Nostril Piercing Beaten to Death - Revised Edition

In this, the third installment of my piercing blog series, 'Each Piercing Beaten to Death,' I will cover Nostril Piercing in depth. The very first piercing I ever did was a nostril piercing on my very good friend Jay. Then when I opened the old Axiom on E. 5th, the first piercing that I did was also a Nostril piercing a few minutes after I first hung up the open sign. There is no doubt that nostril piercings have been with us for a long time and remain very popular. I would even go so far as to say they are becoming a social norm.  It's the nostril's fault that the structure and the way they seem to fit naturally into the structure of the face seem to scream to be pierced. 

History and Background:

The Nostril Piercing is often associated only with the cultures of India and Pakistan; however, the practice is much more widespread throughout the tribal cultures of South Asia and the Pacific, including the Aboriginal people in Australia. Also, the piercing is practiced by the tribal cultures of Africa and the Americas. In India, the piercing is traditionally done on the left-hand side, which is believed to facilitate childbirth. The concept originates from Ayurvedic medicine, which associates the left side with the female reproductive organs. The piercing is done to honor the Hindu Goddess of marriage, Parvati, and the jewelry worn in the piercing may disclose the wearer's cultural standing. The women of the Pashtuns and Pahari cultures will often pierce both sides. The jewelry is constructed in a way that is not easily removed, ensuring that if all their gold is taken from them, the jewelry can be used to pay for their funeral. 

Although the 19th-century French actress Polaire wore a pearl in her left nostril, there are very few examples of piercings in this location before the punk movement, although they were primarily found in subcultures. Nostril piercing began to gain popularity in Western culture with the emergence of the Punk subculture in the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, in most underground musical subcultures, the piercing was commonplace by the mid-1980s. Today, it is the most common piercing outside of the earlobe and is worn by individuals from nearly every walk of life and interest. 

Anatomy. "The Correct Side" and Location:

The placement of the piercing should be in the center of the supra-alar crease. However, placement can be toward the front, back, or even below. If you have a desire to wear a ring but your crease is high on the nostril, either a large ring will be needed or the piercing will have to be lower. You must inform your piercer about the style of jewelry you wish to wear in the future and/or if you plan to have additional nostril piercings. Typically, the placement will need to be adjusted to accommodate small rings and multiple piercings.

I think the most common question I'm asked by a piercee is "Which is the correct side?" The answer is your personal or cultural preference. Usually, if you are part of a culture or subculture, you should know the correct side of things. If you are not, this doesn't mean that you will suddenly be emitting "signals" that you are unaware of. Even if you encounter someone from that subculture, they will quickly recognize that you are not part of it. So, which side is purely a matter of personal preference? 

So, here are some questions that you should ask yourself when choosing which side:

1. When you close your eyes, which side do you picture the piercing on, or seems natural to you?
2. Which side do you usually sleep on? Since you will want to avoid sleeping on the piercing, the other side will be the better choice.
3. Which profile do you like most? The piercing will draw attention to that profile. So, if you prefer your left profile over your right, consider piercing the left.

Placement and Marking:

When I mark the piercing, I take into account the shape of the nostril, the curve of the supra-alar crease, and the jewelry selected. Often, the center of the nostril is the best choice; however, this may not align with the overall shape of the nose and can appear out of place. If the crease is particularly pronounced and circular, I often mark it where it begins to angle downward. If the jewelry is a ring and the crease is particularly high on the nose, the mark may need to be lower to accommodate the ring's fit around the bottom of the nostril, or a larger ring will be required.

When your piercer shows you the marking, take your time to study the placement. Think about how it fits into the shape of your nose and how it will look. The best method is to hold the mirror at arm's length and then slowly draw it towards you. Most people will view the piercing at arm's length or from a greater distance, and their initial impression will be formed at that distance. If you feel that the piercing needs to be adjusted, please express this and refrain from touching or pointing out the area.

Alternative Placements and Groupings:

There are only two placements that can be pierced on a nostril: the traditional location through the supra-alar crease or slightly below, and the much rarer high nostril piercing. The high nostril is placed above the supra-alar crease but below where the cartridge connects to the bone. You should consider eyewear before getting a high nostril piercing, and I strongly suggest bringing your glasses with you to avoid placement that may be affected by wearing them.

Nostrils, like earlobes, can be easily pierced with multiple piercings. However, there may be restrictions on the type of jewelry that works best and how much. It all depends on the size of the area. In most cases, Nostril screws are not the best option for multiple piercings due to the space required for the curved wire. Labret Studs, Rings, L-bends, or small barbells may be your only options. 

