Do Septum Piercings Close?

Septum piercing is a popular form of body modification that involves piercing the nasal septum, the cartilage dividing the nostrils. Many people wonder whether their septum piercing will close up if they decide to remove the jewelry. In this article, we will delve into the topic and provide you with a detailed understanding of how the septum piercing closure process works.

Understanding the Septum Piercing

Before discussing the closure of septum piercings, it’s essential to understand the nature of the piercing itself. A septum piercing involves making a hole through the thin strip of tissue in the middle of the nose, known as the nasal septum. The piercing usually heals within 6-8 weeks, but the duration may vary depending on individual factors such as aftercare practices and overall health.

Factors Influencing Septum Piercing Closure

Several factors come into play when considering whether a septum piercing will close up or not. Let’s examine them in detail:

Time since removal

The length of time since the removal of jewelry from a septum piercing plays a crucial role in determining whether it will close. Generally, the longer the piercing has been left empty, the higher the chance of closure. If you have recently taken out your septum jewelry, the chances of closure are relatively low compared to an extended period of jewelry absence.

Individual healing abilities

Individual healing abilities vary, and this also applies to septum piercings. Some people naturally heal faster and have a higher likelihood of their piercings closing up more quickly. On the other hand, others may experience slower healing and find that their piercings take longer to close.

Size of the piercing

The gauge size of the jewelry used in a septum piercing can impact the closure process. Smaller gauge sizes, such as 18 or 16, may close more rapidly compared to larger gauges like 14 or 12. Additionally, if you have stretched your septum piercing to accommodate larger jewelry, the chances of complete closure might be reduced.

Scar tissue formation

Scar tissue forms around a healing piercing and can affect the closure process. Some individuals may develop thicker scar tissue, making it more difficult for the piercing hole to close fully. The extent of scar tissue varies from person to person and can influence the closure outcome.

Will the Septum Piercing Close Completely?

It’s important to note that each individual’s body behaves differently when it comes to healing and closure of piercings. In most cases, a septum piercing will shrink or narrow significantly upon removal of the jewelry but may not close entirely. However, some people do experience full closure of their septum piercings, especially if they meet certain criteria such as:

  • Removing the jewelry for an extended period (several months or more)
  • Having a smaller gauge size
  • Possessing a natural inclination for faster healing

Ultimately, it is difficult to predict with certainty whether a septum piercing will close completely in any given situation. Factors such as those mentioned earlier will influence the outcome.

Conclusion

Septum piercings may close partially or completely depending on various factors such as time since removal, individual healing abilities, gauge size, and scar tissue formation. While some people may experience complete closure, others may find that their piercings only shrink or narrow