Septum
Piercings
One of the most versatile piercings you can get — subtle when flipped up, striking when worn down. Anatomy-assessed sweet-spot placement every time.
Walk-Ins Welcome · 15738 S Bell Rd, Homer Glen, IL · (708) 787-4445
What is a
septum piercing?
The septum piercing passes through the columella — the thin strip of soft tissue at the base of the nasal septum, not the cartilage itself. When placed correctly, it sits in what piercers call the "sweet spot": a natural gap of pliable tissue that heals comfortably and sits centered between the nostrils.
It's one of the most customizable piercings available. A simple circular barbell sits discreetly under the nose, and once fully healed it can be flipped up inside the nostril entirely — making a healed septum workplace-friendly without removing the jewelry. Upgrade to a decorative horseshoe, a hinged clicker, or a sparkle-set piece and the same piercing becomes a statement.
Healing typically runs 3–4 months for most people, with the first 4–6 weeks being the most active healing period. Placement accuracy matters enormously — if the sweet spot is missed and cartilage is pierced instead, healing is significantly harder. This is why we assess your anatomy before anything else.
It's tempting to rotate a fresh septum up out of sight — but moving new jewelry through a healing channel sets you back and invites irritation and bumps. We don't recommend flipping your septum up until it's fully healed. Once you're healed, you can flip it up and down freely. If you have a work or school situation before then, talk to us — we'll help you plan jewelry and placement around it.
The sweet spot: The septum piercing should pass through the columella — the soft, fleshy tissue between the cartilage and the bottom of your nose. This tissue heals quickly and comfortably. Piercers who miss the sweet spot and go through cartilage instead create a much more painful, slower-healing piercing. We take our time finding yours before picking up a needle.
Placement &
anatomy.
Every septum is different. The sweet spot depth, the degree of any deviation, and the natural hang of the tissue all affect where and how we pierce. We look before we mark — every time.
What we
pierce with.
All initial jewelry is implant-grade. No mystery alloys, no plated metals, no surgical steel.
ASTM F136 titanium — biocompatible, lightweight, and available in a full range of anodized colors. The most popular choice for new septum piercings and our standard starting material.
A popular upgrade for healed septums. Opens and closes with a hinge for easy daily wear — available plain or set with gems. We'll switch you into one when you come in for your downsize.
The most common starting style for septum piercings. The curved bar with ball ends can be rotated upward and flipped inside the nostril once fully healed — functionally invisible when you need it to be.
Minimalist implant-grade titanium rings with no visible closure. Clean, low-profile, and a great everyday look once healed. Available in multiple anodized colors and sizes.
Jewelry sizing — gauge and inner diameter — is determined at your appointment based on your anatomy and initial swelling allowance. We discuss all of this with you before piercing.
Your appointment,
step by step.
Before anything else, we look at your septum. We identify the sweet spot, check for any deviation, and confirm the piercing is a good fit for your anatomy.
We help you choose the right initial piece — gauge, diameter, and material — based on your anatomy and how you plan to wear it once it’s healed.
We mark the placement and show it to you. You confirm it looks centered and sits exactly where you want. Nothing happens until you approve.
Before you leave, we cover how to clean it, what's normal, and what to watch for. We stay available throughout your 3–4 month healing process.
Septum piercing
FAQ.
Does a septum piercing hurt?▼
How long does a septum take to heal?▼
Can I flip it up for work?▼
I have a deviated septum — can I still get pierced?▼
What should I clean it with?▼
How soon can I change the jewelry?▼
Do I need an appointment?▼
How is this different from a nostril piercing?▼
Septum piercings near
you.
We serve clients from across Will and Cook County. If you're looking for a professional septum piercing in the southwest suburbs, we're a short drive from these communities.
Other facial
piercings.
Through the soft tissue of the nostril wall. Heals 4–6 months. Closes extremely fast — always keep jewelry in.
Learn More →Labret, Monroe, medusa, and side lip piercings. Soft tissue placement with relatively fast initial healing. Flatback labrets only.
Learn More →View every facial placement we offer — eyebrow, tongue, nostril, septum, and lip — with full details on placement and healing.
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