how to stretch septum piercing

2 min read 12-01-2025

Stretching a septum piercing requires patience, proper technique, and a commitment to aftercare to avoid complications. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, emphasizing safety and minimizing risk. Improper stretching can lead to tearing, infection, and permanent damage, so proceed with caution and consult your piercer if you have any concerns.

Understanding the Process

Septum stretching is a gradual process, unlike earlobe stretching where larger jumps in size are sometimes possible. The septum's delicate tissue needs time to adjust to each increase in gauge size. Rushing the process significantly increases the risk of complications.

Gauge Sizes and Progression

Septum piercings are typically initially pierced at a 16g or 14g. Stretching usually involves progressing in small increments, such as:

16g to 14g: A relatively small jump, often considered a safe starting point.
14g to 12g: Another manageable step, but requires more patience.
12g to 10g and beyond: These jumps require significantly more time between stretches.

Never skip sizes. Jumping multiple gauges at once dramatically increases the risk of injury and infection.

Essential Tools and Materials

High-quality stretching jewelry: Avoid cheap materials like acrylic or metal alloys. Opt for implant-grade titanium, niobium, or glass. These materials are biocompatible and minimize irritation. Never use tapers. Tapers can easily damage the tissue.
Sea-salt soaks: These are crucial for aftercare and maintaining a healthy piercing.
Antiseptic solution (optional): Use only if recommended by your piercer.
Clean hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.

The Stretching Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wait: Ensure your piercing is fully healed before attempting to stretch it. This typically takes several months, depending on individual healing rates and aftercare practices. A fully healed piercing will not be tender to the touch, and there will be no signs of redness, swelling, or discharge.
Downsize: Before stretching, temporarily downsize your jewelry to the next smaller gauge size. This allows the piercing to relax and the tissue to become less resistant to the upcoming stretch. This step is essential for minimizing trauma.
Choose the right jewelry: Select jewelry designed specifically for stretching, such as a single-flare plug or tunnel. These are designed to gradually expand the piercing without causing damage.
Lubrication: Apply a small amount of sterile lubricant to both the jewelry and the piercing. This reduces friction and facilitates a smoother stretching process.
Gentle insertion: Slowly and gently insert the new jewelry, using a twisting motion rather than pushing directly through. If you encounter resistance, stop immediately and try again later. Force is your enemy.
Post-Stretch Care: After stretching, perform regular sea-salt soaks to cleanse the piercing and promote healing. Avoid touching the piercing unnecessarily and keep it clean and dry. Monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pain, discharge).

Signs of Trouble: When to Stop and Seek Professional Help

Significant pain: Mild discomfort is expected, but intense pain is a red flag.
Bleeding: More than a slight amount of blood is a cause for concern.
Excessive swelling: Significant swelling could indicate infection or tissue damage.
Purulent discharge: Thick, yellow or green discharge is a strong indication of infection.
Migration: If the jewelry starts to move out of place.

If you experience any of these symptoms, stop stretching immediately, remove the jewelry, and seek professional advice from your piercer or a doctor.

Conclusion

Stretching a septum piercing is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, patience, and a strong commitment to aftercare. By following these guidelines and prioritizing safety, you can minimize the risk of complications and achieve your desired results. Remember that respecting your body's healing process is key to a successful and safe stretching experience.