I, like a lot of people, did not like the septum piercing the first time I saw it. In fact, it took nearly six months of looking at pictures on the BME galleries before I decided I liked it, not to mention wanted one. Finally, I decided to get one.
At A Glance Author Chimpchimp Contact chimpchimp3@yahoo.com IAM chimpchimp When It just happened Artist Nick Studio Hotrod Piercing Company Location Pittsburgh, PA I wanted to get it done ASAP, and almost did a few times, but ultimately decided to wait until my girlfriend could go with me (she has been present to hold my hand at every single piercing I have ever gotten). Finally, I got the chance go down and get it. I came into the shop, and told the man behind the counter what I wanted. I explained that I wanted a 12g septum and that I had brought my own glass retainer. At this point, the piercer, Nick, who was packaging needles, chimed in. He explained that he would prefer to do the piercing with a stainless steel retainer because if I ever got hit in the nose, it would not break and that way I would not loose the piercing (and save my self some injury!). Luckily, he gave me a discount because he felt that it was his fault I could not use the jewelry that I had previously bought, I thought this was pretty nice of him.
At this point I should mention that I have heard mixed reviews of Nick, I had met him once previously, but only buying jewelry. A friend of a friend had her nipples done by him and claimed that he did it wrong, and that he was rude. Let me be the first to say that this could not be further from the truth. He was genuinely nice, and really cared about my piercing. He was extremely knowledgeable and did an excellent job.
Anyway, after paying (I was getting two piercing done that day), Nick led me to the back room. He immediately washed his hands, and put on gloves, then began to set up. While he did, he asked about my previous piercings, and talked about some interesting ones he had seen. He explained pretty much what would happen during the piercing, and told me what tools he would be using, as well as what chemicals he would be using to clean everything. He had me lay back on the table, with my head tilted back so he could mark my nose. He told me about how septum piercings are notorious for being crooked, and that although he would his best to make it straight, it may not be perfect. He told me possible options if this should happen, including offering to repierce at a later day, free of cost.
After finding my "sweet spot", he cleaned the area extremely well. This was kind of an odd feeling as my nose felt very very dry, and started to hurt a little. He marked the two spots (entry and exit points), then had a second look to make sure they were right. He then decided one was off and remarked it. After some more testing and remarking, he decided that it was as good as it could be. Luckily, Nick did not use clamps, so I didn't have to deal with the pain that many seem to complain about.
He then told me to relax, and take deep breathes in, and that he would push the needle through during the third exhale. On the third exhale he pushed it through, and it honestly didn't hurt that bad. It was kind of an odd pain, that made my whole face hurt, but really not that bad, and it only lasted 2 or 3 seconds.. My eyes started watering almost immediately. He then slipped the retainer in, which hurt a bit, but again, not all that bad. He said that it turned out really straight, and that I could check it out in the mirror if I liked.
I got up, took a look in the mirror, and it looked awesome, he did a great job, and it look as straight as I've ever seen a septum done. It was already bleeding but not that bad.
Nick then asked if it felt a little tight on the tissue, which it did. He told me that he would loosen it with ring openers so that I would be able to flip it up. This was actually the most painful part of the whole thing, it was just like the piercing pain, but lasted about 30-45 seconds. He showed me how to flip it up, and we began to setup for my second piercing (an 8g navel).
All and all, this was one of the best piercing experiences I've ever had. Nick definately knew what he was doing, and the whole thing lasted less than 15 minutes.