When considering a septum piercing, it's crucial to understand the intricacies of the placement beyond the aesthetic appeal. The septum, located at the center of the nose, is delicate and complex, making careful planning and executions keys to a successful and safe piercing. Unfortunately, bad septum piercing placement can lead to a host of issues, from improper healing to permanent damages. Let's delve into this topic, exploring common mistakes and their consequences.
Firstly, it's essential to understand that the septum isn't a flat surface. It's a curved, cartilage-filled area with a thin mucus membrane. The ideal placement for a septum piercing is through the sweet spot, atextarea where the cartilage meets the bone at the base of the septum. Piercing in this area increases the likelihood of a cleaner, healthier, and more manageable healing process.
Incorrect Depth Placement
The depth of the piercing is as critical as the spot selected. A septum piercing should be deep enough to secure the jewelry but not too deep that it punctures through to the nasal cavity. The standard gauge size for septum piercings is a 16 or 18 gauge with about 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch of straight barbell as the initial jewelry. Deviating from these standards can lead to complications.
Too shallow a piercing can cause the jewelry to chronically irritate the skin and lead to constant healing issues. Conversely, too deep a piercing carries the risk of piercing the nasal septum wall completely, leading to infection or even damage to the nasal tissue.
Incorrect Marking
Accurate marking is the foundation of a well-placed piercing. Many septum piercing disasters result from improper marking of the piercing site. It's recommended to mark the sweet spot with the client's nose in its normal position, immediately before the piercing, and use a pen that's easily erasable.
Incorrectly marking, often due to not considering the client's unique nasal structure or not marking at the right time, can lead to piercing at the wrong spot or not deep enough. This can result in a high or low placement, orbiting the nostrils, or failing to comply with local laws and pierce above the nasal septum.
Using Inappropriate Jewelry
The jewelry used also plays a significant role in bad septum piercing placement. Ideally, a curved barbell should be used initially for a septum piercing. The curve of the barbell is designed to prevent the jewelry from migrating into the nostrils and causing irritation.
Straight barbells, interlocking rings, or other unconventional jewelry should not be used initially, as they do not considering the curved nature of the septum. Using such jewelry can cause the piercing to migrate out of its intended location or cause unnecessary discomfort.
The Impact of Bad Septum Piercing Placement
Recovery from a septum piercing can be challenging, and improper placement can exacerbate this process. Badly placed septum piercings can result in chronic nasal discharge, frequent nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, and even permanent damage to the nasal tissue.
The placement of the piercing can also affect the aesthetics. Poorly placed septum piercings can result in the jewelry not being visible, migrating into the nostrils, or having the jewelry hang too low, appearing unappealing or unhygienic. Moreover, if the piercing is placed below the nasal septum, it's illegal in some regions.
Permanent Impairment
In extreme cases, a poorly placed septum piercing can cause permanent damage. Piercing too far back or through the nasal septum can result in a condition called a saddle nose deformity, characterized by a depression in the nasal bridge. This can lead to long-term or permanent impairment of the nasal structure and function.
Furthermore, improper piercing placement can lead to long-term issues like difficulty breathing, chronic infections, or even, in the worst-case scenario, complete collapse of the nasal structure.
Consequently, it's crucial to stress the importance of careful planning, accurate marking, and precise execution in septum piercing. Always research piercers' reputations and credentials, and never hesitate to seek a second opinion if you're uncertain about any aspect of your piercing.Your septum is a unique and delicate feature, deserving of careful consideration and respect.