Getting your septum pierced but not sure you want to keep jewelry in 24/7? Many enjoy the look of a septum piercing without rings or horseshoes in it. But is it safe to leave your new septum piercing empty? Will the holes close up if left vacant?
Here we’ll explore healing with jewelry out, closure risks, and tips for intermittent wear.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: It’s not recommended to leave new septum piercings vacant as the hole needs time to heal. But once healed after 6+ months, intermittent jewelry wear is safer. The hole may shrink but won’t fully close up.
Use silicone nosescrews for stretch retention when jewelry is out.
Healing a New Septum Piercing
Keep Jewelry In Initially
When getting a new septum piercing, it is important to keep the jewelry in place during the initial healing period. The jewelry serves as a guide for the formation of a proper fistula, which is the tunnel that forms within the pierced area.
By keeping the jewelry in, it allows the piercing to heal correctly and reduces the risk of complications.
During the healing process, it is essential to follow proper aftercare instructions provided by a professional piercer. This typically involves cleaning the piercing with a saline solution or a gentle soap and water mixture.
It is important not to remove the jewelry during this time, as it can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
While it may be tempting to remove the jewelry or replace it with a different piece, it is best to wait until the piercing has fully healed. This can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, depending on individual healing times and proper aftercare.
Allows Proper Fistula Formation
Keeping the jewelry in place initially allows for the proper formation of a fistula. A fistula is a tunnel of scar tissue that forms around the jewelry, creating a stable and secure piercing. This process is crucial for the long-term health and longevity of the piercing.
By wearing jewelry in the piercing, it helps maintain the shape and size of the fistula. Removing the jewelry too soon can cause the fistula to close, making it difficult or even impossible to reinsert jewelry in the future.
It is important to note that everyone’s healing process is unique, and some individuals may experience faster or slower healing times. If there are any concerns or complications during the healing process, it is recommended to consult with a professional piercer or healthcare professional.
For more information on proper septum piercing aftercare and healing, you can visit reputable websites such as Association of Professional Piercers or Mayo Clinic.
Risk of Closure with No Jewelry
Septum piercings have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many individuals opting for this unique form of self-expression. However, it is important to understand that septum piercings require proper care and attention to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
One such concern is the risk of closure when not wearing jewelry in the piercing.
Holes Can Shrink Over Time
When a septum piercing is left without jewelry for an extended period of time, the hole can shrink and potentially close up. This is because the body recognizes the piercing as a foreign object and will naturally try to heal the area by closing the hole.
The length of time it takes for a piercing to close can vary from person to person, but generally, if jewelry is not worn for several weeks or months, there is a higher chance of closure.
It is worth noting that the size of the hole can also play a role in how quickly it closes. Larger gauge piercings may take longer to close, while smaller gauge piercings may close up relatively quickly.
It is always best to consult with a professional piercer to understand the specific risks associated with your individual piercing.
Fully Closing Depends on Age
The ability of a septum piercing to fully close also depends on the age of the piercing. A fresh piercing that has not fully healed is more likely to close up completely if left without jewelry. On the other hand, a well-healed piercing that has been in place for a longer period of time may have a higher chance of remaining open, even without jewelry.
It is important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and there is no definitive timeline for how long it takes for a septum piercing to close. Factors such as individual healing abilities, jewelry size, and piercing placement can all influence the closure process.
It is always recommended to consult with a professional piercer if you have concerns about the closure of your septum piercing.
For more information on septum piercings and how to care for them, you can visit reputable websites such as Association of Professional Piercers or Mayo Clinic.
Intermittent Wear After Healing
Once your septum piercing has fully healed, you may want to explore the option of wearing jewelry intermittently. This can be a great way to change up your look without committing to having jewelry in your septum at all times.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering intermittent wear.
6+ Months Before Removing
It is generally recommended to wait at least 6 months after the initial piercing before removing your jewelry for an extended period of time. This allows enough time for the piercing to fully heal and reduces the risk of complications when reinserting jewelry.
