Changing septum jewelry is a common practice for those with a fully healed piercing, but the delicate nature of the columella—the small strip of tissue where the piercing sits—demands careful attention to technique. Proper preparation and mechanical knowledge are necessary to avoid irritation, injury, or potential infection. The goal is to successfully swap the jewelry while minimizing trauma to the fistula, the healed tissue lining the piercing channel.
Necessary Preparation Before Changing
The first step involves strict hygiene to prevent introducing bacteria into the piercing channel. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds, then dry them with a clean, disposable paper product. Putting on a fresh pair of non-latex disposable gloves enhances grip and ensures cleanliness.
Gather all necessary supplies, including the new jewelry, tools like ring-opening pliers, and a sterile saline wound wash. Confirm that the new jewelry is the correct gauge and diameter to match your existing piercing, preventing micro-tears or undue pressure. The new jewelry must also be sterilized or thoroughly cleaned with mild, fragrance-free soap and water before contacting the piercing.
Removing Your Current Septum Jewelry
The method for removing your current jewelry depends on its style. For the common circular barbell or horseshoe ring, removal requires unscrewing one of the end balls using the “lefty loosey” principle. Stabilize the circular bar with one hand while using the gloved fingers of the other hand to twist the ball counter-clockwise. Once the ball is detached, gently rotate the remaining curved bar out of the piercing channel, carefully guiding it through the soft tissue.
A hinged clicker ring is removed by locating the small segment seam and gently pulling the hinged section upward to unclick it from the main hoop. Rotate the piece so the open section is clear of the piercing entrance, allowing the hoop to slide out easily. Seamless hoops require locating the tiny seam and applying gentle outward pressure to twist the ring open sideways. This technique requires precision to avoid distorting the metal. Only after the opening is clear should the hoop be carefully pulled through the piercing.
Inserting the New Ring
Applying a small amount of water-based lubricant or a piercing-friendly oil, such as Jojoba oil, to the tip of the new jewelry helps it slide smoothly. For easier visibility, tilt your head back and push the tip of your nose up gently to expose the piercing channel. Slowly introduce the tip of the jewelry into the opening, using a mirror and your sense of touch to find the channel.
The jewelry should slide into the channel without resistance or pain. If you encounter a blockage, withdraw the piece slightly and adjust the angle, as forcing it can cause trauma to the fistula. Once the jewelry is fully threaded through, secure the closing mechanism, such as screwing the ball onto a barbell or snapping the hinged segment of a clicker ring closed. For clicker rings, ensure the hinged segment is fully clicked into place before rotating the piece so the seam is hidden inside the nostril.
Troubleshooting and Aftercare
Finding the piercing channel can be challenging, and slight discomfort or minor soreness is common immediately following the change. If the jewelry does not insert easily, do not use excessive force, as this can irritate the tissue and cause swelling. A slight amount of localized redness or minimal bleeding may occur, which usually resolves quickly.
To minimize irritation and support the tissue, use a sterile saline wound wash with a 0.9% sodium chloride concentration after the change. Spray the area twice daily for several days, allowing it to air dry. Avoid using harsh products like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or self-mixed sea salt solutions, as these can dry out the tissue and delay recovery. If you experience excessive swelling, throbbing pain, or notice a discharge of thick, discolored pus, seek advice from a professional piercer or healthcare provider immediately.