High Septum Piercing? Guide To Re-Piercing & Aftercare

Hey guys! So, you got your septum pierced, but something just doesn't feel right? Maybe it's sitting a little too high, or the placement isn't quite what you envisioned. You're not alone! A high septum piercing is a common concern, and the good news is, there are options. This article will dive deep into everything you need to know about high septum piercings, from identifying the issue to exploring re-piercing and aftercare. We'll break down the causes of a high piercing, what to look for, how to communicate with your piercer, and the entire re-piercing process. Whether you're just starting to suspect a problem or you're actively researching solutions, this guide is here to help you navigate your septum piercing journey.

Identifying a High Septum Piercing

First things first, how do you actually know if your septum piercing is too high? It's not always immediately obvious, and sometimes it takes a little while for the swelling to go down and for you to really assess the placement. A correctly placed septum piercing should go through the "sweet spot" – a small area of soft tissue just in front of the cartilage in your nose. When a piercing is too high, it's usually going through the cartilage itself, which can lead to a few different issues. The first indicator that your septum piercing might be too high is the visible placement. Take a close look in the mirror. Can you see the jewelry clearly inside your nostrils? Ideally, the jewelry should sit snugly in the tip of your nose, with the majority of the ring or horseshoe visible below your nostrils. If the jewelry is tucked way up inside your nose, barely visible, that's a red flag. Secondly, pain and discomfort are significant indicators. While some tenderness is normal during the initial healing phase, a high septum piercing through cartilage will likely be more painful and take longer to heal than a correctly placed piercing. You might experience sharp, throbbing pain or persistent soreness. Thirdly, limited jewelry options could also be a sign of a high piercing. The ideal placement allows for a variety of jewelry styles, from delicate rings to bold circular barbells. If your piercing is too high, you might find that many jewelry options don't sit properly or look quite right. You might also experience difficulty inserting or removing jewelry. Lastly, uneven or asymmetrical appearance is a telling sign. If the piercing appears crooked or off-center, it could be due to a high placement. Compare the piercing to the overall symmetry of your nose and face. Does it look balanced? If not, a high piercing might be the culprit. Remember, trust your gut! If something feels off, it's always best to consult with a professional piercer.

Causes of a High Septum Piercing

So, what exactly causes a septum piercing to be placed too high in the first place? There are several factors that can contribute to this issue, and understanding them can help you avoid it in the future. The primary culprit is often inexperience or lack of knowledge on the part of the piercer. Septum piercings are deceptively tricky. Locating the "sweet spot" requires a thorough understanding of nasal anatomy and a steady hand. If a piercer isn't properly trained or doesn't have extensive experience with septum piercings, they might misjudge the placement and pierce through the cartilage instead of the soft tissue. Another major cause is incorrect marking or assessment. Before any piercing, the piercer should carefully examine your nose, palpate the tissue, and mark the ideal entry and exit points. If this assessment is rushed or inaccurate, the piercing can easily end up in the wrong spot. For example, poor lighting or a lack of attention to detail during the marking process can lead to misaligned markings. Furthermore, variations in individual anatomy can play a role. Everyone's nose is shaped slightly differently, and the size and position of the cartilage can vary. A piercer needs to be able to adapt their technique to these individual differences. A piercer who uses a one-size-fits-all approach might not properly account for these variations, resulting in a high piercing. The client's movement during the procedure can also contribute to the problem. Even a slight flinch or movement can throw off the piercing, especially if the piercer isn't quick and precise. It's crucial to stay as still as possible during the piercing process. Finally, using the wrong jewelry initially can sometimes exacerbate the issue. If the jewelry is too small or too tight, it can put pressure on the piercing and cause it to migrate upwards. It's essential to choose appropriate jewelry for the initial piercing, typically a larger diameter ring or horseshoe that allows for swelling. Remember, choosing a reputable and experienced piercer is the best way to minimize the risk of a high septum piercing. Do your research, read reviews, and don't hesitate to ask questions about their experience and techniques.

