Get insights on nose piercing healing time, process, stages, bumps and how to care for a nose piercing during the entire healing process.
Nose Piercing Healing Signs
nose piercing healing signs
You could have some pain, irritation as well as the tenderness in the nose after the piercing and even during the healing stages. Some are able to produce a white discharge, bleeding as well as bruising, which can slowly reduce within a period of about 4-5 days.
Nose Piercing Healing Stages
A piercing is able to follow a normal as well as a very much predictable progression that from a new wound up to a better healed piercing. During this particular period, the flesh tunnel or even the fistula that was actually made during the process of piercing and into which the nose jewelry was inserted can form, heal and also toughen or even mature.
The normal stages expected during nose piercing healing are; first Inflammation, epithelialization and angiogenesis as well as the maturation stage. These particular stages are not much different but they overlap slightly and might be occurring at the same time.
Inflammation
Inflammation is normally the body’s natural response to any harmful stimuli like the damaged cells brought about by the piercing. After the first piercing, the chemicals are normally released from the already damaged tissue cells which triggers the response which is inflammatory.
The body utilizes the inflammation so as to protect the piercing and also initiate the nose piercing healing process of the tissue. The piercing might be swollen, red or even be tender. This is all perfect and normal.
Epitheliazation and Angiogenesis
Epitheliazation is another step that is in the healing process. This happens when the body is able to create a very new epithelium after laying down of the new basal cells. The epithelial cells will begin to grow straight from the edges of the piercing inward direction and finally grow together and also be mature completely lining the piercing that forms the fistula.
You might notice a scab that is growing over the wound during this particular process. Leave it as intact as it is as it protects the piercing.
Angiogenesis is the process that allows for the growth of new blood vessels to occur from pre-existing blood vessels. These particular new blood vessels are very much fragile and this is the reason why new piercings may sometimes begin to bleed after a perfect nose piercing healing experience.
Maturation
healing stages of a nose piercing
The last stage that is in the wound healing process or also known as the remodeling of the new skin cells. Normally when this process happens, the wound will appear to be fully healed, but with a piercing that already has jewelry in it, it might take a longer period of time than a normal wound so as to toughen up and can be able to revert to an earlier stage if in any way traumatized. Some other piercings may take longer to toughen up and be healed.
A good indication of a healed piercing is that it is no longer appears to be red or even tender and no longer has crust that forms the secretions, The edges will appear to be very smooth and not as ragged.
Due to the nature of the piercings, being a hole that is in the body, there will be exudate present that consists of the cellular waste as well as keratin, it normally protects and also lubricates and is much malodorous.
Since there are several types of the piercings and several degrees of the trauma that is involved, the rate in which a piercing heals completely varies. Appropriate aftercare is very vital for the body to heal in itself more naturally.
Make sure that you properly care for the piercing until the wound has fully healed. Keep the piercing always very clean and also protect it from any injury.
If you are experiencing any wound that is not healing as expected, then you should consult the piercer first as they can provide advice on the steps that are required for speeding of the nose piercing healing process.
Nose Piercing Healing Time
If done in a very clean environment by a piercing professional, then the nose piercing is less painful than all other piercings. The piercing is normally done by clamping it using forceps and thereafter passing a needle from top to bottom or vice-versa, either straight up or even at a very slight angle.
The small barbells that have attractive beads may be appealing. And after an appropriate period of time for nose piercing healing, a person may try to add other fancy jewelry to the piercing.
Once you have the nose pierced, it might swell up and the swelling may last for about a period of 2 weeks before decreasing slowly. Though it is one of the fastest piercings to heal, it might still be about 4 weeks before the nose is fully healed.
Nose Piercing Healing Bump
Most likely, the bump that develops next to the nostril piercing is known as the granuloma. Granulomas are very much benign overgrowths that occurs on the regular body tissue.
They usually bleed easily but are normally not much tender; they can drain clear or even the yellow fluid. A buildup of the scar tissue might also lead to a bump that is near the place of the nostril piercing.
Some other individuals are prone to the keloids, which are normally a type of raised scar. They also tend to run much in families, and people of African as well as the Asian descent have a higher chances of developing keloids than all others.
If you have any trouble with the infections or even the trauma to the piercing, and the bump isn’t as tender as expected or even draining any fluid, it can then be a keloid scar.
