Septum piercings adorn the thin strip of tissue separating the nostrils. Individuals often consider removing their septum jewelry for various reasons, from professional requirements to personal preference. Understanding proper removal procedures and subsequent care is important for maintaining nasal health.
Understanding Healing and Readiness
A septum piercing requires a significant period to heal fully before jewelry can be removed or changed without complications. Initial healing typically occurs within two to three months, though complete healing can extend to six to eight months. Overall health and adherence to aftercare instructions influence this timeline. Removing jewelry prematurely can lead to infection, irritation, or prolonged healing.
A fully healed septum piercing shows no signs of redness, swelling, or tenderness. There should also be no discharge or crusting around the piercing site. If you experience discomfort, pain when touched, or notice discharge, the piercing is likely still in the healing process. Consulting with a professional piercer is advisable if there is any uncertainty about the healing status of your piercing.
Steps for Safe Removal
Before removing any septum jewelry, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria. You may also consider wearing latex or nitrile gloves for a better grip on the jewelry. Ensuring the piercing area is clean can prevent potential irritation or infection during the removal process.
For circular barbells, which consist of a curved bar with two removable balls, unscrewing one of the balls is the first step. These balls are threaded and can be removed by twisting counter-clockwise; sometimes, they might be tight and require a firm grip, potentially aided by gloves. Once a ball is off, gently slide the jewelry out of the piercing channel.
Clicker jewelry features a hinged segment that opens and closes. To remove it, locate the hinge and gently pull the segment away from the main ring until it unclicks. If the clicker is particularly stiff, some individuals find success by using a thin, blunt object like the end of a Q-tip or a paper clip to push the hinged bar upwards from the inside. Should you encounter significant difficulty or pain, seeking assistance from a professional piercer is recommended, as they possess specialized tools and expertise to safely remove stubborn jewelry.
Post-Removal Care and Expectations
After removing your septum jewelry, it is important to provide appropriate aftercare for the empty piercing site. Gently clean the area with a saline solution twice daily, which helps in keeping the area clean as the tissue begins to close. Avoiding harsh chemicals or alcohol-based products is important, as these can irritate the delicate tissue.
How much a septum piercing hole closes depends on several factors, including how long the piercing has been established. Newer piercings, especially those removed within a few months of being acquired, are more likely to close completely. For well-established piercings, the hole may shrink significantly, but often a small channel or mark can remain visible. While some older piercings might not fully close, they may become too small to reinsert jewelry without professional assistance.
Monitor the area for any signs of infection post-removal. Symptoms like increasing redness, swelling, unusual pain, or discharge that is yellow or green and has a foul odor indicate a potential infection. Should these symptoms appear, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Leaving the jewelry in place might be recommended by a doctor if an infection occurs, as removing it could trap bacteria.