Talking to Your Piercer About Your Concerns

Okay, so you suspect your septum piercing is too high. What's the next step? Communication is key! The first thing you should do is reach out to your piercer and express your concerns. Don't be shy or hesitant – a good piercer will be happy to address your worries and help you find a solution. When you talk to your piercer, be prepared to clearly and calmly explain what you're experiencing. Describe the pain, discomfort, or appearance issues you've noticed. Be specific about what feels off or looks wrong. For example, you might say, "My piercing feels very sore, and the jewelry seems to be tucked way up inside my nose. It's not visible from the front like I expected." It's also helpful to provide visual examples if possible. Take pictures of your piercing from different angles to show your piercer exactly what you're seeing. This can help them better understand the issue and assess the placement. When you meet with your piercer, be sure to ask them about their assessment of the piercing. Do they agree that it's too high? What are their reasons for their assessment? Understanding their perspective is important for making informed decisions. Discuss all possible solutions with your piercer. This might include letting the piercing heal and trying again, re-piercing immediately, or removing the piercing altogether. A reputable piercer will be honest about the pros and cons of each option and help you choose the best course of action for your individual situation. Don't be afraid to ask questions! This is your body, and you have the right to understand everything that's happening. Ask about the risks and benefits of re-piercing, the healing process, and aftercare instructions. If you're not comfortable with your piercer's recommendations or if you feel like they're not taking your concerns seriously, consider seeking a second opinion from another reputable piercer. It's always a good idea to get multiple perspectives before making a decision. Remember, a good piercer is a partner in your piercing journey. They should be supportive, informative, and willing to work with you to achieve the results you desire.

Options for Correcting a High Septum Piercing

Alright, so you've talked to your piercer, and it's confirmed – your septum piercing is indeed too high. What are your options now? Don't worry, there are several paths you can take to correct the issue and get the piercing you've always wanted. The first option, and often the recommended one, is to remove the jewelry and allow the piercing to heal completely. This can take several weeks or even months, depending on how long you've had the piercing and how quickly your body heals. Once the piercing has fully closed, you can then consider getting it re-pierced in the correct location. Healing the piercing allows the tissue to recover and reduces the risk of complications with the new piercing. Another option is immediate re-piercing. In some cases, if the high piercing is very recent and there's no sign of infection, your piercer might be able to re-pierce it immediately in the correct spot. However, this is not always possible and depends on the individual situation and the piercer's assessment. Re-piercing immediately can be more painful and might increase the risk of complications, so it's important to carefully weigh the pros and cons. A third option, if the high piercing is only slightly off, is to try different jewelry. Sometimes, simply changing the style or size of the jewelry can improve the appearance and comfort of the piercing. A larger diameter ring or a circular barbell might sit better and be more visible. However, this option is only suitable for minor misplacements and won't correct a significantly high piercing. In some cases, if the piercing is causing significant pain or discomfort and re-piercing isn't an option, removing the piercing permanently might be the best choice. While this might be disappointing, it's important to prioritize your health and well-being. A high septum piercing that's causing problems isn't worth keeping. Before making any decision, discuss all your options with your piercer and ask about the potential risks and benefits of each. They can help you choose the best course of action based on your individual circumstances and preferences. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific situation.

The Re-Piercing Process: What to Expect

So, you've decided that re-piercing is the best option for you. What can you expect during the re-piercing process? Knowing what to anticipate can help ease your anxiety and ensure a smoother experience. The first step, of course, is choosing a reputable and experienced piercer. This is crucial for any piercing, but especially for a re-piercing. Look for a piercer who has extensive experience with septum piercings and who is willing to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. Once you've chosen a piercer, you'll have a consultation to discuss your goals and expectations. The piercer will examine your nose, assess the healed piercing, and explain the re-piercing process in detail. They'll also discuss jewelry options and aftercare instructions. During the consultation, be sure to communicate clearly about what you want. Explain why you were unhappy with the original piercing and what you hope to achieve with the re-piercing. This will help the piercer understand your vision and ensure they can deliver the results you're looking for. On the day of the re-piercing, the piercer will clean and sterilize the area thoroughly. They'll then use a sterile marking pen to mark the new piercing location, taking into account your anatomy and preferences. Before proceeding, the piercer will show you the marked location and ask for your approval. This is your chance to make any adjustments or voice any concerns. Once you're happy with the placement, the piercer will proceed with the piercing. They'll use a sterile needle to create the new piercing, aiming for the "sweet spot" of soft tissue just in front of the cartilage. The piercing itself is usually quick, but it can be more painful than the initial piercing, especially if there's scar tissue from the previous piercing. After the piercing, the piercer will insert the initial jewelry, typically a larger diameter ring or horseshoe to accommodate swelling. They'll then provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and answer any remaining questions. Remember to follow the aftercare instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent infection. This typically involves cleaning the piercing twice a day with a saline solution and avoiding touching or rotating the jewelry unnecessarily. The healing process for a re-pierced septum can take several weeks or even months, so be patient and consistent with your aftercare routine. With proper care and attention, you can achieve a beautifully placed septum piercing that you'll love.

