Getting a septum piercing is a popular choice for many, given its unique look and versatility. However, people often wonder what happens if they decide to remove the jewelry after some time. The main question many ask is, how fast does a septum piercing close?
The closing time of a septum piercing can vary widely depending on several factors. These include how long you’ve had the piercing, your body’s healing ability, and how well you take care of the piercing during the healing period. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about your piercing care and removal.
In this article, we will explore the typical closure times of septum piercings, factors that affect healing and closure, and how to safely manage your piercing if you want to keep or close it. Whether you are a piercing beginner or a long-time wearer, this guide will provide useful insights backed by current knowledge.
Typical Healing Time for a Septum Piercing
Before discussing the closure, it’s important to understand the healing process. Septum piercings usually take between 6 to 8 weeks to heal on the surface. However, full internal healing can take up to 6 months or more. During this time, the tissue gradually closes around the jewelry and forms a stable fistula.
The initial weeks are crucial for hygiene and avoiding irritation. Proper cleaning with saline solution, avoiding unnecessary touching, and not removing jewelry prematurely are essential to ensure the piercing heals well and prevents infections. A well-healed septum piercing is less likely to close quickly once jewelry is removed.
It’s also worth noting that septum piercings heal faster compared to some other piercings. This is largely because the tissue in that area has a good blood supply and the piercing is not exposed to as much movement or friction as ear or lip piercings.
How Fast Does a Septum Piercing Close?
The speed at which a septum piercing closes depends heavily on how long you have had the piercing. If you remove the jewelry soon after getting pierced, the hole may close almost immediately, sometimes within minutes to hours.
For piercings older than a few months, closure times grow longer. The fistula, or the tunnel of healed tissue, becomes more defined and less likely to close quickly. Yet, most septum piercings can still close within a few days to a couple of weeks after jewelry removal, especially if the hole is not very old.
Long-term septum piercings, worn consistently for several years, might take weeks or months to close fully. Some may never close completely, leaving a small hole or scar visible. The exact timing varies significantly from person to person.
Closure Time Estimates by Piercing Age
| Time Pierce Has Been Worn | Typical Closure Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 month | Minutes to hours | Heals very quickly, often closes immediately |
| 1 to 6 months | Days to weeks | Healing mostly complete; fistula forms but still closes quickly |
| 6 months to 2 years | Weeks to a couple of months | Stronger fistula, slower closure |
| 2+ years | Months or permanent | May not close fully; scarring common |
Factors That Influence How Fast a Septum Piercing Closes
Several biological and lifestyle factors influence how long your septum piercing takes to close after you remove the jewelry.
1. Duration of Wearing the Piercing
The longer the piercing has been worn, the more likely the hole is to remain open for a longer period. Newly pierced septums can close rapidly due to the tissue not being fully healed or formed.
2. Individual Healing Ability
People heal at different rates due to genetics, age, nutrition, and overall health. A healthy immune system promotes faster healing and can affect closure time. Younger individuals generally heal faster than older adults.
3. Piercing Size and Stretching
A larger gauge piercing or one that has been stretched over time tends to close more slowly because the hole is physically bigger. Conversely, smaller piercings may close more rapidly.
4. Infection or Trauma History
If the piercing has experienced infections or trauma, scarring can develop. This scarring may prevent full closure or delay the process significantly. Proper care can reduce such risks.
5. Aftercare Habits
Following a strict cleaning routine reduces irritation and promotes healthy tissue. Removing jewelry gently without forcing interrupted healing can also support better outcomes.
What Happens When a Septum Piercing Closes?
When you take out your septum jewelry, the body immediately starts repairing the tissue. If the fistula is not fully matured, the hole can heal shut quickly. Closed piercings typically show no visible hole but might leave a small scar or skin discoloration.
If the piercing has been in place for longer, the tissue may remain open, but the hole shrinks in size over time. You might notice redness or sensitivity if you try to reinsert jewelry too soon.
It’s important to avoid forcing jewelry back into a piercing that is closing. Doing so may cause pain, tearing, or infection. Allow the hole to stay open comfortably before attempting reinsertion.
How to Prevent Septum Piercing Closure
If you want to keep your septum piercing open, especially if you plan to avoid jewelry for some time, certain steps can help.
- Wear retainers or clear jewelry when you can’t wear your usual ring or barbell.
- Avoid removing jewelry for extended periods, especially during the first year.
- Keep the piercing area clean and moisturized to prevent irritation.
- Monitor for signs of infection and treat immediately if they arise.
Managing a Septum Piercing That Is Closing
If you notice your septum piercing starting to close and you wish to keep it, gently reinserting jewelry may help. Use sterile tools and a lubricant such as saline or a water-based product to ease insertion.
In cases where the piercing has closed completely, professional help from a piercer or medical professional is advisable before attempting reopening. They can assess whether the site can be safely repierced or if scar tissue removal is necessary.
Risks and Considerations With Septum Piercing Closure
Trying to reopen a closed or nearly closed septum piercing without care can lead to complications like infections, pain, and scarring. The septum area is sensitive and close to nasal passages, making proper hygiene crucial.
Sometimes, you might find a small bump or hardening near the piercing site. This could be a keloid or hypertrophic scar, which can appear if the healing process was disturbed or if the closure was forced.
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent pain, swelling, or unusual discharge from the piercing site.
Summary Table: Septum Piercing Closure Insights
| Aspect | Effect On Closure Time | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Duration Piercing Worn | Longer wear delays closure | Keep jewelry in for at least 6 months before removal |
| Healing Rate | Faster healing means quicker closure | Maintain good health and nutrition |
| Aftercare & Hygiene | Good care prevents scarring and infection | Clean with saline; avoid touching unnecessarily |
| Jewelry Size | Larger holes close slower | Consider retainers for long breaks |
Conclusion
The speed at which a septum piercing closes varies greatly depending on several factors, especially how long the piercing has been worn. New piercings can close within hours, whereas older, well-healed piercings might take weeks or even months to close, or may never fully close. Understanding your own body’s healing patterns and maintaining proper care can help you manage your piercing effectively.
If you intend to keep your septum piercing, consistent wear of jewelry and good hygiene are key to preventing closure. For those wishing to let the piercing close, patience and gentle care are crucial to avoiding complications. In any case, consulting a professional piercer or healthcare provider is always recommended when dealing with piercing removal or closure issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long can I leave my septum piercing out before it starts to close?
If new, it could close in minutes or hours. For healed piercings, it might take days, weeks, or months. Generally, piercings under six months close faster than those worn longer.
Will my septum piercing scar if it closes?
Most piercings leave a small scar or mark after closing. The size and visibility depend on healing and whether the piercing was infected or irritated.
Can I reopen a closed septum piercing myself?
It’s not recommended to force it open as this may cause damage or infection. Consult a professional piercer or doctor for safe reopening.
Does the piercing size affect how fast it closes?
Yes, larger gauge or stretched piercings generally take longer to close due to the bigger hole and more tissue involved.
What aftercare helps keep the piercing from closing?
Wearing retainers during jewelry-free periods, keeping the area clean with saline, and avoiding trauma all help keep the piercing open.
Dr. Usman is a medical content reviewer with 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic health topics. His work is based on trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Usman is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.