So, you’re considering removing your septum piercing, or perhaps you’ve already taken the plunge and are wondering what to expect. The burning question on your mind is undoubtedly: how quickly will this piercing close up? The answer, like most things in the body modification world, isn’t a simple one. It depends on a variety of factors, and understanding them is crucial to managing your expectations and ensuring proper aftercare, whether you’re letting the piercing heal over or considering re-piercing it down the line.
Understanding Septum Piercing Healing and Closure
Before diving into the timeline of closure, it’s important to grasp the basics of how septum piercings heal and, conversely, how they close. A piercing isn’t just a hole; it’s a wound that the body naturally tries to repair. This repair process involves the formation of new skin cells, which gradually fill in the open space.
The Healing Process: A Recap
When you get a septum piercing, the piercer creates a small channel through the cartilage and skin of your septum (the fleshy part just before the hard cartilage). Your body immediately kicks into healing mode. Initially, you’ll experience inflammation, redness, and tenderness. This is perfectly normal. The body sends inflammatory cells to the area to fight off potential infection and begin the tissue repair process.
Over the next few weeks and months, the body builds a layer of epithelial cells within the piercing channel. This layer essentially creates a tunnel of skin that lines the piercing. This is what keeps the hole open and prevents it from closing quickly. A fully healed piercing means this epithelial lining is well-established and robust.
The Closure Process: Reversing the Healing
When you remove your jewelry, you’re essentially interrupting the healing process. The epithelial lining, no longer supported by the jewelry, begins to break down. The body then initiates the process of closing the hole, starting with the outer layers of skin.
The speed at which this happens is influenced by several factors, which we’ll explore in detail.
Factors Influencing Closure Rate
Several elements determine how quickly a septum piercing will close. These factors can vary significantly from person to person, making it difficult to provide a precise timeline. However, understanding these influences will give you a better sense of what to expect in your specific situation.
Piercing Age: Time is of the Essence
The most significant factor influencing closure speed is the age of the piercing. A relatively new piercing, one that hasn’t fully healed, will close much faster than a piercing that has been in place for years.
A piercing is considered “fresh” during the initial healing period, which can last anywhere from 2 to 6 months for a septum piercing. During this time, the epithelial lining is still fragile and hasn’t fully matured. If you remove the jewelry at this stage, the piercing can start to close within hours, and potentially completely close within a few days or weeks.
On the other hand, a well-established piercing that has been in place for several years has a much more robust epithelial lining. This lining takes longer to break down, meaning the piercing will take significantly longer to close, sometimes even remaining open indefinitely, though potentially shrinking in size.
Individual Healing Rates: Everyone is Different
Just like with any other wound, individual healing rates play a crucial role. Some people naturally heal faster than others. Factors such as genetics, overall health, and lifestyle choices can all impact how quickly your body repairs tissue.
If you’re generally a fast healer, you might find that your septum piercing closes relatively quickly. Conversely, if you’re a slow healer, it may take longer for the piercing to close, or it might not close completely at all.
Jewelry Gauge: Size Matters
The gauge (thickness) of the jewelry also plays a role. A larger gauge piercing creates a wider channel, meaning there’s more tissue to close. Therefore, a larger gauge septum piercing will generally take longer to close than a smaller gauge piercing.
If you’ve stretched your septum piercing to a larger gauge, you can expect the closure process to be even slower. In some cases, larger gauge piercings may not close completely without surgical intervention.
Placement Accuracy: Cartilage vs. Soft Tissue
The exact placement of the piercing can influence how quickly it closes. Septum piercings are ideally placed in the “sweet spot,” which is the soft, fleshy tissue just in front of the cartilage. If the piercing was placed too far back and went through cartilage, it might be more prone to complications and may take longer to close, or may leave a more noticeable scar.
Piercings placed primarily in soft tissue tend to close faster than those involving cartilage. Cartilage is less vascularized than soft tissue, meaning it receives less blood supply and heals more slowly.
Aftercare Practices: A Forgotten Factor
Even after a piercing is fully healed, proper aftercare can contribute to the health of the piercing channel. Regular cleaning, even with just water, can help keep the area free from debris and maintain the integrity of the epithelial lining. Neglecting aftercare, even in a healed piercing, can weaken the lining and potentially accelerate the closure process once the jewelry is removed.
