To begin with, I must state that although I have 7 piercings in my ears (no facial or others), 3 of which I did myself and 3 of which are gauged ranging from 8G to 2G, I am a wimp when it comes to pain. I pass out easily: once while getting 36 allergy shots, once while getting an IV put in after several unsuccessful previous tries, and once which trying to shove a large gauge earring into a small gauge hole, to name a few. Now, I've always wanted a facial piercing, but I'd never been audacious enough to actually consider getting one. Also, there is the threat of getting kicked out of the house by my parents, who'd constantly refused to get my cartilage done (like it's a big deal). So I needed a piercing that I could hide perfectly. Like most on BME, I didn't like septum piercings at first, but they grew on me after months of looking at pictures and reading accounts (and thank you BME, you've really prepared me for my experience!). Thus, this is a story for those of you who don't deal with pain well, cannot show the piercing to their parents/others, and who were initially turned off by the septum piercing.
At A Glance Author Lauren Contact Lauren@bme.anon When It just happened Artist Christina Studio Acme Tattoo Location Charlottesville, va And so I decided on my septum- easily concealed, bold, and beautiful. I decided that the perfect time would be right after xmas break (half way through january) because I knew I wouldn't be seeing my parents for awhile as well as my boyfriend (he hates the idea of getting the septum piercing, so I plan on hiding it from him, and I assume that kissing will be uncomfortable for a couple of weeks). Thus began the process. I went to Acme, nerves jumping, but it turned out that she couldn't do the piercing that day, and I was rather devastated. So I planned on coming the next day (today, Jan. 17). My friend and I arrived, and I was extremely nervous. I made sure to eat some almonds beforehand because if you are prone to passing out you should eat before undergoing something like this.
So, we show up. I asked as many questions as I could remember to ask as I filled out the forms-
Does it leave a scar? "No."
Will you be using clamps? "No. It changes the shape of the septum from the shape it will hold afterwards and might make it uncomfortable or crooked."
(since she had her septum pierced) How badly would you say this will hurt? "If it is done right, it should be fairly painless. It is really one of the best piercings in that is doesn't hurt and it heals very quickly."
How many septum piercings have you done? "Well, I've been piercing for 6 years, so I've done many."
She explained that it is really a thin layer of tissue and asked me to lay on the piercing surface, like a bed-table. I was very nervous and kept thinking about all the accounts about how the septum is the most painful piercing a person could get. However, she was great; very talkative, talked me through everything, answered my questions. I asked why there were so many negative stories, and she said that it is because the piercer did a poor job- he or she hit the cartilage. She said that if it is done correctly, it should be painless. I should mention what is forgotten in almost every story I've read- I got a 16 gauge retainer. I chose 16 because I'm not good with pain (and figured I could always go up to 14 later) and a retainer so I could flip up when I was around my parents.
So began the prodding. She wiped down my nose with iodine on Q-tips so as to remove germs etc. She began drawing dots and lines to make sure that she was perfectly lined up. After reassuring me that my "sweet spot" was a fine size even though I have a small nose, she got the needle out (she'd been changing gloves the whole time, by the way) and just poked a little to make sure she was straight.
I closed my eyes as she told me to begin breathing. Wow, my heart was beating, but I trusted her. She didn't count; just poked it right through on a deep breath, and it was over in an instant. She kept the needle in while I kept my eyes closed tight. I suppose tears formed in my eyes, but they certainly weren't gushing down my face like I'd read in other stories. I didn't even feel the needle go in, it was easily the most painless piercing I've ever had. I was shocked. I kept my eyes closed still while she corked the needle and transferred in the retainer, which was more like movement than pain. And it was done. I was so grateful.
She cleaned off the iodine and markings, and it looked great. She showed me how to flip it up, told me that I should clean it with saline contact fluid which surprised me because I hadn't read that before. I haven't done it yet, but I suppose I will start tomorrow. She said there would be crusties, but just clean them with the solution and a Q-tip. She said to come back when I wanted to change the jewelry, which could happen in as soon as a month. I paid $40 for it and gave her a $10 tip as I was unsure what tips normally are, but she deserved it. Thus ended my trip.
Now, it's been done for about 2 hours. It doesn't really hurt, just stings slightly as if i have a cold and I've been wiping my nose too much. I really had the best experience a person could ask for. Don't be deceived by the horror stories- if you have a good piercer who knows what she's doing, it shouldn't hurt (assuming it's at 16 or 14 gauge). Definitely do it if you're inclined. And if you're ever in the area, Christina at Acme in Charlottesville is great! I'd be happy to answer any questions...
Good luck!