Septum Piercing Aftercare: Ensuring Proper Healing

Okay, you've gotten your septum re-pierced – congratulations! Now comes the crucial part: aftercare. Proper aftercare is essential for ensuring your new piercing heals correctly and looks its best. Neglecting aftercare can lead to complications like infection, migration, or scarring, so it's important to follow your piercer's instructions diligently. The cornerstone of septum piercing aftercare is regular cleaning. You should clean your piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution. You can purchase pre-made saline solution at most pharmacies or piercing studios, or you can make your own by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 8 ounces of warm distilled water. To clean your piercing, soak a cotton ball or gauze pad in the saline solution and gently apply it to the piercing. Make sure to clean both the inside and outside of your nose. You can also use a Q-tip dipped in saline solution to clean around the jewelry. Avoid using harsh soaps, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the piercing and delay healing. In addition to cleaning, it's important to avoid touching or rotating the jewelry unnecessarily. This can introduce bacteria into the piercing and increase the risk of infection. If you need to touch the jewelry, make sure your hands are clean. During the healing process, it's also crucial to avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or other bodies of water. These environments can harbor bacteria that can lead to infection. If you must swim, cover your piercing with a waterproof bandage. Sleeping on your stomach can also put pressure on your piercing and delay healing. Try to sleep on your back or side to avoid irritating the piercing. It's important to monitor your piercing for signs of infection. These can include redness, swelling, pain, pus, or a foul odor. If you notice any of these signs, contact your piercer or a healthcare professional immediately. Remember, healing a septum piercing takes time and patience. It can take several weeks or even months for the piercing to fully heal. Be consistent with your aftercare routine, and don't hesitate to contact your piercer if you have any questions or concerns. With proper care, you can ensure your septum piercing heals beautifully and you can enjoy your new look for years to come.

Choosing the Right Jewelry for Your Re-Pierced Septum

So, your septum is healing beautifully, and you're starting to think about jewelry! Choosing the right jewelry is not only a fun part of the process, but it's also essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your piercing. The initial jewelry you receive from your piercer is typically a larger diameter ring or horseshoe, which allows for swelling during the healing process. Once your piercing is fully healed, you can start exploring other jewelry options. When choosing jewelry for your re-pierced septum, material is a key consideration. The best materials for piercings are hypoallergenic and non-irritating. Some popular choices include surgical steel, titanium, niobium, and 14k gold. Avoid jewelry made from nickel or other base metals, as these can cause allergic reactions in some people. The size and gauge of the jewelry are also important factors. The gauge refers to the thickness of the jewelry, and the size refers to the diameter of the ring or the length of the barbell. Your piercer can help you determine the appropriate gauge and size for your piercing. Style is where you can really express your personality! Septum piercings offer a wide variety of jewelry styles, from delicate rings and clickers to bold circular barbells and tusks. Consider your personal style and the look you're trying to achieve. Smaller, more understated jewelry is great for everyday wear, while larger, more decorative pieces can make a statement for special occasions. Comfort is also crucial. Choose jewelry that fits well and doesn't pinch or pull on the piercing. If the jewelry is uncomfortable, it can irritate the piercing and delay healing. Consider the weight of the jewelry. Heavy jewelry can put pressure on the piercing and cause it to migrate or become misshapen over time. If you're going to wear heavier jewelry, do so only for short periods of time. When buying jewelry, purchase from reputable sources that sell high-quality, sterile jewelry. Avoid buying cheap jewelry from unverified sources, as this can be made from inferior materials and may not be properly sterilized. Finally, listen to your body. If you experience any irritation or discomfort with a particular piece of jewelry, remove it and try something else. Your body will tell you what it likes and doesn't like. With so many beautiful and stylish options available, you're sure to find the perfect jewelry to complement your re-pierced septum and showcase your unique style.