Getting a septum piercing is an exciting step, a bold statement of personal style. But life happens, and there might be times when you need to remove your jewelry. Understanding how long you can leave your septum piercing out without it closing is crucial for maintaining your piercing and avoiding unwanted issues. This article delves into the factors that affect closure time, offering a comprehensive guide to help you manage your piercing safely.
The Healing Process: Your Piercing’s Lifeline
Before we discuss removal, it’s essential to understand the healing process. Septum piercings generally take 6 to 8 months to fully heal, but this can vary significantly depending on individual factors. During this time, a delicate epithelial lining forms within the piercing channel, creating a stable pathway for jewelry.
Early Stages of Healing: Vulnerability is Key
In the initial weeks after getting your septum pierced, the area is highly susceptible to closing. The piercing channel is still essentially an open wound, and the body is actively working to repair the tissue. Removing the jewelry for even a short period during this stage can easily lead to shrinkage or complete closure. Think of it like removing a splint from a healing broken bone too soon.
The Importance of Aftercare During Healing
Proper aftercare is paramount during the entire healing period. Regular cleaning with a sterile saline solution helps prevent infection and promotes healthy tissue regeneration. Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands, and refrain from using harsh chemicals or irritants. A well-cared-for piercing is more likely to heal quickly and properly, which can eventually affect how long you can leave jewelry out later on.
When is a Septum Piercing Considered “Healed”?
Just because the initial redness and swelling have subsided doesn’t mean your septum piercing is fully healed. Complete healing involves the formation of a strong, resilient epithelial lining. To be sure, consult with your piercer. They can assess the piercing and determine if it’s truly healed and strong enough for longer periods without jewelry.
Factors Affecting Closure Time: A Complex Equation
The amount of time a septum piercing can stay open without jewelry varies from person to person. Several factors play a role in determining this timeframe.
Age of the Piercing: Time is on Your Side (Eventually)
As a general rule, the older the piercing, the longer it can stay open without closing. A freshly healed piercing can start to close within hours, while a piercing that’s been established for several years might remain open for days or even weeks. This is because the epithelial lining becomes more robust and resilient over time.
Individual Healing Rates: Everyone is Different
Just like some people heal cuts and scrapes faster than others, individual healing rates vary when it comes to piercings. Factors like genetics, overall health, and lifestyle can influence how quickly your body repairs tissue. If you’re a generally fast healer, your piercing might be less likely to close quickly. Conversely, if you’re a slower healer, you’ll need to be more cautious.
Jewelry Gauge: Size Matters
The gauge (thickness) of your jewelry can also affect closure time. A larger gauge piercing will generally take longer to close than a smaller gauge piercing because there’s more tissue to shrink and fill in. Stretching a piercing to a larger gauge creates a larger channel, making it more resistant to closure.
Placement Accuracy: A Professional’s Touch
The skill of your piercer and the accuracy of the placement can impact healing and long-term stability. A piercing placed correctly through the sweet spot (the cartilage-free area of the septum) is more likely to heal well and remain open longer than a piercing placed incorrectly through cartilage.
Lifestyle Factors: Diet, Sleep, and Stress
Your overall lifestyle can also indirectly affect closure time. A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals provides the building blocks your body needs to maintain healthy tissue. Adequate sleep allows your body to repair and regenerate. Conversely, high levels of stress can weaken your immune system and slow down healing.
How Long is Too Long? Estimating Closure Time
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long you can leave your septum piercing out. However, we can offer some general guidelines based on the factors discussed above.
New Piercings (Less than 6 Months): High Risk of Closure
During the initial healing period, removing your jewelry for any significant length of time is highly risky. Even a few hours without jewelry can cause the piercing to shrink or close completely. If you absolutely must remove your jewelry, consult with your piercer immediately for guidance and potential insertion tools.
Partially Healed Piercings (6-12 Months): Proceed with Caution
Once your piercing is partially healed, you might be able to leave it out for short periods, but proceed with extreme caution. Start with just a few hours and see how your body responds. If you experience any difficulty reinserting the jewelry, don’t force it. Visit your piercer for assistance.
