A septum piercing passes through the small, flexible area of tissue, often called the “sweet spot,” located below the nasal septal cartilage. Changing or removing the jewelry requires a careful approach to prevent irritation or injury to this sensitive site. Understanding the body’s natural healing process is the first step in deciding when it is safe to manipulate the jewelry. This guide provides an overview of the proper timelines for removal and the specific techniques required for common jewelry styles.
Determining the Safe Time for Removal
The initial healing phase for a septum piercing is six to eight weeks, which is the minimum time before any jewelry change should be considered. During this period, the body forms a protective tunnel of tissue around the jewelry, known as a fistula. This primary healing is only the start of the process, and the piercing remains delicate.
Full maturation of the fistula often requires two to three months, and sometimes six to eight months or more, depending on individual health and aftercare. Attempting to remove the jewelry before the piercing is fully healed risks causing micro-tears in the delicate tissue. This can lead to swelling, irritation, or infection. Patience is necessary to ensure the long-term health of the piercing site.
A fully healed septum piercing shows clear signs of readiness for removal. The site should no longer exhibit redness, swelling, tenderness, or discharge. The jewelry should move freely without discomfort or crusting around the entry and exit points.
If the piercing is actively infected, showing signs of excessive pain, heat, thick discolored discharge, or bleeding, removal should not be attempted at home. Removing jewelry from an infected site can trap the infection inside the tissue, potentially leading to an abscess. In these situations, a healthcare professional or reputable piercer should be consulted. They can provide guidance on treating the infection while the jewelry remains in place.
Step-by-Step Self-Removal Techniques
Before attempting any removal, practice strict hygiene to prevent introducing bacteria to the piercing channel. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds, then gently clean the piercing site and the jewelry with a sterile saline solution. Using clean, disposable non-latex gloves can significantly improve grip on small, slippery jewelry components.
Circular Barbells (Horseshoe Rings)
Circular barbells, commonly called horseshoe rings, are secured by two small end-pieces, which are often internally or externally threaded balls. To remove this jewelry, stabilize the ring with one hand and twist one of the balls counter-clockwise with the other hand. If the ball is difficult to grip, use gloves or a piece of dry paper towel for traction. Once the ball is detached, carefully rotate the ring out of the piercing channel.
Captive Bead Rings (CBRs)
Captive Bead Rings (CBRs) are closed hoops held together by a single bead under tension, making them difficult to remove without specialized tools. The small bead must be gently squeezed out of its position between the two ends of the ring. This can sometimes be achieved by applying firm, sideways pressure to the ring to slightly widen the gap, but it often requires ring-opening pliers. If the bead cannot be released with gentle force, a professional piercer should assist to prevent trauma to the tissue.
Hinged Segment Clicker Rings
Hinged segment clicker rings feature a straight bar segment that clicks securely into the circular part of the ring. To remove a clicker, locate the seam where the hinged segment meets the main ring. Applying gentle pressure to the hinged segment allows it to pivot open, permitting the jewelry to be slid out of the piercing. Care must be taken not to open the hinge too far, which can make it difficult to close or cause the jewelry to bind in the tissue.
Immediate Aftercare and Long-Term Site Management
Once the jewelry has been removed, immediate aftercare focuses on keeping the open channel clean and free from irritants. For a few days following removal, the site should be rinsed twice daily with a sterile saline wound wash. This helps flush out debris and supports the body’s natural process of tissue regeneration.
Avoid applying harsh chemicals, makeup, or strong soaps directly to the area for at least two weeks, especially if the piercing was slightly irritated upon removal. If the piercing was fully healed, the channel is essentially lined with skin, and minimal care is necessary beyond general facial hygiene. If the site was still healing, however, treating it like a fresh wound is advisable.
The fate of the piercing channel after removal is highly dependent on how long the piercing was established. If the septum was pierced recently, the tissue can begin to shrink rapidly, often within a few hours. A fully matured piercing, one that has been healed for years, will still shrink, but the fistula lining will likely remain as a small, non-visible scar tissue.
If you decide to reinsert jewelry later, it is safe to attempt reinsertion shortly after removal if the piercing was well-established. If the hole has visibly shrunk, forcing the jewelry back in can cause significant damage and should be avoided. A professional piercer can use a sterile tapered pin to gently stretch the channel back to the correct gauge, minimizing the risk of tearing the tissue.