little different than the norm.

CIRCULAR BARBELL

A hoop with a section missing and a ball on each end to ensure the jewelry can’t fall out. This style is popular because it’s easy to change and to hide. Just flip the jewelry upside down so the ball ends are hidden inside your nostrils.

CAPTIVE BEAD RING (CBR)

A hoop with a single bead that can be inserted and removed to open and close the ring. They are very secure but can be tricky to change, so don’t hesitate to ask your piercer for help the first few times.

HEALING & AFTERCARE FOR SEPTUM PIERCINGS

Septum piercings can take 4 to 6 months to heal completely. The tenderness from the piercing should start to subside after a couple of weeks and may be completely gone after 8 weeks, but the inside of the piercing is still healing. You want the scar tissue around the piercing to reach its full strength before changing the jewelry, so consider waiting up to a year before you change the jewelry.

To help healing along, make sure to keep up with your aftercare routine. Soak with saline twice per day, pat the area dry and avoid moving or twisting the jewelry. Try to minimize contact with any soaps, creams, or other skin care products during the first few months.

HOW MUCH IS A SEPTUM PIERCING?

A septum piercing costs $45. Piercing jewelry is an additional cost and will depend on the piece you pick out. Book a consultation to discuss the placement and jewelry options to get a more accurate quote for the cost of your unique septum piercing.

GETTING PIERCED AT BANTER

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With over 50 years of piercing experience, Banter doesn’t just keep up with the trends, we set them. Every piercing is a new chance to express yourself, and our piercers take that seriously. They’re here to make sure the piercing process goes smoothly from placement to jewelry choice to healing.

If you’re nervous, that’s okay! We’ll walk you through what to expect and answer all your questions, and before you know it, you’ll be showing off your brand-new piercing. Just be careful, piercings can be addictive—after getting pierced at Banter, you might be back for more earlier than you think!

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