How to Get a Nose Piercing

Nose rings are increasingly common in today's society.

Most if not all body piercing parlors will perform nose piercings. Both septum and nostril piercings go through cartilage, which makes them more painful than less-common eyebrow, tongue and navel piercings. Most find the piercing's appearance worth the pain and upkeep, and many take pride in their ability to withstand a painful procedure. Choosing a reputable piercing parlor and following aftercare recommendations is the best way to get a nose piercing with minimal risk.

Instructions

1. Contact your doctor to verify you are up to date with hepatitis B and tetanus immunizations. If you are pregnant or have allergies, diabetes, a skin disorder, infections or if you have developed keloids on past wounds, talk to your doctor before getting a piercing.

2. Choose a respectable piercing parlor. Talk to several of your friends who have had piercings done or check the member locator at safepiercing.org to find an Association of Professional Piercers (APP) certified piercer in your area.

3. Eat a meal within four hours of visiting the parlor. Do not drink alcohol, take aspirin or ingest caffeine, which thin the blood. If you have long hair, tie it back in a ponytail. You don't need to bring jewelry with you, as all piercing parlors have a selection of body jewelry that comes with the piercing.

4. Bring a valid driver's license or passport with you to verify that you are 18 years of age or older. If under 18, bring a parent with you. Most piercing parlors won't pierce minors without parental consent.

5. Consult with your potential piercer to learn about the risks involved with getting your nose pierced. If nervous, you may ask to watch the piercer prepare for a procedure. She should wash her hands and put on a fresh pair of gloves. Jewelry should be sealed in bags and placed on a tray. If the piercer uses needles rather than a Statim, needles must be sealed in sterile bags, never reused or soaked in sterilizing liquid. Choose a different piercing parlor if the piercer doesn't follow those practices.

6. Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer. Always wash your hands before touching or cleaning the piercing. Soak a piece of gauze or paper towel in saline solution and hold it over the piercing for five to ten minutes a day, followed by a rinse. In addition, wash the piercing with antibacterial soap once a day, followed by a rinse. Avoid wearing makeup around the piercing and avoid caffeine, aspirin, cigarettes and alcohol. Complete healing takes 3 to 6 months.

References

• Lmdavis2.stu.cofc.edu: Piercings
• Association of Professional Piercers
• TeensHealth: Before You Pierce That Part
• Tribalectic: The Body Piercing Experience: What to Expect Before, During and After