How Painful is a Nose Piercing?
In recent years, nose piercings have become incredibly common, often compared to ear piercings. However, there are important considerations to make before getting your nose pierced. For one, it does hurt. While not excruciating, many people say that a nose piercing is a bit more painful than an ear piercing.
How Much Does a Nose Piercing Hurt?
According to Jef Saunders, the president of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), the pain of getting your nose pierced is nearly the same as the pain of having your eyebrows waxed. It’s a mix of slight pressure and mild sharpness. Fortunately, the initial pain subsides quickly.
Nostril piercings should always be done by a professional piercer. Such professionals typically complete the actual piercing in a second or less. Afterward, you may experience mild soreness at the pierced site. However, the discomfort is often so mild that you may not notice it. You may feel some pain or soreness if you accidentally bump your nose during day-to-day activities.
Types of Nose Piercings
There are three main types of nostril piercings:
- Traditional nostril piercings
- High nostril piercings
- Septum piercings (center placement)
It’s important to note that some nostril piercings may hurt more than others. For example, septum and traditional nose piercings are relatively easy to perform and heal within a short period. High nostril piercings, however, may cause more discomfort and can swell for anywhere from a week to a month. These piercings are typically recommended for individuals with experience receiving and caring for nose and other body piercings.
How Do You Manage Nose Piercing Pain?
Body piercings usually involve some pain, but there are ways to reduce the discomfort. Here are some tips to make your experience more manageable:
- Avoid caffeine or show up on an empty stomach before the piercing session.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol prior to the procedure.
- Calm yourself, breathe deeply, and follow the piercer’s instructions for a smoother experience.
According to the APP, numbing ointments, sprays, and gels are generally not recommended because they may not be effective. In fact, most piercers have policies against piercing individuals who request numbing agents. This is due to concerns about allergic reactions to a product they didn’t provide. Almost all piercers avoid using topical anesthetics for nose piercings.
Healing Time for Nose Piercings
The healing time for a nostril piercing can vary depending on the type of piercing:
- Septum piercings: 4-6 months
- Nostril piercings: 4-6 months
- High nostril piercings: 6-12 months
These are general estimates, and your personal healing period may be shorter or longer. To ensure proper healing, it’s important to avoid activities such as swimming that could interfere with the healing process of your piercing.
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