Changing your septum piercing jewelry can be a fun way to express your style, but it’s essential to do it safely and correctly to avoid irritation or infection. This guide will walk you through the process of changing a septum ring with a ball closure, covering everything from preparation to aftercare.
Preparing for the Change
Before you even think about touching your septum ring, meticulous preparation is key. This step is crucial for minimizing the risk of infection and ensuring a smooth, comfortable experience.
Gathering Your Supplies
Having all your tools readily available will streamline the process and reduce the time your piercing is exposed. You’ll need:
- Your new septum ring with a ball closure. Ensure it’s the correct gauge and diameter for your piercing. Confirm the material is biocompatible, such as surgical steel, titanium, or niobium.
- Saline solution. Pre-packaged sterile saline solution is ideal. Avoid homemade saltwater solutions, as the salinity can be difficult to control.
- Clean paper towels or gauze. These are for drying your hands and cleaning the piercing area. Avoid using towels that can harbor bacteria.
- Optional: Taper. A taper, especially if you’re having difficulty, can help guide the jewelry through the piercing.
- Optional: A small dish. This can hold your old jewelry and prevent it from getting lost or contaminated.
Sanitizing Everything
Hygiene is paramount. Every item that will come into contact with your piercing must be thoroughly sanitized.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Scrub under your fingernails and between your fingers.
- Clean your new jewelry. Even if it’s brand new, sterilize it with alcohol or by soaking it in saline solution for a few minutes.
- Clean the piercing area. Gently clean your septum piercing with saline solution using a cotton swab or gauze. Remove any crust or debris.
Understanding the Jewelry
Familiarize yourself with the mechanics of your new septum ring. Ball closure rings typically have a small indentation where the ball sits. Understanding how the ball secures into the ring is crucial for both insertion and removal. Take a close look at the ring and practice inserting and removing the ball a few times before you start. This will help you avoid fumbling and potentially irritating your piercing.
Removing the Old Septum Ring
Removing your existing jewelry requires patience and a gentle touch. Avoid forcing anything, as this can damage the tissue and lead to complications.
Positioning Yourself
Find a comfortable and well-lit space. Use a mirror to clearly see what you’re doing. A magnifying mirror can be particularly helpful for intricate jewelry.
Opening the Ring
Carefully grasp the ring on either side of the ball. Depending on the ring style, you may need to gently pull the ends apart or twist them slightly. Avoid using excessive force. If the ball is tightly secured, try using latex gloves for a better grip.
Removing the Ring
Once the ball is removed, gently ease the ring out of your piercing. Avoid pulling or tugging. If you encounter resistance, stop and apply more saline solution to lubricate the area. If there is significant resistance, it’s best to consult with your piercer. Forcing it could cause trauma to the piercing channel.
Inserting the New Septum Ring
With your old jewelry removed and your new jewelry prepared, you can now proceed with insertion. This step requires precision and a steady hand.
Preparing the Piercing
Before inserting the new ring, ensure the piercing area is clean and lubricated with saline solution. This will help the jewelry slide in smoothly.
Aligning the Jewelry
Carefully align the end of the new septum ring with the piercing hole. Gently insert the ring, guiding it through the piercing channel. If you encounter resistance, stop and re-lubricate the area. Using a taper can be beneficial at this stage.
Securing the Ball
Once the ring is fully inserted, position the ball closure between the ends of the ring. Carefully snap the ball into place. This may require a bit of dexterity. Ensure the ball is securely fastened to prevent the ring from falling out. A secure closure is essential for preventing accidental removal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful preparation, you might encounter some challenges during the process. Here’s how to address some common issues.
Difficulty Removing the Ball
If the ball is stuck, try the following:
- Ensure your hands are dry and you have a firm grip.
- Use latex gloves for added grip.
- Gently wiggle the ring to loosen the ball.
- Apply a small amount of lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, to the ball.
- If all else fails, consult a professional piercer.
Difficulty Inserting the Ring
If the ring is not going through smoothly:
- Ensure the piercing is properly lubricated.
- Use a taper to guide the jewelry.
- Make sure you’re inserting the ring at the correct angle.
- Avoid forcing the jewelry.
- If the issue persists, seek help from a piercer.
Bleeding or Irritation
Some minor bleeding or irritation is normal, especially if it’s a new piercing. However, excessive bleeding or prolonged irritation is a cause for concern.
- Clean the area with saline solution.
- Avoid touching or irritating the piercing.
- If the bleeding doesn’t stop or the irritation worsens, consult a healthcare professional.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is vital for promoting healing and preventing infection. Follow these guidelines to ensure your septum piercing remains healthy.
Cleaning Routine
Clean your piercing twice a day with saline solution. Gently clean the area with a cotton swab or gauze, removing any crust or debris. Avoid using harsh soaps or alcohol-based cleansers.
Avoid Touching
Resist the urge to touch or play with your piercing. This can introduce bacteria and irritate the tissue.
Avoid Irritants
Avoid using makeup, lotions, or other products near your piercing. These can clog the piercing and lead to infection. Be particularly cautious with hairspray and perfumes.
Monitor for Signs of Infection
Be vigilant for signs of infection, such as:
- Excessive redness or swelling.
- Pain or tenderness.
- Discharge (especially if it’s yellow or green).
- Fever.