Fully Healed Piercings (1+ Year): Greater Flexibility, But Still Vigilant
After a year or more of healing, your piercing is likely more stable, and you might be able to leave your jewelry out for longer periods, potentially days or even weeks. However, it’s crucial to monitor the piercing closely for any signs of shrinkage or irritation. Regularly try reinserting your jewelry to ensure the channel remains open.
The “Sweet Spot” Factor: Cartilage vs. Soft Tissue
Septum piercings ideally go through the “sweet spot,” which is the soft tissue just before the cartilage starts. If your piercing is correctly placed, it’s more likely to stay open longer because soft tissue tends to be more flexible than cartilage. Piercings through cartilage are more prone to shrinking and closing quickly.
Practical Tips for Removing and Maintaining Your Septum Piercing
If you need to remove your septum piercing, here are some practical tips to help minimize the risk of closure and maintain the health of your piercing.
Cleanliness is Paramount: Before and After Removal
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your piercing or jewelry. Clean your jewelry with a mild antibacterial soap before reinserting it. This helps prevent the introduction of bacteria into the piercing channel, reducing the risk of infection.
Ease of Reinsertion: The Key Indicator
The ease with which you can reinsert your jewelry is the best indicator of whether your piercing is starting to close. If you experience any resistance or discomfort, stop immediately. Forcing the jewelry can damage the tissue and lead to infection or scarring.
Using a Taper: The Piercer’s Secret Weapon
A taper is a specialized tool used to gradually stretch a piercing open. If you’re having difficulty reinserting your jewelry, a taper can help guide it through the piercing channel without causing trauma. Your piercer can provide you with a taper of the correct size and demonstrate how to use it safely.
Lubrication: Making the Process Smoother
Using a water-based lubricant can make reinsertion easier and more comfortable. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the jewelry and the piercing channel before attempting to reinsert the jewelry. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can trap bacteria and lead to infection.
When to Seek Professional Help: Don’t Hesitate
If you’re unable to reinsert your jewelry, or if you experience any signs of infection (redness, swelling, pain, discharge), don’t hesitate to seek professional help from your piercer or a medical professional. They can assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment.
Long-Term Considerations: Keeping Your Piercing Viable
Even after your septum piercing is fully healed, it’s essential to maintain it properly to ensure it remains open and healthy for years to come.
Regular Jewelry Use: Preventing Shrinkage
Wearing jewelry regularly, even if it’s just for a few hours a week, can help prevent the piercing channel from shrinking. Think of it like exercising a muscle; regular use keeps it strong and functional.
Consistent Cleaning: A Lifelong Habit
Even after your piercing is fully healed, it’s still a good idea to clean it periodically with a saline solution. This helps remove any buildup of sebum or debris that can accumulate in the piercing channel.
Monitoring for Changes: Stay Vigilant
Pay attention to any changes in your piercing, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. These could be signs of infection or irritation. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from becoming more serious.
Ultimately, understanding your body, paying attention to your piercing, and seeking professional advice when needed are the keys to successfully managing your septum piercing and enjoying it for years to come. Knowing how long you can leave your septum piercing out is crucial for preserving your piercing investment and avoiding potential issues. By considering the healing stage, individual factors, and practical tips outlined above, you can confidently manage your piercing and maintain its health and beauty.
How long can I leave my septum piercing out without it closing?
The time a septum piercing can be left out before closing varies greatly from person to person. Several factors influence this, including the age of the piercing (how long it has been healed), your body’s individual healing rate, the size of the jewelry originally worn, and your activity level. For a relatively new piercing (less than a year old), the hole can start to shrink or close within a matter of hours, or even less for some individuals.
Generally, piercings that are several years old and well-established can be left out for longer periods. However, even then, it’s still possible for the hole to shrink, especially if you are dealing with cold weather which can cause shrinking of tissues or if you are neglecting cleaning. It is crucial to remember that there’s no guaranteed timeframe. Always err on the side of caution and try to reinsert your jewelry sooner rather than later. If you encounter difficulty reinserting the jewelry, seek professional help from a reputable piercer.
What factors affect how quickly a septum piercing closes?
