One of the most common “old World” piercings to become popular in the Western world is the nose piercing. Most often, this is a piercing made somewhere along the curve of the nostril rim on either the left or right side as the wearer chooses. Nose piercings can take from between six and twelve weeks to heal. Many people debate whether a stud or a ring is the best jewelry, and you will find wearers split in their preferences.

Jewelry Choices for New Nose Piercings

Jewelry choice can also change depending on the age of the piercing. Most favor a ring for the initial piercing. Because the jewelry is thin and can be turned or moved in the piercing, nose rings offer easy cleaning and allow extra room in case of slight swelling at the outset. Studs can be worn in new piercings but should be carefully fitted so as to not be too short or tight to the skin. Many new piercings show some signs of being swollen and reddened in the immediate area of the piercing, usually for first few days or so.

Healing - What to Expect

Nose piercings are through cartilage-heavy tissues. They are less flexible and have less blood supply than areas composed of softer tissue, like the lower ear lobe. Whereas a new ear piercing might “settle down” in a week, some people find their new nostril piercings still look “angry” and a bit red for a week or sometimes two after. Increasing redness, swelling and tenderness are the symptoms that together signal some form of infection is happening. Don’t be afraid to contact your piercer if you think you are having a healing issue.

For more on nose piercing, read more about them, or ask a nose piercing question. For body piercing aftercare, you might like Tattoo Goo Deluxe Tattoo & Piercing Care Kit or X-Pression & Blue Wave Piercing Aftercare Kit