Nose Piercing Healing Process
nose piercing healing process
Inflammatory Phase
The initial few days after the piercing is done is known as the inflammatory phase, which is where changing or even playing with the jewelry is able to lead to bleeding from the affected area. Most of the people may also experience symptoms such as the pain, swelling as well as tenderness that is in or around the spot.
Proliferative Phase
This particular period happens during the nose piercing healing phase and during which the body produces proteins as well as the cells for the affected area to heal. During this particular phase the edges as well as the pierced site will get healed. Proliferative phase normally takes a longer period during the healing.
Maturation Phase
This is normally considered as very last phase for the healing process where the body produces the cells that strengthens the lining that is around the piercing. During this particular phase the pierced area will discharge a yellow or even a white discharge that is around the jewelry at first. This happens when the sebaceous glands that are in the body is producing the substance so as moisturize the pierced area.
But, the nose piercing healing period largely depends on the factors such as the place of the piercing as well as the procedure. Genitalia piercing is normally considered as the fastest healing body piercing that gets healed within a period of about 4 weeks. Navel piercing takes longer period of time to heal and it might take around one year for the area to completely heal.
The healing period for the nose piercing largely depends fully on the place.
Nose Piercing Care
After the nose piercing you must want it to heal quickly as the nose affects several aspects of life and also the fancy jewelries might only be worn after the piercing has completely healed. So to reduce the nose piercing healing period, follow the instructions as indicated:
- Clean the Piercing
You need to maintain better hygiene after a nose piercing.
- Wash the affected area about 3 times a day, especially before bed, using an anti-bacterial fluid that is alcohol and fluoride free.
- Clean the piercing by dabbing it with sea salt about 3 times a day and wash it using an anti-microbial soap.
- Always wash hands before you touching the piercing; but, you shouldn’t touch it except for cleaning.
- After washing, pat dry the piercing using clean and disposable paper towels instead of using cloth towels.
- Tighten jewelry Balls
The jewelry can get loosened or even unscrewed with time. You should check more regularly and keep them very tightened all the time so as to shorten the nose piercing healing period. Always hold the bottom ball whenever twisting the top ball in one direction so as to tighten the jewelry and also loosen them by twisting in the opposite direction.
- Change Your Jewelry
After the swelling on the nose has considerably reduced, visit the piercer so as to get the jewelry replaced with a much shorter jewelry. You may choose from the several designs as well as styles of beads that are found on the market after the pierce has completely healed. But, apply caution if you are allergic or even much sensitive to some metals that form the jewelry.
Be Cautious About nose Piercing Infection
Although you have understood the nose piercing healing period, some other factors might come into play. Infection might be the main concern. Be aware of the symptoms of any infection. If you see any of them, then you should seek proper medical attention.
- Swelling
As indicated above, the nose can swell after the piercing and it might be normal. But, if the nose swelling persists or even worsens over a period of time and you should find it very difficult to swallow or even speak, you would be required to consult the doctor.
- Redness
There might be a slight redness after the nose piercing, but if it is much persisting and is accompanied by the pain or even the swelling, it could be an indication of infection.
- Red Streaks
If you see any of the red streaks that are radiating from the piercing to the sides or even front of the nose and also have the tenderness of the nose or even fever, it might indicate an infection and may need an antibiotic treatment.
- Bleeding
Though there might be some bleeding that is due to the piercing, if you continue to observe the bleeding after the nose piercing healing process is fully completed, it could be an indication of an infection.
- Discoloration and Discharge
If the nose turn to being yellow or black and is accompanied by white, yellow or even the green pus discharge, then you should take it much seriously and take treatment so as to prevent any other complications.
Nose Piercing Jewelry
nose piercing healing bump
These particular piercings are normally done on either side of the nostril, or even both, normally in or even around the supra alar crease, which is the area where the nostril begins to flare.
The more unusual version of this is the high nostril piercing, which needs to be placed with a smaller jewelry (of only about 20g) through the nostril, closer to nasal bridge. It might be very tricky to change the high nostril piercing jewelry yourself; definitely ask the piercer to assist you the initial time.
There are several types of nose rings because of several types of nose piercings that need different styles of jewelry. Most of the styles aren’t rings at all. For example, people who have nostril piercings normally wear the nose screws or fishtails, none of which are rings.