The Septum Piercing Closure Timeline: What to Expect
Now, let’s get to the specifics. While it’s impossible to provide an exact timeline that applies to everyone, here’s a general overview of what you can expect in terms of septum piercing closure:
First Few Hours: Minimal Change
In the first few hours after removing the jewelry, you might not notice much of a change, especially if the piercing is well-established. The hole might appear slightly smaller, and there might be a minimal amount of swelling or redness.
However, this is when the closure process begins at a microscopic level. The epithelial lining starts to contract, and the body begins to send cells to the area to initiate the repair process.
First Few Days: Noticeable Shrinking
Over the next few days, you’ll likely notice the piercing hole shrinking. The skin around the piercing might feel slightly tighter, and you might experience some minor discomfort or itching. This is a sign that the body is actively working to close the piercing.
For newer piercings (less than a year old), the hole can shrink significantly within this timeframe, potentially making it difficult or impossible to reinsert jewelry.
First Few Weeks: Significant Closure
Within the first few weeks, the piercing will likely close considerably. For newer piercings, it might close completely, leaving only a small scar or mark. For older piercings, the hole might still be visible but significantly smaller.
The rate of closure will start to slow down during this period. The body has done most of the initial work of closing the hole, and the remaining tissue repair will take longer.
Months and Beyond: Gradual Fading
Over the next few months, the piercing will continue to close gradually. The scar tissue will fade over time, and the area might return to its pre-piercing appearance. However, it’s possible that a small mark or indentation will remain, especially if the piercing was large gauge or experienced complications during healing.
In some cases, a well-established piercing might not close completely, even after several months or years. The hole might shrink to a very small size, but it could remain open indefinitely.
Can You Re-Pierce a Closed Septum Piercing?
The possibility of re-piercing a closed septum piercing depends largely on how completely it has closed and the amount of scar tissue that has formed.
If the piercing has only partially closed, and the original channel is still somewhat visible, a piercer might be able to re-open the piercing using a taper. A taper is a tool that gradually widens the piercing channel without causing excessive trauma.
However, if the piercing has completely closed, and significant scar tissue has formed, re-piercing can be more challenging. The piercer will need to carefully assess the area to determine if re-piercing is possible and safe.
Attempting to re-pierce through scar tissue can be more painful and can increase the risk of complications, such as infection or rejection. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced and reputable piercer who can properly evaluate the area and provide guidance.
Tips for Managing the Closure Process
Whether you’re intentionally letting your septum piercing close or considering re-piercing it, here are some tips for managing the process:
- Keep the area clean: Gently clean the area around the piercing with mild soap and water to prevent infection.
- Avoid touching the area: Resist the urge to touch or pick at the closing piercing, as this can irritate the tissue and slow down the healing process.
- Moisturize the area: Applying a gentle moisturizer can help keep the skin hydrated and promote healing.
- Be patient: The closure process can take time, so be patient and allow your body to heal naturally.
- Consult with a professional: If you have any concerns or questions, consult with a piercer or medical professional for guidance.
Conclusion: Understanding Your Body
Ultimately, the speed at which your septum piercing closes depends on a variety of individual factors. While general timelines can provide a rough estimate, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body heals differently. By understanding the factors that influence closure rate and following proper aftercare practices, you can manage your expectations and ensure a smooth and healthy healing process, whether you’re saying goodbye to your piercing or preparing to welcome it back. Remember to consult with a professional piercer for personalized advice and guidance.
How quickly can a septum piercing start to close after removing the jewelry?
The initial closing speed of a septum piercing varies greatly depending on factors such as how long you’ve had the piercing, your body’s healing capabilities, and the size of the jewelry used. Fresh piercings, even those a few months old, can begin to close within minutes or hours of jewelry removal. You may notice the hole shrinking and the skin starting to tighten almost immediately, making re-insertion difficult if left unattended for too long.
For more established piercings (several years old), the process is generally slower, but it’s crucial not to take this for granted. While a mature piercing might stay open for a day or two initially, the tissue will gradually begin to contract. Over time, the channel will shrink significantly, making it hard or impossible to reinsert jewelry without stretching or repiercing. It’s always better to try and reinsert the jewelry sooner rather than later to avoid complications.