Removing jewelry too soon can result in the piercing closing up or causing discomfort when trying to reinsert jewelry later on.
Silicone Retainers When Out
If you do choose to remove your septum jewelry for a period of time, it’s important to use a suitable alternative such as silicone retainers. Silicone retainers are flexible and comfortable, making them a popular choice for those who want to maintain an open piercing without wearing visible jewelry.
These retainers can help prevent the piercing from closing up while still allowing for a more discreet look.
It’s worth noting that everyone’s body is different, and some piercings may close up more quickly than others. If you’re unsure about how long you can safely go without jewelry in your septum piercing, it’s best to consult with a professional piercer for personalized advice.
Stretching a Healed Septum
After your septum piercing has fully healed, you may be interested in stretching it to a larger gauge. Stretching a healed septum involves gradually increasing the size of the piercing hole in order to accommodate thicker jewelry.
It is important to approach this process with caution and patience to avoid complications or damage to the tissue.
Slow Stretching Recommended
When it comes to stretching a healed septum, a slow and gradual approach is highly recommended. This allows the tissue to adjust and prevents excessive stress or trauma. It is advisable to wait at least 6-8 weeks after the initial piercing before attempting to stretch.
During this time, the piercing should be cleaned regularly and kept free from any irritation or infection.
Once the healing period has passed, you can start stretching by using tapers or gradually increasing the size of your jewelry. It is important to go up in size slowly, typically in 1mm increments, to give your septum enough time to adjust.
Rushing the process or skipping sizes can lead to tearing, scarring, or even blowouts.
Nostril Screws Hold Stretch
When stretching a healed septum, it is important to choose the right type of jewelry. Nostril screws are commonly used for stretching as they provide a secure fit and hold the stretch better than other types of jewelry.
Nostril screws have a curved shape that helps to prevent the jewelry from falling out or sliding through the stretched hole.
It is important to note that stretching a septum piercing does come with some risks. Overstretching or stretching too quickly can lead to complications such as tearing, bleeding, or infection. It is crucial to consult with a professional piercer who can guide you through the process and ensure you are stretching safely.
Remember, everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is essential to listen to your body and pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. If you experience any issues during the stretching process, it is recommended to seek professional advice.
Caring for Septum During Jewelry Changes
Changing septum jewelry can be an exciting way to freshen up your look or experiment with different styles. However, it’s important to take proper care of your septum during the jewelry change process to avoid any complications or irritation.
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when caring for your septum during jewelry changes:
Wash Hands and Jewelry
Before attempting to change your septum jewelry, it’s crucial to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. This helps eliminate any bacteria or dirt that could potentially cause an infection. Additionally, clean your jewelry using an appropriate cleaning solution or warm saline solution.
Remember to handle your jewelry gently to prevent any damage or bending.
It’s worth noting that using an antiseptic solution, such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, is not recommended as it can be too harsh on the delicate tissues of the septum and may slow down the healing process.
Use Lubricant If Needed
If you’re finding it difficult to insert or remove your septum jewelry, you can use a water-based lubricant to make the process smoother. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the jewelry and gently slide it in or out.
This can help minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of causing any tears or irritation to the septum.
It’s important to note that if you experience excessive pain, resistance, or difficulty during the jewelry change process, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional piercer or healthcare provider.
They can provide guidance and ensure that the change is done safely and without any complications.
For more detailed information and step-by-step guidance on caring for your septum during jewelry changes, you can visit reputable websites such as Association of Professional Piercers (APP) or Mayo Clinic. These sources provide valuable insights and expert advice on proper septum piercing care.
Conclusion
While new septum piercings need a period of constant jewelry wear to heal properly, once matured the hole can better withstand intermittent wear. Be patient in the initial healing phase before going jewelry-free. And when ready for an occasional break, use retainers to keep holes stretched.
With proper piercing care, you can safely enjoy both the look of jewelry and your natural septum.
