After a break from getting any new piercings I finally got another. Last spring I got my right nostril pierced, at 18ga, with a CBR. During the summer I had to wear a retainer in it at work. Most of the time I just slept with the retainer in, so I could get up and go right to work. One day at work I noticed I didn't have it any more. I assume it fell out in my sleep. After a month, I decided to finally get it re-pierced. I flew back to Colorado for school, and decided to get done soon afterwards. I had been planning to get the other side done to match the old piercing, but since I lost the old one I got both done at the same time.
At A Glance Author 500channels Contact 500channels@bme.anon IAM 500channels When A month ago Artist Don't remember... Studio Tribal Rites Location Boulder, CO So a friend of mine drove me to Tribal Rites in Boulder, CO to get them done. I explained that I wanted to get pierced with nostril screws instead of rings this time. I filled out my information, then sat down in the waiting area for a few minutes. I wasn't really nervous this time for some reason. Soon I was taken to the piercing room and sat down in the chair. The piercer marked me up, a little higher this time than last. Last time I had it done pretty low. This time they were up nice and high. After a minute or two of scrutinizing the markings in the mirror, I decided that they were perfectly placed. A receiving tube was inserted in my nose, and the 20ga needle went through from the outside. The pain wasn't so bad this time. I think it's partly because I knew what was coming this time, and it was done at 20ga instead of 18ga. And of course, my eyes started watering like crazy after getting punctured. I was left like this for a second, until the needle was pushed all the way through and the nostril screw was inserted. The piercer gave me a tissue to wipe my tears away. She commented that I teared up just as bad as she did when she got her nose pierced.
Now, I should explain. I didn't cry from the pain. I don't know what it is exactly; it must hit a nerve or something, but it makes my eyes water like crazy. So, the piercer waited until my eyes quit watering and then stuck the receiving tube up my other nostril. Again with the needle poking right through and my eyes watering like crazy. I accidentally bumped her hand as I tried to blindly wipe my tears away with the tissue. I apologized and she told me not to worry about it. She pushed the needle through with the jewelry and we were done. I checked it out in the mirror and thought that they were perfect! She did a great job. So, I paid and left her a nice tip (always remember to tip!). I already had cleaning supplies, so I didn't need to buy any more.
Healing was very, very easy. My nose was a bit sore for a couple days- about 2-3, but only to the touch. I cleaned my nose once a day with Satin soap. I just washed my hands real well, then put a little soap on my fingers and then lathered up a bit. I rinsed with warm water and patted dry with a clean washcloth. My nose was healed in about two weeks. Maybe not fully, 100% healed, but I stopped cleaning it then, and I haven't had any problems since. I've had them for around a month now, and they are for sure totally healed now.
A few bits of advice- you may need to get custom nostril screws bent after you're healed. Since the swelling is all gone, and maybe my nose isn't perfectly suited for the generic shape, the "c" of the nostril screw tends to rotate down in my nose and is slightly visible. This isn't a serious problem or anything, but it looks kind of like boogers. I will probably end up getting two custom bent screws eventually, but I am content with mine for now. My main advice though, is to make sure you pay attention when you're washing and drying your face! If you catch the head of a nostril screw- or even a ring- with a towel, you'll be in a world of hurt. I've done this 2-3 times, and nearly pulled a screw all the way out with a towel. Ooch, that is not fun.
I am definitely satisfied with the way that my piercings look. Heck, I'm much more than satisfied! The placement is perfect, and everything has gone great. Also, the two screws in my nose have the tiniest heads on them. I love it! The funny thing is that most people I know didn't notice that I got them pierced for a little while because they're so small. I wonder how many other people notice as well. I think that they're a perfect compliment to my 7/8" ear lobes. You know- big, huge stretched ears, and tiny, cute nostril piercings. Nostril piercings are very attractive, and easy to heal, so they'd be a very good first piercing as well. Be prepared for your eyes to water though!