The Nose Piercing: Everything You Need To Know
How Bad Does A Nose Piercing Hurt
The nose piercing tends to be more sensitive than other areas of the face, and punching a needle through cartilage can sometimes cause more pain than puncturing softer skin, like the earlobe. However, most people who have their nose pierced reported less pain than they expected. Getting your nose pierced is only slightly more painful than getting your cartilage pierced.
Any pinch you might feel will be quick. Many claim that the most unnerving part of the process is not the pain, but the fact that the needle will be directly in your face as the nose is punctured. It’s recommended to close your eyes during the process, especially if you have a fear of needles.
After you get your nose pierced, you might discover that you can see your jewelry in the corner of your eye, or your brain might register the jewelry as a nagging itch. Eventually, your brain will get used to the piercing, but until then, try not to absentmindedly pick at or scratch your new jewelry; it’s easy to rip nose studs out of the piercing, which can be incredibly painful, especially if your piercing is fresh.
Nose Piercing Healing Process
The nose piercing takes around 3 - 4 months to fully heal. It’s always a good idea to talk to your piercer before stopping aftercare practices or changing your jewelry. Healing times vary from person to person, and sometimes the interior of your piercing takes much longer to heal than the exterior.
Since the nose is such a prominent facial feature, you need to make sure that you take extra care of your nose piercing as it heals. Its location on your face means that you will notice the new jewelry more than other piercing styles, so it’s important that you make an effort to refrain from messing with your jewelry as your piercing heals.
Furthermore, cartilage has a more difficult time healing than fleshier areas. Its brittle nature and prolonged healing times make it more susceptible to healing complications like piercing bumps. You must make sure that you keep your nose piercing safe from snags and irritants, like face wash or makeup.
To care for your nose piercing, clean it with a piercing aftercare saline solution 2 - 3 times daily per your piercer’s instructions. When choosing a piercing aftercare solution, make sure that it only contains salt and water. Some piercing aftercare products contain additives, like tea tree oil, that will irritate the piercing and potentially prolong healing.
