Septum
piercing
Through the columella — the soft tissue between your nostrils. Flips up to hide for work. Fast-healing, versatile, and striking in gold.
Soft tissue, fast heal
The septum doesn't go through cartilage — it goes through the columella, the soft tissue strip at the base of the nasal septum. When placed correctly it heals quickly, hurts less than most cartilage piercings, and gives you the option to flip the jewellery up and hide it entirely.
The anatomy assessment is everything here. The columella sweet spot varies in width, depth, and accessibility between individuals. We locate it precisely before any marking — if we can't find a clean placement, we'll tell you rather than settling for a position that will cause problems.
A deviated septum doesn't rule out the piercing — it may mean the placement sits slightly off-centre, which is normal and rarely noticeable. We'll show you the marked position for approval before anything else happens.
Exactly what to expect
What healing looks like
Tenderness, watery eyes
Normal. The initial response includes some swelling and tenderness inside the nostrils. Blowing your nose forcefully should be avoided — let it clear naturally. Saline twice daily.
Inflammation reduces
The columella tissue heals quickly — mucosal tissue has a better blood supply than cartilage. Continue saline. You can flip the jewellery up, but avoid frequent flipping during early healing.
We see you back
Complimentary downsize appointment. We check the healing channel and advise on jewellery options — rings, clickers, or gold pieces once you're ready.
Remodelling complete
The channel is stable. You can now wear rings, clickers, or decorative BVLA pieces freely. Gold looks exceptional in a healed septum.
Straightforward. Brief.
The septum heals faster than most piercings because the columella has a good blood supply. The main risks are movement from flipping and contamination from blowing your nose. Both are avoidable.
- 01Saline rinse twice dailySterile 0.9% saline (NeilMed Wound Wash). Spray directly, let air dry. No cotton buds inside the nostrils near the piercing.
- 02Avoid forceful nose-blowingGentle nose-clearing is fine. Forceful blowing creates pressure and movement at the piercing site. Let it clear naturally where possible.
- 03Limit flipping in the first 6 weeksFlipping up once or twice a day for work is fine. Constant flipping back and forth creates movement in the healing channel.
- 04No swimming for 6 weeksPools and open water introduce bacteria. Showers only during initial healing.
- 05No kissing or oral contact in first 2 weeksMouths carry bacteria. Avoid direct contact with the piercing area during the first two weeks.
- 06Return for downsize at 2 monthsIncluded free. We confirm healing and advise on jewellery progression.
Questions we're asked, often
If your question isn't here, ask it at the consultation.
Does it hurt?
The columella is soft tissue — not cartilage. Most clients describe it as a brief, intense pinch. Far less uncomfortable than most cartilage piercings. Eyes water, then it's done.
Can I hide it for work?
Yes. The circular barbell flips up inside the nostrils — invisible from the front. Most clients flip it up the morning after their piercing and find it stays hidden reliably. You can flip it freely once you're used to the jewellery, usually within a few weeks.
Am I suitable?
Most people are. We locate the columella sweet spot at the start of the appointment. If the anatomy supports a clean placement, we proceed. A slightly deviated septum rarely prevents the piercing — it may mean the placement sits marginally off-centre.
How long does it take to heal?
6–8 weeks initial healing. Full remodelling at 3–6 months. Mucosal tissue heals significantly faster than cartilage. One of the faster-healing facial piercings.
Can I get a gold ring eventually?
Yes — after full healing at 3–6 months. BVLA makes exceptional septum pieces in 14k solid gold: clickers, seamless rings, and decorated options. We fit them at a jewellery appointment.
Book your septum
All piercings by appointment. 45 minutes, full anatomy assessment, sterile placement, and aftercare included. Complimentary downsize appointment when you're ready.