Jewelry Types:

In my experience, post-style jewelry is the best option for getting pierced and healing the piercing. Here are the main reasons

• Less movement - With circular jewelry, not only will the jewelry spin through the piercing, but it will also swing back and forth like a swing. This extra movement can lead to issues. You don't have this issue with post jewelry.
• High Profile - Rings and other circular jewelry take up much more space and are more likely to come in contact with bedding, clothing, and the world around you. This means more trauma to the piercing when it is bumped, snagged, or subjected to pressure.
• Curvature of the jewelry - While some piercings grow in a curve, piercings like nostril piercings, which are through two flat sides, tend to produce more straight lines. The ring, especially if it is too small, will cause pressure on the piercing holes, creating hot spots. These can cause issues, including prolonged healing, indentation scarring, and bumps.
• When can I wear a ring? - Once the piercing is completely healed and no longer an open wound, it will take an additional 4 to 6 months to season. Seasoning is the process by which the body thickens and widens the piercing hole, making it more durable with extra room for the curved area of a ring. In most cases, this is the healing period plus two times the healing period. So, if the piercing healed in 3 months, then it would be about six months. However, everyone is different, and the longer you wait, the better. It's best to start with a large ring and then gradually downsize the width. 

The jewelry needs to be at least 20g, but 18g is standard. Thicker gauges can be used if desired, and the piercee's anatomy allows it. However, added weight may prolong healing time and exacerbate problems.

• Threadless Labret Studs - This is what we use for piercing at the Axiom, and I recommend for both getting and healing the piercing. The jewelry is in two parts; the post (back) is a post with a fixed disc, which is the part that is inserted into the inside of the nostril. The other part is the end (front); this is a gem, ball, disc, or other shape that has a thin, slightly bent pin. When the end is inserted into the post, it creates a friction hold. This allows Threadless jewelry to be universal and used with jewelry from a wide range of manufacturers. There is an almost unlimited number of different looks, materials, and styles available. Since we have to pierce with a longer post than needed to allow for swelling, you will need to return to the studio to have the jewelry downsized within 4-6 weeks.

Non-Piercing Jewelry to wear after healing

• Hinged Rings - Often referred to as "clickers." This is a ring where a section swings out from the ring to allow the jewelry to be easily inserted and removed. This style allows for more elaborate styles of multi-stone settings. Since a seam is located in the area where the locking and hinge are, it is slightly rough, which could cause problems during healing. Another issue with some styles is that the settings can also enter the piercing and cause problems.
• Captive Bead or Beaded Ring - A circular ring with a fixed bead or ball, or a bead or ball that is held captive by the tension of the ring. For piercing and healing, I have found that a ring is the most secure option. Its main advantage is that it is a great deal more secure than a Nostril Screw or L-Bend. However, the ring needs to be large enough to ensure that the area that is inside the piercing is as flat as possible. Having a ring that is too small can cause problems even after healing, including prolonged healing, scarring, and tearing.
• Additionally, the pressure on a well-healed piercing can cause issues, as the smaller ring adds pressure and stress to the piercing. The easiest demonstration is to place your right index finger over your left and form a cross. Now, tighten your right finger; notice the pressure on your left index finger as you pull it. The same happens to the much softer tissue around a piercing. Larger rings can cause issues with work and have a high profile, which could lead to additional contact and stress during the healing process. Rings in 18g to 10g can be used from 3/8 to 1/2 inch in width
• Seamless Rings -.Same as the Captive Bead or Beaded Ring, except there is no ball or bead. Instead, the two ends meet. It has all the advantages and disadvantages of CBR and BRs, with the added concern of the seam working its way into the piercing. Therefore, it's essential to inspect the seam location regularly.
• Nostril Screws - A wire with an end that has been shaped into a question mark, bent in half. It is based on Traditional designs from India. The flat part of the wire sits in the piercing while the curved wire lines the inside of the nostril. The advantage is that the jewelry can be adjusted and customized to fit each person. The disadvantages are that if the jewelry is snagged, it may come out, which can be frustrating for those with small noses or piercings that are low, as the end of the jewelry can slide out of the bottom of the nostril and hang visibly.  Sometimes this can be adjusted to reduce this, but not always. When choosing jewelry for piercing, make sure that the head or part that is visible, is noticeably larger than the wire. Also, the back of the head should be flat. Avoid prong styles and trumpet-shaped heads. They will dig to the soft tissue and sometimes pull through completely. I prefer 18g or 16g nostril screws.
• L-Bend - A nostril screw, but instead of the wire inside the nostril being curved, it is straight. The advantage is that it is easier to change than a Nostril Screw, but the disadvantage is that it isn't as secure and is more prone to the end hanging out of the inside of the nostril.
• Jewelry That I Do Not Suggest:
  • Nostil Bones - This is a straight post with a setting on one side and a small ball on the other. The jewelry will usually go in easily because the ball is the same size or slightly smaller than 18g. However, the post is thinner, and the piercing will shrink to the thickness of the post. This means that to remove the jewelry, you will have to force the larger ball through the now more petite piercing or have the jewelry cut.
  • "Nose jewelry" or Ear Post Jewelry - The length of earlobe posts is usually shorter than is needed to pass through a nostril piercing. The backs are next to impossible to get on, and since they can slide, they will tend to either fall off or become too tight. Wearing the post without a back will significantly increase the risk of jewelry loss and potentially result in the complete loss of the piercing.

