Are you thinking about getting a nose piercing? Then we'll tell you everything you need to know before and after the piercing.
Table of contents
- What is a nose piercing?
- Who does a nose piercing?
- How does the piercer go about piercing?
- How painful is a nose piercing?
- What risks are there?
- How do I clean a nose piercing?
- How long does the healing take?
- When can I change the nose jewelry?
- What should you do if your piercing is infected?
- Which side should you wear a nose piercing on?
Flared trousers, baguette handbags or crop tops - the vibes of the early 2000s are long gone. We can see this not only in the fashion world with the latest trends that make you feel like time has been turned back, but also in the most beautiful piercings that are celebrating a comeback. Alongside the ever-popular pierced belly button , decorated nipples , jewelry for the tongue or the conch and tragus piercing on the ear, the nose ring is one of the classics. If you are already thinking about a nose piercing with a ring or stud, then we have put together all the information you should know before getting it pierced.
What is a nose piercing?
The nose piercing has long been one of the most popular piercings. A distinction is made between different variants such as the nostril , the septum or the bridge .
Nostril piercing
The most well-known version of this jewelry is the nostril piercing. This was first pierced around 4,000 years ago in the Middle East. Today, the piercing, which runs through the right or left nostril, is a popular piece of jewelry worn by both women and men.
Septum Piercing
Another popular piercing is the septum . This is pierced through the connective tissue of the nasal septum. Since the tissue is particularly soft at this point, the piercing is not nearly as painful as, for example, the same procedure on the wing of the nose. This is where many nerve pathways are located. A nose ring is particularly popular at this point.
Bridge piercing
Another option is the bridge piercing. The piece of jewelry is placed on the upper bridge of the nose between the eyes. If you decide on this option, you should definitely consult a real professional in this field, as it is a sensitive part of the face with many nerve pathways.
Who does a nose piercing?
We have already touched on this and can only emphasize it again: If you dream of a nose piercing, you should only have this dream fulfilled by a professional piercer . It is also important that you do not have the nose jewelry pierced, as could be the case with an ear piercing. The pressure of the machine could lead to a frayed piercing channel and later inflammation of the nostril. But we have more information for you about how the piercing process works.

How does the piercer go about piercing?
So that you can get an idea of what to expect from a nose piercing, we will now go into more detail: First, the piercer cleans and disinfects the area thoroughly. The puncture site is then agreed with you, marked and finally pierced with a sterile cannula. A receiving tube creates counter pressure here to protect the nasal septum from injury. Then the piece of jewelry in the form of a stud or ring is inserted directly.
How painful is a nose piercing?
The pain experienced during a nose piercing can vary from person to person. Some people describe the pain as minimal to moderate, while others find it a little more intense. The pain also depends on the type of piercing. A nostril piercing usually involves a small needle puncture through the nasal tissue, while a septum piercing involves piercing the cartilage tissue. However, generally speaking, the pain only lasts a brief moment during the piercing and quickly subsides afterward. It is important that the piercing is performed by a professional piercer to avoid any potential complications.
What risks are there?
Before piercing, your piercer will explain the risks to you. Of course, a piercing is never free of risks . Since it is a wound, there is always a risk of infection. That is why it is incredibly important to take care of your nose piercing, which we will of course go into in more detail later.
Overall, you can say that if you choose a piercing studio where professionals work under sterile conditions, the risk of infection is as low as possible. Nostril piercings in particular are the least risky. Due to the nerve pathways running through them, the bridge between the eyes is particularly risky. If nerves and blood vessels are damaged, this can of course have consequences such as facial paralysis. However, your piercer will definitely inform you about these in advance. If he or she does not do this, we strongly advise against having the piercing done, despite your great desire.

How do I clean a nose piercing?
Now for cleaning: In order to keep the risk of inflammation as low as possible, care is extremely important. Your piercer will certainly explain to you exactly what you need to pay attention to. As a general rule, however, you should treat the piercing sites twice a day with a disinfectant spray. We can recommend the wound spray from Hansaplast for around 5 euros . Make sure your hands are clean when using it. In general, however, you should touch the piercing as little as possible and protect it from dirt, lint, etc.
How long does the healing take?
Depending on the type of piercing you choose, the healing time will vary . For a low-risk nostril piercing, healing usually takes four weeks . If the piercing site is particularly sensitive, such as with a nose ring through the nasal septum, it can take up to three months . Of course, every body reacts differently, which is reflected in different lengths of healing phase.
When can I change the nose jewelry?
As with the healing time, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for changing nose jewelry. To give yourself a time frame, you can plan on about eight to twelve weeks before switching to another piece of jewelry, which often has a shorter bar or a narrower ring. Even then, you should keep in mind that the ring or stud is big or long enough and does not put pressure on the area.
Stylish nose jewelry that you can change is available in jewelry stores, fashion companies, or piercing studios. However, you should be careful here too and it is best to go to a piercer you trust to replace the piece of jewelry on the wing of your nose.
What should you do if your nose piercing is infected?
If the piercing site on the side of the nose is swollen at first, that is completely normal. However, if the area is very painful, the wound is oozing or swells up excessively, you should definitely go see your piercer. They can use their knowledge to intervene or refer you to a doctor. But never remove the nose ring yourself. This could cause the infection to spread and have worse consequences.
Which side should you wear a nose piercing on?
Deciding which side to wear a nose piercing on is ultimately a personal preference. There are no hard and fast rules or regulations about it. Some people prefer to wear their nose piercing on the left side, while others wear it on the right. There are also people who choose to have a piercing in the middle of the nose. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which side you like best and which suits your individual style.
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