I always found septum piercings intriguing, but never thought i would actually go through with it and get one myself. I have really small features and a tiny nose, so I never thought it would look good on me. About 2 weeks ago, I really started to think about it, and after looking at pictures on BME for a few days (and many hours), I decided that I was going to get my septum pierced.
At A Glance Author lady stardust Contact lady stardust@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Nate Studio Goodfella's Location North Ridgeville, OH After reading all the experiences and doing my fair amount of research on the piercing, I knew I would get it done with a retainer, and would probably end up switching it out to a pink titanium circular barbell once it healed. I wasn't 100 percent sure if it would look good on me, but I wanted the piercing anyways, and 1. I get my mods for me, not on how good other people think it looks, and 2. if I ever wanted it to be hidden, it's one of the only easily hidden piercings.
Of course, literally the day after I decided that I was going to get my septum pierced I got a cold. I get sick around mid-September every year so it really wasn't too surprising, but I was pretty bummed out. I, of course, waited until I got over my cold to go for my piercing (having to blow my nose every 5 minutes with a freshly pierced septum is just not a good idea...)
Well, 2 days ago my cold cleared up, and earlier today my friend Adam called to ask if I wanted to go to get piercings. He was going to get a lobe piercing to compliment his circular barbell with spikes. We drove over there, and I started to get those nervous, excited, pre-piercing feelings. When we got there we told Nate, one of my two regular piercers, what we wanted. My friend picked out an evolution steel captive ring with a star as jewelry for his second lobe piercing, and it was a given that I would get pierced with a implant grade steel septum retainer. My friend got his lobe pierced, no big deal, and then it was my turn.
Nate showed me that everything was 100% sterile and had been autoclaved. He went over what would happen during the piercing process, and asked if I had any questions. Changing gloves constantly throughout the entire set up process, he cleaned out my nose with that hospital-smelling antiseptic (I can't recall the name), then very gently cleaned out my nose with 2 cotton buds (which he made far less awkward than it had the potential to be). He then explained to me all the typical septum-related facts (the sweet spot, that my eyes would water like crazy, etc.), and began marking where he would pierce.
He felt for the correct spot with the non-sharp end of the needle, then had me inhale then exhale. I took a second breath in and on my exhale the needle went through. It didn't hurt (as I had come to belive after reading all the stories on BME), which I guess had a lot to do with his excellent technique and my anatomy. But regardless, it was not a painful experience. The best way I can describe it is that it felt thick. I could feel the needle the entire way going through, and it felt like pushing a stick into a block of clay, except in my nose, if that makes any sense. It was not a painful piercing because he did not go through any cartilage, but it was a bizarre feeling.
The next thing I knew I had a 14 ga needle sticking out of my nose, and Nate asked again if I was doing ok. He told me he was going to put the jewelry in next. This actually hurt more than the piercing itself. It wasn't an intense pain as much of a combination of that same "thick" feeling plus a pinching from the curve of the retainer.
It's only been a few hours, but I already love the piercing. I'm keeping it flipped up (following multiple people's advice) so it will straighten out as it heals, but it really doesn't hurt at all. It's a bit sore, but that's also due to my nose being sore from having a cold just a few days ago. All in all it was a great experience, and while I'm sure it will be a bit sore for a few days, I'm not expecting anything too bad. It's definitely one of my favourite piercings. To anyone who isn't sure if they should get their septum pierced based on aesthetic concerns, try putting a cbb where the piercing would sit. If you're still not sure, go for it anyways. It's easily hidden, and all that matters is your satisfaction with your mod's, anyhow.
10/10 experience.