Several factors determine how quickly a septum piercing may close. The age of the piercing is paramount. A freshly healed piercing will close much faster than one that has been established for years. Individual healing rates also play a significant role, as some people naturally heal faster than others. The thickness of the jewelry initially used can influence the closure rate; larger gauge jewelry often leaves a larger, more stable channel.
Furthermore, lifestyle and aftercare practices are vital considerations. Regular cleaning and jewelry rotation, even after the piercing is fully healed, can help maintain the opening. Conversely, neglect or irritation can cause the piercing to shrink or close faster. Also, the body’s natural healing processes, such as collagen production, contribute to the closure of any wound, including a piercing. If you are consistently removing your jewelry, you are constantly interrupting this healing process and making the piercing more prone to closing.
How can I tell if my septum piercing is starting to close?
One of the first signs that your septum piercing is starting to close is difficulty reinserting your jewelry. You might notice it feels tighter than usual, or you may encounter resistance when trying to push the jewelry through. This indicates that the skin is beginning to heal and shrink around the piercing channel.
Another sign is a change in the shape or size of the opening. You might see a visible reduction in the hole’s diameter or notice the skin around the piercing appearing puckered or slightly scarred. If you experience any pain or discomfort upon reinsertion, it’s a clear indication that the piercing has started to close. In this case, forcing the jewelry can cause trauma and potential infection. Seek professional help from a piercer to safely reopen the piercing if necessary.
What should I do if I can’t get my septum jewelry back in?
If you’re unable to reinsert your septum jewelry, the first step is to remain calm and avoid forcing it. Forcing the jewelry can cause irritation, bleeding, and potential infection, making the situation worse. Try lubricating the jewelry and the piercing site with a water-based lubricant or a piercing aftercare solution. Gently attempt to reinsert the jewelry, applying slow and steady pressure.
If the jewelry still won’t go in, it’s best to seek professional assistance from a reputable piercer. They have specialized tools and experience to safely reopen the piercing without causing significant damage. Trying to reopen the piercing yourself with inappropriate tools or excessive force can lead to scarring and further complications. It is always better to seek the help of a professional to ensure that the piercing is reopened safely and hygienically.
Can I stretch my septum piercing back open if it closes?
Whether you can stretch a septum piercing back open depends on several factors, including how much it has shrunk and how long it has been closed. If the piercing has only partially closed, and there’s still a small opening, you might be able to gently stretch it back to its original size using tapers. This should be done slowly and carefully, with appropriate lubrication, to avoid tearing the skin.
However, if the piercing has completely closed, or if it has shrunk significantly and feels very tight, attempting to stretch it yourself is not recommended. In these cases, it’s best to consult with a professional piercer. They can assess the situation and determine whether stretching is a viable option or if re-piercing is necessary. Attempting to force a closed piercing open can lead to scarring, infection, and rejection of the jewelry in the future. Remember, patience and professional guidance are key.
How can I prevent my septum piercing from closing?
The best way to prevent your septum piercing from closing is to consistently wear jewelry in it, even if only for a few hours each day. Regularly wearing jewelry helps maintain the channel and prevents the skin from shrinking around the piercing. Choose jewelry that is comfortable and made from hypoallergenic materials to avoid irritation.
Another crucial step is to maintain good hygiene. Clean the piercing site regularly with a saline solution, even after it has fully healed. This helps prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and debris that can contribute to the piercing closing. Additionally, avoid playing with or touching the piercing unnecessarily, as this can introduce bacteria and cause irritation. Consider using a retainer if you need to temporarily remove the jewelry for work or other reasons.
Are there any retainers I can use to keep my septum piercing open if I need to hide it?
Yes, there are several types of retainers specifically designed to keep a septum piercing open while also making it less visible. One common option is a clear or flesh-toned retainer made of glass, plastic, or silicone. These retainers are discreet and can be easily hidden by flipping them up into the nostrils.
Another option is a horseshoe-shaped retainer with balls that can be pushed inside the nostrils. These are often made of metal or biocompatible materials. The key is to choose a retainer that is comfortable, hypoallergenic, and easy to insert and remove. Always ensure the retainer is properly sterilized before insertion to prevent infection. Consulting with your piercer can help you find the best retainer for your needs and ensure proper insertion and care.