Embark on an adventure of self-expression and adornment by piercing your septum yourself. This intricate piercing, known for its captivating allure, can empower you to embrace your individuality. However, before venturing into the realm of DIY septal piercing, it’s crucial to approach the task with utmost caution and a deep understanding of the risks and responsibilities involved. With meticulous planning, the necessary materials, and a steady hand, you can achieve a successful and safe outcome.
Before embarking on the piercing process, gather the essential tools and materials. Sterile needles, antiseptic solutions, gloves, and appropriate jewelry are indispensable. Furthermore, ensure a clean and well-lit piercing workspace to minimize the risk of infection. Once your supplies are in order, prepare your septum by thoroughly cleansing it with an antiseptic solution. This crucial step helps prevent bacteria from entering the puncture site, reducing the likelihood of complications.
With your septum cleansed and the materials assembled, it’s time to mark the piercing location. Utilize a piercing pen or a sterile marker to precisely indicate the desired spot. Remember, the accuracy of this marking significantly impacts the final placement of the piercing. Once the location is determined, take a deep breath and gently insert the sterilized needle through the designated point. As you pierce, maintain a steady and controlled motion to ensure a clean puncture. Once the needle is fully inserted, carefully remove it, leaving the piercing jewelry in its place. Finally, secure the jewelry with the provided closing mechanism and admire your newfound adornment.
Selecting the Right Tools
When choosing tools for self-piercing your septum, prioritize precision, sterility, and safety. Here’s a detailed guide to selecting the essential materials:
Needles: Opt for sharp and sterile needles specifically designed for septum piercing. Consider purchasing a piercing kit that includes various needle gauges suitable for septum anatomy. Common gauge sizes range from 16g to 14g, with 16g being the most common and recommended for first-time piercings.
Cannula: This flexible tube acts as a guide during the piercing process. It’s inserted through the needle once the septum is pierced, allowing you to remove the needle and insert jewelry without causing further trauma. Choose a cannula that’s slightly longer than your desired piercing length.
Jewelry: Select septum jewelry that aligns with your desired size and style. Curved barbells or circular barbells are common choices. Ensure that the material is nickel-free and hypoallergenic, such as surgical steel, titanium, or gold.
Other Essential Tools:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Piercing forceps | Holding and guiding the needle |
| Antiseptic solution | Sterilizing the piercing site and tools |
| Cleaning swabs | Cleaning the piercing and removing excess blood |
| Ice pack | Reducing swelling and pain |
Closing the Hole
If you’re not happy with your septum piercing or it becomes infected, you may choose to close the hole. This is a relatively simple process that can be done at home. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any complications.
**Materials you’ll need:**
|
Sterile saline solution |
Sterile cotton balls or gauze |
Petroleum jelly |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Clean towel or washcloth |
Antibiotic ointment (optional) |
Saline nasal spray (optional) |
**Steps:**
1. **Clean your hands and the piercing site.** Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then, use a sterile saline solution to clean the piercing site.
2. **Remove the piercing.** If you have a ring or stud in your septum, remove it.
3. **Apply pressure to the piercing site.** Use a clean towel or washcloth to apply pressure to the piercing site. Hold the pressure for 5-10 minutes.
4. **Clean the piercing site again.** Use a sterile saline solution to clean the piercing site again.
5. **Apply petroleum jelly.** Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the piercing site. This will help to keep the area moist and prevent scabbing.
6. **Repeat steps 3-5 several times a day.** Keep the piercing site clean and apply petroleum jelly several times a day. You may also want to use a saline nasal spray to help keep the area moist. It may take several weeks for the piercing hole to close completely.
Aftercare Instructions
1. Rinse with Saline Solution
Rinse your septum piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution. You can purchase saline solution at most pharmacies or make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of distilled water.
2. Soaking
Soak your septum piercing in a cup of warm saline solution for 5-10 minutes twice a day. This will help to keep the piercing clean and free of infection.
3. Avoid Touching
Avoid touching or playing with your septum piercing. This can introduce bacteria and lead to infection.
4. Use Non-Woven Gauze
Use non-woven gauze to clean your septum piercing. Avoid using cotton balls or swabs, as these can leave behind fibers that can irritate the piercing.
5. Change Jewelry
Do not change your septum jewelry until it is fully healed. This can take 6-8 weeks. Once it is healed, you can change your jewelry to a smaller size or a different style.
