All You Need to Know About Piercing on Nose

Conventional Nostril Piercing

This one is the easiest and the most common type of nose piercing. In this method, the nose jewelry is worn somewhere around the rim of the nostril. Left or right side, that’s your own decision. Normally, when you get pierced in this area, the hole is left with a stud or ring. This is the least painful type of nose piercing. It would take 4 to 6 months in healing completely.

Septum Piercing

This type of piercing is processed in the cartilage wall between two nostrils. It could be a painful procedure. And normally it takes about 8 months to heal up fully. This part can be adorned with a nose ring or a captive beads ring.

High Nostril Piercing

In this piercing style, people tend to place small jewelry pieces on a higher point (close to nasal bridge) of the nostrils. Piercing follows a complicated procedure. And you would have to bear it until it heals completely (4 to 6 months).

Nasallang Piercing

Those who want a wilder look with piercing on the both sides of the nostrils, prefer this style. The procedure involves the piercing, starting from right nostril, passing through septum, to the left side. This should not be done by an inexperienced piercer. It might be damaging for your nose. So, you are advised to know all about nose piercings of this type. It would heal in 4 to 6 months’ maximum.

Vertical Nose Piercing

In this type the small piece of jewelry is pierced right on the tip of the nose. It’s a painful procedure because the piercing is done right on the cartilage.

Bridge Piercing

Piercing on the bridge of the nose (area between the two eyes) is not only painful but also quite hard to heal. You need to get it done by some experienced piercer who knows how to place the object under the thin surface. It may take about 8 to 12 weeks for the healing process. Many times, body rejects the object and all you are left with, is a wound or a terrible scar on your nose.

• Piercing might be health risking as it often results in skin infections. Before you opt for any of above mentioned nose piercing methods, you must have all the related detail about the procedure.

• There are tons of piercers available. Everyone claims to be an expert. Don’t get blinded by their words. Research well on your own or explore the web. Look for a well-reputed, professional and licensed piercer. Go and check out the piercing studio. Things to look for in a piercing studio include- its hygienic conditions, as well as all the piercing instruments (must be sterile) involved in the procedure. There should be no compromise on health.

• Don’t expect it to be an easy process. Whatever type of piercing you are opting for, it would cause a certain amount of pain. The piercing on the bone or cartilage area, would cause more intense pain as compared to the piercing on the skin.

• There have been several cases of infections and cartilage damage after piercing. A lot depends on the expertise of the piercer. So, it is highly recommended to know all about nose piercings earlier.

Methods of Piercing

There are two main methods that we normally observe for piercing. These include;

• Piercing with a clean and sterile needle (most recommended)

• Piercing with a gunshot method (least recommended). A gunshot is not easy to sterile and may cause infection. Sometimes it may miss the exact placement of the hole.

Safest Procedure of Nose Piercing

To avoid infections, it is very important to protect the cartilage. Normally a small cork-like device is placed inside the nostril before inserting the sterile needle into the skin. Make sure the stud is not too tight. It makes the cleaning process easy. This is the safest of all method that ensures early healing without any damage to the cartilage.

Note: In case of a damaged cartilage, you would end up with a clumsy looking lump (granuloma). Once you have it, you barely get rid of it.

Material to Use after Piercing

Even the material of jewelry makes a lot of difference. There are materials, if worn immediately after piercing, you might have allergic reactions or tarnishing. Here are the best materials to be used after piercing.

• Surgical Steel: A nose ring made of surgical steel saves your skin from irritation and allergic reaction.

• Gold: Wearing pure gold ensures no infection after piercing.

Note: Other materials like nickel, titanium or sterling silver may cause infection and oxidization.

Here are the aftercare tips that you must follow once you are done with your piercing session.

• Do not touch your piercing or the stud without washing your hands.

• Don’t play or turn your nose ring.

• Pierced area and jewelry must be cleaned with a cotton ball dipped in sterile saline solution, thrice a day.

• Don’t think of changing your jewelry for at least 6 months after piercing.

• Don’t sleep on your face. If you do that, even knowing all about nose piercings wouldn’t be of any use.

• Avoid germ exposure to keep it safe from infection. Changing your pillow cover regularly is a must-do.

• If you end up with an infection, don’t remove the stud. Consult the doctor and get some antibiotic.

• In case of experiencing green and yellow lubrication from the pierced area, cleanse the area gently with saline water.

• Avoid use of cotton towel on the piercing. A dry paper towel is best to pat dry after cleaning.

• Use ibuprofen in case of severe pain (dosage is given on the label).

• In case of catching cold, be very careful. Don’t use nasal sprays. Keep the surrounding area clean from crust or mucus (without rubbing) to avoid any bacterial exposure.

• Don’t leave your nose ring out (at least for one year after piercing). Otherwise the hole will be closed.