A septum piercing passes through the soft tissue just behind the tip of the nose, specifically the “sweet spot” of the nasal septum, rather than directly through the cartilage. Many individuals with this type of body modification wonder if the hole will eventually close if they decide to remove the jewelry. The ability of a septum piercing to close depends on several biological factors, which dictate the healing process and the body’s response to the absence of the jewelry.
Understanding Septum Piercing Healing
When a piercing is created, the body initiates a healing process that is distinct from how it heals a typical wound. Instead of the skin closing over and sealing completely, a piercing forms a “fistula,” which is essentially a healed, tubular channel lined with epidermal cells. This channel allows the jewelry to remain in place without constant irritation or infection. The initial stages involve inflammation and the migration of cells to create this new skin-lined tunnel.
Over several months, this channel matures, becoming more robust and stable. This process creates a permanent pathway, allowing a well-healed piercing to be left without jewelry for periods without immediately closing. This stable fistula is why removing jewelry does not always result in immediate or complete closure.
Factors Influencing Septum Hole Closure
The likelihood and speed of a septum piercing closing are influenced by several factors. Newer piercings, which have not fully matured, are more prone to closing rapidly once jewelry is removed. This is because the body has not yet completed lining the channel with skin cells, allowing tissues to contract and seal.
The gauge size of the jewelry also plays a role; smaller gauge piercings (e.g., 18g or 16g) close more readily than larger ones (e.g., 0g or 00g). Larger gauges stretch tissue more extensively, reducing the body’s ability to contract the expanded channel. Individual healing capabilities, influenced by genetics, health, and nutrition, also impact how quickly a piercing closes. Proper care during the initial healing phase, which minimizes trauma and infection, supports the body’s ability to either maintain the fistula or allow it to shrink when jewelry is removed.
What to Expect When a Septum Hole Closes
When the jewelry is removed from a septum piercing, the body’s natural response is to begin shrinking the fistula. For many individuals, particularly with smaller gauges and newer piercings, this means the hole will gradually become too small to reinsert jewelry. This shrinking process can begin within hours for very new piercings, or over days to weeks for more established ones. The visible appearance might change from a distinct hole to a small indentation or a faint mark where the piercing once was.
While the channel may constrict, a faint mark or tiny indentation often remains, especially with older piercings. The sensation during closure is minimal, often just the area returning to its natural state. Complete disappearance of the piercing trace is less common for well-established piercings, as the body forms a permanent, small, skin-lined channel.
Persistent Holes and Scar Tissue
In some cases, particularly with well-established or larger gauge septum piercings, the hole may not fully close. The mature fistula, especially if stretched over a long period, can retain a persistent opening. Even if the visible hole closes, a small internal channel may remain, allowing the piercing to be tapered open again.
The body’s healing response can also lead to scar tissue formation within the piercing channel. This fibrous tissue can prevent complete closure of the fistula, leaving a noticeable bump or thickening around the former piercing site. While benign, such scar tissue can be a cosmetic concern. Individuals concerned about persistent holes or scar tissue might consult a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to explore options.