6. Avoid Alcohol and Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using alcohol or harsh chemicals on your septum piercing. These can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
7. Signs of Infection
If you experience any of the following signs of infection, see a doctor immediately:
| Sign of Infection | Description |
|---|---|
| Redness | The area around your septum piercing is red and swollen. |
| Pain | Your septum piercing is painful to the touch. |
| Pus | There is pus or discharge coming from your septum piercing. |
| Fever | You have a fever. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Pain During Piercing
If you experience excessive pain during the piercing process, stop immediately. Consult a professional piercer or seek medical attention.
Bleeding
Minor bleeding is normal. Apply pressure to the piercing site with a sterile gauze pad to stop the bleeding.
Swelling
Swelling around the piercing is common, especially in the first few days. Apply an ice pack to the area for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
Infection
Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, and discharge. Consult a medical professional promptly if you suspect an infection.
Piercing Rejection
If the piercing site becomes red and inflamed and the piercing ball is pushed out of the skin, the piercing may be rejecting. Remove the piercing and consult a professional.
Keloids
Keloids are raised scars that can form around the piercing site. If a keloid develops, consult a dermatologist for treatment options.
Granulation Tissue
Granulation tissue is pink or red bumpy tissue that can form around the piercing. It is usually caused by excessive cleaning or irritation. Reduce cleaning frequency and apply a saline soak to the area.
Piercing Migration
Piercing migration occurs when the piercing moves from its original location. This can be caused by improper piercing technique or excessive movement of the piercing. Consult a professional piercer to have the piercing repositioned or removed.
Tips for Beginners
1. Gather your materials.
You will need a septum piercing needle, sterile saline solution, cotton balls, and a pair of gloves. You can purchase these materials online or at a piercing shop.
2. Clean your piercing area.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then, use a cotton ball soaked in sterile saline solution to clean the area where you will be piercing your septum.
3. Insert the needle.
Gently insert the septum piercing needle through the skin of your septum. The needle should enter on one side of your septum and exit on the other side.
4. Remove the needle.
Once the needle is through your septum, remove it.
5. Insert the jewelry.
Insert the jewelry of your choice into the piercing hole.
6. Clean the piercing.
Use a cotton ball soaked in sterile saline solution to clean the piercing. Do this 2-3 times per day for the first week or two.
7. Keep the piercing dry.
Avoid getting the piercing wet for the first week or two. This will help to prevent infection.
8. Don’t touch the piercing.
Touching the piercing can introduce bacteria, which can lead to infection.
9. See a doctor if you experience any problems.
If you experience any pain, redness, swelling, or discharge, see a doctor immediately.
10. Piercing care tips.
The following tips will help you to care for your piercing and prevent complications:
| Day | Care |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Clean the piercing 2-3 times per day with sterile saline solution. Avoid getting the piercing wet. |
| 3-7 | Clean the piercing 1-2 times per day with sterile saline solution. You can now start to get the piercing wet. |
| 8-14 | Clean the piercing 1 time per day with sterile saline solution. |
| 14+ | You can now stop cleaning the piercing. However, it is important to keep the piercing dry and avoid touching it. |
How To Pierce Your Own Septum
If you’re thinking about piercing your own septum, there are a few things you need to know. First, it’s important to make sure that you’re doing it safely. This means using sterile equipment and following the proper steps. Second, you need to be aware of the potential risks involved with septum piercing. These include infection, bleeding, and scarring. Finally, you need to have realistic expectations about the healing process. It can take several weeks for a septum piercing to heal completely.
If you’re still interested in piercing your own septum, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Gather your materials. You will need a sterile needle, a sterile piercing clamp, and a sterile pair of tweezers.
- Clean the area around your septum with a sterile solution.
- Insert the needle into the center of your septum. Be careful not to go too deep.
- Clamp the septum piercing with the sterile piercing clamp.
- Insert the jewelry into the piercing.
- Remove the piercing clamp.
- Clean the piercing with a sterile solution.
It is important to keep your septum piercing clean during the healing process. This means cleaning it with a sterile solution twice a day. You should also avoid touching or playing with the piercing. It can take several weeks for a septum piercing to heal completely. During this time, you may experience some swelling, redness, and pain. These symptoms should gradually subside over time.
