After getting a few piercings that are not immediately viewable to the naked eye (both nipples, tongue), I decided that I wanted a new piercing. I really wanted either a nose or labret piercing. However, I work in an environment over the summer where I can't let anyone see my piercings (I am a camp counselor, and rules state that we are only allowed to have ear and navel piercings or tattoos under the size of a quarter. Anything else must be hidden.). So, I had some trouble trying to decide what would work for me. A friend of mine has a roommate with a pierced septum, and I didn't even know he had one, because he always had the retainer in while I was around. So, after thinking about it, I decided that I wanted a septum. Not only did I want one, but also it would even work with my job.
At A Glance Author Andi Contact Andi@bme.anon When A month ago Artist Abbe Studio On The Edge Location Bowling Green, OH So, I checked out information online and called my piercer to get information prior to actually going in. My town is a small college town and I only know one other person with a septum piercing, so I wanted to make sure the piercer had done it before or knew how to, and make sure I knew everything about the possible complications, etc.
A friend of mine who had never had a piercing, asked if I would go with her to get her navel done, and I figured that would be the best time to get mine done as well. That way, she wouldn't only have me there for support, but she would get to see a piercing done prior to actually getting her own, if she wanted to.
When the day actually came I was really excited, and by then we had five people going to get something done. There were two navels done, one nipple, one tattoo, and me with my septum. I actually ended up going last in the line of piercings and right before my friend got her tattoo fixed up. So, by the time my turn came, I was really excited, but also very nervous and wondering how much it was going to hurt.
As I said, I have had a few other piercings and I also have a tattoo, so I knew that I would be able to handle the pain, I just wasn't sure what to expect. When I asked Abbe, she told me that she didn't actually have her septum done, so she didn't have an experience of her own to share. However, when she had done other septums, the pain level was different for every person. I expected as much, after reading other experiences during my research.
So, I finally sat down to get my piercing and Abbe explained everything as it was going on, which was somewhat calming, even though I already knew what she was doing! First, she cleaned out my nose with a Q-tip and antiseptic. It definitely wasn't as bad as cleaning out my mouth before my tongue piercing...this time I didn't have to taste it, only smell it! After she cleaned it out, she basically stuck the needle through my septum. At first, when the needle first started going through, it wasn't very painful at all. The pain came when she got to the center of my nose. It was pretty painful, more painful than my other piercings or my tattoo. However, it was extremely quick. I feel like it only took a moment.
After getting the needle through, Abbe changed it to the CBR. I was worried there would be a lot of pain again, as the ring went through. However, it did not hurt at all this time.
Overall, I would say it was a painful but quick experience during the actual piercing.
Afterwards, while it was healing, it was no different from my other piercings. It felt very sore for a few days and I had to sleep on my back, so that it wouldn't hit against my pillow, because that didn't feel too nice. It was a little bit red for a few days, but, again, no more so than other piercing that I have gotten in the past. Basically, I just cleaned it with Soft Soap twice a day like my piercer recommended and soaked it in saline solution once a day or so. After a few weeks, I started cleaning it once and day and soaking it every other day or so. It looks great and I haven't had any issues with it.
I am really glad that I found a piercing that works so well for me. I will be able to wear colorful and expressive rings most of the time and then use the retainer in the summer while I am at work. This way, I am happy and I know that I won't have to let a piercing close or find another job.
It has healed very nicely and I am going to change the ring sometime in the next month or so, as soon as it is ready!