Silver and Silver Poisoning:

Argyria or Silver Poisoning is caused by contact with the chemical components of silver or silver dust. This exposure is at a much higher risk in areas with mucous membranes, such as the nose. Prolonged contact with silver jewelry in a nostril piercing can cause localized Argyria, which is a purple-grey darkening or tattooing of the piercing area and the area around the piercing. This is why you should never wear silver jewelry, especially in areas of the body that are mucous membranes like the Nose, Mouth, nipples, and genitals.

Procedure:

For years I have been doing the piercing by placing a small cork inside the nostril to support the tissue, though with piercees where I felt the cork would distort the tissue, I will use either a needle receiving tube or support the tissue by setting a set of closed Pennington forceps on the inside of the nostril. Though depending on the piercee's anatomy, I will do the piercing completely freehand, taking care to avoid the tissue inside the nostril.  Since there is a vast difference in anatomy, it may sometimes be a combination of all three. The piercing should be done into the nostril to ensure the correct placement. The piercing should never be clamped with forceps, as this can alter the angle of the piercing, potentially causing problems during the healing process. 

Piercing with Barbells and labret studs is a great deal more complicated than a standard piercing. This is mainly because of how the jewelry closes. Since it will be nearly impossible to screw on a threaded end inside a nostril or even insert a threadless end, the piercing is typically done from the inside out, usually with forceps or a taper pin. The taper method is a tried-and-true technique that uses a taper pin to push the needle out. The end of the taper is then inserted into an internally threaded post or a threadless post, and the jewelry is inserted from the inside of the nostril. The added step increases the risk of complications and will prolong the time it takes to complete the piercing. 

The piercing is usually rapid, especially with a nostril screw, since there are no balls to insert or thread. Most would say that the pain is on a scale of 1-10, between a one and a four. It is not uncommon for the piercing to bleed, especially on the inside,, and for the eyes to water. 

Hassles and Aftercare:

Nostril piercings are prone to redness and swelling. In most cases, this will fade after a few days and usually looks much worse than it is. If the piercing was done with a nostril piercing, extra precautions should be taken to avoid contact with the jewelry. To avoid catching the jewelry, avoid the area when you're washing your face, drying off after showering, and changing clothing. The jewelry, if caught just right, can flip out. Not only is it complicated and sometimes painful to put on the jewelry, but this usually happens in areas where retrieving it will not be easy, such as right over the bathroom sink.

Basic aftercare will involve applying hot soaks or compresses with warm water and sea salt twice a day, as well as cleaning the piercing in the shower twice daily. Healing time ranges between 8 and 20 Weeks. Additionally, you will need to take steps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. For more details, go to Basic Aftercare Instructions. Due to the location of the piercing, you need to take precautions to prevent it from coming into contact with cosmetic and hair products. Since sweat tends to collect in the area, it is a good idea to clean the piercing after strenuous activity, especially if you use hair products. 

It is vital to avoid stress and abuse to the piercing during healing and after. Which side you naturally sleep on should be considered before getting the piercing. Sleeping on the piercing, especially during the healing process, can cause migration and other complications. If you are a stomach sleeper, try sleeping with the pillow pushed to the side that isn't under your head. Also, avoid clothing and sports safety equipment, such as helmets and masks, that are tight in the piercing area. If you are required to wear safety equipment for a job or sport that is tight-fitting in the area, you may want to consider a different piercing. 

If you or your barber or hairdresser is using spray bottles on your hair, make sure they cover the piercing with a clean paper towel. There are two concerns. The first is that the chemicals and other ingredients in hair products can enter the open wound and cause a reaction. The second is that you will introduce a foreign pathogen into the piercing. So, even if it's tap water, cover the piercing. 

Cosmetics, especially powder-based foundations and other foundations, should be avoided in the area until the piercing is completely healed. The most significant risks are that the cosmetic will get into the piercing or block the piercing hole, preventing it from discharging properly.  The same goes for sunblock.

Risks & Concerns:

Since the piercing is on the face, there is a concern about permanently scarring. If the piercing is healed correctly, a small indented scar will remain, but if the piercing encounters problems during or becomes infected, it can lead to additional scarring. With post jewelry with small ends, there is a risk that the end can be pulled into the piercing when the piercing swells. If this happens, please don't hesitate to contact your piercer, as the jewelry may need to be adjusted or replaced. Taping a small piece of Micropore paper tape can help prevent the jewelry from becoming impacted, but you should still consult your piercer.

Nostrils are sometimes prone to glandular cysts and Hypertrophic Scarring. Often problems are caused by improper aftercare, like abuse to the piercing, changing the jewelry before healing is completed, wearing cosmetics on or around the piercing, etc... However, sometimes you do everything right, and you still have problems that may require medical assistance. If the piercing doesn't look right, SEE YOUR PIERCER!!!