What factors influence how fast a septum piercing closes?
Several key factors influence the closing speed of a septum piercing. The primary factor is the age of the piercing; older, well-healed piercings typically take longer to close than newer ones. Your body’s natural healing rate also plays a significant role, as some individuals heal faster than others. Genetics and overall health can affect how quickly the tissue regenerates and seals the piercing.
The size of the jewelry used and how consistently it has been worn are also important. Larger gauge piercings tend to stay open longer, and consistent wear strengthens the fistula (the channel through the skin). Finally, proper aftercare during the initial healing phase contributes to a more robust and stable piercing, potentially impacting how quickly it closes later on if jewelry is removed.
What are the potential risks of letting a septum piercing close and then re-piercing it?
Allowing a septum piercing to close and then re-piercing it can come with several potential risks. The new piercing may not align perfectly with the original channel, leading to a misaligned or crooked appearance. This misalignment can also affect the comfort and wearability of jewelry. Furthermore, scar tissue from the previous piercing can make the re-piercing process more painful and challenging.
Moreover, re-piercing increases the risk of infection and complications, such as keloid formation (raised scar tissue). The area may be more sensitive and prone to irritation. It’s also important to note that repeated piercings in the same location can weaken the cartilage over time, potentially leading to structural issues or discomfort in the long term. Consulting with a professional piercer is crucial to evaluate the suitability of re-piercing and minimize these risks.
How can I prevent my septum piercing from closing if I need to remove the jewelry temporarily?
The best way to prevent a septum piercing from closing when you need to remove the jewelry is to reinsert it as soon as possible. If you know you’ll only need to remove it for a short period (a few hours), try to leave it out for the absolute minimum time. Carry your jewelry with you, cleaned and ready for immediate reinsertion.
If you need to remove the jewelry for a longer period, consider using a retainer. Retainers are typically made of biocompatible materials like glass or silicone and help maintain the piercing’s shape and prevent closure. Consult with your piercer to find the right size and material for your retainer. Also, regularly attempting to reinsert your original jewelry, even if you’re using a retainer most of the time, can help keep the piercing open.
Is there anything I can do to slow down the closing process if I need to keep the jewelry out for a longer time?
While you can’t completely stop a piercing from closing, you can take steps to slow down the process. Regularly cleaning the area with saline solution, even without jewelry in, can help keep the tissue healthy and prevent infection, which might accelerate closure. Gently massaging the area around the piercing can also improve blood flow and keep the tissue supple.
Consider using a tapered insertion pin, lubricated with a water-based lubricant, to gently stretch the piercing open every few days. This can help maintain the channel’s size, even if you’re not wearing jewelry full-time. However, proceed with extreme caution and stop immediately if you experience any pain or resistance. It’s always best to consult with your piercer before attempting any stretching methods to avoid damage or infection.
How long does it typically take for a septum piercing to fully close completely?
The time it takes for a septum piercing to fully close varies widely depending on individual factors. A newer piercing, only a few months old, might close completely within a few weeks. In these cases, the body rapidly regenerates the tissue, and the small hole can quickly disappear. You might see a small scar or discoloration where the piercing was located.
For more established piercings, those that have been around for several years, complete closure can take months or even years. While the visible hole might close relatively quickly, the internal fistula can remain partially open or scarred for a very long time. Even after the skin has completely healed over, the area may be more sensitive or prone to irritation.
When should I consult a professional piercer if I’m having issues with my septum piercing closing?
You should consult a professional piercer immediately if you experience signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, while the piercing is closing. These symptoms could indicate a trapped infection within the healing tissue. Attempting to treat an infection yourself could lead to complications, so professional intervention is necessary.
Additionally, seek advice from a piercer if you have difficulty reinserting your jewelry after it has been removed for a short time. Forcing the jewelry can damage the tissue and increase the risk of infection. A piercer can assess the situation, provide safe reinsertion techniques, and recommend appropriate aftercare to prevent further issues. They can also advise on whether a retainer might be a better long-term solution.