The Septum is a piercing at the base of the nasal septum. To perform it, the cartilage is not pierced, but rather a very thin layer of tissue (“sweet spot zone”) that separates the two nostrils.
This is the junction point between the two nasal cartilages, which are:
- Greater alar cartilage
- Septal cartilage
After thoroughly cleaning the area, the Piercer identifies the correct placement of the piercing with the help of specific septum forceps. After that, using a sterile cannula needle, they proceed with perforating the membrane, then inserting the jewelry.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes and involves the use of sterile instruments and disposable materials to ensure safety and precision.
The Septum, along with the tongue piercing, is the one most requested by clients and, consequently, also raises a series of doubts and concerns.
In this article, we try to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions.
- Is Septum piercing painful?
- How long does a Septum piercing take to heal?
- What to avoid during Septum piercing healing?
- What type of piercing is the Septum and who is it suitable for?
- What kind of jewelry is available for Septum piercings?
1. Is Septum piercing painful?
The base of the nasal septum, where the Septum piercing is performed, is an area that does not contain cartilage.
It is, in fact, a soft and thin mucous membrane that, at the time of perforation, simply causes a slight pressure or pinch that lasts only a few seconds.
For this reason, getting a Septum piercing causes little pain, so much so that it is considered one of the least painful body piercings.
However, it is crucial that the piercing is performed correctly by an experienced professional, as an incorrect perforation involving the cartilage can cause intense pain and delay healing.
2. How long does a Septum piercing take to heal?
Another important advantage of Septum piercing is its very rapid healing.
It heals within 10 days, and you can change the jewelry, while complete healing usually takes a couple of weeks (about 6-8), although the time may vary based on individual characteristics and piercing care.
This involves a series of fundamental rules to follow, among which the most important is to wash and disinfect the piercing twice a day throughout the initial scarring period (about 15 days), without overdoing it to avoid irritating the piercing and extending healing times.
It’s also important to listen to your body, and if signs of infection (redness, persistent swelling, or unusual discharge) appear, it’s advisable to consult a professional.
However, these signs should not be confused with the normal phases of skin wound healing, such as blood loss, burning and/or swelling, or lymphatic discharge (composed of blood plasma, lymph, and dead cells), which do not mean there is a complication but that the piercing is healing.
Finally, it should be noted that Septum piercing, thanks to its placement between the nostrils, carries a low probability of infection: being in the mucous membrane, the wound is practically self-cleaning.
3. What to avoid during Septum piercing healing?
Earlier, we explained what is recommended to ensure optimal Septum piercing healing. Now, let’s analyze everything that is absolutely forbidden to avoid jeopardizing the healing process.
- avoid unnecessary movements (like rotating or touching the jewelry)
- avoid trauma to the area
- do not use aggressive products on the wound (such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Betadine, etc.)
- never touch the piercing with dirty hands to avoid promoting infections
- do not change the jewelry before proper healing
- Do not over-clean the piercing
- Avoid oral contact, abrupt movements, and contact with other bodily fluids on or near the new piercing
- Do not attach pendants or other objects to the jewelry until the piercing has healed
- Avoid submerging the piercing in water (pools, sea, lakes, etc.) for a couple of weeks
All these tips should be followed to ensure that the Septum not only heals correctly but also within the necessary timeframe.
4. What type of piercing is the Septum and who is it suitable for?
The Septum is a piercing suitable for men and women of all ages.
What makes it so popular and widespread is its ability to be visible or hidden at will, offering unique flexibility compared to other types of piercings.
Thanks to the use of specific jewelry (such as Circular Barbells), it is possible to rotate the piercing inside the nose, making it completely invisible. Conversely, with more eye-catching and distinctive jewelry (rings, elaborate clickers, or barbells), the Septum becomes prominent and very stylish.
By relying on a qualified professional, a Septum piercing can become a unique and distinctive detail in one’s personal style.
5. What kind of jewelry is available for Septum piercings?
The Septum Piercing offers a wide variety of jewelry, allowing it to adapt to every style and preference. After the healing period, it is indeed possible to insert various types of jewelry, but the most common and commercial are:
- Circular Barbells, open with two customizable ends via spheres, spikes, or decorations
- Clicker Ring, with a snap closure and available in minimalist designs or models decorated with stones or engravings
- Decorated Clicker, similar to a ring but with elaborate ornaments such as filigree, geometric patterns, or ethnic details
- Simple Ring (Captive Bead Ring), the most classic Septum jewelry, which has a circular shape with a small bead that keeps the circle closed
Among the materials for Septum Piercing jewelry, the best and highest quality are titanium (especially recommended for a fresh piercing as it is fully body-compatible), surgical steel, 14k or 18k gold.
Piercer Courses at Milano Tattoo School
The Septum is just one of the types of piercings included in the Milano Tattoo School course program, which is divided into two different formats.
The piercing operator course is a comprehensive 1500-hour program for those who wish to pursue a professional career in the world of piercing.
Thanks to an innovative curriculum and an internationally renowned faculty, students acquire advanced technical skills and a certification valid throughout Europe.
The course includes an extensive program that covers:
- Theoretical lessons (online and in-person) on essential subjects
- Techniques and execution of piercings on synthetic prosthetics and human models
- Practical workshops on sterilization, anodization, and gemology
- Exclusive workshops with global industry experts
Guided by professionals like Dimitri Daleno, with 30 years of experience, students will learn to correctly perform dozens of piercing types and manage every aspect of the job, including client relations.
The course also guarantees internship opportunities at over 400 affiliated studios, making entry into the job market quick and effective.
The next MTS piercing operator course starts on September 29, 2025.
Then there’s the 30-hour technical piercing course.
This is a program structured in a seminar format, designed to guide students in developing the fundamental skills necessary for the professional role of a Piercing Operator.