Each type of the nose piercing jewelry is indicated below together with the nose piercing in which it may be worn. For the types of jewelry that might be worn in more than a single type of piercing, the advantages as well as the disadvantages are also indicated so you can compare the optionss.
- Nose Screws For Nostril Piercings – This particular type of nostril piercing jewelry is a very short pin that has a decorative top which is attached to one end; the other end is normally curled into a semi-circle, which is bent until it is perpendicular to the shaft. Depending on which nostril it is going through, the semi-circle that is bend to either side.
Advantages: Nose screws are very easy for the people to put in or even take out by themselves, without the assistance of the piercer. There are many custom nose screws that you can have so that the jewelry fits perfectly.
Disadvantage: Nose screws may sometimes begin to spin around the inside part of the nose during the everyday activities, causing the bottom end of the screw to start to peek out of the nostril. Unless the nose screw fits right, it might appear like you’re picking the nose whenever you adjust.
- Nose Bones for Nostril Piercings – A nose bone is normally comprised of a decorative top that is usually connected to the short, straight post that has a ball that is formed onto the bottom end. Usually, the bottom ball is slightly wider than the post.
Advantage: Nose bones are easier than the nose screws to insert and remove by yourself, unless the bottom ball is larger than the post.
Disadvantage: If the bottom one which doesn’t unscrew isn’t as big enough, then the nose bone might fall out easily; if it’s also big, it may be much uncomfortable to get it in and out of a piercing. But, there are custom nose bones that are available, so that you can get the perfect balance of the post gauge and also the bottom ball diameter for the piercing.
- Fishtails for Nostril Piercings – A fishtail nose ring has a straight shaft that is long with a decorative top which is attached to it.
Advantage: The length makes the jewelry to be totally customizable. Normally the piercers will use these so as to create custom nose screws for the nostril piercings, but you might try other formats, such as an L-bend.
Disadvantage: Unless you really have the tools as well as the skills to do it by yourself, you’ll require to pay a professional piercer to turn a fishtail into the perfect nostril ring.
- Hoop Nose Rings for Nostril & Septum Piercings– If an individual prefers the appearance of a hoop, then you have very few options that you may use as a nostril hoop or even the septum jewelry: seamless rings, segment rings as well as the captive bead rings. Screw-on the ball rings are also a good option, but they’re not much practical or even attractive in the nostril or even the septum piercings as the other types of the hoop rings of the nose.
Advantages: A nose ring hoop may be ordered in the right gauge and also the diameter combination, so the nose ring fits the nostril or even the septum very closely. Some of the rings may be anodized so as to turn the metal a color. Pair the captive ring with any other matching captive bead, or even an opal for variety.
Seamless rings usually have an additional advantage as they are really easy to put in and even take out. Just bend the ring very slightly so as to widen the gap that is at the opening, and then squeeze it very tight so as to make the ends meet.
Disadvantage: Some people will find the captive bead rings very hard to put in without assistance or ring pliers. Segment rings might be a little tricky, also, but don’t need a tool; it’s just snapping of the removable segment back into place.
- Labret Studs for Nostril Piercings –Labret studs are a perfect alternative to the traditional nostril piercing jewelry.
Advantages: Their flat backs are much less obtrusive inside the nostril than some of the other nostril rings, such as the nose screws. They’re very much secure and are unlikely to accidentally fall out. There are a lot of options that are available for the decorative tops, as you can use any matching dermal top that has a labret stud.
Disadvantage: Labret studs might be very much difficult to put into a nostril piercing without a threaded taper or someone’s assistance. If you do have a push-pin labret in the nostril piercing, you may require the piercer to change jewelry for you.
- Circular Barbells for Septum Piercings- Circular barbells make great septum jewelry.
Advantages: They’re very much fairly easy to put in and also to take out. The circular barbells themselves may be anodized to any color, and there are a lot of options that are available for the decorative ends such as the screw-on balls, gems and many others. If you require to make the piercing to appear more discreet for the job or other situation, just flip the horseshoe barbell up into the nose.
Disadvantages: Circular barbells largely tend to move one side to another a lot, so you have to check most of the times so as to make sure that the jewelry isn’t askew.