If you suspect an infection, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Prompt treatment is crucial for preventing complications.
Healing Time
Septum piercings typically take 4-8 months to fully heal. During this time, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent aftercare routine and avoid changing the jewelry unnecessarily.
Choosing the Right Jewelry
The jewelry you choose plays a significant role in the health and appearance of your piercing. Consider the following factors when selecting your septum ring.
Material
Opt for biocompatible materials such as:
- Surgical steel.
- Titanium.
- Niobium.
- Gold (14k or higher).
Avoid nickel, as it can cause allergic reactions.
Gauge and Diameter
Ensure the gauge (thickness) and diameter (size) of the ring are appropriate for your piercing. Using the wrong size can cause discomfort and even damage the tissue.
Style
Choose a style that you love and that suits your personal taste. There are many different styles of septum rings available, including:
- Circular barbells.
- Captive bead rings.
- Clickers.
- Retainers.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most septum ring changes can be done at home, there are certain situations where it’s best to seek professional help.
New Piercings
If your piercing is new (less than 6 months old), it’s best to have a professional piercer change the jewelry for you. This will minimize the risk of infection and ensure the piercing heals properly.
Difficult Removals or Insertions
If you’re having difficulty removing or inserting your jewelry, don’t force it. A professional piercer has the tools and expertise to safely remove or insert the jewelry without causing damage.
Signs of Infection
If you suspect an infection, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Prompt treatment is crucial for preventing complications.
Concerns About Healing
If you have any concerns about the healing process, don’t hesitate to contact your piercer. They can assess your piercing and provide personalized advice.
Changing your septum ring with a ball can be a straightforward process if you follow these guidelines. Remember, patience, hygiene, and proper aftercare are key to a successful and comfortable experience. If you encounter any problems or have any concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
What tools do I need to change my septum ring with a ball?
You’ll primarily need sterile gloves to prevent infection, a clean and well-lit area to work in, and potentially a pair of ring opening pliers if the ball closure is particularly tight. Using a taper tool, which is a smooth, slightly conical tool, can also be very helpful to guide the new jewelry into the piercing. Remember to always sterilize any tools before use.
Additionally, have some saline solution on hand for cleaning the area and the new jewelry. A mirror is essential for visibility, and you might want some numbing cream or spray if you are sensitive to pain. Having a trash receptacle nearby for used materials can also improve the hygiene of the process.
How do I sterilize my new septum ring before insertion?
The best method for sterilizing a new septum ring is to soak it in a solution of mild, antibacterial soap and warm water for several minutes. Thoroughly rinse it under running water to remove any soap residue. This cleans the jewelry of surface contaminants acquired during manufacturing and handling.
Alternatively, you can boil the jewelry in water for 5-10 minutes. Make sure the water completely covers the ring. Avoid using harsh chemicals like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine, as these can damage certain materials and irritate your piercing.
How do I open a septum ring with a ball closure?
To open a septum ring with a captive bead ring (CBR), grasp the ring firmly. You can use ring-opening pliers if the ring is difficult to open by hand. Gently pry the opening of the ring apart, creating just enough space to remove the ball. Don’t stretch the ring too wide, as this can permanently deform it.
For a ball closure ring where the ball is held in by indentations, gently but firmly pull the ball out. If the ball is too tight, you may need to use hemostats or forceps to grip the ball and gently twist and pull until it pops out of the indentations. Be careful not to scratch or damage the jewelry.
What is the best way to insert the new septum ring?
Before inserting the new ring, lubricate the jewelry with a water-based lubricant or a small amount of jojoba oil. This will help it slide through the piercing more easily and reduce friction. Gently guide the ring through the piercing, following the natural curve of the septum.
If you have difficulty, consider using a taper. Insert the taper into the piercing from the back until it comes out the front. Then, attach the new jewelry to the end of the taper and gently pull the taper through the piercing, guiding the new jewelry into place. This provides a smooth and easy transition.
How do I close a septum ring with a ball closure?
To close a captive bead ring (CBR), align the ball with the opening of the ring. Gently squeeze the ring together until the ball clicks into place. Ensure the ball is securely seated in the indentations to prevent it from falling out.
For a ring where the ball is held in place by tension, you may need to use pliers to gently squeeze the ring together. This will slightly deform the ring, making the opening smaller and allowing the ball to be held securely. Make sure the ball is firmly lodged within the indentations of the ring.
What should I do if I experience pain or bleeding when changing my septum ring?
If you experience significant pain or bleeding while changing your septum ring, stop immediately. This could indicate irritation, infection, or that the piercing is not fully healed. Clean the area with saline solution and allow it to rest.
Avoid attempting to reinsert the jewelry until the irritation subsides. If the pain or bleeding persists, consult a professional piercer or a doctor to rule out any underlying issues. Continued irritation or bleeding could lead to complications, so seeking professional advice is important.
How do I care for my septum piercing after changing the ring?
After changing your septum ring, clean the piercing twice a day with saline solution. Gently soak the piercing in the solution or use a cotton swab to clean around the entry and exit points. Avoid using harsh soaps or antibacterial cleansers, as these can dry out the skin and cause irritation.
Avoid touching the piercing unnecessarily and refrain from twisting or rotating the jewelry, as this can disrupt the healing process. Monitor the piercing for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a professional piercer or a doctor.