A septum piercing passes through the “sweet spot,” a specific, soft area of tissue located at the front of the nasal septum. This area is a thin layer of skin and membrane positioned just below the hard nasal cartilage, which the needle should never penetrate. While the body can attempt to push out any foreign object, complete rejection of a septum piercing is uncommon due to the depth and unique structure of this tissue. Migration, where the jewelry shifts from its original placement, is more likely to occur.
Migration Versus True Rejection in Septum Piercings
Piercing rejection is an immune response where the body treats the jewelry as an intruder and actively works to expel it completely, often seen in shallow surface piercings like eyebrows or navels. This process involves the tissue behind the jewelry healing closed, pushing the foreign object closer to the skin’s surface until it is forced out. In contrast, migration describes the jewelry gradually moving from its initial placement to a new position within the surrounding tissue.
For a properly placed septum piercing, migration is the more accurate term for most failures, as it passes through flexible tissue. Migration means the piercing may shift lower, become crooked, or stretch the skin. If left unaddressed, severe migration can progress to complete rejection, where the piercing breaks through the skin entirely.
Factors Contributing to Septum Piercing Failure
The most significant factor influencing the longevity of a septum piercing is incorrect initial placement. If the piercing is placed too deep or forced through the hard nasal cartilage instead of the soft “sweet spot,” it will experience chronic irritation and increased healing time. Piercing the dense cartilage leads to continuous pressure and inflammation, which the body tries to relieve by shifting the jewelry to a less irritated location, initiating migration.
Jewelry selection also plays a role in failure. Using poor-quality materials, such as metals containing nickel, can trigger an allergic reaction and localized inflammation, encouraging the body to push the jewelry away. Furthermore, the gauge and fit of the jewelry matter. A piece that is too heavy, too thin, or too tight can place undue stress on the delicate tissue, and a thin gauge may be more easily expelled than the standard 16-gauge jewelry.
Physical trauma is another common cause of migration, particularly during the initial healing period. Bumping the nose, snagging the jewelry on clothing, or excessive manipulation can disrupt the forming fistula (the healed tunnel of tissue). This repeated irritation damages the tissue, leading to scar tissue formation and encouraging the jewelry to move in an attempt to escape the source of irritation. Consistent infection or poor aftercare can also compromise tissue integrity, making it more susceptible to movement.
Identifying and Addressing Early Warning Signs
Recognizing the visual cues of migration is important for preventing a complete failure of the piercing. A primary sign is a noticeable change in the jewelry’s position from where it was initially placed, or if the jewelry appears looser than before. The skin between the entry and exit points may also become thinner, stretched, or more transparent, sometimes making the jewelry visible just beneath the surface.
Persistent redness, swelling, or localized pain that extends well beyond the normal initial healing phase can also signal a problem. While some crusting is normal, excessive or unusual discharge might indicate severe irritation or a developing issue. If any of these signs appear, consult with a professional piercer immediately. They can assess the situation and determine if a jewelry change or removal is necessary to prevent further damage or scarring. Never attempt to push the jewelry back into position or change it yourself, as this can cause additional trauma.