What Is a Septum Piercing? Placement, Healing and Jewellery
A septum piercing is a distinctive nose piercing positioned through the tissue between the nostrils. Its central placement creates a symmetrical look beneath the nose while offering plenty of opportunities to personalise your style with different jewellery once fully healed.
Septum placement depends on your individual anatomy, particularly the location and amount of suitable tissue within the nasal septum. Understanding what to expect before getting pierced can help you feel more confident about the placement, healing process and caring for it afterwards.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about a septum piercing, including placement, anatomy, suitable septum jewellery, healing and aftercare.
Quick Answer: A septum piercing is usually positioned through a thin area of tissue towards the front of the nasal septum, often referred to as the sweet spot. The exact placement depends on your anatomy, while ring-style jewellery is commonly worn in the piercing.
Jump to a section
- What Is a Septum Piercing?
- Is a Septum Right for Your Anatomy?
- What Jewellery Is Used?
- Healing and Aftercare
- Why Choose a Septum Piercing?
- FAQs
What Is a Septum Piercing?
A septum piercing is a type of nose piercing that passes through the tissue between the nostrils, with the jewellery sitting centrally beneath the nose. Unlike a nostril piercing, which passes through the side of the nose, a septum piercing is positioned within the nasal septum.
Although it's called a septum piercing, it isn't usually placed directly through the thicker cartilage. Instead, a professional piercer will look for a thinner area of tissue towards the front of the nose, commonly known as the septum sweet spot. The exact septum piercing placement can vary depending on your individual anatomy.
Septum piercings can be styled with anything from a simple ring to more decorative designs once fully healed. Their central position can create a subtle detail beneath the nose or become more of a focal point depending on the jewellery you choose.
Is a Septum Right for Your Anatomy?
Septum anatomy varies from person to person, so the exact placement of the piercing needs to be assessed individually. Your piercer will look for an appropriate area of thinner tissue towards the front of the septum and determine where the piercing can sit comfortably.
The size and position of the sweet spot can differ, and factors such as the shape of your nose and septum may influence how the finished piercing sits. A deviated or asymmetrical septum doesn't automatically rule out the piercing, but it may affect the placement and how the jewellery appears.
Because suitability can't be determined by appearance alone, an experienced professional piercer should assess your septum anatomy in person before carrying out the piercing. They can determine the most appropriate placement for your individual nose and explain what result you can realistically expect.
What Jewellery Is Used?
For a fresh septum piercing, your professional piercer will choose appropriately sized jewellery that's suitable for initial healing. Depending on your anatomy, piercing placement and your piercer's assessment, this might include a circular barbell, captive or fixed bead ring, or a suitable hinged ring clicker.
Fit is particularly important with septum piercing jewellery. The gauge and inner diameter of the jewellery, your anatomy and the exact piercing placement all influence how the piece sits beneath the nose. Your initial jewellery should therefore be selected individually, with appropriate room for potential swelling.
Once your septum piercing has fully healed, you'll have more freedom to explore different styles, from simple polished rings to decorative clickers featuring stones and detailed designs. For more inspiration, explore our Septum Jewellery Guide.
Healing and Aftercare
Septum piercing healing takes time even if the piercing begins to feel comfortable relatively quickly. A septum piercing can typically take around 2 to 3 months to heal, although everyone's healing journey is different.
Some initial swelling, tenderness and sensitivity are normal during the early stages of healing. Even if the piercing looks or feels healed on the outside, the tissue inside may still be healing, so it's best to avoid changing the jewellery yourself until your professional piercer confirms that it's ready.
Good aftercare can help minimise unnecessary irritation while your septum heals. Clean the piercing with sterile saline solution, wash your hands before touching the area and avoid twisting or rotating the jewellery unnecessarily.
If you're concerned about how your piercing is healing, contact a professional piercer for personalised advice. For more detailed guidance, read our New Piercing Aftercare Guide.
Why Choose a Septum Piercing?
A septum piercing is a great choice if you want a centrally positioned nose piercing that can be styled in plenty of different ways. A simple ring can create a subtle, minimalist look, while a more decorative design can make the piercing much more of a focal point.
Once fully healed, the wide variety of septum jewellery also makes the piercing easy to personalise. From simple polished rings to stone-set and decorative clickers, you can change the look of your septum to suit your individual style.
If your anatomy is suitable and you're prepared to give the piercing time to heal properly, a septum can be a versatile piercing that you can continue to restyle over time.
FAQs
Does a septum piercing hurt?
Everyone experiences piercing pain differently, but a septum piercing is often described as a brief sharp pinch or feeling of pressure. Your individual anatomy, placement and pain tolerance can all influence how the piercing feels.
How long does a septum piercing take to heal?
Septum piercing healing typically takes around 2 to 3 months, although healing times vary from person to person. Even if the piercing feels comfortable sooner, the tissue inside may still be healing, so follow your professional piercer's advice before changing your jewellery.
What is the sweet spot in a septum piercing?
The septum sweet spot is a thinner area of tissue towards the front of the nasal septum where the piercing is commonly placed. Its exact size and position vary from person to person, so a professional piercer should assess your anatomy before piercing.
Can everyone get a septum piercing?
Not necessarily. Septum anatomy varies, and the amount and position of suitable tissue can differ between people. A professional piercer can assess your nose in person and determine whether a septum piercing is suitable and where it should be positioned.
What jewellery is best for a septum piercing?
For a fresh septum piercing, your professional piercer will choose jewellery that's appropriate for your anatomy, placement and initial healing. Once fully healed, you can explore a wider range of septum jewellery, including simple rings and decorative clickers, depending on the fit and style you prefer.
