How Bad Do Septum Piercings Hurt?

Septum piercings have become a popular way to add a touch of edge and individuality to one’s look. But before you decide if you want a septum piercing, a common question arises: “How bad do septum piercings hurt?“

Let’s delve into the world of septum piercing pain, separating fact from fiction and exploring factors that influence the discomfort level.

The Sweet Spot of Pain

The septum, the fleshy area between your nostrils, is relatively thin and doesn’t have many nerve endings. This means getting a septum piercing generally hurts less than piercings on other body parts. In fact, many people describe the sensation as a pinch, prick, or strong burning that lasts just a few seconds.

Factors Affecting How Bad Septum Piercings Hurt

While the septum itself is pain-tolerant, individual experiences can vary. Here are some reasons why:

• Pain Tolerance: Everyone’s pain threshold is different. Some people breeze through it, while others might find it more intense.
• Piercer’s Experience: A skilled piercer using proper technique and high-quality jewelry minimizes trauma and discomfort.
• Anatomy: Slight variations in septum anatomy can influence how much a septum piercing hurts. Therefore, a piercer will assess your anatomy to ensure optimal placement.
• Anxiety and Anticipation: Feeling nervous or tense can amplify pain perception. But, relaxation techniques like deep breathing can help.

Beyond the Initial Sting

The initial piercing is usually the most intense part. However, some tenderness, swelling, and slight discomfort around the piercing site are normal for the first few weeks. Indeed, this is your body’s natural healing response.

Prolonging the Discomfort

Certain factors can prolong or worsen the healing discomfort:

• Improper Aftercare: Consistent cleaning with a saline solution and avoiding harsh products are crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing.
• Touching or Picking: Resist the urge to touch or play with the jewelry. This can hurt the septum piercing and delay healing.
• Bumpy Road: Small bumps around the piercing (irritation bumps) might appear. Avoid picking at them; they usually resolve with proper cleaning.

Minimizing the Hurt

Here are some tips to minimize pain during and after your septum piercing:

• Find a Reputable Piercer: Choose a piercer with experience and a clean, sterile environment.
• Communicate: Discuss any concerns with your piercer beforehand. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
• Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing or calming music can help manage anxiety during the piercing. Therefore, helping the septum piercing procedure to hurt less.
• Aftercare Routine: Follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions religiously to ensure a smooth healing journey.

Septum Piercing Pain: The Bottom Line

Septum piercings generally fall on the less painful side of the piercing spectrum. However, pain perception is subjective. By understanding the factors involved and following proper aftercare, you can significantly reduce how much your septum piercing hurts and enjoy your new piercing with confidence.

With all that being said, we invite you to see our in-depth article with all the details about septum piercings here: Septum Piercing.

Need to find a piercer? Check out the Association of Professional Piercers.